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The Half-Light City #2
Blood Kin
Imagine a city divided. A city where human and Fae magic rests uneasily next to the vampire Blood and the shapeshifting Beasts. A city where a fragile peace is brokered by a treaty that set the laws for all four races…a treaty that is faltering day by day.
I didn’t plan on becoming a thief and a spy. But options are limited for the half-breed daughter of a Fae lord. My father abandoned me but at least I inherited some of his magic, and my skills with charms and glamours mean that few are as good at uncovering secrets others wish to hide. Right now the city has many secrets. And those who seek them pay so well…
I never expected to stumble across a Templar Knight in my part of the city. Guy DuCaine is sworn to duty and honor and loyalty—all the things I’m not. I may have aroused more than his suspicion but he belongs to the Order and the human world. So when treachery and violence spill threaten both our worlds, learning to trust each other might be the only thing that saves us.
But even if a spy and a holy knight can work together, finding the key to peace is never going to be easy…
I didn’t plan on becoming a thief and a spy. But options are limited for the half-breed daughter of a Fae lord. My father abandoned me but at least I inherited some of his magic, and my skills with charms and glamours mean that few are as good at uncovering secrets others wish to hide. Right now the city has many secrets. And those who seek them pay so well…
I never expected to stumble across a Templar Knight in my part of the city. Guy DuCaine is sworn to duty and honor and loyalty—all the things I’m not. I may have aroused more than his suspicion but he belongs to the Order and the human world. So when treachery and violence spill threaten both our worlds, learning to trust each other might be the only thing that saves us.
But even if a spy and a holy knight can work together, finding the key to peace is never going to be easy…
325 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
56 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Scott
28 books594 followersM.J Scott is a RITA® Award nominated author. She is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction. When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and fabric. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
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She has also written contemporary romance as Melanie Scott and Emma Douglas.
For free reads and all her news and sneak peeks sign up to her newsletter at https://www.mjscott.net!
Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormjscott
Or Instagram: www.instagram.com/melwrites
Or Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mel_writes
She has also written contemporary romance as Melanie Scott and Emma Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 20, 2012
I feel like this is 3.5 as a rating, but I can't give half-stars :D In a very crowded, derivative field of urban fantasy right now, I like this series! This is the second, and I definitely enjoyed reading it. I like the characters and I think the world building is interesting (although not as fleshed out as I keep looking for, but it's definitely getting there). Templars/Vampires/Fairy/Human/Shifters, it's a lot going on, and I still don't feel like I understand 100% what it is to exist in this world, but I am still interested in figuring more out. I like how the other couple from the first book was integral to this one, it was cool to see them existing together after a whole book was dedicated to their getting together. I believed the romance in this one as much as the last. There were some Muhahaha bad guys, but whatever, the magic justified some interesting traps for the main character.
Again the POV shifted back and forth between the guy and the girl, and I dunno if I'm crazy about that, but I was in it until the end, and I'll be on the next ride if there's another!
Again the POV shifted back and forth between the guy and the girl, and I dunno if I'm crazy about that, but I was in it until the end, and I'll be on the next ride if there's another!
August 12, 2012
3,5 stars.
The plot of this story, is developed in the aftermath of Lucius death, the vicious Blood Lord which we met in the first book. With the death of that one, riots and struggles for power happen on a daily basis weakening the Templars who almost every day suffer losses amongst their ranks.
Guy DuCaine, brother of Simon DuCaine, the sunmage, stands on a dificult position. Having his brother engaged to Lily, a wraith, that used to be bound to Lucius service, makes it impossible for him, to place Lily in danger. His superior officer, and most of his colleagues would like nothing more than to have Lily working for the Templars, and all dangers be damned for that one. But Guy refuses to put a member of his family at risk.
Enters Holly. One night, a woman falls literally in Guy's arms, having fallen of a building. Her name is Holly and she is a spy, an half-breed fae. Who just like Guy, will do anything to save her family.
When a "geas" a curse is placed upon her, forcing her to accept a mission, Holly's life will collide with Guy and both their lifes will never be the same. Holly's mission is to spy on Simon and discover that one's secret. Her father, the one who forces the geas on her also has her beaten as a way to grant her entrance on the hospital where Simon works. And to further her compliance he also has Holly's mother and best friend kidnapped. Talk about a truthfully hateful character...
And that is how, Holly and Guy will end working together. He needs a spy to help uncover the political games that are being played in the city, and reluctanly she will accept on the basis that he will help her with her mother and friend. So to uphold his oaths, Guy will have to pretend to renegue on the same ones. Playing the part of a renegade Templar, Guy, aided by Holly will enter a world, where for once he will not have the upper hand.
This urban fantasy novel, with a strong plot and a very intense romance, had me turning the pages until the very end, so i will be sure to read the third one, em 2013.
The plot of this story, is developed in the aftermath of Lucius death, the vicious Blood Lord which we met in the first book. With the death of that one, riots and struggles for power happen on a daily basis weakening the Templars who almost every day suffer losses amongst their ranks.
Guy DuCaine, brother of Simon DuCaine, the sunmage, stands on a dificult position. Having his brother engaged to Lily, a wraith, that used to be bound to Lucius service, makes it impossible for him, to place Lily in danger. His superior officer, and most of his colleagues would like nothing more than to have Lily working for the Templars, and all dangers be damned for that one. But Guy refuses to put a member of his family at risk.
Enters Holly. One night, a woman falls literally in Guy's arms, having fallen of a building. Her name is Holly and she is a spy, an half-breed fae. Who just like Guy, will do anything to save her family.
When a "geas" a curse is placed upon her, forcing her to accept a mission, Holly's life will collide with Guy and both their lifes will never be the same. Holly's mission is to spy on Simon and discover that one's secret. Her father, the one who forces the geas on her also has her beaten as a way to grant her entrance on the hospital where Simon works. And to further her compliance he also has Holly's mother and best friend kidnapped. Talk about a truthfully hateful character...
And that is how, Holly and Guy will end working together. He needs a spy to help uncover the political games that are being played in the city, and reluctanly she will accept on the basis that he will help her with her mother and friend. So to uphold his oaths, Guy will have to pretend to renegue on the same ones. Playing the part of a renegade Templar, Guy, aided by Holly will enter a world, where for once he will not have the upper hand.
This urban fantasy novel, with a strong plot and a very intense romance, had me turning the pages until the very end, so i will be sure to read the third one, em 2013.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2013
This time out half-fae spy Holly is working a distasteful job and literally falls into the arms of hot, dedicated, cocky & confident Templar guy - Guy DuCaine (yea Simon's brother). Her line of work and his current quest makes opportunities to meet again abundant and inevitable as each is looking for answers about the disappearance/death of the blood lord just as the treaty seems to be fracturing. Using these same opportunities, both Guy and Holly enter into a partnership while staying true to their family, work and magical obligations and finding out just how compatible they really are.
Once again the shifting POV and minute world building in this second installment detracted greatly from the storyline for me. I liked Holly more than Lily but liked both Simon and Guy equally. I liked the pacing here more and having some idea on the world building I wasn't as lost as in an origin story but factually enjoyed Shadow Kin more - but I would read the next installment if I can get over my aversion for the shifting POV.
Once again the shifting POV and minute world building in this second installment detracted greatly from the storyline for me. I liked Holly more than Lily but liked both Simon and Guy equally. I liked the pacing here more and having some idea on the world building I wasn't as lost as in an origin story but factually enjoyed Shadow Kin more - but I would read the next installment if I can get over my aversion for the shifting POV.
September 2, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. Possibly more. It may be deserving of a 4-star rating even.
This series is definitely one which builds on you. Each book in the Half-Light City series focuses upon different characters but they revolve around a similar central story thread which is continued through each book and I like that link between each one. This time, we had Guy and Holly and I just enjoyed their character much more than Lily and Simon from the first one. I grew attached t them far quicker and the struggles they went through. Whilst the obstacles to their relationship were obvious and overused ploys to keep the couple apart I didn't find myself rolling my eyes as I did with the first as I got dragged into the story. Maybe it's the fact it's not a first book setting the story up which worked better for me. Who knows. We'll have to see how the next book goes.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. Possibly more. It may be deserving of a 4-star rating even.
This series is definitely one which builds on you. Each book in the Half-Light City series focuses upon different characters but they revolve around a similar central story thread which is continued through each book and I like that link between each one. This time, we had Guy and Holly and I just enjoyed their character much more than Lily and Simon from the first one. I grew attached t them far quicker and the struggles they went through. Whilst the obstacles to their relationship were obvious and overused ploys to keep the couple apart I didn't find myself rolling my eyes as I did with the first as I got dragged into the story. Maybe it's the fact it's not a first book setting the story up which worked better for me. Who knows. We'll have to see how the next book goes.
September 14, 2013
3.5
Great characters, great world. Less than 4 stars because he's somewhat less fleshed out than she is (Holly is definitely my kind of girl), and because the world is absolutely great, but I could do without the romance. Do not misunderstand me this is great as PNR, but I was expecting a UF/fantasy and the romance got in its way < grin >.
Therefore, the plot seemed almost unfinished to me, because it's developing in an arch along books, but the single novels focus on a couple. So you get a nice HEA for the heroine, but you are left bloody hanging for the story. :)
Great characters, great world. Less than 4 stars because he's somewhat less fleshed out than she is (Holly is definitely my kind of girl), and because the world is absolutely great, but I could do without the romance. Do not misunderstand me this is great as PNR, but I was expecting a UF/fantasy and the romance got in its way < grin >.
Therefore, the plot seemed almost unfinished to me, because it's developing in an arch along books, but the single novels focus on a couple. So you get a nice HEA for the heroine, but you are left bloody hanging for the story. :)
May 13, 2012
I liked this one, not quite as much as book one though. I loved Guy and Holly - but wanted to see more of this world. Also felt like the conflict from book one, was an obvious secret in this book.
Still enjoy this series. I think it is a well built world. I just want to become deeper into it.
Full review to come.
Still enjoy this series. I think it is a well built world. I just want to become deeper into it.
Full review to come.
June 16, 2017
Holly Evendale is half-fae and looked down upon by her father Cormen. Holly's a thief and a spy for Nightworld and Humans alike. Holly loses her grip on the chimney and falls into the hands of a Templar named Guy DuCaine. Guy doesn't know what possessed him to catch Holly but doesn't understand the attraction he's feeling either. Something or someone is stirring up trouble that leaves Templars scrambling to deal with ambushes on a nightly basis. Templars are getting stretched pretty thinner and thinner each night on patrol. Guy believes that Holly is the only person who can get to the bottom of this cuz the usual informants aren't talking to anyone no matter how much the pay is. Can Holly help Guy? Will Holly trust Guy? Who is behind the trouble? Your answers await you in Blood Kin.
I really enjoyed this action packed sequel to Shadow Kin. The characters and story were rich, bold, intriguing, complex, down to earth, flawed, compelling, and honest. I could relate to Guy moreso than Holly even though I got the sense that there was more to this part of the story. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
I really enjoyed this action packed sequel to Shadow Kin. The characters and story were rich, bold, intriguing, complex, down to earth, flawed, compelling, and honest. I could relate to Guy moreso than Holly even though I got the sense that there was more to this part of the story. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
May 13, 2019
I enjoy the world created, but have no interest in finishing this series due to how problematic the lead dudes are in the first two books. You’d think perhaps maybe one of them didn’t have to be an actual POS to the heroine, but clearly not.
“I acknowledge you literally had no choice but to do something I consider distasteful because you’re an actual slave, but you’re disgusting and I’m so much better than you.” Wtf. DNF this book even though I was 90% through simply because of that repeat in theme.
“I acknowledge you literally had no choice but to do something I consider distasteful because you’re an actual slave, but you’re disgusting and I’m so much better than you.” Wtf. DNF this book even though I was 90% through simply because of that repeat in theme.
September 18, 2020
Great Next Book
I love series like this where they continue in the world with new main characters but you still get cameos from the characters you fell in love with in the last book
I love series like this where they continue in the world with new main characters but you still get cameos from the characters you fell in love with in the last book
March 18, 2021
This novel was entertaining from the start, but felt very much repetitive to the first book in this series, Shadow kin! My favourite. Unfortunately, since I am too stubborn for my own good - I will be reading the other 2 in this series, and I can only hope that they will be a bit different!
April 29, 2018
A great addition. I enjoyed learning a little more about both the Templars, and, the Fae court.
October 13, 2019
The half-life city continues to captivate, enjoyable. Name sure you read books in sequence.
April 5, 2021
I can't finish it too long to get to the point.
June 9, 2021
Loved this story. It was a page turner. I love Holley and Guy. A fantastic second book in this series and I can’t wait to read book 3.
June 18, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed
June 22, 2012
3.5
Holly is a half-fae thief and spy. She is forced to do a job she really doesn’t want to do. As it happens she runs into Templar Guy DuCaine for a second time. Being a spy and having to deal with a Templar can be hard, add in some attraction between the two, and it gets really hard. Guy nearly forces Holly to work with him, so he doesn’t have to involve his brother’s soon-to-be-wife. Soon the two are moving through the Night World together.
This is the second book in The Half-Light City series. I didn’t read the first book, and I didn’t feel lost starting out. It is about a different couple than the first novel in the series. It is told half in Holly’s point of view, the other half in Guy’s. The duel perspectives are enjoyable but you can read right through and forget the point of view switched to a different character.
While Holly is doing her spy thing for the Night World, Guy is doing his, save the humans Templar thing, except that the Templars are being ambushed by the beast (werewolves) kind, and they are losing good men fast. After he runs into Holly once, he then finds her where his brother works healing people. He soon learns what/who she is, and decides they should work together.
Holly and Guy are a little bit of an odd couple for me. There isn’t an instant love, but definitely some instant attraction (which is fine by me). The reason they are an odd couple is more to do with what Guy represents. He is a Templar and has an air of authority which makes me wonder why or how Holly thought him attractive still after she got to know him. As you can see I was not a huge Guy fan.
The first part of the book moves at a nice pace, mainly because of the situations both main characters find themselves in. Holly is my kind of girl. She is practical and doesn’t see everything in black and white unlike Guy. Guy is a usual alpha male which is annoying at times. He doesn’t listen to reason, or really anyone other than himself, and seems to turn into a whole different kind of person when he is getting intimate with Holly. This made him fall a little more than flat for me.
The side characters didn’t stick out for me a lot except for Holly’s friend Fen, who is also half-fae and a fortune teller to boot. I would really dig-it if he had his own book. He also seems more likely of a companion for Holly, just saying.
The story is set in a world where Vampires, werewolves and fae exist, but it isn’t an Urban Fantasy. They have gas lights, and have a bit of a seeming French flair, but I wouldn’t call it, or say it is steampunk. No cogs here. Instead I would say fantasy world, and while dragons don’t exist, mages do. It is not castles or anything like that. It is set mainly in one city, and while it is not modern, it isn’t really medieval either. What surprised me was as many politics that went into telling the story I still don’t fully understand who, or what is fully in charge of the city, but I can say I like how this is set up. It reads like an urban fantasy, so fans of the genre will not be thrown by the setting.
The story was fun and exciting. It started out fast paced with me, and then slowed down a little towards the end. I really enjoyed it, but I felt as if the scenes could have been taken a little further. It skimmed around the edges of what it could have been. The setting, it not being in a modern world, but having all the trappings of an everyday urban fantasy is what made the book stand out, but the plot lagged a little. There is one thing I still don’t fully understand about the Night World bad dudes that I can’t say without spoiling it, but I can say when everything was out in the open there is one fact that makes no sense to me. It is a plot point, and important to the story. There is a steamy scene, but once it is played out the sexual tension seems to steam out. I think it was Guy swift change of character after the scene that had me at a distance after this. I do plan to read the first one. I have heard good things, and I wouldn’t mind getting a hold of the next one, but in the end I wanted more from the story.
Holly is a half-fae thief and spy. She is forced to do a job she really doesn’t want to do. As it happens she runs into Templar Guy DuCaine for a second time. Being a spy and having to deal with a Templar can be hard, add in some attraction between the two, and it gets really hard. Guy nearly forces Holly to work with him, so he doesn’t have to involve his brother’s soon-to-be-wife. Soon the two are moving through the Night World together.
This is the second book in The Half-Light City series. I didn’t read the first book, and I didn’t feel lost starting out. It is about a different couple than the first novel in the series. It is told half in Holly’s point of view, the other half in Guy’s. The duel perspectives are enjoyable but you can read right through and forget the point of view switched to a different character.
While Holly is doing her spy thing for the Night World, Guy is doing his, save the humans Templar thing, except that the Templars are being ambushed by the beast (werewolves) kind, and they are losing good men fast. After he runs into Holly once, he then finds her where his brother works healing people. He soon learns what/who she is, and decides they should work together.
Holly and Guy are a little bit of an odd couple for me. There isn’t an instant love, but definitely some instant attraction (which is fine by me). The reason they are an odd couple is more to do with what Guy represents. He is a Templar and has an air of authority which makes me wonder why or how Holly thought him attractive still after she got to know him. As you can see I was not a huge Guy fan.
The first part of the book moves at a nice pace, mainly because of the situations both main characters find themselves in. Holly is my kind of girl. She is practical and doesn’t see everything in black and white unlike Guy. Guy is a usual alpha male which is annoying at times. He doesn’t listen to reason, or really anyone other than himself, and seems to turn into a whole different kind of person when he is getting intimate with Holly. This made him fall a little more than flat for me.
The side characters didn’t stick out for me a lot except for Holly’s friend Fen, who is also half-fae and a fortune teller to boot. I would really dig-it if he had his own book. He also seems more likely of a companion for Holly, just saying.
The story is set in a world where Vampires, werewolves and fae exist, but it isn’t an Urban Fantasy. They have gas lights, and have a bit of a seeming French flair, but I wouldn’t call it, or say it is steampunk. No cogs here. Instead I would say fantasy world, and while dragons don’t exist, mages do. It is not castles or anything like that. It is set mainly in one city, and while it is not modern, it isn’t really medieval either. What surprised me was as many politics that went into telling the story I still don’t fully understand who, or what is fully in charge of the city, but I can say I like how this is set up. It reads like an urban fantasy, so fans of the genre will not be thrown by the setting.
The story was fun and exciting. It started out fast paced with me, and then slowed down a little towards the end. I really enjoyed it, but I felt as if the scenes could have been taken a little further. It skimmed around the edges of what it could have been. The setting, it not being in a modern world, but having all the trappings of an everyday urban fantasy is what made the book stand out, but the plot lagged a little. There is one thing I still don’t fully understand about the Night World bad dudes that I can’t say without spoiling it, but I can say when everything was out in the open there is one fact that makes no sense to me. It is a plot point, and important to the story. There is a steamy scene, but once it is played out the sexual tension seems to steam out. I think it was Guy swift change of character after the scene that had me at a distance after this. I do plan to read the first one. I have heard good things, and I wouldn’t mind getting a hold of the next one, but in the end I wanted more from the story.
June 20, 2012
3.5 stars
Holly is a half-fae thief and spy. She is forced to do a job she really doesn’t want to do. As it happens she runs into Templar Guy DuCaine for a second time. Being a spy and having to deal with a Templar can be hard, add in some attraction between the two, and it gets really hard. Guy nearly forces Holly to work with him, so he doesn’t have to involve his brother’s soon-to-be-wife. Soon the two are moving through the Night World together.
This is the second book in The Half-Light City series. I didn’t read the first book, and I didn’t feel lost starting out. It is about a different couple than the first novel in the series. It is told half in Holly’s point of view, the other half in Guy’s. The duel perspectives are enjoyable but you can read right through and forget the point of view switched to a different character.
While Holly is doing her spy thing for the Night World, Guy is doing his, save the humans Templar thing, except that the Templars are being ambushed by the beast (werewolves) kind, and they are losing good men fast. After he runs into Holly once, he then finds her where his brother works healing people. He soon learns what/who she is, and decides they should work together.
Holly and Guy are a little bit of an odd couple for me. There isn’t an instant love, but definitely some instant attraction (which is fine by me). The reason they are an odd couple is more to do with what Guy represents. He is a Templar and has an air of authority which makes me wonder why or how Holly thought him attractive still after she got to know him. As you can see I was not a huge Guy fan.
The first part of the book moves at a nice pace, mainly because of the situations both main characters find themselves in. Holly is my kind of girl. She is practical and doesn’t see everything in black and white unlike Guy. Guy is a usual alpha male which is annoying at times. He doesn’t listen to reason, or really anyone other than himself, and seems to turn into a whole different kind of person when he is getting intimate with Holly. This made him fall a little more than flat for me.
The side characters didn’t stick out for me a lot except for Holly’s friend Fen, who is also half-fae and a fortune teller to boot. I would really dig-it if he had his own book. He also seems more likely of a companion for Holly, just saying.
The story is set in a world where Vampires, werewolves and fae exist, but it isn’t an Urban Fantasy. They have gas lights, and have a bit of a seeming French flair, but I wouldn’t call it, or say it is steampunk. No cogs here. Instead I would say fantasy world, and while dragons don’t exist, mages do. It is not castles or anything like that. It is set mainly in one city, and while it is not modern, it isn’t really medieval either. What surprised me was as many politics that went into telling the story I still don’t fully understand who, or what is fully in charge of the city, but I can say I like how this is set up. It reads like an urban fantasy, so fans of the genre will not be thrown by the setting.
The story was fun and exciting. It started out fast paced with me, and then slowed down a little towards the end. I really enjoyed it, but I felt as if the scenes could have been taken a little further. It skimmed around the edges of what it could have been. The setting, it not being in a modern world, but having all the trappings of an everyday urban fantasy is what made the book stand out, but the plot lagged a little. There is one thing I still don’t fully understand about the Night World bad dudes that I can’t say without spoiling it, but I can say when everything was out in the open there is one fact that makes no sense to me. It is a plot point, and important to the story. There is a steamy scene, but once it is played out the sexual tension seems to steam out. I think it was Guy swift change of character after the scene that had me at a distance after this. I do plan to read the first one. I have heard good things, and I wouldn’t mind getting a hold of the next one, but in the end I wanted more from the story.
- Beth
Holly is a half-fae thief and spy. She is forced to do a job she really doesn’t want to do. As it happens she runs into Templar Guy DuCaine for a second time. Being a spy and having to deal with a Templar can be hard, add in some attraction between the two, and it gets really hard. Guy nearly forces Holly to work with him, so he doesn’t have to involve his brother’s soon-to-be-wife. Soon the two are moving through the Night World together.
This is the second book in The Half-Light City series. I didn’t read the first book, and I didn’t feel lost starting out. It is about a different couple than the first novel in the series. It is told half in Holly’s point of view, the other half in Guy’s. The duel perspectives are enjoyable but you can read right through and forget the point of view switched to a different character.
While Holly is doing her spy thing for the Night World, Guy is doing his, save the humans Templar thing, except that the Templars are being ambushed by the beast (werewolves) kind, and they are losing good men fast. After he runs into Holly once, he then finds her where his brother works healing people. He soon learns what/who she is, and decides they should work together.
Holly and Guy are a little bit of an odd couple for me. There isn’t an instant love, but definitely some instant attraction (which is fine by me). The reason they are an odd couple is more to do with what Guy represents. He is a Templar and has an air of authority which makes me wonder why or how Holly thought him attractive still after she got to know him. As you can see I was not a huge Guy fan.
The first part of the book moves at a nice pace, mainly because of the situations both main characters find themselves in. Holly is my kind of girl. She is practical and doesn’t see everything in black and white unlike Guy. Guy is a usual alpha male which is annoying at times. He doesn’t listen to reason, or really anyone other than himself, and seems to turn into a whole different kind of person when he is getting intimate with Holly. This made him fall a little more than flat for me.
The side characters didn’t stick out for me a lot except for Holly’s friend Fen, who is also half-fae and a fortune teller to boot. I would really dig-it if he had his own book. He also seems more likely of a companion for Holly, just saying.
The story is set in a world where Vampires, werewolves and fae exist, but it isn’t an Urban Fantasy. They have gas lights, and have a bit of a seeming French flair, but I wouldn’t call it, or say it is steampunk. No cogs here. Instead I would say fantasy world, and while dragons don’t exist, mages do. It is not castles or anything like that. It is set mainly in one city, and while it is not modern, it isn’t really medieval either. What surprised me was as many politics that went into telling the story I still don’t fully understand who, or what is fully in charge of the city, but I can say I like how this is set up. It reads like an urban fantasy, so fans of the genre will not be thrown by the setting.
The story was fun and exciting. It started out fast paced with me, and then slowed down a little towards the end. I really enjoyed it, but I felt as if the scenes could have been taken a little further. It skimmed around the edges of what it could have been. The setting, it not being in a modern world, but having all the trappings of an everyday urban fantasy is what made the book stand out, but the plot lagged a little. There is one thing I still don’t fully understand about the Night World bad dudes that I can’t say without spoiling it, but I can say when everything was out in the open there is one fact that makes no sense to me. It is a plot point, and important to the story. There is a steamy scene, but once it is played out the sexual tension seems to steam out. I think it was Guy swift change of character after the scene that had me at a distance after this. I do plan to read the first one. I have heard good things, and I wouldn’t mind getting a hold of the next one, but in the end I wanted more from the story.
- Beth
June 2, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
Holly's life has never been easy as her Fae father abandoned her for her limited magic skills and left her mother so devastated that she can't even function. Yet, bound and determined, Holly found a way to use her skills with charms and glamour to carve out a decent life for herself as a spy. Sure she may be on the wrong side of the law, but she her mother's care is expensive, and espionage pays well. Everything changes won't she falls (literally) into the arms of Guy Ducaine, a Templar Knight firmly on the side of all that is righteous. Never in a million years could she have foreseen the coming events that would not only have her teaming up with a Templar, but also questioning everything she has ever known.
Just like in Shadow Kin, out of the two love interests, it is the woman who is the one with questionable occupation and morals rather than the man. In so many paranormal romance novels, there seems to be a recurring theme of the "bad boy". The sweet naive role played by so many females honestly gets a little tiring at times. In fact, a lot of the time I find myself leaning more towards urban fantasy novels to avoid this issue, even though that means missing out on the love stuff that I enjoy. So having the role reversal in this series is utterly refreshing as it gives me the best of both worlds with a kick butt heroine and the yummy love stuff too. Now don't get me wrong, the guys in these books are anything but weak willed, they are just firmly on the right side of the law. So it's fun to see how they react to their opposite. It definitely makes things interesting, that's for sure.
I knew there would be fallout from the ending events of Shadow Kin. I had feeling a certain death, and the power vacuum it caused was going to be a terrible mess as everyone scrambled for position in the Blood. However, I never could have predicted how much more complex the issues would actually be. There is such a tangled web being woven, and it very much makes for an incredibly engrossing read. Also, I especially like the way M.J. Scott incorporated the previous couple as an integral part of the story and fallout. I was really glad to see them have more than a walk on role considering they were the ones to really start the mess, so it makes sense they would be there for the blow out.
Like the previous installment, Blood Kin is told in dual first person perspective, which I absolutely love. It's really great to be able to be that far into the head of both sides of the relationship as Holly and Guy are two very different people. I just fell like it adds so much more to the reading experience. When you combine that with the other great elements that I loved, like the incredibly intriguing mythology and incredible characters, Blood Kin was a fantastic read. In fact I had started reading it rather late at night, telling myself I would read 100 pages and then go to bed. Those 100 pages quickly turned into an all-nighter as I just couldn't put it down. The only thing that kept me from giving this a perfect rating was that I would have liked to have seen a more developed ending between Holly and Guy. Hopefully they will play an important role in the next installment so we get to see more of them together. So, in the end, I highly recommend Blood Kin as it is a stellar read that will definitely keep you coming back for more!
Holly's life has never been easy as her Fae father abandoned her for her limited magic skills and left her mother so devastated that she can't even function. Yet, bound and determined, Holly found a way to use her skills with charms and glamour to carve out a decent life for herself as a spy. Sure she may be on the wrong side of the law, but she her mother's care is expensive, and espionage pays well. Everything changes won't she falls (literally) into the arms of Guy Ducaine, a Templar Knight firmly on the side of all that is righteous. Never in a million years could she have foreseen the coming events that would not only have her teaming up with a Templar, but also questioning everything she has ever known.
Just like in Shadow Kin, out of the two love interests, it is the woman who is the one with questionable occupation and morals rather than the man. In so many paranormal romance novels, there seems to be a recurring theme of the "bad boy". The sweet naive role played by so many females honestly gets a little tiring at times. In fact, a lot of the time I find myself leaning more towards urban fantasy novels to avoid this issue, even though that means missing out on the love stuff that I enjoy. So having the role reversal in this series is utterly refreshing as it gives me the best of both worlds with a kick butt heroine and the yummy love stuff too. Now don't get me wrong, the guys in these books are anything but weak willed, they are just firmly on the right side of the law. So it's fun to see how they react to their opposite. It definitely makes things interesting, that's for sure.
I knew there would be fallout from the ending events of Shadow Kin. I had feeling a certain death, and the power vacuum it caused was going to be a terrible mess as everyone scrambled for position in the Blood. However, I never could have predicted how much more complex the issues would actually be. There is such a tangled web being woven, and it very much makes for an incredibly engrossing read. Also, I especially like the way M.J. Scott incorporated the previous couple as an integral part of the story and fallout. I was really glad to see them have more than a walk on role considering they were the ones to really start the mess, so it makes sense they would be there for the blow out.
Like the previous installment, Blood Kin is told in dual first person perspective, which I absolutely love. It's really great to be able to be that far into the head of both sides of the relationship as Holly and Guy are two very different people. I just fell like it adds so much more to the reading experience. When you combine that with the other great elements that I loved, like the incredibly intriguing mythology and incredible characters, Blood Kin was a fantastic read. In fact I had started reading it rather late at night, telling myself I would read 100 pages and then go to bed. Those 100 pages quickly turned into an all-nighter as I just couldn't put it down. The only thing that kept me from giving this a perfect rating was that I would have liked to have seen a more developed ending between Holly and Guy. Hopefully they will play an important role in the next installment so we get to see more of them together. So, in the end, I highly recommend Blood Kin as it is a stellar read that will definitely keep you coming back for more!
August 14, 2012
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
I was a little sad to learn that each installment in the Half-Light City series showcases a different couple; after having really enjoyed Shadow Kin I was reluctant to say goodbye to Lilly and Simon. However, I decided to give Guy and Holly the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, much to my chagrin, I found Blood Kin to be only a so-so read. The female protagonist in this book didn't manage to capture my interest the way that her predecessor did and the plot isn't nearly as compelling. I did enjoy the politics and the Steampunk-y feel of Scott's universe and am interested in seeing if this series evens out in 2013 with the third novel.
My feelings towards this book's characters are the opposite of what I felt towards Lilly and Simon. In the first novel I adored the female heroine but didn't care for the male protagonist overly much while as in Blood Kin I fell in love with Guy but only had lukewarm feelings towards Holly. I wonder if Scott planned it that way? The Templar Knight was very, well... knightly, as you'd expect. He's honorable, loyal and a devote practitioner. It was interesting watching him take a walk on the "dark side"; from learning the fine art of spying to tackling the slippery slope of inter-racial politics. He's the ultimate good guy and Holly is tasked with helping him step away from his comfort zone which proves to be as entertaining as it is traumatic.
Half-Light City politics are once again front and center in this story. Tales of deceit, backstabbing and power plays abound; all key trouble causing ingredients. Holly holds an interesting position in their society because she doesn't really have any allegiances; basically whoever is willing to pay her is considered a friend for the duration of their contract. Oftentimes while spying on one branch of supes she picks up information that's invaluable to another sect which in turn leaves her in a precarious situation. This girl is definitely a master manipulator and knows how to walk a fine line!
This book's plot line is closely connected to the events that happened in Shadow Kin and, as a result, it sort of comes across as a "dealing with the fallout" or "piggybacking" novel. Sure, Holly and Guy go off on their own to investigate the attacks on the Templars but everything eventually leads back to the original problem from the first book. Because of this, I found that there was a certain degree of predictability to this installment. The characters spend a great deal of time observing things from a distance (i.e. spying on rooftops and from theater balconies) which in turn causes the plot to progress at a much slower pace. Overall I found that Blood Kin was a silent observer more so than an active participant in this series' action; a disappointment when compared to the adrenaline rush from the first novel.
Blood Kin is an eclectic mix of Fantasy, Steampunk and espionage with an abundance of political intrigue. The story actually reminded me of a game of chess; not terribly action-y but every move is minutely planned.
I was a little sad to learn that each installment in the Half-Light City series showcases a different couple; after having really enjoyed Shadow Kin I was reluctant to say goodbye to Lilly and Simon. However, I decided to give Guy and Holly the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, much to my chagrin, I found Blood Kin to be only a so-so read. The female protagonist in this book didn't manage to capture my interest the way that her predecessor did and the plot isn't nearly as compelling. I did enjoy the politics and the Steampunk-y feel of Scott's universe and am interested in seeing if this series evens out in 2013 with the third novel.
My feelings towards this book's characters are the opposite of what I felt towards Lilly and Simon. In the first novel I adored the female heroine but didn't care for the male protagonist overly much while as in Blood Kin I fell in love with Guy but only had lukewarm feelings towards Holly. I wonder if Scott planned it that way? The Templar Knight was very, well... knightly, as you'd expect. He's honorable, loyal and a devote practitioner. It was interesting watching him take a walk on the "dark side"; from learning the fine art of spying to tackling the slippery slope of inter-racial politics. He's the ultimate good guy and Holly is tasked with helping him step away from his comfort zone which proves to be as entertaining as it is traumatic.
Half-Light City politics are once again front and center in this story. Tales of deceit, backstabbing and power plays abound; all key trouble causing ingredients. Holly holds an interesting position in their society because she doesn't really have any allegiances; basically whoever is willing to pay her is considered a friend for the duration of their contract. Oftentimes while spying on one branch of supes she picks up information that's invaluable to another sect which in turn leaves her in a precarious situation. This girl is definitely a master manipulator and knows how to walk a fine line!
This book's plot line is closely connected to the events that happened in Shadow Kin and, as a result, it sort of comes across as a "dealing with the fallout" or "piggybacking" novel. Sure, Holly and Guy go off on their own to investigate the attacks on the Templars but everything eventually leads back to the original problem from the first book. Because of this, I found that there was a certain degree of predictability to this installment. The characters spend a great deal of time observing things from a distance (i.e. spying on rooftops and from theater balconies) which in turn causes the plot to progress at a much slower pace. Overall I found that Blood Kin was a silent observer more so than an active participant in this series' action; a disappointment when compared to the adrenaline rush from the first novel.
Blood Kin is an eclectic mix of Fantasy, Steampunk and espionage with an abundance of political intrigue. The story actually reminded me of a game of chess; not terribly action-y but every move is minutely planned.
May 24, 2012
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Shifters, Vampires, Magic, Fae
RECEIVED: Received for Review from ROC
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
It’s extremely rare for me to like the second book in a series more than the first, but I absolutely loved Blood Kin. This story follows right after Shadow Kin and continues with Simon and Lily, but focuses on Simon’s brother Guy a Templar Knight. Blood Kin kept me at the edge of my seat like Shadow Kin but had that extra kick in the plot that made me enjoy it that much more.
Blood Kin follows Holly, a half fae who makes a living as a spy and a thief. She lives in a city that is full of secrets and dangerous people. One of the worst people is her father who is a fae lord and unfortunately puts Holly in a dangerous position, which is where she meets Simon and Guy. Luckily she teams up with the Guy who is a Templar Knight who needs her help as much as she needs his.
Holly is the typical tough female lead, but had that spark of something that made me like her character. Her cruel father damaged her mother and is using her as bait to get some answers for him. She truly has a good heart but her father’s hold on her prevents her from being honest with the people she really would want to open up too. Guy becomes someone who helps build her strength; their chemistry makes for an entertaining journey and some really great moments. Holly is pretty much a girl who wants a normal-ish life but has bad luck being tied to her fae side.
Guy DuCaine, a Templar knight, this man is hard-core and always ready for a battle. But he’s very unprepared when Holly literally falls into his arms. He sacrifices a lot of what he believes in to find out answers on the many attacks on his men. With Holly’s help he’s able to protect his brother and Lily from getting involved in more danger. I loved his devotion to his family and how even though he’s tough as steel that Holly is able to break through and soften him up.
For those who have read Shadow Kin you get more answers to what Simon was trying to figure out. I enjoyed how Scott pulled all her characters together and helped each other; lets just say the leads get into insanely dangerous situations a lot. I’m really curious if were going to be introduced to two different leads in the next book or continue with Lily, Simon, Guy and Holly on their dangerous missions.
Overall Blood Kin had everything I love about Urban Fantasies, kick butt action, fantastic characters, romance that makes the heart beat fast and a plot that was fast paced all the way through. Even more so the villains are meaner, stronger and downright fantastic, I never knew what they were going to do next. You don’t want to miss out on this series!
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some violence and adult situations. Fans of authors Christina Henry of the Madeline Black series and Keri Arthur of the Dark Angels series will love The Half-Light City series Blood Kin by M.J. Scott.
THEME: Shifters, Vampires, Magic, Fae
RECEIVED: Received for Review from ROC
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
It’s extremely rare for me to like the second book in a series more than the first, but I absolutely loved Blood Kin. This story follows right after Shadow Kin and continues with Simon and Lily, but focuses on Simon’s brother Guy a Templar Knight. Blood Kin kept me at the edge of my seat like Shadow Kin but had that extra kick in the plot that made me enjoy it that much more.
Blood Kin follows Holly, a half fae who makes a living as a spy and a thief. She lives in a city that is full of secrets and dangerous people. One of the worst people is her father who is a fae lord and unfortunately puts Holly in a dangerous position, which is where she meets Simon and Guy. Luckily she teams up with the Guy who is a Templar Knight who needs her help as much as she needs his.
Holly is the typical tough female lead, but had that spark of something that made me like her character. Her cruel father damaged her mother and is using her as bait to get some answers for him. She truly has a good heart but her father’s hold on her prevents her from being honest with the people she really would want to open up too. Guy becomes someone who helps build her strength; their chemistry makes for an entertaining journey and some really great moments. Holly is pretty much a girl who wants a normal-ish life but has bad luck being tied to her fae side.
Guy DuCaine, a Templar knight, this man is hard-core and always ready for a battle. But he’s very unprepared when Holly literally falls into his arms. He sacrifices a lot of what he believes in to find out answers on the many attacks on his men. With Holly’s help he’s able to protect his brother and Lily from getting involved in more danger. I loved his devotion to his family and how even though he’s tough as steel that Holly is able to break through and soften him up.
For those who have read Shadow Kin you get more answers to what Simon was trying to figure out. I enjoyed how Scott pulled all her characters together and helped each other; lets just say the leads get into insanely dangerous situations a lot. I’m really curious if were going to be introduced to two different leads in the next book or continue with Lily, Simon, Guy and Holly on their dangerous missions.
Overall Blood Kin had everything I love about Urban Fantasies, kick butt action, fantastic characters, romance that makes the heart beat fast and a plot that was fast paced all the way through. Even more so the villains are meaner, stronger and downright fantastic, I never knew what they were going to do next. You don’t want to miss out on this series!
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some violence and adult situations. Fans of authors Christina Henry of the Madeline Black series and Keri Arthur of the Dark Angels series will love The Half-Light City series Blood Kin by M.J. Scott.
June 13, 2012
Mon avis en français
My English review
I was pretty curious to start this book, but I confess that I was anxious to follow another character all along the book. I really enjoyed Lily and I was a little sad to not have her point of view this time. But finally, what a surprise, following Guy and Holly was a real pleasure as well. These two new protagonists are finally really different from the couple we saw in the first volume. Plus, as the other one, this book follows each time the point of view of our two characters and it allows us to really understand them from the start and to know what they want.
The book begins where we were left in the last novel, so it was interesting to see the consequences of the events. But the Lucius disappearance has turned upside down all the community and everyone wants, now, to be the leader. The tensions become quite complicated to deal with for the Knights and it’s now difficult to avoid troubles. Guy decides to take matters into his own hands and to discover what is really going on. He will team up with a half-fae young woman, Holly, who from the start plays a double game in this adventure. She was ensorcelled by her father who wants to discover the secret of Simon, the brother of our knight. However, her initial goal will be quickly challenged when she starts to feel something for our hero.
Well I’m sure you know that our two protagonists will end up together. But it was really interesting to discover more things about Faes we didn’t know about. It’s true we don’t learn a lot either, but it made me even more curious about this whole universe. We assist all along the book to the inner turmoil of Holly, our young spy, about her feelings and her duty. But when it’s about her family, she doesn’t have any choices. It was touching to see them together, because Guy is quite a character! We will find one more time a story mixing conspiracies, threats and love. A nice mix to keep us curious all along the book.
I was a little surprised at first with book 1 as the romance was very important in the story and I expected to have a real UF book. This time, it was easier to get into the M.J. Scott novel, as I knew what I could expect.
The writing style is really fluid and It’s always intriguing to discover what our characters will do or to know how they would react when they would know the truth. Because, of course, the truth is always exposed one day.
I wonder who will be featured in the third book. I really enjoyed this little introduction of the Guy’s sister and I hope we will learn more about her in the next novel. Indeed, Saskia has a very interesting nature. To conclude, it was a pleasure to read this new novel and I’m glad I persevered in the series.
My English review
I was pretty curious to start this book, but I confess that I was anxious to follow another character all along the book. I really enjoyed Lily and I was a little sad to not have her point of view this time. But finally, what a surprise, following Guy and Holly was a real pleasure as well. These two new protagonists are finally really different from the couple we saw in the first volume. Plus, as the other one, this book follows each time the point of view of our two characters and it allows us to really understand them from the start and to know what they want.
The book begins where we were left in the last novel, so it was interesting to see the consequences of the events. But the Lucius disappearance has turned upside down all the community and everyone wants, now, to be the leader. The tensions become quite complicated to deal with for the Knights and it’s now difficult to avoid troubles. Guy decides to take matters into his own hands and to discover what is really going on. He will team up with a half-fae young woman, Holly, who from the start plays a double game in this adventure. She was ensorcelled by her father who wants to discover the secret of Simon, the brother of our knight. However, her initial goal will be quickly challenged when she starts to feel something for our hero.
Well I’m sure you know that our two protagonists will end up together. But it was really interesting to discover more things about Faes we didn’t know about. It’s true we don’t learn a lot either, but it made me even more curious about this whole universe. We assist all along the book to the inner turmoil of Holly, our young spy, about her feelings and her duty. But when it’s about her family, she doesn’t have any choices. It was touching to see them together, because Guy is quite a character! We will find one more time a story mixing conspiracies, threats and love. A nice mix to keep us curious all along the book.
I was a little surprised at first with book 1 as the romance was very important in the story and I expected to have a real UF book. This time, it was easier to get into the M.J. Scott novel, as I knew what I could expect.
The writing style is really fluid and It’s always intriguing to discover what our characters will do or to know how they would react when they would know the truth. Because, of course, the truth is always exposed one day.
I wonder who will be featured in the third book. I really enjoyed this little introduction of the Guy’s sister and I hope we will learn more about her in the next novel. Indeed, Saskia has a very interesting nature. To conclude, it was a pleasure to read this new novel and I’m glad I persevered in the series.
July 4, 2012
Blood Kin is a first person POV Paranormal Romance book about Holly, a half-fae spy who is forced by her father to spy on a sunmage, Simon DuCaine and the also a first person POV on Guy DuCaine, a templar who caught the said, spy, falling off a roof and eventually wanted some revenge to prevent more deaths and ambushes from Beast creatures.
If you read the blurb given, its actually summarized the entire book to you. So let's cut the chase.
I saw this book in a book ad and eventually I get them (I like girl spy novel) and am not pleased with it. For starters, although the book was set in a city with it paranormal intrigue with human, vampires, beast and fae fighting against one another, I don't really have the vibes of what it is. Someone said it is an urban fantasy while other said its steampunk while someone said its fantasy, so here I am, finished with the rest of the book and still maintain that it was a historical romance author trying to write a paranormal book and failing hard. I actually read 40% of the book in searching for some plot and the said action and to be honest, there's a lot of drama in this book that was not up to the cup of my tea. I eventually read it till the end since if I give up reading then, the book will remain unread forever.
Most of the time, I was skeptical with awkward Victorian-age dialogues and even the first POV narrations were weak to maintain the charade. Holly was possibly the worst spy ever, majority of the story is about her making charm while another was her trying to spy but failing. She couldn't even fire a gun and the whole time she's as reliable as a gnat. I'm not sold by the author trying to come up with the character being spy (which are consistently being mentioned) when she barely even do enough spying. The are multitude of motive inconsistencies in every chapter and plots because the main focus of the story seems to be centered on the animal attraction between both POV characters. Normally, I don't mind this but if you are expecting a tough as nails female spy UF/PNR novel, you're out of luck. Its a classic damsel in distress situation with some romance with knight in shining armor, if you want a better read, you should check out Virginia Henley or Nora Roberts anthologies.
Personally, I like the main story arc about a spy unwillingly being forced by her wicked father to do evil deeds but the author need to work up a proper tightfist storyline with enough complexities to made this book readable. There are thousands more books out there and this one fades in comparison. Most importantly, Keri Arthur quoted this book, oh darn it, I am a big fan of hers but to be honest, the quality of the story is bad. I can take bad writings and bad grammar but even for a romance novel, this book lack its allure.
August 20, 2012
*Rating* 3.5
*Genre* Steampunkish, with an Urban Fantasy twist
*Review*
Holly Evendale is a spy and thief nicknamed the Owl. She is part fae, but truly despises her father for the way he abandoned her mother and later when he forces a geas on her in order for her to do his bidding when she refuses to help him. Holly is an interesting character. She isn't an innocent bystander in this story but one who is prone to cause trouble for others for what she considers the right reasons. She spies on people and steals things for money and for a way to keep her mother comfortable and her dress shop opened.
It's not until she's drawn into a world that she's not accustomed to that she ends up working with Guy DuCaine. Guy is a Templar Knight who has sworn to protect the city and innocents at the cost of his own life if necessary. Holly literally falls into Guys arms while spying for her client and it's sparks love at first sight.
Guy was introduced to readers in Shadow Kin when he was trying to protect his brother Simon from being killed. His willingness to put his life on the line for the Knights Templars is admirable. Guy carries a heavy burden in that he hasn't forgiven or forgotten that the blood murdered his younger sister. When Guy meets Holly, his heart is forever changed and there's sparks right from the onset of their first meeting.
Holly and Guy find themselves working closely together in an effort to find out who is causing problems for the Templars (who are being ambushed on a nightly basis) and why they are threatening the peace accord that the Lady of the Fae created. It also appears that Simon and Lily are far from out of harms way or the spotlight in this series.
Blood Kin continues the story loop where Shadow Kin left off after Simon and Lily found a way to defeat Blood Lord Lucius which left a power vacuum within the Night World. In my humble opinion, Blood Kin isn't as good as Shadow Kin but it's still an interesting story. The world building is interesting in that you have everything from Templar Knights, Beasts (werewolves), Blood (Vampires), Fae, and humans all mixed together and living within the confines of Half-Light City.
The one thing that grates on my nerves and thus a lowers my review is the continued change of POV's in the middle of a chapter. I realize that as readers we need to be able to understand the two separate characters as the story is developing. I realize that at times it's fun to see what the other character is thinking when things suddenly change for the good, or the bad. Yet, I don't mind saying I don't like it!
It should be interesting to see who the next players are in Iron Kin (Half-Light City # 3) which will release April 2, 2013.
*Genre* Steampunkish, with an Urban Fantasy twist
*Review*
Holly Evendale is a spy and thief nicknamed the Owl. She is part fae, but truly despises her father for the way he abandoned her mother and later when he forces a geas on her in order for her to do his bidding when she refuses to help him. Holly is an interesting character. She isn't an innocent bystander in this story but one who is prone to cause trouble for others for what she considers the right reasons. She spies on people and steals things for money and for a way to keep her mother comfortable and her dress shop opened.
It's not until she's drawn into a world that she's not accustomed to that she ends up working with Guy DuCaine. Guy is a Templar Knight who has sworn to protect the city and innocents at the cost of his own life if necessary. Holly literally falls into Guys arms while spying for her client and it's sparks love at first sight.
Guy was introduced to readers in Shadow Kin when he was trying to protect his brother Simon from being killed. His willingness to put his life on the line for the Knights Templars is admirable. Guy carries a heavy burden in that he hasn't forgiven or forgotten that the blood murdered his younger sister. When Guy meets Holly, his heart is forever changed and there's sparks right from the onset of their first meeting.
Holly and Guy find themselves working closely together in an effort to find out who is causing problems for the Templars (who are being ambushed on a nightly basis) and why they are threatening the peace accord that the Lady of the Fae created. It also appears that Simon and Lily are far from out of harms way or the spotlight in this series.
Blood Kin continues the story loop where Shadow Kin left off after Simon and Lily found a way to defeat Blood Lord Lucius which left a power vacuum within the Night World. In my humble opinion, Blood Kin isn't as good as Shadow Kin but it's still an interesting story. The world building is interesting in that you have everything from Templar Knights, Beasts (werewolves), Blood (Vampires), Fae, and humans all mixed together and living within the confines of Half-Light City.
The one thing that grates on my nerves and thus a lowers my review is the continued change of POV's in the middle of a chapter. I realize that as readers we need to be able to understand the two separate characters as the story is developing. I realize that at times it's fun to see what the other character is thinking when things suddenly change for the good, or the bad. Yet, I don't mind saying I don't like it!
It should be interesting to see who the next players are in Iron Kin (Half-Light City # 3) which will release April 2, 2013.
November 26, 2014
Blood Kin is the second book in the Half-Light City series, a fun urban fantasy/paranormal romance series I picked up on a whim earlier this year. Book two focuses on Guy DuCaine, brother of the sunmage Simon from book 1 and legendary Templar. I really enjoyed this one and found myself finishing it in only a couple of days. Holly and Guy are like oil and vinegar but they work so well together. I love adversarial relationships and sparks fly when Guy and Holly are together.
Holly is a great character and I really liked how smart and resourceful she was. She's learned how to survive and thrive on her own, making use of her natural skills. I really like that the women in this series do more than just look pretty. So far this series has had the female leads as an assassin and a spy.
Guy was a bit rigid at times but underneath it all was a fierce loyalty to his family and those he cares about. He's dedicated his life to protecting those who are weaker and truly believes in what he is doing. Holly shows him another side to the Night World and proves to him that things aren't always black and white. The two have great chemistry together and it was fun to watch their relationship evolve.
I also liked the fact that the romance didn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. In some paranormal romance novels, the story can take second place to the romance but I felt that this had a nice balance of both. There is some really nice world building with this series has a unique take on a world with Fae, humans, vampires, Beasts and a few wild cards. We are learning more of the intricacies of the world as the series goes on and I find myself being drawn further and further into it. We are also introduced to a few new characters in this one and I am already excited about the prospect of learning more about them.
I am really glad I picked up this series after seeing it at the library. It's turning out to be one of the most enjoyable new series I've read this year. If you like rich, urban fantasy with a dash of romance, give this series a try.
Holly is a great character and I really liked how smart and resourceful she was. She's learned how to survive and thrive on her own, making use of her natural skills. I really like that the women in this series do more than just look pretty. So far this series has had the female leads as an assassin and a spy.
Guy was a bit rigid at times but underneath it all was a fierce loyalty to his family and those he cares about. He's dedicated his life to protecting those who are weaker and truly believes in what he is doing. Holly shows him another side to the Night World and proves to him that things aren't always black and white. The two have great chemistry together and it was fun to watch their relationship evolve.
I also liked the fact that the romance didn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. In some paranormal romance novels, the story can take second place to the romance but I felt that this had a nice balance of both. There is some really nice world building with this series has a unique take on a world with Fae, humans, vampires, Beasts and a few wild cards. We are learning more of the intricacies of the world as the series goes on and I find myself being drawn further and further into it. We are also introduced to a few new characters in this one and I am already excited about the prospect of learning more about them.
I am really glad I picked up this series after seeing it at the library. It's turning out to be one of the most enjoyable new series I've read this year. If you like rich, urban fantasy with a dash of romance, give this series a try.
July 4, 2012
3 1/2 stars for this bit, but I rounded up since Goodreads doesn't have a 1/2 star rating.
I was really hoping that this book would again be from the viewpoint of Lily and Simon again. I really liked her character.
I don't know what it was about this book... I just didn't adore it as much as Shadow Kin (it also didn't pull me in like Shadow Kin, too). Plus, there was just something about the female protagonist Holly that I just couldn't get into.
Oh! One thing I noticed right off the bat was Scott labeled what perspective we were following (like at the beginning of a section or Chapter if we changed perspective she would have it labeled for Guy or Holly). During the last book , she didn't do that and I remember this caused me a bit of confusion until I looked closely at the symbols and figured out the moon symbol was Lily and Sun was Simon.
So Blood Kin opens a little while after the end of Shadow Kin. The Night World is in an uproar about Lucius' death and alliances are being struck and people are aiming for power. So Guy, a Templar Knight who defends the helpless and all that jazz, needs someone with information on who are the players and what is exactly going on in the Night World since the Templar Knights keep getting attacked while they are out patrolling. Enter Holly Spy extraordinaire. Maybe not so much extraordinaire.
Anyways, it had some twists in the book which I had thought were at least foreshadowed in the previous book. The next book is Iron Kin and I'll buy that one too. I think with Iron in the title that the book might be about Saskia (Guy and Simon's sister). From what I glimpsed from her in the book, she seems like a fun character. I really hope we will get to see a part of the Beast Kind's world next since we've seen Vampire and Fae.
I was really hoping that this book would again be from the viewpoint of Lily and Simon again. I really liked her character.
I don't know what it was about this book... I just didn't adore it as much as Shadow Kin (it also didn't pull me in like Shadow Kin, too). Plus, there was just something about the female protagonist Holly that I just couldn't get into.
Oh! One thing I noticed right off the bat was Scott labeled what perspective we were following (like at the beginning of a section or Chapter if we changed perspective she would have it labeled for Guy or Holly). During the last book , she didn't do that and I remember this caused me a bit of confusion until I looked closely at the symbols and figured out the moon symbol was Lily and Sun was Simon.
So Blood Kin opens a little while after the end of Shadow Kin. The Night World is in an uproar about Lucius' death and alliances are being struck and people are aiming for power. So Guy, a Templar Knight who defends the helpless and all that jazz, needs someone with information on who are the players and what is exactly going on in the Night World since the Templar Knights keep getting attacked while they are out patrolling. Enter Holly Spy extraordinaire. Maybe not so much extraordinaire.
Anyways, it had some twists in the book which I had thought were at least foreshadowed in the previous book. The next book is Iron Kin and I'll buy that one too. I think with Iron in the title that the book might be about Saskia (Guy and Simon's sister). From what I glimpsed from her in the book, she seems like a fun character. I really hope we will get to see a part of the Beast Kind's world next since we've seen Vampire and Fae.
June 8, 2012
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
BLOOD KIN was one of those books that I really didn’t want to put down as it hit all of my buttons for an entertaining story. It had the intrigue and danger of a spy novel, intense action scenes, and a romance that evolved organically over the course of the story. One of the most exciting scenes for me was actually not very big on action as it took place in a opera hall where people went to watch and be watched. It felt intense and scary as every action was noticed and being analyzed. The wrong actions could spell failure in Holly and Guy DuCaine’s mission. This scene expertly shows how Holly’s spy world has just as much danger and nuance as Guy violent Templar knight world.
One of the many highlights in BLOOD KIN was the relationship between Holly and Guy DuCaine. Not only did they have smoking physical chemistry but also wonderfully witty banter with each other. In a lot of ways, Guy DuCaine was like the classic knights in literature who are extremely loyal, honorable, and valiantly saving the damsel in distress. Pairing him with Holly, a highly crafty and intelligent spy who is herself very brave and equally dedicated to protecting those she loves made for an unpredictable but exciting romance, especially considering that they were on seemingly opposite sides of the law.
Whether this is your first visit to Half-Light City or you’re already a fan, BLOOD KIN expertly weaves the events from SHADOW KIN throughout this sequel in a way that entices new readers without boring old ones. I am really looking forward continuing this enthralling ride in IRON KIN, the next book in the Half-Light City series which will be released in 2013.
Sexual Content: Two moderately graphic sex scenes
BLOOD KIN was one of those books that I really didn’t want to put down as it hit all of my buttons for an entertaining story. It had the intrigue and danger of a spy novel, intense action scenes, and a romance that evolved organically over the course of the story. One of the most exciting scenes for me was actually not very big on action as it took place in a opera hall where people went to watch and be watched. It felt intense and scary as every action was noticed and being analyzed. The wrong actions could spell failure in Holly and Guy DuCaine’s mission. This scene expertly shows how Holly’s spy world has just as much danger and nuance as Guy violent Templar knight world.
One of the many highlights in BLOOD KIN was the relationship between Holly and Guy DuCaine. Not only did they have smoking physical chemistry but also wonderfully witty banter with each other. In a lot of ways, Guy DuCaine was like the classic knights in literature who are extremely loyal, honorable, and valiantly saving the damsel in distress. Pairing him with Holly, a highly crafty and intelligent spy who is herself very brave and equally dedicated to protecting those she loves made for an unpredictable but exciting romance, especially considering that they were on seemingly opposite sides of the law.
Whether this is your first visit to Half-Light City or you’re already a fan, BLOOD KIN expertly weaves the events from SHADOW KIN throughout this sequel in a way that entices new readers without boring old ones. I am really looking forward continuing this enthralling ride in IRON KIN, the next book in the Half-Light City series which will be released in 2013.
Sexual Content: Two moderately graphic sex scenes
November 24, 2012
MJ Scott has created a rich fantasy world in the Half-Light series and once again I was sucked in quickly to the story - much anticipated, as this time it focused on Guy DuCaine, a secondary character and brother to Simon, who appeared in SHADOW KIN, the first book in this series.
While I thoroughly enjoyed SHADOW KIN, I found BLOOD KIN a much more satisfying and smoother read. Perhaps this is because I was already familiar with the world and not grappling with getting my head around the structure and races who peopled the world.
The storyline pretty much picks up from where SHADOW KIN left off. The plot arcs include dealing with the fallout from Lucius's downfall/assassination & the cure Simon came upon for the Blood-locked in SHADOW KIN but we also get a glimpse into the Fae world and the intricate politics and laws that make up the culture as well as more of the darker side, the vampires and Beast worlds.
Much of the external plot focuses on the politics and fallout as the races come to grips with Lucius's death and the power struggles left by his absence, but the story also focuses much on the relationship developing between Guy and Holly and this is the part I really enjoyed.
Both characters drew me equally, their strengths and flaws, and their actions, everything about them interested me and I liked seeing their individual and common journeys. Both were strong characters in their own right, both holding to a code of honor and willing to sacrifice their own personal goals and happiness to see others they care for protected.
Overall, BLOOD KIN was a compelling read, and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series (IRON KIN, due for release in April 2013).
While I thoroughly enjoyed SHADOW KIN, I found BLOOD KIN a much more satisfying and smoother read. Perhaps this is because I was already familiar with the world and not grappling with getting my head around the structure and races who peopled the world.
The storyline pretty much picks up from where SHADOW KIN left off. The plot arcs include dealing with the fallout from Lucius's downfall/assassination & the cure Simon came upon for the Blood-locked in SHADOW KIN but we also get a glimpse into the Fae world and the intricate politics and laws that make up the culture as well as more of the darker side, the vampires and Beast worlds.
Much of the external plot focuses on the politics and fallout as the races come to grips with Lucius's death and the power struggles left by his absence, but the story also focuses much on the relationship developing between Guy and Holly and this is the part I really enjoyed.
Both characters drew me equally, their strengths and flaws, and their actions, everything about them interested me and I liked seeing their individual and common journeys. Both were strong characters in their own right, both holding to a code of honor and willing to sacrifice their own personal goals and happiness to see others they care for protected.
Overall, BLOOD KIN was a compelling read, and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series (IRON KIN, due for release in April 2013).
June 8, 2012
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
BLOOD KIN was one of those books that I really didn’t want to put down as it hit all of my buttons for an entertaining story. It had the intrigue and danger of a spy novel, intense action scenes, and a romance that evolved organically over the course of the story. One of the most exciting scenes for me was actually not very big on action as it took place in a opera hall where people went to watch and be watched. It felt intense and scary as every action was noticed and being analyzed. The wrong actions could spell failure in Holly and Guy DuCaine’s mission. This scene expertly shows how Holly’s spy world has just as much danger and nuance as Guy violent Templar knight world.
One of the many highlights in BLOOD KIN was the relationship between Holly and Guy DuCaine. Not only did they have smoking physical chemistry but also wonderfully witty banter with each other. In a lot of ways, Guy DuCaine was like the classic knights in literature who are extremely loyal, honorable, and valiantly saving the damsel in distress. Pairing him with Holly, a highly crafty and intelligent spy who is herself very brave and equally dedicated to protecting those she loves made for an unpredictable but exciting romance, especially considering that they were on seemingly opposite sides of the law.
Whether this is your first visit to Half-Light City or you’re already a fan, BLOOD KIN expertly weaves the events from SHADOW KIN throughout this sequel in a way that entices new readers without boring old ones. I am really looking forward continuing this enthralling ride in IRON KIN, the next book in the Half-Light City series which will be released in 2013.
Sexual Content: Two sex scenes, references to sex
BLOOD KIN was one of those books that I really didn’t want to put down as it hit all of my buttons for an entertaining story. It had the intrigue and danger of a spy novel, intense action scenes, and a romance that evolved organically over the course of the story. One of the most exciting scenes for me was actually not very big on action as it took place in a opera hall where people went to watch and be watched. It felt intense and scary as every action was noticed and being analyzed. The wrong actions could spell failure in Holly and Guy DuCaine’s mission. This scene expertly shows how Holly’s spy world has just as much danger and nuance as Guy violent Templar knight world.
One of the many highlights in BLOOD KIN was the relationship between Holly and Guy DuCaine. Not only did they have smoking physical chemistry but also wonderfully witty banter with each other. In a lot of ways, Guy DuCaine was like the classic knights in literature who are extremely loyal, honorable, and valiantly saving the damsel in distress. Pairing him with Holly, a highly crafty and intelligent spy who is herself very brave and equally dedicated to protecting those she loves made for an unpredictable but exciting romance, especially considering that they were on seemingly opposite sides of the law.
Whether this is your first visit to Half-Light City or you’re already a fan, BLOOD KIN expertly weaves the events from SHADOW KIN throughout this sequel in a way that entices new readers without boring old ones. I am really looking forward continuing this enthralling ride in IRON KIN, the next book in the Half-Light City series which will be released in 2013.
Sexual Content: Two sex scenes, references to sex
October 15, 2015
I didn't like this Half-Light City book as much as its predecessor. I think this was for a combination of reasons, but the book wasn't horrible.
Honestly, I felt this book should have come before Shadow Kin. Lily's powers and unique existence were awesome. Holly's powers were not as cool, and her circumstances are much more common. Holly's story was just over shone by Lily's. Also, all of the secrets were the same, so there weren't any big epiphanies towards the end.
Similar to the first book, the conversations were split up with too much thinking. I still had to go back in my reading to remind myself where the conversation was. It made the book reading go a bit more slowly. M. J. Scott, however is the best first person narrative author I've come across, as the characters never seemed overly self-centered or whiny.
As far as the romance was concerned, it was severely lacking. Most of it would be considered pure lust in my opinion. I don't remember very much of either lead admiring the other's personality or abilities. They took note of them, but that was it. The two only ever seemed physically attracted.
Despite all of the negatives, the book wasn't all bad. Scott did very well creating a world that made me want to be there. Her story is quite interesting, and I went through it quickly. The characters stay true to themselves and don't do anything that wouldn't make sense. I am excited for the next book because we were introduced to Fen and Saskia in this book. Both characters have very interesting powers and backgrounds. I think it will be a great improvement to this book.
Honestly, I felt this book should have come before Shadow Kin. Lily's powers and unique existence were awesome. Holly's powers were not as cool, and her circumstances are much more common. Holly's story was just over shone by Lily's. Also, all of the secrets were the same, so there weren't any big epiphanies towards the end.
Similar to the first book, the conversations were split up with too much thinking. I still had to go back in my reading to remind myself where the conversation was. It made the book reading go a bit more slowly. M. J. Scott, however is the best first person narrative author I've come across, as the characters never seemed overly self-centered or whiny.
As far as the romance was concerned, it was severely lacking. Most of it would be considered pure lust in my opinion. I don't remember very much of either lead admiring the other's personality or abilities. They took note of them, but that was it. The two only ever seemed physically attracted.
Despite all of the negatives, the book wasn't all bad. Scott did very well creating a world that made me want to be there. Her story is quite interesting, and I went through it quickly. The characters stay true to themselves and don't do anything that wouldn't make sense. I am excited for the next book because we were introduced to Fen and Saskia in this book. Both characters have very interesting powers and backgrounds. I think it will be a great improvement to this book.
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