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House of Comarré #3
Bad Blood
Violent murders occur in Paradise City as counterfeit comarré are systematically hunted. As war erupts at home, Malkolm and Chrysabelle head to New Orleans to recover the Ring of Sorrows. Forced to make a life and death decision, Chrysabelle will realize that her relationship to Malkolm may have fatal consequences.Samhain approaches, bringing with it the final melding of the mortal and othernatural worlds. No one knows just how much power the night holds. . .
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2011
65 people are currently reading
2181 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
177 books3,405 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
January 24, 2021
Review for book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Monsters on the loose in Halloween night! Vampires and evil witches and dark magic! What more can I ask for!
I must admit, I care about the headstrong heroine of this series less and less, still the crazy vampire male lead is doing okay (as with the supporting characters) and the evil vampires' plots are still entertaining! So I will move to the next book ASAP.
Re-read@17/01/2021:
Monsters on the loose in Halloween night! Vampires and evil witches and dark magic! What more can I ask for!
I must admit, I care about the headstrong heroine of this series less and less, still the crazy vampire male lead is doing okay (as with the supporting characters) and the evil vampires' plots are still entertaining! So I will move to the next book ASAP.
Re-read@17/01/2021:
December 18, 2011
The reason I kept reading was the love story of Mal and Chryssabella,but otherwise there were many things I didn't like very much: 1: as much as I hated the out of the blue feelings for Creek, I was surprised he gave her up so easily. To my opinion, Chryssabella did not behave any different to both of them, but still Creek was sure "she'd made her choise." I didn't see it that clear. 2: there are too many POV! I would have liked a shift between Mal, Chryssabella and sometimes Doc or Fi better. I don't like Tatiana's POV and I must admit that I skipped a lot of those pages. 3: Creek's POV I also don't like. I think I just don't like his character. He's meant to be a good looking badass hunter, but I think that this story has enough badass in the character of Mal. I think an entirely different person could have added something to the storyline, but Creek just feels wrong. 4: I get the point that Chryssabella can take care of herselve, but sometimes she just downright annoyed me. She was so bossy in book #3! I missed the lovely fights and arguments she had with Mal in book #1. In that way, they completed each other. In this book Mal did everything she asked. It doesn't feel completely like Mal. I do understand that he loves her and that he wants to keep her happy, but he should still be Mal with his own ways of handling things. 5: I think there were far too many storylines in book #3! There were the witches with the Castus and the spell on Doc, there's the retrieving of the Ring of Sorrows, there's the search for Chryssabella's brother, there's the storyline with the Mayer and the murdered comarrée, there's the half vampire baby, there's the threat of Tatiana... I think Painter should have used all those storylines for a lot of different books. Then we could have read more about Chryssabella and Mal and a lot less about all the others! Nonetheless I will read #4 when published. I'm curious how the relationship between Chryssabella and Mal will continue and if she will be able to join her brother.
November 5, 2012
Spoilers
The third book in Kristen Painter's House of Comarre series.
Chrysabelle, Mal, Doc and the gang are back… they all have their own storylines going on but they manage to intertwine with each other for the most part.
Chrysabelle's still recovering from being savagely hurt in the last book but she's eager to get on with her mission to find out who her long lost brother is - I didn't fully get why she was so obsessed with finding him since they didn't even know each other. It just felt like quite pointless.
Naturally, Mal the tortured vampire is there to help Chrysabelle although he doesn't do much apart from brood and growl. Chrysabelle and Mal's relationship is full of angst and drama, their chemistry started of great but it's become quite boring. I wish they'd just have sex instead of being all emo (Mal) and virginal (Chrysabelle).
Doc and Fi were as sweet as usual, I was surprised by the twist at the end with Doc. I'm hoping they get their happy ending because they deserve it.
The series is enjoyable but it does move rather slowly and the characters don't seem to progress much. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how Doc handles his new situation and to see if Mal can get over his tortured, broody self and get an original personality.
The third book in Kristen Painter's House of Comarre series.
Chrysabelle, Mal, Doc and the gang are back… they all have their own storylines going on but they manage to intertwine with each other for the most part.
Chrysabelle's still recovering from being savagely hurt in the last book but she's eager to get on with her mission to find out who her long lost brother is - I didn't fully get why she was so obsessed with finding him since they didn't even know each other. It just felt like quite pointless.
Naturally, Mal the tortured vampire is there to help Chrysabelle although he doesn't do much apart from brood and growl. Chrysabelle and Mal's relationship is full of angst and drama, their chemistry started of great but it's become quite boring. I wish they'd just have sex instead of being all emo (Mal) and virginal (Chrysabelle).
Doc and Fi were as sweet as usual, I was surprised by the twist at the end with Doc. I'm hoping they get their happy ending because they deserve it.
The series is enjoyable but it does move rather slowly and the characters don't seem to progress much. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how Doc handles his new situation and to see if Mal can get over his tortured, broody self and get an original personality.
December 8, 2011
My Review:
This is one of those reviews...there was nothing wrong with this book, but I was so disappointed with it because it didn't seem to move the story forward any in this Urban Fantasy series. I love Chrysabelle and Mal and have absolutely loved this series up to this point. And while this book kept my attention, I was just hoping for more. There is one single thing that really is new, but I saw it coming way early in the book so by the time it came around in the last line of the book, I really was kind of frustrated that nothing had happened before then...and then it is still not even verified....just hinted at.
The book seemed to me to be more of a 'setting up' book. There are lots of story lines that you can see that are being set up for the future books, which is fine, but I wanted at least something new to hang on to. Even the Samhain story, which was setting up to be a huge action-packed night, seemed to fall flat to me.
Maybe I was just in the wrong mood when I read this book. I don't know. All the story lines were there, but the excitement and suspense, for me, was not. :o( I am NOT giving up on this series...just not thrilled with this particular book within the series. Crossing my fingers that I like the next one better.
This is one of those reviews...there was nothing wrong with this book, but I was so disappointed with it because it didn't seem to move the story forward any in this Urban Fantasy series. I love Chrysabelle and Mal and have absolutely loved this series up to this point. And while this book kept my attention, I was just hoping for more. There is one single thing that really is new, but I saw it coming way early in the book so by the time it came around in the last line of the book, I really was kind of frustrated that nothing had happened before then...and then it is still not even verified....just hinted at.
The book seemed to me to be more of a 'setting up' book. There are lots of story lines that you can see that are being set up for the future books, which is fine, but I wanted at least something new to hang on to. Even the Samhain story, which was setting up to be a huge action-packed night, seemed to fall flat to me.
Maybe I was just in the wrong mood when I read this book. I don't know. All the story lines were there, but the excitement and suspense, for me, was not. :o( I am NOT giving up on this series...just not thrilled with this particular book within the series. Crossing my fingers that I like the next one better.
September 22, 2024
I didn't like this book as much as the last one, and I'm tired of waiting for Mal and Chrysabelle to end the slowest of slow burns.
Bad Blood has two primary plotlines. In one, Chrysabelle and Mal go to NOLA to get the Ring of Sorrows once and for all. Since her signa were stripped from her in the prior book , she's considering melting the ring for its sacred gold to make new tattoos. If she goes through with it there could be weird side effects, like inheriting the ring's ability to command an undead army. What to do, what to do...
The second plotline is a muddled hodgepodge to keep the sidekicks busy. Creek, Doc and Fi run down murderous witches, deal with fake comarré, and try to keep control over the uptick in supernatural activity with Halloween around the corner. The gang gets stuck breaking the news about all of it to the mayor of Paradise City, whose reaction is predictably annoying (she won't believe her lying eyes). The Mayor will be a recurring character for the foreseeable - she's like a dog with a bone since learning
Chrysabelle may have come to a decision on Mal or Creek. Tatiana is still a power-crazed megalo, but near the end we see her soft, squishy underbelly. I'm still mystified why this series is set in an alternate future America - it adds nothing to the story and has had zero worldbuilding. What's the point? Next up is Out for Blood.
Bad Blood has two primary plotlines. In one, Chrysabelle and Mal go to NOLA to get the Ring of Sorrows once and for all. Since her signa were stripped from her in the prior book , she's considering melting the ring for its sacred gold to make new tattoos. If she goes through with it there could be weird side effects, like inheriting the ring's ability to command an undead army. What to do, what to do...
The second plotline is a muddled hodgepodge to keep the sidekicks busy. Creek, Doc and Fi run down murderous witches, deal with fake comarré, and try to keep control over the uptick in supernatural activity with Halloween around the corner. The gang gets stuck breaking the news about all of it to the mayor of Paradise City, whose reaction is predictably annoying (she won't believe her lying eyes). The Mayor will be a recurring character for the foreseeable - she's like a dog with a bone since learning
Chrysabelle may have come to a decision on Mal or Creek. Tatiana is still a power-crazed megalo, but near the end we see her soft, squishy underbelly. I'm still mystified why this series is set in an alternate future America - it adds nothing to the story and has had zero worldbuilding. What's the point? Next up is Out for Blood.
September 7, 2016
3.5 stars - Solid Urban Fantasy series.
August 18, 2012
Fantastic third installment in the House of Comarre series. Painter has created a dark and captivating world filled with a variety of supernatural characters that has me hooked.
Chrysabelle is a comarre, bred to serve the needs of vampire nobility. Decorated in golden tattoos known as signum, her skin casts a faint glow and provides an enticing scent that vampires find irresistible.
Malkolm is a cursed anathema, a noble vampire who was cast out of noble society. As one of the side effects of his curse, he’s constantly plagued by voices that mock him, tease him, berate him, and are always eager for violence. It’s oddly fascinating.
He’d do anything, anything at all to break free of the hellish weight pressing him into darkness. Even kill your pretty little blood whore? His jaw tightened, his anger at the voices almost unbearable.
Both characters are equally complex and intriguing. Witnessing their growth and development has been entertaining, to say the least. What I found most interesting about their development in this third installment is that they seem to be exchanging roles. While Malkolm is starting to show more of his softer, more vulnerable side, Chrysabelle seems to have hardened emotionally and she’s more aggressive than she was before.
“You should be thanking me, Loudreux.”
He arched a thready brow. “You’re right. You did an excellent job resolving my problem.”
It would have been really nice to have fangs to bare at him. “No, you half-wit. For letting you live.”
As expected, there are multiple story lines from different character’s points-of-view. Doc, Creek, and Tatiana all make frequent appearances. There are several twists and turns to the story, but what I’m most interested in is the situation that resulted from what was stolen from Preacher (don’t want to be too spoiler-y) and the changes with Chrysabelle and the Ring of Sorrows. I can’t imagine how these events will change things in Out for Blood and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
There are a few reasons why Bad Blood isn't receiving a full 5 star rating from me, most of them minor. What I disliked most about the story was the moments that we have to spend with the Mayor, Lola. I didn't enjoy any aspect of her story line or anything about her character and the way that she handled things. I was disappointed each time I had to read from her point-of-view.
Overall, House of Comarre is an outstanding series that I highly recommend to any fans of urban fantasy, tortured anti-heroes, and strong heroines.
Out for Blood is scheduled to release October 30, 2012.
Chrysabelle is a comarre, bred to serve the needs of vampire nobility. Decorated in golden tattoos known as signum, her skin casts a faint glow and provides an enticing scent that vampires find irresistible.
Malkolm is a cursed anathema, a noble vampire who was cast out of noble society. As one of the side effects of his curse, he’s constantly plagued by voices that mock him, tease him, berate him, and are always eager for violence. It’s oddly fascinating.
He’d do anything, anything at all to break free of the hellish weight pressing him into darkness. Even kill your pretty little blood whore? His jaw tightened, his anger at the voices almost unbearable.
Both characters are equally complex and intriguing. Witnessing their growth and development has been entertaining, to say the least. What I found most interesting about their development in this third installment is that they seem to be exchanging roles. While Malkolm is starting to show more of his softer, more vulnerable side, Chrysabelle seems to have hardened emotionally and she’s more aggressive than she was before.
“You should be thanking me, Loudreux.”
He arched a thready brow. “You’re right. You did an excellent job resolving my problem.”
It would have been really nice to have fangs to bare at him. “No, you half-wit. For letting you live.”
As expected, there are multiple story lines from different character’s points-of-view. Doc, Creek, and Tatiana all make frequent appearances. There are several twists and turns to the story, but what I’m most interested in is the situation that resulted from what was stolen from Preacher (don’t want to be too spoiler-y) and the changes with Chrysabelle and the Ring of Sorrows. I can’t imagine how these events will change things in Out for Blood and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
There are a few reasons why Bad Blood isn't receiving a full 5 star rating from me, most of them minor. What I disliked most about the story was the moments that we have to spend with the Mayor, Lola. I didn't enjoy any aspect of her story line or anything about her character and the way that she handled things. I was disappointed each time I had to read from her point-of-view.
Overall, House of Comarre is an outstanding series that I highly recommend to any fans of urban fantasy, tortured anti-heroes, and strong heroines.
Out for Blood is scheduled to release October 30, 2012.
November 28, 2011
To summarize, this series just keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to see what else is to come. With how this book left off it has me tapping my fingers, sitting here waiting and waiting. My fingers may bleed. If you love fantasy, have a thing for vampires (that do not sparkle) and are looking for two characters that are so right for each other it hurts – pick up this series.
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Jessica
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Jessica
May 17, 2012
The third book in this series held everything the other two promised and more.
I know, some reader did not enjoy the additional characters and storylines, but I did not think it was in any way disruptive to the main story.
The relationship between the two main characters is further evolving , but not on an easy path. Chrysabelle is becoming a very strong female lead - sometimes even to the point I want to shake her and scream at her, that she should listen more to her friends. But I understand that Mrs Painter just wants to show her development from shy Comarre to strong independent woman.
Malkom is a great opposite - he,burdened with the souls of endless killings in his past live, is able to fight against his inner demons with the strength he gets from his love to Chrysabelle , even if he thinks it is only one sided .
Tatiana, the main villain in this series , even shows some human emotions - which is actually a great development. She is not anymore the demon , who's only motivation is power, but she finds herself in a such a situation , that makes her rethink her goals. She remains evil, but I actually like her now :)
All other characters find their way around the the main protagonists and are not disruptive in any way , but closely intwined with each other.
I loved this book and book 4 can't come not soon enough.
I know, some reader did not enjoy the additional characters and storylines, but I did not think it was in any way disruptive to the main story.
The relationship between the two main characters is further evolving , but not on an easy path. Chrysabelle is becoming a very strong female lead - sometimes even to the point I want to shake her and scream at her, that she should listen more to her friends. But I understand that Mrs Painter just wants to show her development from shy Comarre to strong independent woman.
Malkom is a great opposite - he,burdened with the souls of endless killings in his past live, is able to fight against his inner demons with the strength he gets from his love to Chrysabelle , even if he thinks it is only one sided .
Tatiana, the main villain in this series , even shows some human emotions - which is actually a great development. She is not anymore the demon , who's only motivation is power, but she finds herself in a such a situation , that makes her rethink her goals. She remains evil, but I actually like her now :)
All other characters find their way around the the main protagonists and are not disruptive in any way , but closely intwined with each other.
I loved this book and book 4 can't come not soon enough.
November 3, 2011
I couldn't believe it when i found this book on the shelf at my local bookstore (out nearly a month early) I loved it, I couldn't put it down can't wait for book 4.
June 22, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series so far. The plot didn't seem to move forward much in this book, but I still liked it. I'm looking forward to the next book, because I want to read on to see how this eventually ends.
September 11, 2013
Opinião do blogue Chaise Longue: http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...
A Casa das Comarré tem dividido os leitores no seu país de origem mas a verdade é que apesar de algumas desilusões já é um bestseller internacional. Obra mais conhecida de Kristen Painter, a série tem marcado pela diferença, sendo alvo de elogios de autoras bem conhecidas do género, entre elas Patricia Briggs, uma das preferidas dos portugueses pela sua Mercedes Thompson. Também a série de Painter tem coleccionado fãs por cá, estando a série quase toda traduzida em Portugal.
Depois de ter tido os mais diversos e estranhos trabalhos, Kristen dedicou-se à escrita e elegeu a fantasia urbana como género de eleição, um género que permite juntar a fantasia à contemporaneidade e que tem dado muitas cartadas nos últimos tempos mas não dispensa escrever noutros géneros como o steampunk. A autora conjuga a escrita com a administração do Romancedivas, um website de que foi co-fundadora, e a manutenção do seu blogue pessoal.
Sangue Maligno é o terceiro volume da série cujo último volume foi publicado nos EUA este ano. Publicado em 2011, ainda só foi traduzido para Portugal.
Confesso. Esta série é o meu último guilty pleasure. Para além de me ter proporcionado desenfreadas horas de leitura e me colocar num estado de ansiedade até ao próximo volume, A Casa das Comarré tem levado a minha paixão pela fantasia mais obscura e gótica a outro patamar, pois apesar de não ter a suprema qualidade de outras duas autoras que venero, marca pela originalidade e adrenalina constante bem apimentadas por um gótico urbano sensual. Painter consegue equilibrar subtileza com temperamento volátil, crueza com alguma fraqueza, unindo tudo com um humor negro pleno de sarcasmo que se torna uma tentação para qualquer leitor que aprecie estes ingredientes. Sangue Maligno transcende os dois volumes anteriores, não só pelo intensificar da trama como pela apresentação de novas personagens e mudanças inesperadas no enredo, trazendo uma nova energia a série e conseguindo continuar a surpreender-nos.
Tão envolvente e surpreendente como os anteriores, este volume marca pelos novos elementos que traz, pela maior complexidade do enredo e pelo aumento da acção e densidade da trama. Desde o início somos bombardeados com cenas onde a surpresa e a adrenalina tomam conta, sendo a acção uma constante ao longo de todo o livro através de cenas que nos levam de um lado ao outro do globo e a conhecer mais a fundo algumas personagens, proporcionando-nos uma leitura empolgante que se vai adensando com a introdução não só de novos elementos como de novas personagens que trazem uma lufada de ar fresco e grandes mudanças. Para além disso, há surpresas atrás de surpresas. Nada é como esperámos e o que tomámos por garantido sai-nos completamente gorado. Algumas personagens são muito mais desenvolvidas e as suas histórias vão se tornando mais complexas e surpreendentes o que intensifica ainda mais os vários POV’s.
Se espaços e personagens já conhecidos, passam para segundo plano, outros espaços e personagens ganham uma nova dimensão. As casas nobres recebem uma maior atenção, bem como alguns vampiros a elas pertencentes e outra cidade acaba por ser palco de algumas das cenas mais interessantes da história bem como uma espécie de alternaturais. Os acontecimentos do livro anterior mudaram as condições de vida dos alternaturais e o perigo é cada vez maior neste livro, onde humanos e raças que deviam ser apenas lendas acabam por se confrontar, tornando os problemas a enfrentar cada vez maiores.
O triângulo amoroso que surgiu no segundo livro acaba por ficar resolvido neste como eu esperava pois a verdade é que não havia muito espaço para ele e acabei por gostar de ver Creek neste livro. Chrysabelle tornou-se mais dura, mais sarcástica e, talvez, um pouco mais louca e sensível mas sem dúvida aprendeu a tomar as rédeas e finalmente resolveu as crises irritantes do livro anterior. Por outro lado, Tatiana enlouqueceu. Esta súbita fraqueza da vilã não me convence e esta obsessão com a comarré está a ultrapassar um bocado os limites. As restantes personagens continuam a convencer e penso que estão melhores, já não sinto que lhes falta algo o que é muito bom.
Mais uma vez, Painter arrebata-nos com um livro de pura adrenalina onde o gótico urbano é não só irresistível como tende a ser cada vez mais intenso. Surpreendente, maligno e ousado, Sangue Maligno leva a série a outro patamar e promete deixar-nos a salivar pelo próximo que esperámos que traga ainda mais surpresas.
A Casa das Comarré tem dividido os leitores no seu país de origem mas a verdade é que apesar de algumas desilusões já é um bestseller internacional. Obra mais conhecida de Kristen Painter, a série tem marcado pela diferença, sendo alvo de elogios de autoras bem conhecidas do género, entre elas Patricia Briggs, uma das preferidas dos portugueses pela sua Mercedes Thompson. Também a série de Painter tem coleccionado fãs por cá, estando a série quase toda traduzida em Portugal.
Depois de ter tido os mais diversos e estranhos trabalhos, Kristen dedicou-se à escrita e elegeu a fantasia urbana como género de eleição, um género que permite juntar a fantasia à contemporaneidade e que tem dado muitas cartadas nos últimos tempos mas não dispensa escrever noutros géneros como o steampunk. A autora conjuga a escrita com a administração do Romancedivas, um website de que foi co-fundadora, e a manutenção do seu blogue pessoal.
Sangue Maligno é o terceiro volume da série cujo último volume foi publicado nos EUA este ano. Publicado em 2011, ainda só foi traduzido para Portugal.
Confesso. Esta série é o meu último guilty pleasure. Para além de me ter proporcionado desenfreadas horas de leitura e me colocar num estado de ansiedade até ao próximo volume, A Casa das Comarré tem levado a minha paixão pela fantasia mais obscura e gótica a outro patamar, pois apesar de não ter a suprema qualidade de outras duas autoras que venero, marca pela originalidade e adrenalina constante bem apimentadas por um gótico urbano sensual. Painter consegue equilibrar subtileza com temperamento volátil, crueza com alguma fraqueza, unindo tudo com um humor negro pleno de sarcasmo que se torna uma tentação para qualquer leitor que aprecie estes ingredientes. Sangue Maligno transcende os dois volumes anteriores, não só pelo intensificar da trama como pela apresentação de novas personagens e mudanças inesperadas no enredo, trazendo uma nova energia a série e conseguindo continuar a surpreender-nos.
Tão envolvente e surpreendente como os anteriores, este volume marca pelos novos elementos que traz, pela maior complexidade do enredo e pelo aumento da acção e densidade da trama. Desde o início somos bombardeados com cenas onde a surpresa e a adrenalina tomam conta, sendo a acção uma constante ao longo de todo o livro através de cenas que nos levam de um lado ao outro do globo e a conhecer mais a fundo algumas personagens, proporcionando-nos uma leitura empolgante que se vai adensando com a introdução não só de novos elementos como de novas personagens que trazem uma lufada de ar fresco e grandes mudanças. Para além disso, há surpresas atrás de surpresas. Nada é como esperámos e o que tomámos por garantido sai-nos completamente gorado. Algumas personagens são muito mais desenvolvidas e as suas histórias vão se tornando mais complexas e surpreendentes o que intensifica ainda mais os vários POV’s.
Se espaços e personagens já conhecidos, passam para segundo plano, outros espaços e personagens ganham uma nova dimensão. As casas nobres recebem uma maior atenção, bem como alguns vampiros a elas pertencentes e outra cidade acaba por ser palco de algumas das cenas mais interessantes da história bem como uma espécie de alternaturais. Os acontecimentos do livro anterior mudaram as condições de vida dos alternaturais e o perigo é cada vez maior neste livro, onde humanos e raças que deviam ser apenas lendas acabam por se confrontar, tornando os problemas a enfrentar cada vez maiores.
O triângulo amoroso que surgiu no segundo livro acaba por ficar resolvido neste como eu esperava pois a verdade é que não havia muito espaço para ele e acabei por gostar de ver Creek neste livro. Chrysabelle tornou-se mais dura, mais sarcástica e, talvez, um pouco mais louca e sensível mas sem dúvida aprendeu a tomar as rédeas e finalmente resolveu as crises irritantes do livro anterior. Por outro lado, Tatiana enlouqueceu. Esta súbita fraqueza da vilã não me convence e esta obsessão com a comarré está a ultrapassar um bocado os limites. As restantes personagens continuam a convencer e penso que estão melhores, já não sinto que lhes falta algo o que é muito bom.
Mais uma vez, Painter arrebata-nos com um livro de pura adrenalina onde o gótico urbano é não só irresistível como tende a ser cada vez mais intenso. Surpreendente, maligno e ousado, Sangue Maligno leva a série a outro patamar e promete deixar-nos a salivar pelo próximo que esperámos que traga ainda mais surpresas.
April 2, 2012
*Rating* 3.5
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Review*
As Bad Blood unfolds, Samhain is fast approaching and it appears that violent deaths are escalating as well as the sighting by mortals of othernatural creatures like shifters, vampires, and gargoyles. At the same time, several comarré wannabes, who work for Dominick, have been drained and left for dead. Could this be the devious workings of Tatiana?
Painter introduces a new point of view to the series in Dolores Diaz-White (Lola) the human Mayor of Paradise City, Florida which is part of the Southern Union. Lola is a major disbeliever in the othernaturals until she is shown the errors of her way by Mal, Fi, Creek, and Velimai, as well as members of her own security force who just happen to be shifters.
Naturally, one of those comarré left for dead, happens to be Lola’s own estranged daughter who was pregnant at the time with a half human, half vampire baby. It seems as though the baby, Lilith, will eventually play a key role in the way this series plays itself out.
All this is happening while Malkolm (Mal) Bourreau, Creek, and Chrysabelle are on no speaking terms after events of Flesh and Blood. As Italians say, Chrysabelle is being Ostinato about the fact they saved her life after she learned she had a brother from the Aurelian.
Chrysabelle is so anxious to find her brother, that she doesn’t much care for the fact that she isn’t truly healed from her encounter with Rennata, or the removal of her Signums which were flayed off her body. One good thing she does have going for her is the fact that she has Mal’s vampire blood flowing in her system. What that means in the long run is anyone’s guess except the devious writer known as Kristen Painter.
Soon thereafter, thankfully, Mal, Chrysabelle, and Mortalis travel to the Fey run city of New Orleans where the Ring of Sorrows currently is hidden away from Tatiana, the Kubai Mata, and the Castus Sanguis and vampires are not wanted. Each group has its own reasoning for wanting the ring. Chrysabelle needs it back so that she can melt it down and get her Signum redrawn so she can finally find the truth about her own brothers’ existence.
As would be expected, Tatiana once again plays a pivotal role in the way this series has been drawn out. Her eagerness to thwart Mal, and Chrysabelle, as well as becoming the new Dominus of the House of Tepes, has bordered on the obscene and perhaps a little mental as well. Her role obviously has become even larger now that she has been told to protect the baby with her very life by the Castus known as Samael.
I will fully admit that I was juked out of my shoes by the fact that I thought for some silly reason that this was going to be the last book of the series because of how the first three books were released like rapid fire. I was absolutely wrong in my presumption that this is the end since this book leaves the door wide open for a return to the series with several key questions left unanswered like who Chrysabelle's father really is.
It is my fervent hope that most, it not all of those questions will be answered when Out for Blood is released during the fall 2012.
As for the characters themselves, I found the relationship between Mal and Chrys to be warming up from a long winters freeze. Then, naturally, Ms Painter goes and gives us an ending that slaps us upside our silly heads! Naturally, I am one of those who doesn’t much care for 3-way love triangles, so, when Mal and Chrys do seem to acknowledge they have feelings for the other without Creek around, I did a happy dance of epic proportions.
As for Maddoc (Doc) and Fiona (Fi), I think they are in for a long hall now that there are some new abilities that have come out of being cursed by the witches Aliza and Evie and Doc has taken on the role as prime of the shifters.
My one absolute complaint is that there are too many characters in this story. It’s hard to keep track of who is who and what that person is doing, or why they are even there in the first place. Thankfully, there’s a thing called pen and paper to take notes and sketch out what’s actually happening and when.
There is, of course, a lingering question that is left open by Painter. And, that my friends, is Chrysabelle and Mal's role in what happens to baby Lilith now that Tatiana has her in her nasty little crutches in her. Also, how will Creek force the issue if they both refuse the Kubai Mata's demands?
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Review*
As Bad Blood unfolds, Samhain is fast approaching and it appears that violent deaths are escalating as well as the sighting by mortals of othernatural creatures like shifters, vampires, and gargoyles. At the same time, several comarré wannabes, who work for Dominick, have been drained and left for dead. Could this be the devious workings of Tatiana?
Painter introduces a new point of view to the series in Dolores Diaz-White (Lola) the human Mayor of Paradise City, Florida which is part of the Southern Union. Lola is a major disbeliever in the othernaturals until she is shown the errors of her way by Mal, Fi, Creek, and Velimai, as well as members of her own security force who just happen to be shifters.
Naturally, one of those comarré left for dead, happens to be Lola’s own estranged daughter who was pregnant at the time with a half human, half vampire baby. It seems as though the baby, Lilith, will eventually play a key role in the way this series plays itself out.
All this is happening while Malkolm (Mal) Bourreau, Creek, and Chrysabelle are on no speaking terms after events of Flesh and Blood. As Italians say, Chrysabelle is being Ostinato about the fact they saved her life after she learned she had a brother from the Aurelian.
Chrysabelle is so anxious to find her brother, that she doesn’t much care for the fact that she isn’t truly healed from her encounter with Rennata, or the removal of her Signums which were flayed off her body. One good thing she does have going for her is the fact that she has Mal’s vampire blood flowing in her system. What that means in the long run is anyone’s guess except the devious writer known as Kristen Painter.
Soon thereafter, thankfully, Mal, Chrysabelle, and Mortalis travel to the Fey run city of New Orleans where the Ring of Sorrows currently is hidden away from Tatiana, the Kubai Mata, and the Castus Sanguis and vampires are not wanted. Each group has its own reasoning for wanting the ring. Chrysabelle needs it back so that she can melt it down and get her Signum redrawn so she can finally find the truth about her own brothers’ existence.
As would be expected, Tatiana once again plays a pivotal role in the way this series has been drawn out. Her eagerness to thwart Mal, and Chrysabelle, as well as becoming the new Dominus of the House of Tepes, has bordered on the obscene and perhaps a little mental as well. Her role obviously has become even larger now that she has been told to protect the baby with her very life by the Castus known as Samael.
I will fully admit that I was juked out of my shoes by the fact that I thought for some silly reason that this was going to be the last book of the series because of how the first three books were released like rapid fire. I was absolutely wrong in my presumption that this is the end since this book leaves the door wide open for a return to the series with several key questions left unanswered like who Chrysabelle's father really is.
It is my fervent hope that most, it not all of those questions will be answered when Out for Blood is released during the fall 2012.
As for the characters themselves, I found the relationship between Mal and Chrys to be warming up from a long winters freeze. Then, naturally, Ms Painter goes and gives us an ending that slaps us upside our silly heads! Naturally, I am one of those who doesn’t much care for 3-way love triangles, so, when Mal and Chrys do seem to acknowledge they have feelings for the other without Creek around, I did a happy dance of epic proportions.
As for Maddoc (Doc) and Fiona (Fi), I think they are in for a long hall now that there are some new abilities that have come out of being cursed by the witches Aliza and Evie and Doc has taken on the role as prime of the shifters.
My one absolute complaint is that there are too many characters in this story. It’s hard to keep track of who is who and what that person is doing, or why they are even there in the first place. Thankfully, there’s a thing called pen and paper to take notes and sketch out what’s actually happening and when.
There is, of course, a lingering question that is left open by Painter. And, that my friends, is Chrysabelle and Mal's role in what happens to baby Lilith now that Tatiana has her in her nasty little crutches in her. Also, how will Creek force the issue if they both refuse the Kubai Mata's demands?
December 30, 2014
With nothing to stop me, boy did I enjoy reading this book. It was interesting and I actually found it more interesting than the second book, 'Flesh and Blood'. All in all, Chrysabelle relationship with Creek is nil all in this book, compared to the second. With Creek out of the way, we beguine to discover, or more like she does, that Mel's feelings for her is real and not going to disappear. That's more than fine for me.
I was, regrettably, a little annoyed with Chrysabelle behaviour with dealing with her current situations, like trying to find her brother and getting the ring of sorrows. In any case, I would probs act the same, so that didn't kill anything. I understand why she is like that but I just thought it was worth mentioning.
Alrighty. I have to admit that I have never been a big fan of Lola. She is so clingy to Creek that it's annoying. I really do understand that her child died and all, but she needs to face her problems as she has a city to run. She says, and does stupid things that create a mess that makes it harder for anyone to do anything. I thought at first that Creek and them were going to get together, hence al the time they were spending together, but thank Kristen that didn't happen and I was wrong. I did not want that to happen at all. Lola gives off this vibe that she does and says whatever she wants as long as she gets her wish. Not a good trait. I predicted that she would cause some drama and I know she will.
I wanted Creek to be all over Chrysabelle, but didn't want her to like him. I know that's really mean and all but it would be interesting, even if it causes conflict. That's why when Yolla showed up I didn't want her around. I believe that Creek was moving too fast from Chrysabelle after he sort of fought to get her affection.
Okay, so what I thought was most touching in this book, or maybe that was the second book? I'm not entirely sure. After the issue with the witches, as in, everyone ended up going to the witches place to sort out this thing with Doc and Tatiana ended up going there as well with her crew. Anyway, Mel had been given a potion by Dominic so that they may go in the sun without being killed. When Mel took it he turned into a mortal until it wears off. While the potion is in effect his tats of names disappear and he looks mortal, and becomes mortal. After trying to find ways in which he can get rid of his curse, having the potion change him like that he try's to make it permanent by eating human food. However, by doing so it will kill him as he will age. Chrysabelle stops him by restraining him and giving him her blood. In this part I believe that what was created effected me emotionally. Seeing Mel like that, desperate and weak, makes you realise that he isn't okay. His strong but its hard for him to be. It also makes Chrysabelle realise how much she loves Mel.
I knew from the start that Yolla was going to be trouble and didn't want her relationship to flourish at all. Creek should listen to his grandmother, she knows what she's talking about. Do not think I don't want Creek to be happy, but I think he needs to not latch onto every girl he likes. It also doesn't help when she is a new character who, undoubtable, will play a important part in the storyline. I think I'm still trying to cope with Tatiana's dramatic plans of evil.
In this book, I love how Kristen has chosen to set the scene somewhere else. Chrysabelle and Mel go to a different place where only a certain type of creatures can pass the borders and where vampires like Mel aren't allowed to be. I loved that the place is different and other characters are introduced.
Overall, as always that book was amazing and I enjoyed it.
And by the way, isn't the cover beautiful?
I was, regrettably, a little annoyed with Chrysabelle behaviour with dealing with her current situations, like trying to find her brother and getting the ring of sorrows. In any case, I would probs act the same, so that didn't kill anything. I understand why she is like that but I just thought it was worth mentioning.
Alrighty. I have to admit that I have never been a big fan of Lola. She is so clingy to Creek that it's annoying. I really do understand that her child died and all, but she needs to face her problems as she has a city to run. She says, and does stupid things that create a mess that makes it harder for anyone to do anything. I thought at first that Creek and them were going to get together, hence al the time they were spending together, but thank Kristen that didn't happen and I was wrong. I did not want that to happen at all. Lola gives off this vibe that she does and says whatever she wants as long as she gets her wish. Not a good trait. I predicted that she would cause some drama and I know she will.
I wanted Creek to be all over Chrysabelle, but didn't want her to like him. I know that's really mean and all but it would be interesting, even if it causes conflict. That's why when Yolla showed up I didn't want her around. I believe that Creek was moving too fast from Chrysabelle after he sort of fought to get her affection.
Okay, so what I thought was most touching in this book, or maybe that was the second book? I'm not entirely sure. After the issue with the witches, as in, everyone ended up going to the witches place to sort out this thing with Doc and Tatiana ended up going there as well with her crew. Anyway, Mel had been given a potion by Dominic so that they may go in the sun without being killed. When Mel took it he turned into a mortal until it wears off. While the potion is in effect his tats of names disappear and he looks mortal, and becomes mortal. After trying to find ways in which he can get rid of his curse, having the potion change him like that he try's to make it permanent by eating human food. However, by doing so it will kill him as he will age. Chrysabelle stops him by restraining him and giving him her blood. In this part I believe that what was created effected me emotionally. Seeing Mel like that, desperate and weak, makes you realise that he isn't okay. His strong but its hard for him to be. It also makes Chrysabelle realise how much she loves Mel.
I knew from the start that Yolla was going to be trouble and didn't want her relationship to flourish at all. Creek should listen to his grandmother, she knows what she's talking about. Do not think I don't want Creek to be happy, but I think he needs to not latch onto every girl he likes. It also doesn't help when she is a new character who, undoubtable, will play a important part in the storyline. I think I'm still trying to cope with Tatiana's dramatic plans of evil.
In this book, I love how Kristen has chosen to set the scene somewhere else. Chrysabelle and Mel go to a different place where only a certain type of creatures can pass the borders and where vampires like Mel aren't allowed to be. I loved that the place is different and other characters are introduced.
Overall, as always that book was amazing and I enjoyed it.
And by the way, isn't the cover beautiful?
November 28, 2011
This series does NOT disappoint. However, it’s such a bummer that these books came out about a month a part and now we have to wait for the fourth book. The wait is going to be excruciating. But it will be worth it, if they’re as amazing as BLOOD RIGHTS, FLESH AND BLOOD and most recently, BAD BLOOD. Amazing books; I’m looking forward to more. (I may go insane from lack of Mal & Chrysabelle…)
Let me start this review off by saying one thing I admire about Kristen Painter is she is never afraid of killing. Some authors have trouble killing people (whether it’s a main character or not) but Kristen doesn’t struggle at all. Especially with Tatiana. I’ve lost count on how many “people” she has killed. And Tatiana has no regrets doing it. It’s kind of exciting to see who might kicked it in the next book.
That being said, BAD BLOOD was absolutely amazing. Much better than FLESH AND BLOOD, this is saying something because FLESH AND BLOOD was really good, as well.
It seems like both Tatiana and Chrysabelle have gotten distracted in this book from killing each other & I must say, I really enjoyed that. Instead, they both have different missions in mind. Tatiana was handed something precious by one of the ancients and was told to take great care of it which she most definitely will. Meanwhile, Chrysabelle is solely focused on getting her sigma’s back and finding out whom the identity of her brother is.
But that’s not the best part of this, oh absolutely not. Do you want to know what it is? Of course you do! Both Chrysabelle and Mal FINALLY acknowledge their feelings for one another. They go above and beyond what I was hoping. Well…there was a really sexy scene that was cut way too short. It involves a piano. That is all I will say. But they’re not where I need them to be…and I can’t wait to read books 4 & 5 to see it happen! It makes me so excited and you know, it will SO be worth the wait, I know it will.
Creek has become likable. If you remember I said in the previous book that I didn’t like him trying to go after Chrysabelle and I stick by that but in BAD BLOOD he realizes where his place is and it’s not with her. I may have squealed a little bit, to be honest. But let’s not tell anyone this. He plays a much bigger role in this book and it’s exciting to see what he does and how well he does it. He also fits in really well with the group that has formed, with Fionna, Doc, Mal & Chrysabelle.
We get to know more about Damian, who was Tatiana’s Comar before he escaped her toward the end of FLESH AND BLOOD. I like him from the get go. He was smart enough to get away from that bitch and I applaud him for it. (He’s still alive to talk about it so I say kudos to him. Most don’t live to tell about how they crossed her.) Who knows how big of a role he will become…
The absence of Dominic didn’t upset me too much. Actually, I hardly even noticed he wasn’t there. But seeing more of his right hand man, Mortalis, was really awesome. We get to go back to his prior home, New Orleans and it was just spectacular seeing more to him. I love him and I really love him even more after this book.
To summarize, this series just keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to see what else is to come. With how this book left off it has me tapping my fingers, sitting here waiting and waiting. My fingers may bleed If you love fantasy, have a thing for vampires (that do not sparkle) and are looking for two characters that are so right for each other it hurts – pick up this series. You have three books to read while we wait for more!
Review also seen at: Fictional Distraction
Let me start this review off by saying one thing I admire about Kristen Painter is she is never afraid of killing. Some authors have trouble killing people (whether it’s a main character or not) but Kristen doesn’t struggle at all. Especially with Tatiana. I’ve lost count on how many “people” she has killed. And Tatiana has no regrets doing it. It’s kind of exciting to see who might kicked it in the next book.
That being said, BAD BLOOD was absolutely amazing. Much better than FLESH AND BLOOD, this is saying something because FLESH AND BLOOD was really good, as well.
It seems like both Tatiana and Chrysabelle have gotten distracted in this book from killing each other & I must say, I really enjoyed that. Instead, they both have different missions in mind. Tatiana was handed something precious by one of the ancients and was told to take great care of it which she most definitely will. Meanwhile, Chrysabelle is solely focused on getting her sigma’s back and finding out whom the identity of her brother is.
But that’s not the best part of this, oh absolutely not. Do you want to know what it is? Of course you do! Both Chrysabelle and Mal FINALLY acknowledge their feelings for one another. They go above and beyond what I was hoping. Well…there was a really sexy scene that was cut way too short. It involves a piano. That is all I will say. But they’re not where I need them to be…and I can’t wait to read books 4 & 5 to see it happen! It makes me so excited and you know, it will SO be worth the wait, I know it will.
Creek has become likable. If you remember I said in the previous book that I didn’t like him trying to go after Chrysabelle and I stick by that but in BAD BLOOD he realizes where his place is and it’s not with her. I may have squealed a little bit, to be honest. But let’s not tell anyone this. He plays a much bigger role in this book and it’s exciting to see what he does and how well he does it. He also fits in really well with the group that has formed, with Fionna, Doc, Mal & Chrysabelle.
We get to know more about Damian, who was Tatiana’s Comar before he escaped her toward the end of FLESH AND BLOOD. I like him from the get go. He was smart enough to get away from that bitch and I applaud him for it. (He’s still alive to talk about it so I say kudos to him. Most don’t live to tell about how they crossed her.) Who knows how big of a role he will become…
The absence of Dominic didn’t upset me too much. Actually, I hardly even noticed he wasn’t there. But seeing more of his right hand man, Mortalis, was really awesome. We get to go back to his prior home, New Orleans and it was just spectacular seeing more to him. I love him and I really love him even more after this book.
To summarize, this series just keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to see what else is to come. With how this book left off it has me tapping my fingers, sitting here waiting and waiting. My fingers may bleed If you love fantasy, have a thing for vampires (that do not sparkle) and are looking for two characters that are so right for each other it hurts – pick up this series. You have three books to read while we wait for more!
Review also seen at: Fictional Distraction
February 18, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
The third installment in the House of Comarre series, Bad Blood continues to breathtakingly depict the range of shades between light and dark, walking us through denser and darker grays than we’ve experienced before but also ensuring that our eyes adjust quickly and easily with well placed moments of light between Mal and Chrysabelle that make the shadows feel far less menacing. There is always danger, always the potential for pain and suffering, and always the possibility that the next threat will be far worse than the current one, but through it all we have characters who are trying to take the prevalent darkness infecting their world and transform it no matter the cost to themselves, molding it into something better for the future than it is in the present.
Chrysabelle and Malkom are an extraordinarily intriguing couple, their relationship one that’s slowly and painstakingly evolving as they both attempt to come to terms with the nature of their feelings for one another. As at times sweet and caring as Malkom can be, the blackness of his past clings to him, a shroud of pain and death he can never shed no matter how much light Chrysabelle shines on it and a constant reminder to us just what he is capable of should his rigid control slip for even a moment. He is not simply a tortured soul on the now smooth path toward redemption through the love of a woman however, instead he continually makes mistakes and stumbles along the way, often hurting her and himself when his moments of selfishness stemming from years of being his only priority make an appearance. It is these slips that make them such a perfectly flawed pair though, their steps forward often accompanied by steps backward as well, and together all of us trudge forward together to face what challenges Ms. Painter has in store.
The progression of Malkom and Chrysabelle’s relationship is a highlight of this tale, and because we have such an intense desire to follow them and their tenuous connection, the addition of several more independent-but-linked plotlines becomes a bit tedious to wade through. We have always followed several different characters in the books in this series, bouncing from one to the next to give us a broader perspective and feel for this supernatural world, but it seems as though with each new book the number of side stories increases, and we find ourselves getting to spend less and less time with the characters who have come to mean the most to us. Ms. Painter of course does a meticulous job of tying all the separate pieces of the puzzle together, though we can’t help but hope some of our character hopping decreases moving forward, allowing our focus to zero in on the core group of people we love so much.
Overall, Bad Blood is an enjoyable addition to the series if for no other reason than the growing romantic feelings and sexual tension between Malkom and Chrysabelle, two individuals who have more layers than we could ever hope to explore in a single book and who have us eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Rating: 4/5
The third installment in the House of Comarre series, Bad Blood continues to breathtakingly depict the range of shades between light and dark, walking us through denser and darker grays than we’ve experienced before but also ensuring that our eyes adjust quickly and easily with well placed moments of light between Mal and Chrysabelle that make the shadows feel far less menacing. There is always danger, always the potential for pain and suffering, and always the possibility that the next threat will be far worse than the current one, but through it all we have characters who are trying to take the prevalent darkness infecting their world and transform it no matter the cost to themselves, molding it into something better for the future than it is in the present.
Chrysabelle and Malkom are an extraordinarily intriguing couple, their relationship one that’s slowly and painstakingly evolving as they both attempt to come to terms with the nature of their feelings for one another. As at times sweet and caring as Malkom can be, the blackness of his past clings to him, a shroud of pain and death he can never shed no matter how much light Chrysabelle shines on it and a constant reminder to us just what he is capable of should his rigid control slip for even a moment. He is not simply a tortured soul on the now smooth path toward redemption through the love of a woman however, instead he continually makes mistakes and stumbles along the way, often hurting her and himself when his moments of selfishness stemming from years of being his only priority make an appearance. It is these slips that make them such a perfectly flawed pair though, their steps forward often accompanied by steps backward as well, and together all of us trudge forward together to face what challenges Ms. Painter has in store.
The progression of Malkom and Chrysabelle’s relationship is a highlight of this tale, and because we have such an intense desire to follow them and their tenuous connection, the addition of several more independent-but-linked plotlines becomes a bit tedious to wade through. We have always followed several different characters in the books in this series, bouncing from one to the next to give us a broader perspective and feel for this supernatural world, but it seems as though with each new book the number of side stories increases, and we find ourselves getting to spend less and less time with the characters who have come to mean the most to us. Ms. Painter of course does a meticulous job of tying all the separate pieces of the puzzle together, though we can’t help but hope some of our character hopping decreases moving forward, allowing our focus to zero in on the core group of people we love so much.
Overall, Bad Blood is an enjoyable addition to the series if for no other reason than the growing romantic feelings and sexual tension between Malkom and Chrysabelle, two individuals who have more layers than we could ever hope to explore in a single book and who have us eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Rating: 4/5
December 10, 2011
After the ultimate showdown in the Everglades on the last book, the witches haven't had enough. This time they're back for revenge, and they already have to unwilling minions to carry it out. Tatiana seems to have forgotten about the Ring of Sorrows, right now she just wants Chrysabelle's head on platter. Her evilness and cunningness are as always boring, and I ended up skimming all of her POVs. The witches were pretty silly too, I was always cheering the demon to get free of the stupid aquarium tank they'd sealed him in.
Chrysabelle has recuperated beautifully, but her anger about how it was done is a bit uncalled for. I mean, he saved your life and you're alive. Who cares if your blood is tainted now!? Her anger quickly dissolves because now she has a goal. She'll go to any lengths to find her brother, including (but not limited to) manhandling/threatening/persuading others, and having molten gold tattooed on her. Luckily Mal will be there for her, but sadly there's not a lot of romance in this third book, which was kind of disappointing. That one hot massage chapter didn't satisfy my expectations on their relationship.
Meanwhile the secondary characters are all running around with problems of their own. Creek gets dragged into the murder investigation of the mayor's daughter, who was one of Dominic's fake comarré. He'll have to find the real murderer, or else the Mayor Lola will pin it on him. Doc and Fi have some very interesting news for Mal, if only they could get a hold of him. Once again, I felt that there were too many POVs. And while I've grown to love some secondary characters like Creek and Fi, I'm just not that interested in hearing Tatiana's or even the Mayor's side.
Overall for me the series has lost its initial steam and allure. Like I've said before, I started reading this series because of Chrysabelle and Mal and now they've just become another one in the bunch of characters. I could just read their chapters and be done with it, because it's all the interests me. The short preview of Out for Blood (House of Comarré 4) after the ending just made me chuck my book at the nearest wall. (Rant: For shit's sake Chrysabelle, stop being unreasonably angry at Mal. Whose idea was it to use THAT gold for the tattoo, huh? Yours! That's right! Not Mal's!) I'll probably buy it, only because I don't like leaving series half-way.
Chrysabelle has recuperated beautifully, but her anger about how it was done is a bit uncalled for. I mean, he saved your life and you're alive. Who cares if your blood is tainted now!? Her anger quickly dissolves because now she has a goal. She'll go to any lengths to find her brother, including (but not limited to) manhandling/threatening/persuading others, and having molten gold tattooed on her. Luckily Mal will be there for her, but sadly there's not a lot of romance in this third book, which was kind of disappointing. That one hot massage chapter didn't satisfy my expectations on their relationship.
Meanwhile the secondary characters are all running around with problems of their own. Creek gets dragged into the murder investigation of the mayor's daughter, who was one of Dominic's fake comarré. He'll have to find the real murderer, or else the Mayor Lola will pin it on him. Doc and Fi have some very interesting news for Mal, if only they could get a hold of him. Once again, I felt that there were too many POVs. And while I've grown to love some secondary characters like Creek and Fi, I'm just not that interested in hearing Tatiana's or even the Mayor's side.
Overall for me the series has lost its initial steam and allure. Like I've said before, I started reading this series because of Chrysabelle and Mal and now they've just become another one in the bunch of characters. I could just read their chapters and be done with it, because it's all the interests me. The short preview of Out for Blood (House of Comarré 4) after the ending just made me chuck my book at the nearest wall. (Rant: For shit's sake Chrysabelle, stop being unreasonably angry at Mal. Whose idea was it to use THAT gold for the tattoo, huh? Yours! That's right! Not Mal's!) I'll probably buy it, only because I don't like leaving series half-way.
December 3, 2011
You can not start from BAD BLOOD if you have not read the rest of the series yet. Please do yourself a favor and grab book one BLOOD RIGHTS and Book two FLESH AND BLOOD before picking it up or you will be completely lost.
For me BAD BLOOD started out really slow. About halfway through the book it picked up and became just as entrancing as books 1 and 2. One of my big issues with the book is all the POV's. There are so many it gets kind of frustrating having to be inside everyone's heads and getting involved with one characters thoughts only to be shoved into someone else's.
Chrysabelle and Malkolm made some great progress on their relationship by both finally acknowledging their feelings for eachoter. The whole love triangle really bothered me for some reason and I'm glad that to say they moved past it in BAD BLOOD. Creek was not as involved with Malkom and Chrysabelle in book 3. He was definitely in the book but he was in the background and doing other things outside of being with Malkom and Chrysabelle. There is a new supernatural woman that shows up that I'm excited to learn more about. Seems like something might come of her and Creek, not sure if it will be good or bad. Can Tatiana die already? I mean really what more will people fall for with her? She is beyond insane yet she keeps coming out and getting what she wants booo. The witches. Wow were they drama. Just when you think they were done they pop up again. I'm dying to know who Chrysabelle's father is. We get some good info towards the end but it just add's to the questions. I was thinking it had to be Dominic but now I'm thinking it cant be. The ending, Poor Chrysabelle when will she get a break? I cant imagine what will happen next but im invested in the series and will happily get book 4 as soon as it is released.
For me BAD BLOOD started out really slow. About halfway through the book it picked up and became just as entrancing as books 1 and 2. One of my big issues with the book is all the POV's. There are so many it gets kind of frustrating having to be inside everyone's heads and getting involved with one characters thoughts only to be shoved into someone else's.
Chrysabelle and Malkolm made some great progress on their relationship by both finally acknowledging their feelings for eachoter. The whole love triangle really bothered me for some reason and I'm glad that to say they moved past it in BAD BLOOD. Creek was not as involved with Malkom and Chrysabelle in book 3. He was definitely in the book but he was in the background and doing other things outside of being with Malkom and Chrysabelle. There is a new supernatural woman that shows up that I'm excited to learn more about. Seems like something might come of her and Creek, not sure if it will be good or bad. Can Tatiana die already? I mean really what more will people fall for with her? She is beyond insane yet she keeps coming out and getting what she wants booo. The witches. Wow were they drama. Just when you think they were done they pop up again. I'm dying to know who Chrysabelle's father is. We get some good info towards the end but it just add's to the questions. I was thinking it had to be Dominic but now I'm thinking it cant be. The ending, Poor Chrysabelle when will she get a break? I cant imagine what will happen next but im invested in the series and will happily get book 4 as soon as it is released.
August 25, 2012
Book Three of the series slows down the pace a bit, it focuses less on the defending and fighting for ones life and is directed at Chrysabelle and how she needs to re-stitch her signum to her back so she can once more go to the Aurelian and ask about her estranged brother whom she is desperate to find. She decides (rather recklessly if you ask me) to use the Ring of Sorrows as this is the proper gold to use for stitching the signum.
The book, although slower then the others, focuses on character development, twists of fate and changes of personality. Tatania is still after the Ring, Creek is still playing both sides and finds himself torn both ways as he tries to keep the Kuba Mata and Chrysabelle happy. The book starts to involve the recent changes in paranormal dimensions and as the night of Halloween approaches, the boundaries between what humans thought fiction comes to life. They need a human on their side, the Mayor who finds all this hocus pocus ridiculous. They must convince her, get her on their side and cancel Halloween or it will have severe consequences. Meanwhile Mal and Chrysabelle fights their own battles, attempting to recover the ring means running some errands from the ones who guard it for her, and once in her skin, will the power devour her or vanish with its melting. Its an exciting book and I find I am growing to like this series more and more as I read on.
Well worth the read if you have read the others, I will keep on reading it as long as the series keep going :)
The book, although slower then the others, focuses on character development, twists of fate and changes of personality. Tatania is still after the Ring, Creek is still playing both sides and finds himself torn both ways as he tries to keep the Kuba Mata and Chrysabelle happy. The book starts to involve the recent changes in paranormal dimensions and as the night of Halloween approaches, the boundaries between what humans thought fiction comes to life. They need a human on their side, the Mayor who finds all this hocus pocus ridiculous. They must convince her, get her on their side and cancel Halloween or it will have severe consequences. Meanwhile Mal and Chrysabelle fights their own battles, attempting to recover the ring means running some errands from the ones who guard it for her, and once in her skin, will the power devour her or vanish with its melting. Its an exciting book and I find I am growing to like this series more and more as I read on.
Well worth the read if you have read the others, I will keep on reading it as long as the series keep going :)
October 29, 2012
I liked this one much more than the second book. The switching POVs were better balanced and the story moved along at a much quicker pace. I'm still not 100% sure what Ms. Painter's endgame will be, but at least we made some headway with the Ring of Sorrows, the witches' curse on Doc, and the humans learning of the covenant.
Mal and Chrysabelle make a lot of progress in this book and I am glad the love triangle looks to be over. I have always liked them together and they work great as a pair. It was slow going to get where they are now, but I prefer that to insta-love. I hope they continue to grow closer in the next book.
Bringing the Paradise City mayor into the story was interesting, and helped to add a human element since all of our main characters are othernaturals. Well, I guess Chrysabelle is human but she's at least enhanced. We haven't really seen how the breaking of the covenant had affected humans, so it was nice to get that perspective.
The ending was pretty crazy and I am glad I have the ARC for Out for Blood ready to go. Though this series features a lot of familiar archetypes (vampires, fae, shifters), I love learning about Chrysabelle and the world of the Comarre.
Mal and Chrysabelle make a lot of progress in this book and I am glad the love triangle looks to be over. I have always liked them together and they work great as a pair. It was slow going to get where they are now, but I prefer that to insta-love. I hope they continue to grow closer in the next book.
Bringing the Paradise City mayor into the story was interesting, and helped to add a human element since all of our main characters are othernaturals. Well, I guess Chrysabelle is human but she's at least enhanced. We haven't really seen how the breaking of the covenant had affected humans, so it was nice to get that perspective.
The ending was pretty crazy and I am glad I have the ARC for Out for Blood ready to go. Though this series features a lot of familiar archetypes (vampires, fae, shifters), I love learning about Chrysabelle and the world of the Comarre.
March 6, 2012
4.25/5
Although better than book #2, book #3 is still very much running around in circles instead of moving ahead.
The plot is excruciatingly slow. Tatiana rises in a chain of command and is pretty busy with her House, Malcolm and Chrysabelle are trying to get the Ring of Sorrows back from New Orleans before the Halloween, and Creek is busy with trying to control the paranormal events in Paradise City and minimise the damage in collaboration with the mayor. Doc... Doc is messed up.
The thing is, although there is still suspense and it's all very entertaining, there is no definite beginning and the end in each book. Instead of answers you get more questions, new mysteries and plenty of loose ends.
Frankly I feel really tired of this trend. If the next book comes out 6 months or a year later I don't want to be kept hanging until then. I want to close the book with a sense of satisfaction, and start a new one without feeling confused. Am I the only one who doesn't like loose ends and no defined conclusion of the story or some of you get irritated too?
Overall, Bad Blood is a good read. It delivers plenty of food for your imagination, new characters and new plot developments, but I won't be buying the next book. I'll borrow it from the library.
Although better than book #2, book #3 is still very much running around in circles instead of moving ahead.
The plot is excruciatingly slow. Tatiana rises in a chain of command and is pretty busy with her House, Malcolm and Chrysabelle are trying to get the Ring of Sorrows back from New Orleans before the Halloween, and Creek is busy with trying to control the paranormal events in Paradise City and minimise the damage in collaboration with the mayor. Doc... Doc is messed up.
The thing is, although there is still suspense and it's all very entertaining, there is no definite beginning and the end in each book. Instead of answers you get more questions, new mysteries and plenty of loose ends.
Frankly I feel really tired of this trend. If the next book comes out 6 months or a year later I don't want to be kept hanging until then. I want to close the book with a sense of satisfaction, and start a new one without feeling confused. Am I the only one who doesn't like loose ends and no defined conclusion of the story or some of you get irritated too?
Overall, Bad Blood is a good read. It delivers plenty of food for your imagination, new characters and new plot developments, but I won't be buying the next book. I'll borrow it from the library.
September 29, 2013
After reading the second in this series, I was ready to walk away. Painter must have heard the voice of the reader, as she dispensed with the love triangle (Crystabelle, Mal and Creek). The story moved quickly, the action was very good and engaging. The writing was good.
Only real compliants
1. The number of characters, each getting their moment in the spotlight. I fond myself almost perusing the other character plotlines (POVs) to stay with Mel and Crys. The Mayor's was interesting. I wonder if it might not have been better to have written two books, occurring simultaneously (parallel plot lines) and delving deeper into Mal and Crys' plotline. It seemed kind of rushed.
2. I found myself not longer interested in Tatiana's plotline.
All in all a good recovery from flesh and blood. Really like Crysabelle's new attitude and take charge personality. it should have been pointed out earlier that her chastity was tied to her ability to perform some of her Comarre' abilities. The too much light and balance comment was intriguing.
Only real compliants
1. The number of characters, each getting their moment in the spotlight. I fond myself almost perusing the other character plotlines (POVs) to stay with Mel and Crys. The Mayor's was interesting. I wonder if it might not have been better to have written two books, occurring simultaneously (parallel plot lines) and delving deeper into Mal and Crys' plotline. It seemed kind of rushed.
2. I found myself not longer interested in Tatiana's plotline.
All in all a good recovery from flesh and blood. Really like Crysabelle's new attitude and take charge personality. it should have been pointed out earlier that her chastity was tied to her ability to perform some of her Comarre' abilities. The too much light and balance comment was intriguing.
May 16, 2013
Bad Blood continues the story from Blood Rights and Flesh and blood developing the characters and introducing some new twists. The drama continues and for me this was a real page turner, almost a race to the end, because I got this set as a trilogy from a friend and about 3/4 of the way through I couldn't see how everything was going to get sorted out.
The solution? This WASN'T a trilogy and the story will continue. I must confess I growled in frustration when I got to the end because my nerves were so on edge that I was desperate to find out what happened next and as I scoured the net I discovered book 4 would not be out for a while.
My solution? I lent the set to a friend and gave her no warning so that when she got to the end we could suffer together :D.
Another 5 star read from Kristen Painter!!! Love this whole new take on vampire lore!! Brilliant!!!
V""V
The solution? This WASN'T a trilogy and the story will continue. I must confess I growled in frustration when I got to the end because my nerves were so on edge that I was desperate to find out what happened next and as I scoured the net I discovered book 4 would not be out for a while.
My solution? I lent the set to a friend and gave her no warning so that when she got to the end we could suffer together :D.
Another 5 star read from Kristen Painter!!! Love this whole new take on vampire lore!! Brilliant!!!
V""V
November 30, 2011
Damn I love this series...
Mal and Chrysabelle are killing me...they're both stubborn and bullheaded and they need each other. And I need them.
There is so much going on in this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. I couldn't wait to get to the end and then when I did I hated that I finished it...didn't want it to end.
This book is full of tension, action and emotion. My heart goes out to Mal and Belle, Doc & Fi and Creek.
There are new characters introduced and I can't wait to learn more about them.
And Tatiana???
Ms. Painter has definitely raised the bar. Her talent to tell a story with so much going on and keeping my interest speaks volumes.
Do yourself a favor, invest in this awesome series; you'll so glad you did.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Mal and Chrysabelle are killing me...they're both stubborn and bullheaded and they need each other. And I need them.
There is so much going on in this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. I couldn't wait to get to the end and then when I did I hated that I finished it...didn't want it to end.
This book is full of tension, action and emotion. My heart goes out to Mal and Belle, Doc & Fi and Creek.
There are new characters introduced and I can't wait to learn more about them.
And Tatiana???
Ms. Painter has definitely raised the bar. Her talent to tell a story with so much going on and keeping my interest speaks volumes.
Do yourself a favor, invest in this awesome series; you'll so glad you did.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
January 23, 2012
I am still on the fence with this series. I like parts of it but sometimes I just want to hit Chrysabelle to knock some sense into her. I think this is the first series where I cared more about the secondary charaters than I do the main characters. I would rather read more about Creek, Doc, Fi and Mortalis than Chrysabelle and Mal.
I like the setting as it is in New Florida and since I live in Florida, it is interesting to see on what others think of Florida. We have enough strange people who live in this state to be home to paranormals.
The action is good and the story does move along at a good pace so you are kept interested in knowing what happens next. I guess I will try the next one in the series just to see what happens.
I like the setting as it is in New Florida and since I live in Florida, it is interesting to see on what others think of Florida. We have enough strange people who live in this state to be home to paranormals.
The action is good and the story does move along at a good pace so you are kept interested in knowing what happens next. I guess I will try the next one in the series just to see what happens.
December 1, 2011
Effective immediately I will be giving all books that end on cliff hanger endings, cliff hangers that are not clearly marked either on the cover or in the descriptions, one star ratings.
Whether the book is any good or not is irrelevant, the author stole my time and my money based on the promise of a story they did not deliver.
Hence, Bad Blood is a one star, suck ass cliff hanger whose series I will be tabling until it is over. If I still give a damn about the series when it's finished I may pick it back up again - or not.
As far as I'm concerned all the characters in this book just died.
The. Fucking. End.
Whether the book is any good or not is irrelevant, the author stole my time and my money based on the promise of a story they did not deliver.
Hence, Bad Blood is a one star, suck ass cliff hanger whose series I will be tabling until it is over. If I still give a damn about the series when it's finished I may pick it back up again - or not.
As far as I'm concerned all the characters in this book just died.
The. Fucking. End.
February 28, 2012
Oh, the cliffhanger is BLOWING me! And the little blurb for the next book...oh, how could you, Kristen Painter? How could you do that to me? Argh! I hate the waiting...and waiting...
You must write faster; NOW! :-) The House of Commare' series is to die for, and you need to speed up your writing. I'm freaking out! I have to know what happens with Doc and Fi, Chrysabelle, Malkolm and Damian, Tatiana, Daciana, Creek, Luke, John, the mayor, Dominic...OMG...
I can't take it; I'm about to POP!!! Listen folks, if you haven't read this series, I suggest you get on it, post-haste! So much is happening right now, it's crazy!
You must write faster; NOW! :-) The House of Commare' series is to die for, and you need to speed up your writing. I'm freaking out! I have to know what happens with Doc and Fi, Chrysabelle, Malkolm and Damian, Tatiana, Daciana, Creek, Luke, John, the mayor, Dominic...OMG...
I can't take it; I'm about to POP!!! Listen folks, if you haven't read this series, I suggest you get on it, post-haste! So much is happening right now, it's crazy!
December 4, 2011
I'm Loving This Series!
Book 3 is fantastic! This just keeps getting more interesting. So many new othernaturals are about on halloween. Doc's life has taken a serious change and it may push Fi over the edge. Mal and his beast are also pushed to the edge in fear over Chrysabelle's choices. She is so deternined! I cannot wait for the next book. Wow!
Book 3 is fantastic! This just keeps getting more interesting. So many new othernaturals are about on halloween. Doc's life has taken a serious change and it may push Fi over the edge. Mal and his beast are also pushed to the edge in fear over Chrysabelle's choices. She is so deternined! I cannot wait for the next book. Wow!
December 9, 2014
Mais uma vez gostei bastante deste livro, para mim o melhor dos 3 que já li da Saga "Casa das Comarré". Com todos os elementos que eu gosto, misturados com o sobrenatural, fiquei em pulgas para ler o próximo...
April 24, 2013
Too many points of view. Crysabelle was so annoying and childish through most of this book.
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