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Blood Nation #2
Cinder
I love a vampire...
But he is more broken than I. And even through the shards of our fragmented relationship, dangers are always present. My kind were being murdered, by whom, I did not know. And my masters, the clandestine House of Assassins would not leave me be. Membership is not optional so I can never escape them.
But through it all, I listen to my father, my mentor, and his true words, "Master your Flame, and you master your world."
Now I just have to live that long to do it.
But he is more broken than I. And even through the shards of our fragmented relationship, dangers are always present. My kind were being murdered, by whom, I did not know. And my masters, the clandestine House of Assassins would not leave me be. Membership is not optional so I can never escape them.
But through it all, I listen to my father, my mentor, and his true words, "Master your Flame, and you master your world."
Now I just have to live that long to do it.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
25 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Derekica Snake
24 books403 followersGreetings, gentle readers. My name is Derekica Snake aka kiix. This is the part where I write about myself. It is harder than it looks. It is so much easier to write about fictional characters…hummm. Wait. I have a light blub moment.
On a dark and quiet evening in the month of April, a little girl child came into the world in St. Joesph General Hospital. Upon seeing the little girl with the little curl in the middle of her forehead, the father was heard to remark…why does she have red hair? At that moment I’ve been known as the milkman’s kid, oops, I meant she’s been known as the milkman’s kid. See, this is why I write in first person. If it works for you, stick with it.
My favorite book was “Green eggs and ham”. Apparently my mother got so annoyed with me reciting it that it accidently on purpose got tossed out the window of a moving car. So I guess I started writing my own stories once I was taught to print. I’ve always loved writing fiction. In elementary and secondary school we were required to keep a journal. I didn’t want to. I love to write but not about myself. I just wrote little ideas down and handed them in. I graduated so I guess it was good.
I thought I was in deep fascination with a boy in grade seven who was very into Star Trek. I had no clue what he was talking about so I started learning about Star Trek and now it was what was his name? Sci-fi segued into Fantasy and from there I never looked back. I was a big Star Wars geek (pre-episode 1) and wrote pastiche Han Solo adventures as a teenager.
My writing began to lean towards my current selection of offerings. I initially was a little distressed. I thought I was off – way off. I was uncomfortable with the content and toned it down or cut it out completely on second draft attempts. However, it kept cropping back up and I thought I was going to have to pull my hair out to make it stop but then…on May 6, 2006 at 9:15 a.m. I discovered “Ai No Kusabi” on youtube.
That was also the same time that I realized that what I had been writing and hiding away for years had a name. Yaoi. If it had a name others were reading and writing it so I wasn’t the lone pervert out in the world. I took my hands out of my hair and put my fingers on the keyboard and embraced the world of Yaoi.
It only took me six months to figure out how to start posting stories on the Internet on www.adultfanfiction.net. It wasn’t long before I moved from writing AnK fan fiction to posting my own original Yaoi writing under the pseudonym kiix.
I started writing daily. I found a continuing education course on Professional Creative Writing in a local city and started taking courses. There were some tips and facts that were good but the social networking was the key. It was after this that I started actively exploring getting my works published. That expensive piece of paper honed my confidence enough to start sending out queries and posting my first drafts right to the net.
While I had to pony up time and money to self publish once the rejection e-mails came in, I didn’t mind. I think it was the start of something good. I think? I know it was the start of something good.
Welcome to my version of the world of Yaoi. I look forward to leaving my touch in your mind.
On a dark and quiet evening in the month of April, a little girl child came into the world in St. Joesph General Hospital. Upon seeing the little girl with the little curl in the middle of her forehead, the father was heard to remark…why does she have red hair? At that moment I’ve been known as the milkman’s kid, oops, I meant she’s been known as the milkman’s kid. See, this is why I write in first person. If it works for you, stick with it.
My favorite book was “Green eggs and ham”. Apparently my mother got so annoyed with me reciting it that it accidently on purpose got tossed out the window of a moving car. So I guess I started writing my own stories once I was taught to print. I’ve always loved writing fiction. In elementary and secondary school we were required to keep a journal. I didn’t want to. I love to write but not about myself. I just wrote little ideas down and handed them in. I graduated so I guess it was good.
I thought I was in deep fascination with a boy in grade seven who was very into Star Trek. I had no clue what he was talking about so I started learning about Star Trek and now it was what was his name? Sci-fi segued into Fantasy and from there I never looked back. I was a big Star Wars geek (pre-episode 1) and wrote pastiche Han Solo adventures as a teenager.
My writing began to lean towards my current selection of offerings. I initially was a little distressed. I thought I was off – way off. I was uncomfortable with the content and toned it down or cut it out completely on second draft attempts. However, it kept cropping back up and I thought I was going to have to pull my hair out to make it stop but then…on May 6, 2006 at 9:15 a.m. I discovered “Ai No Kusabi” on youtube.
That was also the same time that I realized that what I had been writing and hiding away for years had a name. Yaoi. If it had a name others were reading and writing it so I wasn’t the lone pervert out in the world. I took my hands out of my hair and put my fingers on the keyboard and embraced the world of Yaoi.
It only took me six months to figure out how to start posting stories on the Internet on www.adultfanfiction.net. It wasn’t long before I moved from writing AnK fan fiction to posting my own original Yaoi writing under the pseudonym kiix.
I started writing daily. I found a continuing education course on Professional Creative Writing in a local city and started taking courses. There were some tips and facts that were good but the social networking was the key. It was after this that I started actively exploring getting my works published. That expensive piece of paper honed my confidence enough to start sending out queries and posting my first drafts right to the net.
While I had to pony up time and money to self publish once the rejection e-mails came in, I didn’t mind. I think it was the start of something good. I think? I know it was the start of something good.
Welcome to my version of the world of Yaoi. I look forward to leaving my touch in your mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 25, 2016
2.5 Master your Flame, and you master your world. Stars.
Okay, Kitty, You are going to have to be my eyes on this. If I go out too soon, I’m crispy bacon.
Hmmm, bacon.
Xavier is getting the swing of being a high ranking vampire, but trouble is brewing, and it's coming for him.
Sex saved Xavier's life nearly a thousand times, but he wants more. He wants life, love, and devotion. He's going to try his damndest to get it.
Azrael is a killing machine, but even he wants love, and Marcus is who he wants it from.
I was really excited to learn more about Marcus and Xavier, especially with how the last one ended; and I did. For 200 pages... I don't know what the fuck happened, and I didn't like it either.
The 'other' characters were really annoying and was hard to make sense of. They should have just been avoided all together.
There is no clear plot and it all seems like a mishmash of ideas.
I loved the hell-kitty, and was happy to see her back. She's as snarky and cute as hell (hehe) as ever...
“Can you go smaller?” She looked up at with golden, questioning eyes but then morphed down to a newborn kitten, and I carefully slid her into my pocket.
I did really really enjoy the first half, though.
I don't think that I will be continuing with this series, it's just too darned silly.
P.S. It also ends on a cliffhanger, y'know, just like the first one.
May 18, 2022
Libro Abandonado 50%
Aunque no es mi costumbre abandonar las lecturas, sencillamente no pude con este.
No se si es la trama, los personajes o el tipo de lectura (yaoi), pero realmente llego el momento en que no pude soportar mas las incongruencias, cambios de personalidad de los personajes y locuras en la trama, asi que decidi abandonarlo por completo tanto el libro como la serie.
Es un lastima, el primer libro hasta la mitad mas o menos fue interesante, el universo, los personjes, el trauma, pero con cada cambio de personalidad, de trama, me fue fastidiando mas y mas, hasta que no pude seguir leyendo.
Aunque no es mi costumbre abandonar las lecturas, sencillamente no pude con este.
No se si es la trama, los personajes o el tipo de lectura (yaoi), pero realmente llego el momento en que no pude soportar mas las incongruencias, cambios de personalidad de los personajes y locuras en la trama, asi que decidi abandonarlo por completo tanto el libro como la serie.
Es un lastima, el primer libro hasta la mitad mas o menos fue interesante, el universo, los personjes, el trauma, pero con cada cambio de personalidad, de trama, me fue fastidiando mas y mas, hasta que no pude seguir leyendo.
November 3, 2011
4.5 stars
Still really liked it, but dayuuum, my I'm sore all over from tensing my muscles for two days straight with all the intense tension. How's that for a good description? Intense tension, oh yeah.
Still really liked it, but dayuuum, my I'm sore all over from tensing my muscles for two days straight with all the intense tension. How's that for a good description? Intense tension, oh yeah.
April 17, 2017
4.5 stars I think. There is a crazy joyfulness to Derekica Snake's writing of 'Cinder'. This is the delightfully erotic tale of three gay psychotic vampires with multiple personality problems.
'Marcus knelt in front of me and held out a hand to me. "I know it is too late, but I would still like to know. Xavier, my heart, my soul, my love, my life... I offer you eternal life. Would you walk with me throughout time without end?"
'Marcus knelt in front of me and held out a hand to me. "I know it is too late, but I would still like to know. Xavier, my heart, my soul, my love, my life... I offer you eternal life. Would you walk with me throughout time without end?"
did-not-finish
March 18, 2014DNF @ 27%
Duel personality? Seriously that was it for me.
Duel personality? Seriously that was it for me.
January 27, 2013
Totally messed up.
Just when I thought I understood the dynamics at play between Marcus and Xavier I meet three more people. Claudius is the voice of reason, again. But his role is increasingly more complicated as he expands his role of assumed Father to more, much more.
Xavier starts to give Marcus just as good as he takes, and I admit that as screwed up as it is--I loved it. So wrong...very wrong, but what a dirty little pleasure when love and revenge keep intersecting. Their meet ups are explosive and leave a trail of destruction that even pisses off Chesterton.
The Blood Nation plays a larger role as Xavier is introduced and the responsibilities of his Blue Line demand attention. Unfortunately, and more than just a little icky is the familial attention he receives.
Screw me if I MUST read the next book, Cinnamon like real soon. *shakes fist* I'm on tenderhooks and pissed at both Xavier and Marcus right now.
Just when I thought I understood the dynamics at play between Marcus and Xavier I meet three more people. Claudius is the voice of reason, again. But his role is increasingly more complicated as he expands his role of assumed Father to more, much more.
Xavier starts to give Marcus just as good as he takes, and I admit that as screwed up as it is--I loved it. So wrong...very wrong, but what a dirty little pleasure when love and revenge keep intersecting. Their meet ups are explosive and leave a trail of destruction that even pisses off Chesterton.
The Blood Nation plays a larger role as Xavier is introduced and the responsibilities of his Blue Line demand attention. Unfortunately, and more than just a little icky is the familial attention he receives.
Screw me if I MUST read the next book, Cinnamon like real soon. *shakes fist* I'm on tenderhooks and pissed at both Xavier and Marcus right now.
January 19, 2014
Holy mindfuck, batman! These guys are bonkers, but I love it. Action, sex, hot vampire guys. Really, just when I think their games are a bit much, some heart gets thrown in and I'm sucked into it all over again.
On to Cinnamon immediately. I'm addicted.
On to Cinnamon immediately. I'm addicted.
October 8, 2024
Roller coaster, chaotic yet magnificent. A true mind-fuckery, one that my mind appreciated.
This book is soooooo messed up! All I want is for Xavier to find some peace. How difficult can that be? Well, apparently VERY difficult when we have a chaotic situation unfolding every fifty pages.
This book is soooooo messed up! All I want is for Xavier to find some peace. How difficult can that be? Well, apparently VERY difficult when we have a chaotic situation unfolding every fifty pages.
"Armor. Carnage. Grandmother.” Her face blanched. I gave her a slow smile, “Let’s dance.”
"What time is it, my Sons?” Claudius dropped his remaining knife into his hand, and I noticed he had armed himself with a handgun from somewhere.
“It is killing time.” Armor readied his own weapon and nodded back at Father.
I took both my Glocks out and bounced on my feet. “Tick Tock.”
September 6, 2015
Oh, my, just like in Cake, Cinder can be a brutal read. I'm not thrilled with the multiple personalities, I miss the Marcus from the first book! Overall the read kept me entranced. The writing and plot twists were really good. Xavier has faced so much and so many changes. You just want the guy to have a break and yet the ending of this book shows Xavier just isn't getting one any time soon or maybe at all. I had a really hard time deciding how to rate this. I loved the read but wasn't happy with the split personalities, it seemed an easy way out. I also thought the ending of the situation with Trista was left wanting. I can't wait to see what will happen with everyone in the next book.
January 1, 2018
★★★★★
ETA: 2.21.15 - 3rd Time Around. The Blood Nation is addicting.
The crazy ride continues with Xavier's personalities expanding their world and their adventures. I think I gotta make a tree (org?) chart to keep track of everybody!
Has flaws but you know, this is the third time around so I can obviously overlook them. Just hop on the train with me!
✰✰✰✰½ - Good world building and keeping track of the characters.
ETA 9/2013 Reread in anticipation of
release. Still love and will reread again.
ETA: 2.21.15 - 3rd Time Around. The Blood Nation is addicting.
The crazy ride continues with Xavier's personalities expanding their world and their adventures. I think I gotta make a tree (org?) chart to keep track of everybody!
Has flaws but you know, this is the third time around so I can obviously overlook them. Just hop on the train with me!
✰✰✰✰½ - Good world building and keeping track of the characters.
ETA 9/2013 Reread in anticipation of
release. Still love and will reread again.
August 30, 2012
Oh WOW ! this book was just as fantastic a read as 'Cake' ! It sometimes got a bit confusing with all of the different personalities involved....X,Xavier,Azreal,SEX, Armor,Marcus etc etc, but I love the book and can't wait until the next one !
November 24, 2012
I loved the first Book but the second book left me lost I can only hope the next book is better.I find myself hopeful for Marcus to me he's the Character you want to hate but you find yourself rooting for him. After all he's suffered he deserves a happy ending.
March 11, 2015
this book was a mess of continuity errors and insanity that was annoying but kept me turning the page. I'm still not completely sure how I feel about it or if I will go on to read the next in the series.
December 6, 2013
Loved it.
The boys’ relationship dramatics are over-the-top, yet riveting. Xavier continues to be the perfect first-person narrator. As a new member of the Blood Nation, he discovers its layers of secrets along with the reader. His style is confidential, often humorous, and always close to the action and the emotions. He is effortlessly easy to root for, and picking up his story again is like catching up with a good friend.
Xavier and Marcus declared their love and commitment in the previous book, but all is not roses as they attempt to settle into a relationship. Both characters are mentally and emotionally unstable. Falling in love has not miraculously healed either of them. The abusive dynamic that shaped their first year together, while explained, has not been forgotten, and its consequences are heavy.
Xavier is confused by the changes in Marcus’ character once they become lovers--he is unsure of himself, terrified of losing Xavier, and occasionally even weepy. It is soon revealed .
The quality of the writing is so seamless and compelling that this dubious, soap-opera setup works like gangbusters. Claudius gets into the mix as well, and plot-wise, the threesome find themselves facing a worthy threat as Xavier, the Lord Emperor, comes to understand the full implications of his position and destiny.
The narrative is a series of sexual encounters, arguments, fights, make-up sex, Vampire Council business, more sex, vampire showdowns, tears, and revelations. Friendship and family are as important as the romantic entanglements. A page-turner to the end (and there are a lot of pages). If you’ve been craving more of what you got in Cake, this one offers a generous helping that lives up to its promise.
Five stars.
January 11, 2012
I don't know exactly what to think. It's probably 3.5*, but the last pages left a big impression and I'm rounding it up to 4*.
This book had all the same flaws of the first, but it's impossible to put down and it's very crazy entertaining. I must admit that I am not thrilled by the multiple personalities, because it seems an easy way to solve specific situations in the plot, but I must also give kudos to the author, because it's not easy to keep track of the way each situation evolves and where each character is at a certain time. There's a lot of drama, but sometimes you have to go with the flow and the book has also a lot of funny moments. I think the multiple personality thing came - at least for me - a bit out of left field, especially as Marcus is concerned. I was sorry I lost the Marcus of the first book, but I'm glad I got that Claudius. Cold cold cold and therefore hot hot hot.
I wish the author had spent more time on the relationship between Reggie and Xavier, because their pages were sweet and heartbreaking. Reggie inspired something pure and selfless in Xavier and that's a side of his character I really liked to see.
There were parts that I think were resolved too easily (such as the Trisha-issue) and parts that in my opinion failed their impact (for example all the Nightshade thing). There were a few editing issues (edition for addition; base for bass; a few "that" used for comparison instead of "than", the use of the opening quotes in reported speech was not regular), but even if it's not a perfect book, it's incredibly addictive and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This book had all the same flaws of the first, but it's impossible to put down and it's very crazy entertaining. I must admit that I am not thrilled by the multiple personalities, because it seems an easy way to solve specific situations in the plot, but I must also give kudos to the author, because it's not easy to keep track of the way each situation evolves and where each character is at a certain time. There's a lot of drama, but sometimes you have to go with the flow and the book has also a lot of funny moments. I think the multiple personality thing came - at least for me - a bit out of left field, especially as Marcus is concerned. I was sorry I lost the Marcus of the first book, but I'm glad I got that Claudius. Cold cold cold and therefore hot hot hot.
I wish the author had spent more time on the relationship between Reggie and Xavier, because their pages were sweet and heartbreaking. Reggie inspired something pure and selfless in Xavier and that's a side of his character I really liked to see.
There were parts that I think were resolved too easily (such as the Trisha-issue) and parts that in my opinion failed their impact (for example all the Nightshade thing). There were a few editing issues (edition for addition; base for bass; a few "that" used for comparison instead of "than", the use of the opening quotes in reported speech was not regular), but even if it's not a perfect book, it's incredibly addictive and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2016
Main Characters: Marcus de Bussey, Claudius de Bussey & Xavier de Bussey (SEX)
Key Themes: Psuedo Incest, Psuedo Twincest, Violence
Location: Houston, Texas
Disappointing follow-up to
!
I tried to get into this story, I really did! I kept going back to it…but it just kept getting on my nerves…
Why?
Firstly, there is no discernible storyline as far as I can tell. The characters are all over the place with thier actions and thoughts, and the prose was truly unbearable. Secondly, the narrator repeatedly goes off on tangents, not giving a damn about guiding the reader through the story.
Finally, even though this story attempts to address taboo subjects such as rape, incest and twincest, it’s done with so little conviction, it’s frustrating! To add insult to injury, the story is way too long…..
At one point, the narrator (Xavier, SEX) wonders..
"Whoa…okay, what the hell just happened here?"
…..yeah, well those were MY thoughts exactly!
Key Themes: Psuedo Incest, Psuedo Twincest, Violence
Location: Houston, Texas
Disappointing follow-up to
!I tried to get into this story, I really did! I kept going back to it…but it just kept getting on my nerves…
Why?
Firstly, there is no discernible storyline as far as I can tell. The characters are all over the place with thier actions and thoughts, and the prose was truly unbearable. Secondly, the narrator repeatedly goes off on tangents, not giving a damn about guiding the reader through the story.
Finally, even though this story attempts to address taboo subjects such as rape, incest and twincest, it’s done with so little conviction, it’s frustrating! To add insult to injury, the story is way too long…..
At one point, the narrator (Xavier, SEX) wonders..
"Whoa…okay, what the hell just happened here?"
…..yeah, well those were MY thoughts exactly!
February 22, 2015
I'm very anxious to see how this all resolves. Xavier/Armor, Marcus/Azrael, Sex/Claudius. How is this going to work out? Assassin Guild, Master of the House, Lord Emperor. Lots happening. And, I have to say that I'm really ready for some happiness for the gang. They deserve it! :)
Reread: Just as good the second time around. The splits were easier to keep up with on this second time around. Really well written.
Reread: Just as good the second time around. The splits were easier to keep up with on this second time around. Really well written.
November 10, 2013
This is the continuation of the Blood Nation series. If I was hard pressed I'd call it 'A Fine Mess'. I enjoyed the characters even if I don't like what they do or how they do it. I would have read this series forever but for two changes; I didn't like the split personalities at all and alas, I missed Marcus too much to continue the series - sad.I cared about Claudius endlessly, good luck my fair monster.
December 16, 2012
One word ... Epilogue!
(SPOILER) I hope Marcus gets his act together and doesn't need to be put down. I was weary about this whole Marcus gets Azrael and Armor gets X while Sex gets Claudius but I hope it all works out. After reading Cinder's epilogue I'm a little worried. I wonder how Hades will fit into the mix.?. I also miss Reggie :(
(SPOILER) I hope Marcus gets his act together and doesn't need to be put down. I was weary about this whole Marcus gets Azrael and Armor gets X while Sex gets Claudius but I hope it all works out. After reading Cinder's epilogue I'm a little worried. I wonder how Hades will fit into the mix.?. I also miss Reggie :(
March 7, 2015
Rating from 1 star to 3.5stars (just gonna go with 3 wtfe)
This book was violent, confusing, sexy, violent, confusing. Then at the end I felt like I could take all of that because I understood how it all came together. I understood how all the pieces/people/personalities fit together.
Then I read the epilogue.....
This book was violent, confusing, sexy, violent, confusing. Then at the end I felt like I could take all of that because I understood how it all came together. I understood how all the pieces/people/personalities fit together.
Then I read the epilogue.....
September 30, 2011
Ok I finished this book earlier in the week but it was soooooooo good I think I am going to reread it.
March 6, 2016
I'm so loving the Blood Nation world. It's a bit messed-up and crazy but I just couldn't stop reading. I don't know how Derekica Snake comes up with this stuff? It's so detailed and original...you won't find anything else like it.
I just went and immediately bought
...I wonder who the blond is on the cover?
Xavier is still finding himself and developing his new talents in the vampire world.
The only thing that puzzled me is the epilogue.
I just went and immediately bought
...I wonder who the blond is on the cover?Xavier is still finding himself and developing his new talents in the vampire world.
The only thing that puzzled me is the epilogue.
May 31, 2014
I just can't believe where this story went. Talk about a bunch of screwed up characters, and the story is all over the place. I could not for the life of me keep the multiple personalities, like Azrael and Armor, straight. I had to drop out of the current story and think back to who was who. I feel like I've just come down from an acid trip...not that I know what that actually feels like, but I'm guessing it's damned close. Parts of book #2 were brilliant in their potential, parts were painfully confusing. And did I mention too much frickin' sex that doesn't further the plot? I really, really wanted to like this book, but I had to force myself to finish it. I think a really good editor could take this series and make it into something wonderful.
August 15, 2015
I'm pretty breathless right now.
There is just so much going on. I'm not sure where to start or how much to include.
These vampires are broken, damaged, psychologically, and most of the time physically. I'm still wondering why Xavier hasn't left, or killed himself.
This is so dark. Domestic abuse at its most brutal. I'd urge people to read the tags before entering into this dark world.
If you do happen to find yourself inside the pages of this story, hold on for one hella fucked up ride. The twists enhance the story and bring it out of the deepest darkest hell. I'd say it is only those surprises that got me through this.
I'm going to get ready for the next one, and I don't want to give too much away. For those who have a taste for the truly dark and depraved, enjoy/endure.
There is just so much going on. I'm not sure where to start or how much to include.
These vampires are broken, damaged, psychologically, and most of the time physically. I'm still wondering why Xavier hasn't left, or killed himself.
This is so dark. Domestic abuse at its most brutal. I'd urge people to read the tags before entering into this dark world.
If you do happen to find yourself inside the pages of this story, hold on for one hella fucked up ride. The twists enhance the story and bring it out of the deepest darkest hell. I'd say it is only those surprises that got me through this.
I'm going to get ready for the next one, and I don't want to give too much away. For those who have a taste for the truly dark and depraved, enjoy/endure.
February 16, 2014
I love how the characters evolved in this book. This was one of those rare finds that really isn't something I would normally read. Yet, I bought every book in the series and loved them all. I really like an author who can make me forget everything that is going on around me, simply because she has completely drawn me in. The non-con made me uncomfortable, but this series has become an instant favorite. Unlike some reviewers, I judge a book on how it makes me feel. Snake managed to evoke many different emotions with this series, and I really like it when a book makes me feel!
January 12, 2014
In a word, overwritten, but $9.95 needs to be justified somehow if only by length. Jekyll/Hyde personalities created to accommodate switch hitting (literally and figuratively) and that damned, superfluous cat again. DNF
November 15, 2011
I'm going to have to review this one because it took so long for me to finish. It's not at all the book's fault though. It's a great read.
September 17, 2013
Summary - 3.5 Stars
Cinder by Derekica Snake is a continuation of the story of Xavier's transformation from fat, blind, embezzler to famous model, vampire, and assassin. The story is still dark yet funny, and Xavier's troubled romance with his captor Marcus becomes even rockier. Xavier discovers more about the vampire world and becomes embroiled in the dangerous politics of his new species. He's still floundering to keep up with the changes in his life, and now he has the added pressure of being required to fulfill his duties as a member of the House of Assassins. Cinder is occasionally hard to follow as the story seems to suffer from the same psychosis as the characters. It has a crack fic feel while containing themes of rape, coercion, and violence. This is not a book for readers looking for emotional angst, true love, or heartfelt romance. Cinder is overpriced at $9.99 for the ebook version, but worth the time and money if you can find it on sale. This is the second book in the Blood Nation series and is not a stand alone read.
Fantasy World
Substantial disbelief is required for Cinder. It's not meant to be believable, and is so completely outlandish it results in a very entertaining story.
Tingle Factor
There's plenty of sex with an entire cast of men who could moonlight as male models. The sex is hot, but not always tingle inducing. Beware some of it is non-consensual and abusive. Cinder includes explicit descriptions of male/male sexual practices, and m/m/m menage.
Romance
There are increased tender feelings between all of the main characters, but the romance mainly takes a back seat to the political intrigue. There is a new angle to the relationship between Xavier and Claudius.
Drama
Xavier is a poor planner who simply reacts to situations, which is not a desirable trait in an assassin. He continually gets himself into situations from which he then needs rescuing. Xavier is also the center of political machinations due to his previously revealed heritage, which result in his further suffering.
Hero #1
Xavier is still entertaining and his adventures as outlandish as in Cake. He's more likeable as he continues his journey towards his new and improved inner self. He still seems to be suffering from a bit of Stockholm Syndrome, and develops additional psychoses induced by his kidnapping and torture.
Hero #2
We learn more about Marcus' back story which makes him a more sympathetic, if still tragically troubled character. It doesn't fully excuse his continued abuse of Xavier, but it certainly explains why Marcus treated him the way he did.
Hero #3
We learn more about Claudius and he becomes much less distant. He was originally described as a sociopath, but that description is challenged by actions. He becomes much closer to Xavier and their relationship becomes more than grandsire/son and occasional lover.
For access to all links in this review, please visit http://www.damesunrestrained.blogspot...
Cinder by Derekica Snake is a continuation of the story of Xavier's transformation from fat, blind, embezzler to famous model, vampire, and assassin. The story is still dark yet funny, and Xavier's troubled romance with his captor Marcus becomes even rockier. Xavier discovers more about the vampire world and becomes embroiled in the dangerous politics of his new species. He's still floundering to keep up with the changes in his life, and now he has the added pressure of being required to fulfill his duties as a member of the House of Assassins. Cinder is occasionally hard to follow as the story seems to suffer from the same psychosis as the characters. It has a crack fic feel while containing themes of rape, coercion, and violence. This is not a book for readers looking for emotional angst, true love, or heartfelt romance. Cinder is overpriced at $9.99 for the ebook version, but worth the time and money if you can find it on sale. This is the second book in the Blood Nation series and is not a stand alone read.
Fantasy World
Substantial disbelief is required for Cinder. It's not meant to be believable, and is so completely outlandish it results in a very entertaining story.
Tingle Factor
There's plenty of sex with an entire cast of men who could moonlight as male models. The sex is hot, but not always tingle inducing. Beware some of it is non-consensual and abusive. Cinder includes explicit descriptions of male/male sexual practices, and m/m/m menage.
Romance
There are increased tender feelings between all of the main characters, but the romance mainly takes a back seat to the political intrigue. There is a new angle to the relationship between Xavier and Claudius.
Drama
Xavier is a poor planner who simply reacts to situations, which is not a desirable trait in an assassin. He continually gets himself into situations from which he then needs rescuing. Xavier is also the center of political machinations due to his previously revealed heritage, which result in his further suffering.
Hero #1
Xavier is still entertaining and his adventures as outlandish as in Cake. He's more likeable as he continues his journey towards his new and improved inner self. He still seems to be suffering from a bit of Stockholm Syndrome, and develops additional psychoses induced by his kidnapping and torture.
Hero #2
We learn more about Marcus' back story which makes him a more sympathetic, if still tragically troubled character. It doesn't fully excuse his continued abuse of Xavier, but it certainly explains why Marcus treated him the way he did.
Hero #3
We learn more about Claudius and he becomes much less distant. He was originally described as a sociopath, but that description is challenged by actions. He becomes much closer to Xavier and their relationship becomes more than grandsire/son and occasional lover.
For access to all links in this review, please visit http://www.damesunrestrained.blogspot...
May 17, 2015
Well, what a mixed bag this book was. Funny, sweet, dark and terrible. It sped along like a bunny on crack, and I had to put it down and walk away a few times to catch my breath! The characters of Marcus and Xavier did a fast 360 degrees spin in this story and left my mind boggled. It was difficult enough to know that the character of Marcus i came to kind of feel sorry for in the first book was a fragment of a split personality, but then Xavier began to splinter. Good grief how many times can poor Xavier get raped? It was rapey rape fest time for the poor guy. I didn't like was the 'heal thy self' and then ooh i feel so horny, lets go again attitude. I prefer my characters to deal with their angst, and if they can get revenge on those who abused them. But then the theme of abused becomes abuser started that all too familiar tailspin in the relationship between Marcus and Xavier. I like Claudius better...I liked the cliff hanger...I'm hooked and on to Cinnamon!
December 1, 2014
*3,5 Stars
Messed up and complicated doesn't even come close to cover what's going on in this book. Now I'm done and asking myself why the hell I read this in the first place. xD The author definitely has a talent for enticing you to continue on reading about craziness, but I think I'm done for now. I most likely won't be moving on to the next book anytime soon.
I would have prefered a little less drama or at least some kind of HFN with all 5 main characters I guess. And the part at the barn towards the end with the red giants was totally unnecessary in my opinion. It's like the author suddenly realized the rape-o-meter wasn't high enough in this book. She had to do something about it and the result was something random. I kinda had hoped that Claudius or Marcus/Armor or the gazillions of assassins who swore fealty to Xavier would have prevented it, but no, never happened.
Messed up and complicated doesn't even come close to cover what's going on in this book. Now I'm done and asking myself why the hell I read this in the first place. xD The author definitely has a talent for enticing you to continue on reading about craziness, but I think I'm done for now. I most likely won't be moving on to the next book anytime soon.
I would have prefered a little less drama or at least some kind of HFN with all 5 main characters I guess. And the part at the barn towards the end with the red giants was totally unnecessary in my opinion. It's like the author suddenly realized the rape-o-meter wasn't high enough in this book. She had to do something about it and the result was something random. I kinda had hoped that Claudius or Marcus/Armor or the gazillions of assassins who swore fealty to Xavier would have prevented it, but no, never happened.
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