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Blood Destiny #2
Blood Passage
"The sight of three naked, bloody men wandering into the clearing with moonlight clouding their eyes would probably send anyone else running for their life. I just sighed and watched them walk toward me."
As the first female vampire successfully turned in 700 years, Lissa finds herself in demand by the Vampire Aristocracy. Forced into an unexpected engagement as a result, Lissa feels trapped and stifled as she continues training with her surrogate sire. When a request comes from the Grand Master of the werewolves, Weldon Harper, Lissa leaps at the opportunity to work as his bodyguard once more.
Wlodek, Head of the Vampire Council, in an effort to solidify vampire/werewolf relations, allows Lissa to provide protection for the Grand Master during his yearly travels across the U.S. The only vampire ever named Pack, Lissa is permitted to work with the Grand Master without supervision from others of her kind.
Things become complicated and then downright deadly as old enemies reemerge. Intent on exacting revenge for a failed coup against the Grand Master, rogue werewolves join with new and perilous allies. Now, Lissa must find a way not only to keep the werewolf race alive, but the vampires as well.
As the first female vampire successfully turned in 700 years, Lissa finds herself in demand by the Vampire Aristocracy. Forced into an unexpected engagement as a result, Lissa feels trapped and stifled as she continues training with her surrogate sire. When a request comes from the Grand Master of the werewolves, Weldon Harper, Lissa leaps at the opportunity to work as his bodyguard once more.
Wlodek, Head of the Vampire Council, in an effort to solidify vampire/werewolf relations, allows Lissa to provide protection for the Grand Master during his yearly travels across the U.S. The only vampire ever named Pack, Lissa is permitted to work with the Grand Master without supervision from others of her kind.
Things become complicated and then downright deadly as old enemies reemerge. Intent on exacting revenge for a failed coup against the Grand Master, rogue werewolves join with new and perilous allies. Now, Lissa must find a way not only to keep the werewolf race alive, but the vampires as well.
216 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2011
66 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Connie Suttle
76 books807 followersConnie Suttle lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three cats.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
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September 27, 2014
Lissa is finding life as one of the few female vampires difficult – she’s in demand and forced into a relationship she would certainly not choose – definitely not the engagement. Her special powers also make her special to the Council who are more than willing to use her as their tool and instrument.
On top of that, the rules she’s under because of her unconventional siring leave her stifled and controlled and subject to harsh and deeply restrictive supervision at all times. Then there’s the werewolves, as a member of their pack she has been called upon to help the Pack leader try and fix some of the issues of the last book – leading to more duties and repeated danger as she’s again drafted as bodyguard. Danger which only becomes more acute as an ancient enemy starts to test both the vampires and werewolves
There’s a whole lot of people making demands of Lissa and she has little freedom, space or agency in which to be herself.
The ongoing conflict of this book is Lissa feeling trapped and constrained by the vampires around her. And rightly so. She is continually kept in the dark, told to follow orders, never has anything explained, is expected to drop everything and be sent across the world at a moment’s notice. She lives under a death threat from the events of the last book as well as continually compulsion forcing utter and complete obedience. She rarely goes out without escorts, she rarely goes out at all. Even Merril’s training is full of orders without explanations, unpleasant situations and only reasons why after the fact.
On top of this she doesn’t trust any vampires not just because of the death threat she’s under for existing but because of the way Gavin dragged her in to that trial – compelling her so completely she couldn’t even blink without permission and leaving her like this for three days.
Even more on top of all that we have the situation where she is one of only 16 female vampires in the world (there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of male vampires) and there for she is in high demand to marry one of them – and basically given the ultimatum to pick one for the sake of vampire peace and vampires not all fighting each other for the precious, rare womanfolk. Oh and she has to pick one based on one dance – a scenario which would only be less plausible if the picking were based on her running out at midnight and leaving a shoe behind. This leaves her with a choice that is basically a) Gavin (who scares her for the whole compulsion thing), b) French vampire who scares her and she thinks may want to kill her because of another arseholery plan Wlodek & co have come up with to test Lissa’s abilities without telling her (even after the fact because REASONS), c) strange Russian vampire who scares her and is boring.
YAY choices!
This needs more salt in those wounds – so Gavin is then ultra-super-awful possessive and has a habit of ranting and raging in several languages if anything comes near his now fiancée. He is “protective” which basically translates to screaming at her because she goes on dangerous mission which she’s instructed to be part of. And in an extreme case where Lissa was sexually assaulted he outright strips her in front of other people and scrubs her which she protests – the whole thing is revolting.
For some of this book, Lissa is duly angry and enraged by the way she is treated and realised this is forced to tolerate all of this on pain of death. She’s angry and resentful and… it doesn’t last. She’ll be angry over the way she’s treated or tried of Gavin’s ranting and raging – but still maintain a father/daughter relationship with Merril with only the odd passive/aggressive moments. She still loves Gavin (yes, really. I was bemused by the very idea that she would love this man and for very little reason), she remains very friendly with the werewolf who dry-humped her against her will. For that Lissa continually has her clothes taken from her and Gavin continually forces himself into her presence while she’s naked and this is never even remotely treated as outrageous as it is! And it’s not just because she has to put a good face on things and there’s no way out for her – this book is told from her POV, we know her opinions, her thoughts and her emotions. I’m constantly left asking myself why Lissa isn’t more mad, why she is allowing these abusive arseholes around her the pretence of a loving relationship? Why she is actually HAVING a loving, affectionate relationship with them? How does the word “honey” not turn to acid in her mouth? Why is she still maintaining an idea that these men are even close to decent people?
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On top of that, the rules she’s under because of her unconventional siring leave her stifled and controlled and subject to harsh and deeply restrictive supervision at all times. Then there’s the werewolves, as a member of their pack she has been called upon to help the Pack leader try and fix some of the issues of the last book – leading to more duties and repeated danger as she’s again drafted as bodyguard. Danger which only becomes more acute as an ancient enemy starts to test both the vampires and werewolves
There’s a whole lot of people making demands of Lissa and she has little freedom, space or agency in which to be herself.
The ongoing conflict of this book is Lissa feeling trapped and constrained by the vampires around her. And rightly so. She is continually kept in the dark, told to follow orders, never has anything explained, is expected to drop everything and be sent across the world at a moment’s notice. She lives under a death threat from the events of the last book as well as continually compulsion forcing utter and complete obedience. She rarely goes out without escorts, she rarely goes out at all. Even Merril’s training is full of orders without explanations, unpleasant situations and only reasons why after the fact.
On top of this she doesn’t trust any vampires not just because of the death threat she’s under for existing but because of the way Gavin dragged her in to that trial – compelling her so completely she couldn’t even blink without permission and leaving her like this for three days.
Even more on top of all that we have the situation where she is one of only 16 female vampires in the world (there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of male vampires) and there for she is in high demand to marry one of them – and basically given the ultimatum to pick one for the sake of vampire peace and vampires not all fighting each other for the precious, rare womanfolk. Oh and she has to pick one based on one dance – a scenario which would only be less plausible if the picking were based on her running out at midnight and leaving a shoe behind. This leaves her with a choice that is basically a) Gavin (who scares her for the whole compulsion thing), b) French vampire who scares her and she thinks may want to kill her because of another arseholery plan Wlodek & co have come up with to test Lissa’s abilities without telling her (even after the fact because REASONS), c) strange Russian vampire who scares her and is boring.
YAY choices!
This needs more salt in those wounds – so Gavin is then ultra-super-awful possessive and has a habit of ranting and raging in several languages if anything comes near his now fiancée. He is “protective” which basically translates to screaming at her because she goes on dangerous mission which she’s instructed to be part of. And in an extreme case where Lissa was sexually assaulted he outright strips her in front of other people and scrubs her which she protests – the whole thing is revolting.
For some of this book, Lissa is duly angry and enraged by the way she is treated and realised this is forced to tolerate all of this on pain of death. She’s angry and resentful and… it doesn’t last. She’ll be angry over the way she’s treated or tried of Gavin’s ranting and raging – but still maintain a father/daughter relationship with Merril with only the odd passive/aggressive moments. She still loves Gavin (yes, really. I was bemused by the very idea that she would love this man and for very little reason), she remains very friendly with the werewolf who dry-humped her against her will. For that Lissa continually has her clothes taken from her and Gavin continually forces himself into her presence while she’s naked and this is never even remotely treated as outrageous as it is! And it’s not just because she has to put a good face on things and there’s no way out for her – this book is told from her POV, we know her opinions, her thoughts and her emotions. I’m constantly left asking myself why Lissa isn’t more mad, why she is allowing these abusive arseholes around her the pretence of a loving relationship? Why she is actually HAVING a loving, affectionate relationship with them? How does the word “honey” not turn to acid in her mouth? Why is she still maintaining an idea that these men are even close to decent people?
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January 10, 2012
The futher adventures of Lissa...
I still liked newbie vampire Lissa and she is satisfyingly powerful in the action parts of the book. But I am finding that I hate the vampire world and how powerless she is within the strictures of their rules, how black and white those rules are, and how much she acts like a child in those scenes.
I also have come to really dislike her 'love' interest Gavin, getting a bit of his POV in the past book (as letters) made him tolerable, unforgivable treatment of Lissa when he brings her into the vamp world tarnished that for me. This time around, Lissa still supposedly hasn't forgiven him for that but when she is forced to become engaged to a vamp to avoid everybody fighting over her (there are only 17 female vamps in the world, which make Lissa a precious comodity) she picks Gavin as the known evil instead of the other two less than desirable choices. And even though, outside of sex, he is grouchy, spends most of his time ranting at her in italian/french/whatever and is more concerned about his possession of her than any trauma she suffers, she lurves him - a doormaty flaw in her that I do not like.
All of the those frustrating things, had me wishing that the books was over with about 10% left despite the things that I did like and if not for the fact that she actually tries to escape her situation at the end of the book - her method is quite dramatic - I wouldn't even be considering picking up the next one, especially since I have it on good authority that the series completely jumps the shark a few books down the road.
So three plus stars for Lissa when she is in the company of wolves and being all kickbutty and for her non romance relationships, I like her interactions with the other characters, and one star for the frustrations of the love interests (who are more interested in themselves and not very loving) and for the vampire world - which definitely needs the touch of a reasonable female.
I still liked newbie vampire Lissa and she is satisfyingly powerful in the action parts of the book. But I am finding that I hate the vampire world and how powerless she is within the strictures of their rules, how black and white those rules are, and how much she acts like a child in those scenes.
I also have come to really dislike her 'love' interest Gavin, getting a bit of his POV in the past book (as letters) made him tolerable, unforgivable treatment of Lissa when he brings her into the vamp world tarnished that for me. This time around, Lissa still supposedly hasn't forgiven him for that but when she is forced to become engaged to a vamp to avoid everybody fighting over her (there are only 17 female vamps in the world, which make Lissa a precious comodity) she picks Gavin as the known evil instead of the other two less than desirable choices. And even though, outside of sex, he is grouchy, spends most of his time ranting at her in italian/french/whatever and is more concerned about his possession of her than any trauma she suffers, she lurves him - a doormaty flaw in her that I do not like.
All of the those frustrating things, had me wishing that the books was over with about 10% left despite the things that I did like and if not for the fact that she actually tries to escape her situation at the end of the book - her method is quite dramatic - I wouldn't even be considering picking up the next one, especially since I have it on good authority that the series completely jumps the shark a few books down the road.
So three plus stars for Lissa when she is in the company of wolves and being all kickbutty and for her non romance relationships, I like her interactions with the other characters, and one star for the frustrations of the love interests (who are more interested in themselves and not very loving) and for the vampire world - which definitely needs the touch of a reasonable female.
April 22, 2020
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had a really good time with the first volume. You know, it’s the kind of novel that completely takes you away and pushes you to buy the sequel right away! Yes, and this second one is no exception! Fortunately, I have the third volume at hand, and I can’t wait to get into it!!!!
So we find Lissa again, after the end of the previous story, and the young woman is not necessarily in a situation that suits her. She is being watched, trapped and even though she lives in a golden cage, it is still a cage, and she can’t take it anymore. She is manipulated from all sides and when she thinks it can’t get any worse, things start all over again. Yet, despite her anger, fear and resentment, she is also a young woman with a big heart and if she forgives quickly, she also remembers what she was put through.
Poor Lissa, who in this novel is forced to choose a vampire fiancé, and if it is a support for her, it is also a lot of things she doesn’t want. Fortunately, she will have the opportunity to escape all this by once again becoming Weldon’s bodyguard for a while. But this mission will be far from simple and her life will be put in great danger more than once. And what about this end? Arghhhh I want the sequel!!!!!!! Right away!!!!! Fortunately I have it!
Poor Lissa who tries to do the best she can and who has to face people who have been manipulating others for centuries. She doesn’t have a chance.
A great volume once again! I was completely carried away and if it’s true that Lissa is sometimes too kind, I also understand that she wants to get attached to people so that she’s not so alone anymore. I was also really happy to see Tony again! See you soon for more!
My English review
I had a really good time with the first volume. You know, it’s the kind of novel that completely takes you away and pushes you to buy the sequel right away! Yes, and this second one is no exception! Fortunately, I have the third volume at hand, and I can’t wait to get into it!!!!
So we find Lissa again, after the end of the previous story, and the young woman is not necessarily in a situation that suits her. She is being watched, trapped and even though she lives in a golden cage, it is still a cage, and she can’t take it anymore. She is manipulated from all sides and when she thinks it can’t get any worse, things start all over again. Yet, despite her anger, fear and resentment, she is also a young woman with a big heart and if she forgives quickly, she also remembers what she was put through.
Poor Lissa, who in this novel is forced to choose a vampire fiancé, and if it is a support for her, it is also a lot of things she doesn’t want. Fortunately, she will have the opportunity to escape all this by once again becoming Weldon’s bodyguard for a while. But this mission will be far from simple and her life will be put in great danger more than once. And what about this end? Arghhhh I want the sequel!!!!!!! Right away!!!!! Fortunately I have it!
Poor Lissa who tries to do the best she can and who has to face people who have been manipulating others for centuries. She doesn’t have a chance.
A great volume once again! I was completely carried away and if it’s true that Lissa is sometimes too kind, I also understand that she wants to get attached to people so that she’s not so alone anymore. I was also really happy to see Tony again! See you soon for more!
November 6, 2025
OMG!!!!!! This book was better than the first, action wise. I read it in about 4 hours and couldn't tear myself away to even go to the bathroom. WOW!!!!!!!!! The ending.....OMG...what an ending it was!!!!! I don't know how long I can wait until the next one comes out, so hurry please Connie!
I have now read it a second time. This time it took me about 6 hours to complete it. I still had difficulty tearing myself away from the story. It's even better the second go round and will be even better every additional time I read it.
I have now read it a second time. This time it took me about 6 hours to complete it. I still had difficulty tearing myself away from the story. It's even better the second go round and will be even better every additional time I read it.
June 2, 2020
Notes:
Main plot line is still good but there should have been several more editing/proofreading rounds. Lots of errors, writing & some plot elements are still pretty rough. It's too bad. I do love the main concepts & some of the characters.
Main plot line is still good but there should have been several more editing/proofreading rounds. Lots of errors, writing & some plot elements are still pretty rough. It's too bad. I do love the main concepts & some of the characters.
October 1, 2013
This book was just horrible. It had no cohesion; the plot line, the writing and the character development was totally discombobulated. Every decision Lissa made left me frustrated and often disgusted, Gavin was the least attractive love interest ever ever, and I was left unable to relate or empathise with any of the characters.
In one chapter Lissa would be with the weres baking and generally acting like a middle aged matriarch:
...and then the next moment she would go out a totally kill a gazillion wolves.
BUT AS SOON AS SHE IS WITH THE VAMPS SHE PLAYS 'THE HELPLESS DAMSEL IN DISTRESS' PERFECTLY. She transforms magically into a doormat:
The decisions she makes and the way her character devolves was well and truly pathetic. Her choice not to escape from the werewolves and live in hiding confused me, I felt like she had the ability to evade capture. She did, after all, keep them off her back for a while as a newborn vampire. However I put that down to the fact she was shell shocked. I was really hoping in the next book she would become a bit more empowered! But instead she takes the opposite route and turns into a pathetic whore slut with no dignity.
Here are some made up conversations with Lissa (SPOILERS AHEAD):
"Hey Lissa, so remember that dude who kidnapped you in the first book, 'compulsed' you without a smidgen of empathy?"
"Oh, you mean Gavin. He sure does smell good. Gee how silly was I not to realise he was a vampire like me...I mean DUH!"
"Yeah, Liss, that was dumb, but you were going through a lot. Well do you remember how he said he would have executed you, even though he clearly really liked you?"
"He liked me? Cool! Yeah I remember that. It was so humiliating! Ugh, at least he said to Merril it would kill him to do it, but he thought it was best if he did it himself rather than some one else... like that dude in 'of Mice and Men' with his dog."
"Oh... right, so it doesn't really bother you? Would you date him?"
"Sure I would!"
"Ok, well you have to get engaged to somebody in the next few weeks ok? So, maybe he would be a good choice, yeah?"
"um...well that seems a bit controlling, but OK."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello again, lissa. So we're going to whip you really hard, just because you made some choices that you felt were right, but we control your life now, so bend over and take it like a doormat."
"Ugh...well that is not ok...and I do have the ability to escape, but I'm really frightened of making decisions and being empowered, so go ahead and whip me."
"Ok...well brace your self, because this will really hurt because we are letting the meanest, nastiest vamp flog you. Gavin and Merrill are fine with this."
...
"That was not fine at all, it really hurt. I am so angry with my fiancee. But instead of escaping from you guys and starting a new life in hiding I think I will walk out into the sun and just die."
INSTEAD OF being a whimpering fool with no initiative she could have told the vamps to fuck off, when they demanded she become engaged to some man.
INSTEAD OF setting herself on fire she could have escaped! NOW THAT would really have caught my imagination, she could have misted out, led her scent to the ocean, then picked a spot on the atlas she always wanted to visit and go on holiday. Sure she may have been tracked down, but at least that attempt at survival would have impressed me.
NOBODY LIKES A VICTIM.
It is so dang boring.
March 31, 2016
Blood Destiny is an urban fantasy series I started by recommendation from a friend, and it was a full hit. I loved the first book, and I had high hopes for Blood Passage.
Likes:
+ Lisa. One of my favorite urban fantasy heroines. She didn't win me over with jokes but with her moral fiber, strength of character and how warm and friendly is is toward everyone.
+ Complex world of vampires and werewolves. We learn more about how they work and their society.
+ Intrigue, mystery, betrayal, ...
Dislikes:
- Gavin. The worst love interest ever. Autocratic, possessive, insanely jealous,... I hate him. I would have understood if Lissa stayed with him only from fear but I am annoyed whenever she feels love for him.
- Everyone are so high-handed with Lissa. No one explains anything to her. It's getting old.
Blood Passage was a good sequel and didn't suffer from a second-book-in-a-series-letdown. There were some minor things that irked me and lower my enjoyment, but in general it's still one of the best urban fantasy series I have read.
Likes:
+ Lisa. One of my favorite urban fantasy heroines. She didn't win me over with jokes but with her moral fiber, strength of character and how warm and friendly is is toward everyone.
+ Complex world of vampires and werewolves. We learn more about how they work and their society.
+ Intrigue, mystery, betrayal, ...
Dislikes:
- Gavin. The worst love interest ever. Autocratic, possessive, insanely jealous,... I hate him. I would have understood if Lissa stayed with him only from fear but I am annoyed whenever she feels love for him.
- Everyone are so high-handed with Lissa. No one explains anything to her. It's getting old.
Blood Passage was a good sequel and didn't suffer from a second-book-in-a-series-letdown. There were some minor things that irked me and lower my enjoyment, but in general it's still one of the best urban fantasy series I have read.
December 29, 2020
Well things are not looking good for Lissa. She is forced into an engagement for protection. Gavin is a good option only he scared her so much in the first book I don’t think she will ever get over that. She loves him but I think she loves someone more but he has eyes for someone else.
The werewolf stuff still intrigues me. I am not sure who I like yet. A lot happens in this book I am still trying to figure it all out.
That ending my god shocking to say the very least!
Again I am really enjoying the narration. On to the next!
The werewolf stuff still intrigues me. I am not sure who I like yet. A lot happens in this book I am still trying to figure it all out.
That ending my god shocking to say the very least!
Again I am really enjoying the narration. On to the next!
October 20, 2018
Oh that cliffhanger. I'm bawling.
Paranormal. Uf. Vampires. Werewolves. Kick a** security guard vampire heroine. Lissa is sent to protect the Grand Master for three months. This was a really good one. I loved it so much. Will be reading the other as fast as possible.
Paranormal. Uf. Vampires. Werewolves. Kick a** security guard vampire heroine. Lissa is sent to protect the Grand Master for three months. This was a really good one. I loved it so much. Will be reading the other as fast as possible.
August 30, 2011
This is the second novel in the Blood Destiny series. It continues the un-life of Lissa Beth Workman, an unintentional vampire unlike any you've met before. (Lots of "uns" in that sentence. Maybe I should have an un-cola as I write this review, LOL.)
In Blood Passage, Lissa is officially brought into the fold; both vampire and werewolf. She stands at the crossroads helping strengthen the bond between these two powerful and ancient races that have only recently forged a truce that would end the war between them and preserve both their races. It's a fragile truce; yet due to Lissa's unique personality and abilities, she is close with the heads of both races and is so readily accepted that their truce grows into cooperation and trust. The two races work together to hunt down and destroy dissenting factions within their ranks who wish to see the truce destroyed, or who do not wish to conform to vampire or werewolf law.
Lissa is only an honorary werewolf pack member. She's full-blown vampire, however, and having been allowed to live by a narrow vote of the Vampire Council at the end of Blood Wager, she is now under the tutelage of her adopting sire, Merrill, who is responsible for her training and education into the ways of the vampire. During this process she is allowed to continue working with the werewolf Grand Master when needed.
Her abilities continue to emerge, surprising her and her sire, as well as Wlodek, the head of the Vampire Council. She has learned a valuable lesson, however, to keep some of those abilities secret, else she may be deemed too dangerous and sentenced to death. She is thought to only be a vampire female, rare enough as they are, but she is actually a budding Vampire Queen.
Lissa struggles to accept her new un-life, abilities, and knowledge of things she had previously only thought were fantasy. Most difficult of all to tread are the treacherous waters of love and relationships, vastly complicated by her new existence. The weight of so much change so fast makes life difficult for Lissa, to say the least, but also makes fun reading. You’ll fall in love with Lissa just like I did, and become one of her many new supporters within the pages of the Blood Destiny series. Enjoy!
In Blood Passage, Lissa is officially brought into the fold; both vampire and werewolf. She stands at the crossroads helping strengthen the bond between these two powerful and ancient races that have only recently forged a truce that would end the war between them and preserve both their races. It's a fragile truce; yet due to Lissa's unique personality and abilities, she is close with the heads of both races and is so readily accepted that their truce grows into cooperation and trust. The two races work together to hunt down and destroy dissenting factions within their ranks who wish to see the truce destroyed, or who do not wish to conform to vampire or werewolf law.
Lissa is only an honorary werewolf pack member. She's full-blown vampire, however, and having been allowed to live by a narrow vote of the Vampire Council at the end of Blood Wager, she is now under the tutelage of her adopting sire, Merrill, who is responsible for her training and education into the ways of the vampire. During this process she is allowed to continue working with the werewolf Grand Master when needed.
Her abilities continue to emerge, surprising her and her sire, as well as Wlodek, the head of the Vampire Council. She has learned a valuable lesson, however, to keep some of those abilities secret, else she may be deemed too dangerous and sentenced to death. She is thought to only be a vampire female, rare enough as they are, but she is actually a budding Vampire Queen.
Lissa struggles to accept her new un-life, abilities, and knowledge of things she had previously only thought were fantasy. Most difficult of all to tread are the treacherous waters of love and relationships, vastly complicated by her new existence. The weight of so much change so fast makes life difficult for Lissa, to say the least, but also makes fun reading. You’ll fall in love with Lissa just like I did, and become one of her many new supporters within the pages of the Blood Destiny series. Enjoy!
December 31, 2011
Blood Passage suffers of the same disease of Blood Wager: Lissa. I can't connect with her, because she seems schizofrenic or bipolar (in the lay sense of the word). The plot is still good, even if a little bit repetitive (but then they are touring America, so it's going to be some repetition, hotels, meals..)
Unfortunately the coherence is still missing: Lissa behaves as middle age woman towards some, as a child (and is treated as such) with vampires. The problem is vampire are coherent in their behavior, she is not. Or at least she doesn't seem so to me. I would say she has no backbone, but there's not the problem. She is really strong in defending her friends, but is a complete doormat in other situations.
The relationship with Gavin is absurd and abusive. They way she "settle his feathers" is terrifying at times (from my perspective).
On the other side, this book (and part of the next) kept me up until 4am....
It is an interesting series (but it is the end that propelled me to buy the next book, in spite of my decision to stop reading).
Unfortunately the coherence is still missing: Lissa behaves as middle age woman towards some, as a child (and is treated as such) with vampires. The problem is vampire are coherent in their behavior, she is not. Or at least she doesn't seem so to me. I would say she has no backbone, but there's not the problem. She is really strong in defending her friends, but is a complete doormat in other situations.
The relationship with Gavin is absurd and abusive. They way she "settle his feathers" is terrifying at times (from my perspective).
On the other side, this book (and part of the next) kept me up until 4am....
It is an interesting series (but it is the end that propelled me to buy the next book, in spite of my decision to stop reading).
December 30, 2011
Book two in the series
Lissa Haddon is now recognized by the Council. She has been assigned a Sire (Merrill), and has moved into his home. He is teaching her how to follow vampire protocol and the laws she needs to avoid breaking.
She is also force to attend a gala and meet male vampires. Since she is one of the few female vampires she will need to accept an engagement. She decides to take Gavin's offer (lesser of evils or maybe not).
She feels trapped, so when an offer from the Grand Master Weldon Harper comes in, she jumps to accept the position of body guard during his travels through USA territory.
Of course, there is trouble and betrayals and the end of the book is hard to read (and a cliffhanger- which I don't enjoy), but I thought it was well written. The actions scenes can almost be visualized.
Romance wise, there are more guys in the mix. We have Tony, William, Merrill and Gavin (which at times I want to stake).
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
Lissa Haddon is now recognized by the Council. She has been assigned a Sire (Merrill), and has moved into his home. He is teaching her how to follow vampire protocol and the laws she needs to avoid breaking.
She is also force to attend a gala and meet male vampires. Since she is one of the few female vampires she will need to accept an engagement. She decides to take Gavin's offer (lesser of evils or maybe not).
She feels trapped, so when an offer from the Grand Master Weldon Harper comes in, she jumps to accept the position of body guard during his travels through USA territory.
Of course, there is trouble and betrayals and the end of the book is hard to read (and a cliffhanger- which I don't enjoy), but I thought it was well written. The actions scenes can almost be visualized.
Romance wise, there are more guys in the mix. We have Tony, William, Merrill and Gavin (which at times I want to stake).
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
May 2, 2020
Fantastic h, new vampire, distressed because she's being used by those in power. They betray her, and she loses all trust and hope. Her problem is that she's newly turned, and the old vamps punish her as if she was a big strong male. This mistake bites them badly, yet they continue to disrespect her. Quite angsty mixed with a number of plots and a furious pace. Loved it.
November 25, 2011
Dreckitude. The moment she was forced into an arranged vampire marriage with a man she supposedly fiercely hated, I was done. There is only so much cookie-baking-vampire-who-is-irresistible-to-men one can take.
August 25, 2018
Bored! I am so bored. You know why I am so bored? Because this is mostly a story about traveling. Lissa comes back to the states to accompany Weldon on his MANY pack meetings. Since she is now considered a pack member and happens to be a vamp it is good for were/vamp relations for her to attend and keep the Pack Master safe.
And that's pretty much it. Lissa, Weldon and Winkler travel all over the states. 85% - 90% of this book is scenery details. Sure there are some disputes, but for the most part everything is terribly bland. This is an errand running story. They all go shopping, drink latte's, read books, guard rooms, do some more shopping, cooking, etc. Does that sound exciting to you? Because it's not!
This whole story is the poor mans version of a Patricia Briggs novel. At least Briggs stories are entertaining and engaging while Mercy/Anna travel all over and kick butt. Those characters have personality and are likeable too! Suttle's book is a dull snooze-fest and the characters are flat and predictable. Not to mention nearly all the dudes in this series are dickheads! With the exception of Frank and Greg of course. They are so sweet! Everyone else can lick my foot.
And what the heck happened to Lissa? In the first story she was a strong woman who did what she had to do to survive. She didn't take crap off of anyone! Now in this story she is this simpering sobbing mess who doesn't stand up for herself. Why doesn't she ask questions? Why doesn't she ask for the councils protection instead of hiding behind Gavin?
This whole book was total garbage! Gavin is a possessive asshole who doesn't want Lissa to do anything unless he says she can. He treated her so poorly in the first book, still treats her badly in this one and yet she still gets involved with him? Seriously?!
I do not understand! Lissa has suddenly turned into a doormat. I don't think anyone rational would have anything to do with someone like Gavin. Her accepting his protection was a stupid idea, as was getting involved with him. She knows that and yet she still does it! GRR!
The 'adventure' in this novel is lacking and the 'romance' is atrocious. Suddenly all the fellas want Lissa to be theirs. Mostly Gavin, Winkler and Tony. The way they talk to her and call her pet names is a little icky. Not to mention all the grabbing they do! They are all waaay too handsy for my liking! Yet Lissa says nothing when one of them gets a little too friendly.
Then there is this . . . "Stunned as I was, I couldn't move when Winkler lifted me in his arms and kissed me, his mouth transferring warm blood from Tate's death into mine and humping his erection against me until he achieved release." - Page 87
What the fuck did I just read? Winkler savagely kills a defector and because a female was present for the execution, she gets his amorous attention. It usually results in the male and female having sex but Winkler is a 'gentlemen' so he decided on dry humping instead.
Everyone present knew this would happen when Lissa was asked to attend but no one had the decency to tell her. After watching the very disturbing scene of Winkler eviscerating a bad guy she then gets dry humped in front of the Council, and was rightfully shocked, as was I. Why is this allowed?! I was stunned reading this. It felt so wrong! I did not like it at all.
It honestly went all downhill from there. The plot doesn't pick up speed or intensity. There are some little 'surprises' that appear which aren't really all that surprising if you use your brain. There is no mystery or suspense present in the pages. It's basically just a road trip with a lot of bumps along the way and some very uncomfortable suggestive sex scenes.
The best part of the entire book was the last couple pages. Lissa finally stops acting like a wet blanket and decides to take matters into her own hands. It's the only interesting thing that happens out of 253 pages. The rest of it was all filler nonsense. What a bummer!
I wanted more from this series. I expected more! The first novel started out so strong and promising. Sadly, the second installment turned out to be a major disappointment. At this point in time I'm not sure I'll ever read the next one. As far as I'm concerned, I say let the sun rise and burn baby burn!
And that's pretty much it. Lissa, Weldon and Winkler travel all over the states. 85% - 90% of this book is scenery details. Sure there are some disputes, but for the most part everything is terribly bland. This is an errand running story. They all go shopping, drink latte's, read books, guard rooms, do some more shopping, cooking, etc. Does that sound exciting to you? Because it's not!
This whole story is the poor mans version of a Patricia Briggs novel. At least Briggs stories are entertaining and engaging while Mercy/Anna travel all over and kick butt. Those characters have personality and are likeable too! Suttle's book is a dull snooze-fest and the characters are flat and predictable. Not to mention nearly all the dudes in this series are dickheads! With the exception of Frank and Greg of course. They are so sweet! Everyone else can lick my foot.
And what the heck happened to Lissa? In the first story she was a strong woman who did what she had to do to survive. She didn't take crap off of anyone! Now in this story she is this simpering sobbing mess who doesn't stand up for herself. Why doesn't she ask questions? Why doesn't she ask for the councils protection instead of hiding behind Gavin?
This whole book was total garbage! Gavin is a possessive asshole who doesn't want Lissa to do anything unless he says she can. He treated her so poorly in the first book, still treats her badly in this one and yet she still gets involved with him? Seriously?!
I do not understand! Lissa has suddenly turned into a doormat. I don't think anyone rational would have anything to do with someone like Gavin. Her accepting his protection was a stupid idea, as was getting involved with him. She knows that and yet she still does it! GRR!
The 'adventure' in this novel is lacking and the 'romance' is atrocious. Suddenly all the fellas want Lissa to be theirs. Mostly Gavin, Winkler and Tony. The way they talk to her and call her pet names is a little icky. Not to mention all the grabbing they do! They are all waaay too handsy for my liking! Yet Lissa says nothing when one of them gets a little too friendly.
Then there is this . . . "Stunned as I was, I couldn't move when Winkler lifted me in his arms and kissed me, his mouth transferring warm blood from Tate's death into mine and humping his erection against me until he achieved release." - Page 87
What the fuck did I just read? Winkler savagely kills a defector and because a female was present for the execution, she gets his amorous attention. It usually results in the male and female having sex but Winkler is a 'gentlemen' so he decided on dry humping instead.
Everyone present knew this would happen when Lissa was asked to attend but no one had the decency to tell her. After watching the very disturbing scene of Winkler eviscerating a bad guy she then gets dry humped in front of the Council, and was rightfully shocked, as was I. Why is this allowed?! I was stunned reading this. It felt so wrong! I did not like it at all.
It honestly went all downhill from there. The plot doesn't pick up speed or intensity. There are some little 'surprises' that appear which aren't really all that surprising if you use your brain. There is no mystery or suspense present in the pages. It's basically just a road trip with a lot of bumps along the way and some very uncomfortable suggestive sex scenes.
The best part of the entire book was the last couple pages. Lissa finally stops acting like a wet blanket and decides to take matters into her own hands. It's the only interesting thing that happens out of 253 pages. The rest of it was all filler nonsense. What a bummer!
I wanted more from this series. I expected more! The first novel started out so strong and promising. Sadly, the second installment turned out to be a major disappointment. At this point in time I'm not sure I'll ever read the next one. As far as I'm concerned, I say let the sun rise and burn baby burn!
February 25, 2012
Following on from where Blood Wager left off, Lissa is a very rare (obviously) female vampire and has some nifty powers that other vampires don’t have (of course), and she’s not telling anyone she’s got them either.
Some of this novel is very predictable, in her interactions with the vampires the author seems to be trying to isolate Lissa, and granted the male dominated world she has been dragged into doesn’t have a softer side for women, they are used to dealing mostly with men. There was a decent plot regarding werewolf vampire relations, but the vampires seemed to drift between benevolence and monstrous so neither aspect is solid enough to make me scared of them or really like them. Granted Lissa has little choice in how she is treated but she accepted being turned very quickly so I’m finding it hard to believe she can’t accept that the men are trying to protect her (albeit in a rather controlling manner) and find a way to make it work. Yes I know that is very un-feminist of me and I’d be pretty pissed at having my every move dictated to me but I do think I’d be more grown up about it. Bearing in mind Lissa is supposed to be forty-six (even though her change makes her look younger) to me the character is starting to act more like a stroppy teenager than a mature women able to reason with her guardians/captors or show a mature understanding of the reasons for her treatment.
For example she is forced into an engagement, but while railing at the injustice of it she happily sleeps with the guy so she’s not completely indifferent to him. He never forces her so she could accept his protection without any obligation and I get she is supposed to have ‘issues’ with men but these haven’t been developed enough to make a real impact at this stage. As a result Lissa comes off as rather ungrateful when the engagement is to allow her as much freedom as possible within their strict society.
That said Lissa isn’t irredeemable, she has some amusing lines and kicks-butt so hopefully she’ll settle in to her new world. This has a well-plotted story at its core and the zippy story makes up a bit for the contradictory characters. This really does follow on directly from Blood Wager and if written close together this may explain why there has been little development in the authors writing style at this stage, and some areas (such as characterisation) could still use a little more polish. I’m still sticking with the series as it’s a quick easy read, and entertaining enough to justify buying it (especially at Kindle prices.
Some of this novel is very predictable, in her interactions with the vampires the author seems to be trying to isolate Lissa, and granted the male dominated world she has been dragged into doesn’t have a softer side for women, they are used to dealing mostly with men. There was a decent plot regarding werewolf vampire relations, but the vampires seemed to drift between benevolence and monstrous so neither aspect is solid enough to make me scared of them or really like them. Granted Lissa has little choice in how she is treated but she accepted being turned very quickly so I’m finding it hard to believe she can’t accept that the men are trying to protect her (albeit in a rather controlling manner) and find a way to make it work. Yes I know that is very un-feminist of me and I’d be pretty pissed at having my every move dictated to me but I do think I’d be more grown up about it. Bearing in mind Lissa is supposed to be forty-six (even though her change makes her look younger) to me the character is starting to act more like a stroppy teenager than a mature women able to reason with her guardians/captors or show a mature understanding of the reasons for her treatment.
For example she is forced into an engagement, but while railing at the injustice of it she happily sleeps with the guy so she’s not completely indifferent to him. He never forces her so she could accept his protection without any obligation and I get she is supposed to have ‘issues’ with men but these haven’t been developed enough to make a real impact at this stage. As a result Lissa comes off as rather ungrateful when the engagement is to allow her as much freedom as possible within their strict society.
That said Lissa isn’t irredeemable, she has some amusing lines and kicks-butt so hopefully she’ll settle in to her new world. This has a well-plotted story at its core and the zippy story makes up a bit for the contradictory characters. This really does follow on directly from Blood Wager and if written close together this may explain why there has been little development in the authors writing style at this stage, and some areas (such as characterisation) could still use a little more polish. I’m still sticking with the series as it’s a quick easy read, and entertaining enough to justify buying it (especially at Kindle prices.
December 31, 2017
This was a little bit better than Blood Wager, though not by much. Lissa seemed less stupid, and may be even opening her eyes up with all her talk of not trusting vampires.
⤷ That right there is the only reason I'm continuing to read Blood Destiny; it gave me hope that things will get better i.e they will all get their comeuppance.
Compulsion not working on her anymore was a given b/c otherwise she would've just spent the entire series being made to do whatever anyone wanted her to.
That ending, oh my Gods. Finally, she decided to do something about how everyone is always walking all over her(suicide was the better option, unless she was willing to wait hundreds of years until she was old enough that nobody would be able to control her without suffering for it --and considering everything she would've had to go through in the meantime, the woman would've been better off dead).
It may have taken abuse and humiliation, but she did it and that's pretty much all I'm taking from it. Now, let us just pray she sticks to her decision of wanting nothing to do with any of the vampires.
Blood Wager (Blood Destiny, #1)
Blood Sense (Blood Destiny, #3)
"Lissa knows things, father. Somehow, I get the feeling that there will come a day when none of you will be able to control her. And she won't forget how she was treated or what was done to her."
⤷ That right there is the only reason I'm continuing to read Blood Destiny; it gave me hope that things will get better i.e they will all get their comeuppance.
Compulsion not working on her anymore was a given b/c otherwise she would've just spent the entire series being made to do whatever anyone wanted her to.
That ending, oh my Gods. Finally, she decided to do something about how everyone is always walking all over her(suicide was the better option, unless she was willing to wait hundreds of years until she was old enough that nobody would be able to control her without suffering for it --and considering everything she would've had to go through in the meantime, the woman would've been better off dead).
It may have taken abuse and humiliation, but she did it and that's pretty much all I'm taking from it. Now, let us just pray she sticks to her decision of wanting nothing to do with any of the vampires.
Blood Wager (Blood Destiny, #1)
Blood Sense (Blood Destiny, #3)
December 17, 2012
If I thought that the first book in the series was good then the second is excellent.
Lissa is extremely pragmatic and I easily fall in love with her. She makes the best of her new situation while being one mean cookie backing vampire. She has enjoyed the liberty to be a newly turned vampire and now being confined by neanderthal vampires and being engaged to Gavin did not go well. She took her enjoyment where she could get them...which is a long list of close calls but the pacing was well balanced with humor. Gavin did get on my nerve but I put him in the background as an annoying fly otherwise it diminish the enjoyment of the story.
For me, this series is addicting and I can hardly stop.
Lissa is extremely pragmatic and I easily fall in love with her. She makes the best of her new situation while being one mean cookie backing vampire. She has enjoyed the liberty to be a newly turned vampire and now being confined by neanderthal vampires and being engaged to Gavin did not go well. She took her enjoyment where she could get them...which is a long list of close calls but the pacing was well balanced with humor. Gavin did get on my nerve but I put him in the background as an annoying fly otherwise it diminish the enjoyment of the story.
For me, this series is addicting and I can hardly stop.
September 12, 2011
This book is the best! This series is my new favorite series. Now that I'm finished with book two, and impatiently awaiting book three, I will have to re-read book one and two, I think. They are that good. If you loved Twilight, read these books. If you HATED Twilight, read these books. If you don't think you like vampire books, read these books anyway! I've turned up my nose at vampire books for two years now, and I'm so glad I gave another one (these books) a chance. I would have missed out. Better still, the books are only 99 cents at the kindle store!
December 25, 2011
An interesting series (and the end propelled me to buy the next book in spite of my initial decision to stop reading). However, as with the first book, still way too much repetition, too many details (sometimes we don't need to know the exact steps a character took to do an action, like getting to the car; we just need to know the action was finished), too much side information that distracted from the storyline, and characters that told each other things they both already knew to get that information to the reader. This series would shine with an objective editor.
October 13, 2011
not quite as good as book one but still likeable. instead of having a quiet strength, Lissa came across as a pushover. i did not like Gavin in bk 1 & so really did not care for his role in bk 2. lissa's emotions didnt feel as realistic either. other than my personal character preferances it was enjoyable but i'm not sure if i will continue in the series.
November 4, 2017
Fascinating
I’m reading this book for the fifth or p6th time. I can’t get enough this series is addicting so be warned. But. WOW what a ride
I’m reading this book for the fifth or p6th time. I can’t get enough this series is addicting so be warned. But. WOW what a ride
January 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
***WARNING: LONG RANT AHEAD***
I really liked this book. I love this world and I really enjoy watching Lissa navigate her new life as a vampire while also having to deal with the changes that come with it. I really like how fast paced these books are. It seems like the plot is just go, go, go and there never really is a dull moment.
In the first book, I had mixed opinions of Lissa and I said in my review that I needed to read a little bit more to make a full opinion of her. Well, my opinion is officially been made... I LOVE HER! She is so strong and so brave. For all the stuff that has happened to her in the last year, she is holding herself together quite nicely (except for that ending scene). I think Lissa is starting to realize just how much of a rarity she is and she is only getting more and more abilities as the series goes on. She is even resisting the strongest compulsion now. I do believe that she is becoming a Vampire Queen. I felt like she let the males in her life control her for most of this book but about the last 5% or so, she really stood up to them and came into her own. I was just so proud of her.
Something I wasn't expecting was for Gavin to make me as mad as he did during this book. He was so controlling and possessive; it was smothering. I like a little possessive in my males, don't get me wrong, but Gavin was way over the top. I didn't like how he treated Lissa at all throughout the book. I felt like Lissa was kind of forced into a relationship with him which I did not appreciate. I also didn't appreciate the fact that whenever Lissa tried to have a real conversation with Gavin about real issues, he would start to initiate sex with her so they didn't have to talk. He definitely lost a lot of respect from me when that occurred. After this book, I really don't see him redeeming himself to me and I just don't like him as a person. I think Lissa and his relationship is really unhealthy and I just don't agree with it.
Another thing I did not like was that beating scene at the end. My respect for all of the men in Lissa's life dropped tremendously at that moment. I expected her to start getting beat and then for the guys to step in and if any of them didn't than at least Gavin, but nope. NONE of them did a thing. They all just stood by while Lissa got 3 BROKEN RIBS, a BROKEN WRIST, a CRACKED SKULL, AND MANY BRUISES! I have NEVER read a book where that happened. Ever. Gavin and the rest just stood there while she was getting that done to her and their "excuse" was that that was just the way things were done. Excuse me?! Let's just pick Gavin for arguments sake (because it can be argued that the others don’t love her like he does). Gavin, you just STOOD THERE while the girl you claim to love is getting beaten and you DO NOTHING?! I lost all respect for him at that point. To me, it showed where his loyalties lie (not like he hasn't proven that already) and they sure aren't with Lissa. If any of you really cared about her, the Vampire Council would have had to kill you all before you let them to that to her. There is no excuse for them just standing by and watching it all happen. NONE. I feel like Lissa had every right to be mad at all of them afterwards. When she told them to leave her alone and to not touch her, I was in FULL agreement. If I were Lissa, I would never trust any of them again because they have proven that other things matter more than she does and that is enough for me to lose any feelings and all respect I had for them.
On a more positive note, I will be continuing on with this series because I do love it. I am very curious what will happen next and I can't wait to find out. I would also like to find out more about Griffin because I am very curious about him and I would like to get to know him better.
MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
***WARNING: LONG RANT AHEAD***
I really liked this book. I love this world and I really enjoy watching Lissa navigate her new life as a vampire while also having to deal with the changes that come with it. I really like how fast paced these books are. It seems like the plot is just go, go, go and there never really is a dull moment.
In the first book, I had mixed opinions of Lissa and I said in my review that I needed to read a little bit more to make a full opinion of her. Well, my opinion is officially been made... I LOVE HER! She is so strong and so brave. For all the stuff that has happened to her in the last year, she is holding herself together quite nicely (except for that ending scene). I think Lissa is starting to realize just how much of a rarity she is and she is only getting more and more abilities as the series goes on. She is even resisting the strongest compulsion now. I do believe that she is becoming a Vampire Queen. I felt like she let the males in her life control her for most of this book but about the last 5% or so, she really stood up to them and came into her own. I was just so proud of her.
Something I wasn't expecting was for Gavin to make me as mad as he did during this book. He was so controlling and possessive; it was smothering. I like a little possessive in my males, don't get me wrong, but Gavin was way over the top. I didn't like how he treated Lissa at all throughout the book. I felt like Lissa was kind of forced into a relationship with him which I did not appreciate. I also didn't appreciate the fact that whenever Lissa tried to have a real conversation with Gavin about real issues, he would start to initiate sex with her so they didn't have to talk. He definitely lost a lot of respect from me when that occurred. After this book, I really don't see him redeeming himself to me and I just don't like him as a person. I think Lissa and his relationship is really unhealthy and I just don't agree with it.
Another thing I did not like was that beating scene at the end. My respect for all of the men in Lissa's life dropped tremendously at that moment. I expected her to start getting beat and then for the guys to step in and if any of them didn't than at least Gavin, but nope. NONE of them did a thing. They all just stood by while Lissa got 3 BROKEN RIBS, a BROKEN WRIST, a CRACKED SKULL, AND MANY BRUISES! I have NEVER read a book where that happened. Ever. Gavin and the rest just stood there while she was getting that done to her and their "excuse" was that that was just the way things were done. Excuse me?! Let's just pick Gavin for arguments sake (because it can be argued that the others don’t love her like he does). Gavin, you just STOOD THERE while the girl you claim to love is getting beaten and you DO NOTHING?! I lost all respect for him at that point. To me, it showed where his loyalties lie (not like he hasn't proven that already) and they sure aren't with Lissa. If any of you really cared about her, the Vampire Council would have had to kill you all before you let them to that to her. There is no excuse for them just standing by and watching it all happen. NONE. I feel like Lissa had every right to be mad at all of them afterwards. When she told them to leave her alone and to not touch her, I was in FULL agreement. If I were Lissa, I would never trust any of them again because they have proven that other things matter more than she does and that is enough for me to lose any feelings and all respect I had for them.
On a more positive note, I will be continuing on with this series because I do love it. I am very curious what will happen next and I can't wait to find out. I would also like to find out more about Griffin because I am very curious about him and I would like to get to know him better.
September 5, 2017
DNF @ 33%
Wow. I don't even know what to say.
I liked the first book, but this.......
This book displays some non-consent in the most slimy way possible. I was reading it and I felt so icky. The worst part is that it isn't really addressed as non-con. If it had been addressed, I might have read on, because then I'd have the outlook that at some point it was going to be put a stop to. But since it's just accepted, it's likely to continue to happen, and I just can't read that shit.
Urgh, this was disgusting.
Wow. I don't even know what to say.
I liked the first book, but this.......
This book displays some non-consent in the most slimy way possible. I was reading it and I felt so icky. The worst part is that it isn't really addressed as non-con. If it had been addressed, I might have read on, because then I'd have the outlook that at some point it was going to be put a stop to. But since it's just accepted, it's likely to continue to happen, and I just can't read that shit.
Urgh, this was disgusting.
May 27, 2020
This one started out horribly with a neverending string of incredible bullshit.
First, she is being taught how to properly drink from a human after she lived off of humans for weeks by herself without ever hurting anyone and only getting caught on her very first drink before she even knew about compulsion.
Not by practising on someone mind you, no, by being forced to being bitten by a stranger.
Which as we already know causes an intense orgasm. WHAT THE FUCK. This crosses the borders to sexual abuse even if that wasn't actually the intension. Especially because it's completely unnecessary as she, again, is aware of all of this already, again, what the fuck.
Then, to test if she could keep behaving like a human under drug influence apparently, she is being forced to drink from a drug addict.
Not only did the master not make sure that the guy was safe to drink from by checking what kind of drugs he even consumed and how much and instead forced her to drink from the next best junky, no, instead of telling her beforehand what this was even about he just forced her to do it and then threatened her with compulsion afterwards when she started to suffer the effects of the various drugs. I can not put into words how much irresponsible bullshit is contained within this short first section of the story.
Not only that but then we are constantly told that this incompetent, inane prick is a "good teacher".
Good riddance. I pity the author for her school classes if she considers this a "good teacher".
And all this happened within the first 20 minutes of the audiobook.
First, she is being taught how to properly drink from a human after she lived off of humans for weeks by herself without ever hurting anyone and only getting caught on her very first drink before she even knew about compulsion.
Not by practising on someone mind you, no, by being forced to being bitten by a stranger.
Which as we already know causes an intense orgasm. WHAT THE FUCK. This crosses the borders to sexual abuse even if that wasn't actually the intension. Especially because it's completely unnecessary as she, again, is aware of all of this already, again, what the fuck.
Then, to test if she could keep behaving like a human under drug influence apparently, she is being forced to drink from a drug addict.
Not only did the master not make sure that the guy was safe to drink from by checking what kind of drugs he even consumed and how much and instead forced her to drink from the next best junky, no, instead of telling her beforehand what this was even about he just forced her to do it and then threatened her with compulsion afterwards when she started to suffer the effects of the various drugs. I can not put into words how much irresponsible bullshit is contained within this short first section of the story.
Not only that but then we are constantly told that this incompetent, inane prick is a "good teacher".
Good riddance. I pity the author for her school classes if she considers this a "good teacher".
And all this happened within the first 20 minutes of the audiobook.
June 17, 2022
I read this book a few years ago and enjoyed it then so decided to come back to it. Fresh eyes can really change a series- this time around I just could not get past the abuse in practically every relationship Lissa had in this book. The main love interest is effectively verbally abusive and she was forced to marry him, and I can’t get behind them when every scene is “he wanted sex, so I let him because that’s what he clearly wants” or “he kept cursing but it’s best to wait him out or he’ll get more angry” comments. Then her werewolf friends let her be assaulted with an unconscious exam from a bad guy and don’t tell her? That’s along with Winkler, her one friend and previous blackmailer, dry humping her even though it made her supremely uncomfortable and then her love interest screaming at her for letting him do that- what?? Oh and finally where she decides to step in the sun because she was beaten for saving everyone and everyone thinks that’s completely normal and chill to beat someone like that?
There’s a plot in here that I remember really enjoying, so I’m going to try to read the third but the relationships and abuse are really going on from every angle, with Lissa doing nothing to stop it despite all her extra powers and not growing enough as a character to become capable to stop it either. Frustrating book overall
There’s a plot in here that I remember really enjoying, so I’m going to try to read the third but the relationships and abuse are really going on from every angle, with Lissa doing nothing to stop it despite all her extra powers and not growing enough as a character to become capable to stop it either. Frustrating book overall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
Darker Than The First Book
This book is definitely much darker than the first. Lissa is being taught by Merrill all about being a vampire and some of the lessons are not fun for her. In addition, unbeknownst to her Wlodek wants her to work as an enforcer and is trying to slowly lure her into the job with little tasks.
Word has also got out into the wider vampire community about her existence and ‘offers’ are being made for her hand in marriage, even if she isn’t interested.
Essentially Lissa is being backed into a corner about how her life is going to be from now on. She’s trying to make the most of it, but it’s pretty hard going, especially when she really doesn’t trust the vampires at all.
There is quite a lot of darkness in this book, with questions of how much manipulation is acceptable being raised. There is also the question of how the vampires and werewolves discipline their own, which is pretty shocking to both Lissa and the reader.
I think the darkness actually makes this a better book. We start to see Lissa’s substance underneath her general attempts to be nice to be people and be helpful. We get to see how far she can be pushed before she pushes back.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading the next book.
This book is definitely much darker than the first. Lissa is being taught by Merrill all about being a vampire and some of the lessons are not fun for her. In addition, unbeknownst to her Wlodek wants her to work as an enforcer and is trying to slowly lure her into the job with little tasks.
Word has also got out into the wider vampire community about her existence and ‘offers’ are being made for her hand in marriage, even if she isn’t interested.
Essentially Lissa is being backed into a corner about how her life is going to be from now on. She’s trying to make the most of it, but it’s pretty hard going, especially when she really doesn’t trust the vampires at all.
There is quite a lot of darkness in this book, with questions of how much manipulation is acceptable being raised. There is also the question of how the vampires and werewolves discipline their own, which is pretty shocking to both Lissa and the reader.
I think the darkness actually makes this a better book. We start to see Lissa’s substance underneath her general attempts to be nice to be people and be helpful. We get to see how far she can be pushed before she pushes back.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading the next book.
April 5, 2018
A continuation of this most excellent series, one thing I know for sure is that I am going to be missing out on sleep for the next week or two! The politics get ever deeper, the apparent cruelty increases even more so and I wanted to shout at the so called responsible people in Lissa's lives and at times I was in tears. However I was sucked right in and I could barely put the book down. In fact I read until the small hours of the morning.
Lissa's abilities continue to grow and with it her strength and capabilities. The downside to that is the volume of people who either want to kill her or own her. Sometimes it's hard working out who has motives for what, even when we get those intriguing little asides from other character's view points, which I love. All in all a racing plot, amazing characters and edge your seat action. Brilliant.
Lissa's abilities continue to grow and with it her strength and capabilities. The downside to that is the volume of people who either want to kill her or own her. Sometimes it's hard working out who has motives for what, even when we get those intriguing little asides from other character's view points, which I love. All in all a racing plot, amazing characters and edge your seat action. Brilliant.
January 10, 2019
Fun and games in the life of Lissa! Again, I feel that there were too many 'main events' but I was able to keep up and enjoyed this story. One day, this patriarchal society is going to be brought down (I hope!).
Worth the credit if you have the time to really listen to be able to keep up with all the characters.
Worth the credit if you have the time to really listen to be able to keep up with all the characters.
February 13, 2019
Not a big fan of this series, the editing could be better, there is alot of fluff and very hard on the main character. Personally i have an issue with people commiting suicide instead of facing things. My viggest complaint is how everyone is written. I had the entire book figured out in the first chapter. There was no mystery no development, not even a explaination of things.
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