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Marchwood Vampires #2
Thicker Than Blood
This fast-paced paranormal adventure combines passion and drama with a historical twist.
The lives of Madison and Alexandre are plunged into darkness and danger. To save Maddy, Alexandre is forced back to a world he thought was dead and buried. But time is running out . The chase is on . . .
"I simply could not put this book down." ~Books4Tomorrow
The lives of Madison and Alexandre are plunged into darkness and danger. To save Maddy, Alexandre is forced back to a world he thought was dead and buried. But time is running out . The chase is on . . .
"I simply could not put this book down." ~Books4Tomorrow
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2012
458 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
41 books3,434 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 23, 2023
Falling in love.... vampire style.
Book two in the Vampires of Marchood series begins where the first book in the series, Hidden leaves off. Madison (Maddie) and Alexandre (Alex) are in love. They are perfect for each other except that Maddie is human and Alexandre is a vampire.
This book introduces readers with a new character - Aelia who was a young woman in 571AD. She was cast out from her village and left to make it on her own.
In the present, Maddie and Alex happily lives in the English countryside and think nothing can burst their perfect bubble until the past comes calling with a vengeance. Maddie is taken away deep into the caves in Cappadocia. Alex and his family spring into action and go searching for her, but will they make it in time?
Past and present collide in book two which kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. I was instantly drawn into Aelia's plot in the past. It was gripping, engaging and tense. I knew at some point her story would fit into the current storyline, but I had no idea how or why.
Boland continues to impress me with her Vampires of Marchwood series. This is a YA paranormal romance book that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Now that I am finished with book two, I can't wait to see what happens in book three!
3.5 stars
#TAKEN #NetGalley #Secondsky #ShaliniBoland
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Book two in the Vampires of Marchood series begins where the first book in the series, Hidden leaves off. Madison (Maddie) and Alexandre (Alex) are in love. They are perfect for each other except that Maddie is human and Alexandre is a vampire.
This book introduces readers with a new character - Aelia who was a young woman in 571AD. She was cast out from her village and left to make it on her own.
In the present, Maddie and Alex happily lives in the English countryside and think nothing can burst their perfect bubble until the past comes calling with a vengeance. Maddie is taken away deep into the caves in Cappadocia. Alex and his family spring into action and go searching for her, but will they make it in time?
Past and present collide in book two which kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. I was instantly drawn into Aelia's plot in the past. It was gripping, engaging and tense. I knew at some point her story would fit into the current storyline, but I had no idea how or why.
Boland continues to impress me with her Vampires of Marchwood series. This is a YA paranormal romance book that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Now that I am finished with book two, I can't wait to see what happens in book three!
3.5 stars
#TAKEN #NetGalley #Secondsky #ShaliniBoland
Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 25, 2016
Great backstory! Really kept me turning pages and summed up how the story came to be in a fascinating way, especially since I wouldn't have guessed all that was involved.
The hook at end seems like a great chance to change up the series, so something to look forward to in the next book.
The hook at end seems like a great chance to change up the series, so something to look forward to in the next book.
Read
March 27, 2023DNF at 11%
I really enjoyed the first book but this one just didn't stick out to me. I really wanted to like it because I seemed to like the author's writing style but I couldn't get past the first 40 pages. This is definitely a me problem because I'm sure that if I read it in a month or so, I would highly enjoy it but for now it's better to let it go because I was almost falling into a slump
I really enjoyed the first book but this one just didn't stick out to me. I really wanted to like it because I seemed to like the author's writing style but I couldn't get past the first 40 pages. This is definitely a me problem because I'm sure that if I read it in a month or so, I would highly enjoy it but for now it's better to let it go because I was almost falling into a slump
March 30, 2016
Once again Alex and Maddison are pulled into adventures and troubles. Once again you're drawn within this story with action and adventure as well as fear for these beloved characters' lives and well-being. You are on the edge of your seat. There is suspense that is always around the corner. Can we say cliffhanger Ms. Boland? The story again switches back and forth between sixth century Byzantium and modern day Cappadocia and England, with ease; thus ensuring that the reader keeps turning the pages. Please give me more!
The characters truly come to life - Alexandre, still the nineteenth century French aristocrat, Freddy, the British aristocrat of the same time period and on the modern end of the scale, Madison and her brother Ben. You began to see their characters evolve in much more detail making you love them even more. From Maddison I get the feel of gothic bad ass heroine. I love that. Alexandre is an old vampire that has a sense of protection and being the protector of his entire family. Add to this variety of characters and you got one hell of a story. The characters are so realistic and draws you in. You still have a bit of romance, the love between Madison and Alexandre is beautifully and leaves you wanting little more taste of their love.
The author words are effortless on the pages and the book is beautifully written with a twist of a different vampire story that seems to pull you in. Well done Ms. Boland!
The characters truly come to life - Alexandre, still the nineteenth century French aristocrat, Freddy, the British aristocrat of the same time period and on the modern end of the scale, Madison and her brother Ben. You began to see their characters evolve in much more detail making you love them even more. From Maddison I get the feel of gothic bad ass heroine. I love that. Alexandre is an old vampire that has a sense of protection and being the protector of his entire family. Add to this variety of characters and you got one hell of a story. The characters are so realistic and draws you in. You still have a bit of romance, the love between Madison and Alexandre is beautifully and leaves you wanting little more taste of their love.
The author words are effortless on the pages and the book is beautifully written with a twist of a different vampire story that seems to pull you in. Well done Ms. Boland!
June 25, 2012
OK... so perhaps it's obvious that I'm one of Shalini Boland's biggest fans but I can't help it - her books are just so brilliant. I've been eagerly awaiting Thicker Than Blood, Part 2 of the Marchwood Vampires series since I read Hidden (twice!). I completely fell in love with the first book well over a year ago and you can therefore imagine my excitement when I saw that she was finally releasing the sequel! SQUEAL!
Needless to say, I couldn't put the book down, it gripped me from the very first page and continued to do so throughout. I am so excited that there are going to be more in this series, my only hope is that I don't have to wait too long for the next one!
A superb read!
Suzy Turner
Author of The Raven Saga
Needless to say, I couldn't put the book down, it gripped me from the very first page and continued to do so throughout. I am so excited that there are going to be more in this series, my only hope is that I don't have to wait too long for the next one!
A superb read!
Suzy Turner
Author of The Raven Saga
March 10, 2024
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
August 1, 2012
The first book in this series, Hidden, was a keeper for me (you can read my review on my blog) and I’ve been looking forward to the next in the trilogy to be published. However, because I enjoyed it so much I did feel a little anxious to see if Boland kept the momentum going.
The story opens with Aelia in Cappadocia in 571AD. Collecting water we understand that she has broken one of the rules of her community but is confident that Lysus, son of the village leader, will marry her. On her return, half the village are waiting outside her home. Her father is shouting at the village leader.
Chapter Two finds the reader in present day. Maddie and Alex, Ben, Leonara and Freddie and Isabel and Jacques are at Gloucester Cathedral ice-skating. Maddie goes off to buy hot chocolate for Ben and herself and doesn’t return.
Straight away, in both timelines, the action is about to start. As in Hidden, we alternate in these different timelines until they merge. From the Marchwood Vampires trying to rescue Maddie to the banishment of Aelia and being taken in by the widow Maleina (a hermit healer living away from society) there is plenty of crises and action. I loved the significance of the solstice.
This time we find out about the backstory to the time before the Marchwood Vampires met their fates in the Cappadocian underground village. I loved the way it all tied in and how Aelia held the key to events that were still being played out in present time.
New characters are introduced by way of the Cappadocian Vampires and the arrogance and superiority came across really clearly. The characters we already know from Hidden are exactly the same (brilliantly portrayed if you read my review!)
The betrayal had me confused as the person all the evidence pointed to just didn’t make sense. Of course when we find out who it is and why it all makes perfect sense! I loved that I didn’t know.
At the end, we’re back in Tetbury at Christmas. Alex knows there is more to come with facing the Cappadocian Vampires and so this is just a brief interlude. However, there is also something else waiting outside those walls and in need of something they have… what a brilliant way to end! Not only do we have the final conflict between the warring vampires to look forward to but also the intrigue of the creature who is obviously intelligent and will also cause conflict. Can’t wait to find out …
Thicker than Blood does follow through. It had hooked me just as much as Hidden did.
You can read it as a stand alone but you will have continuity if you read Hidden to understand the importance of the Cappadocian thread running through the trilogy.
The story opens with Aelia in Cappadocia in 571AD. Collecting water we understand that she has broken one of the rules of her community but is confident that Lysus, son of the village leader, will marry her. On her return, half the village are waiting outside her home. Her father is shouting at the village leader.
Chapter Two finds the reader in present day. Maddie and Alex, Ben, Leonara and Freddie and Isabel and Jacques are at Gloucester Cathedral ice-skating. Maddie goes off to buy hot chocolate for Ben and herself and doesn’t return.
Straight away, in both timelines, the action is about to start. As in Hidden, we alternate in these different timelines until they merge. From the Marchwood Vampires trying to rescue Maddie to the banishment of Aelia and being taken in by the widow Maleina (a hermit healer living away from society) there is plenty of crises and action. I loved the significance of the solstice.
This time we find out about the backstory to the time before the Marchwood Vampires met their fates in the Cappadocian underground village. I loved the way it all tied in and how Aelia held the key to events that were still being played out in present time.
New characters are introduced by way of the Cappadocian Vampires and the arrogance and superiority came across really clearly. The characters we already know from Hidden are exactly the same (brilliantly portrayed if you read my review!)
The betrayal had me confused as the person all the evidence pointed to just didn’t make sense. Of course when we find out who it is and why it all makes perfect sense! I loved that I didn’t know.
At the end, we’re back in Tetbury at Christmas. Alex knows there is more to come with facing the Cappadocian Vampires and so this is just a brief interlude. However, there is also something else waiting outside those walls and in need of something they have… what a brilliant way to end! Not only do we have the final conflict between the warring vampires to look forward to but also the intrigue of the creature who is obviously intelligent and will also cause conflict. Can’t wait to find out …
Thicker than Blood does follow through. It had hooked me just as much as Hidden did.
You can read it as a stand alone but you will have continuity if you read Hidden to understand the importance of the Cappadocian thread running through the trilogy.
June 27, 2012
If Madison and Alexandre thought their troubles were over, they were sadly mistaken. In “Thicker than Blood” they, together with their families, are once again plunged into a world of adventure, danger and life threatening situations. On the other hand we have Elia's story which is set in sixth century Byzantium. Finally it looks as though we are going to get some answers to questions which arose in “Hidden”, the first book of the Marchwood Vampire series. Answers that fill us in on how exactly the vampires came to Byzantium and what caused the strange sleeping disease that had disabled so many vampires for fourteen centuries. Not having had much time to experience life as vampires when they were newly created in the nineteenth century, Alexandre and the other Marchwood vampires only knew that sunshine - and now ultra violet light - can kill them. In this book they also discover other dangers to their existence, as well as the possibility of being put back to sleep if they are not careful.
Once I started reading, I simply could not put this book down. With action and adventure and fear for these beloved characters' lives and well-being from the very first few pages, combined with suspense that just never lets up until the final page, it is not surprising that the author - who is a genius with cliff-hanger chapter endings - switches back and forth between sixth century Byzantium and modern day Cappadocia and England, with ease; thus ensuring that the reader keeps turning the pages.
The characters truly come to life - Alexandre, still the nineteenth century French aristocrat, Freddy, the British aristocrat of the same time period and on the modern end of the scale, Madison and her brother Ben. Add to this variety of characters a few sixth century individuals and the story is as colorful as it gets. As all the characters are realistic - not all good or bad - the suspense becomes unbearable when a traitor seems to be working with the enemy.
The author's comfortable story telling ability combined with her extremely neat writing, makes “Thicker than Blood” sheer pleasure to read. For those who love a bit of romance, the love between Madison and Alexandre is beautifully and tastefully described and will definitely touch your heart.
This thrilling and beautiful book deserves more than 5 stars, and will have the reader looking forward to many more from Shalini Boland. (Ellen Fritz)
Once I started reading, I simply could not put this book down. With action and adventure and fear for these beloved characters' lives and well-being from the very first few pages, combined with suspense that just never lets up until the final page, it is not surprising that the author - who is a genius with cliff-hanger chapter endings - switches back and forth between sixth century Byzantium and modern day Cappadocia and England, with ease; thus ensuring that the reader keeps turning the pages.
The characters truly come to life - Alexandre, still the nineteenth century French aristocrat, Freddy, the British aristocrat of the same time period and on the modern end of the scale, Madison and her brother Ben. Add to this variety of characters a few sixth century individuals and the story is as colorful as it gets. As all the characters are realistic - not all good or bad - the suspense becomes unbearable when a traitor seems to be working with the enemy.
The author's comfortable story telling ability combined with her extremely neat writing, makes “Thicker than Blood” sheer pleasure to read. For those who love a bit of romance, the love between Madison and Alexandre is beautifully and tastefully described and will definitely touch your heart.
This thrilling and beautiful book deserves more than 5 stars, and will have the reader looking forward to many more from Shalini Boland. (Ellen Fritz)
November 2, 2016
This sequel to Hidden was truly captivating.
It's been a while since I read book 1 but I easily picked up this sequel and fell straight back into the lives of the characters within the pages.
As well as the residents of Marchwood House having their stories continued there was the edition of new characters in the sections where it jumps back to the 6th century when the hidden city was built creating a luxurious underground haven for the vampires that were to come. I loved Aelia's story and felt sorry for the way things panned out towards the start it was nice to see her story unfold and I was surprised at the way it all connected but pleased at the same time, their were a few not so nice vampires added into the story too but even so the author still refrained from dropping to the usual blood and guts storylines of this genre keeping it light and refreshing to read something I have found quite unique with this series so far. I love the descriptive style throughout the historical sections mixed in with the modern day life it becomes a real to and fro read blending much better than you'd imagine. It was great to see Maddy, Ben and Alexandre again but the story got to expand on Alexandre's siblings in this book too.
I was surprised by how certain aspects evolved and kept me on my toes and was left wanting to dip straight into book 3 Hunted aching to see how this trilogy will finish up.
An author I'm very much enjoying reading both in this YA series and in Adult Thrillers too
It's been a while since I read book 1 but I easily picked up this sequel and fell straight back into the lives of the characters within the pages.
As well as the residents of Marchwood House having their stories continued there was the edition of new characters in the sections where it jumps back to the 6th century when the hidden city was built creating a luxurious underground haven for the vampires that were to come. I loved Aelia's story and felt sorry for the way things panned out towards the start it was nice to see her story unfold and I was surprised at the way it all connected but pleased at the same time, their were a few not so nice vampires added into the story too but even so the author still refrained from dropping to the usual blood and guts storylines of this genre keeping it light and refreshing to read something I have found quite unique with this series so far. I love the descriptive style throughout the historical sections mixed in with the modern day life it becomes a real to and fro read blending much better than you'd imagine. It was great to see Maddy, Ben and Alexandre again but the story got to expand on Alexandre's siblings in this book too.
I was surprised by how certain aspects evolved and kept me on my toes and was left wanting to dip straight into book 3 Hunted aching to see how this trilogy will finish up.
An author I'm very much enjoying reading both in this YA series and in Adult Thrillers too
November 18, 2012
THICKER THAN BLOOD was a fabulous read. Shalini Boland is a highly accomplished writer, bringing her characters and locations vividly to life with a wonderful skill. I loved the imagery as much as the storytelling.
Alexandre is a beautiful hero, and young Maddy is a courageous and likeable heroine. We are introduced to new characters, Aelia and Zoe, both of whom are crucial to the unfolding story. The ending was an unexpected twist, and paves the way for Book 3 . . . I can't wait!
Another page-turner, and a worthy successor to HIDDEN. This series is a keeper.
Alexandre is a beautiful hero, and young Maddy is a courageous and likeable heroine. We are introduced to new characters, Aelia and Zoe, both of whom are crucial to the unfolding story. The ending was an unexpected twist, and paves the way for Book 3 . . . I can't wait!
Another page-turner, and a worthy successor to HIDDEN. This series is a keeper.
April 17, 2012
I waited and waited and waited for this!! (The author didn't take that long - I was just incredibly impatient) The first book in the series is HIDDEN and after I read that - my whole world changed! I love the characters, the exotic locations, the sweet love story, but I especially love going back in time with these vampires and hearing their stories...soooooooo cool. I wish I could read both books again, for the first time. What a thrilling ride!!!!
March 11, 2013
The Marchwood Vampire Series has become one of my absolute favorites!!!! It is wonderful when a series continues to grow and get better and better....There are so many vampire books out but this one stands alone. Like the first book, one of my favorite aspects was the trips from past to present & it is done in a way that is not at all confusing.......I also loved how Mrs. Boland incorporated the mystery of the sleeping sickness!!!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!!!
December 3, 2014
I enjoyed this one much better than the first one. I enjoyed the first but this one was more fast paced. I can't wait for the 3rd one in the series because I am totally curious about how the ending will be the beginning of the 3rd book. Very visual book, the story comes to life. I would recommend this.
August 26, 2012
I truly do love this series. I love the storyline. I love the characters. There is just something truly magical about this series that i love. Shalini Boland you always leave the story at that certain spot that i jus wish there were a 100 more pages to read!!!!
October 20, 2017
I accidentally found the marchwood vampire series and so love it, it's hard to find an author who can make you feel a blend of emotions and these books do it and I'm hooked can't wait to find more of her books!
April 29, 2012
Book 2 did not disappoint, I really enjoyed this read. I did however miss the romance between Maddy and Alex. I can't wait for book 3 to see what else is going to happen.
July 6, 2013
Official review and giveaway here:
http://mereadalot.com/2013/07/05/marc...
If you liked the first book, you will LOVE the second one.
http://mereadalot.com/2013/07/05/marc...
If you liked the first book, you will LOVE the second one.
May 5, 2024
3.5⭐️
C’est la suite de Hidden, et ça se passe quelques mois après.
On retrouve Alex et Maddy filent le parfait amour, et qui vivent au manoir avec Ben et la famille de vampires.
Une ombre au tableau : Madison est enlevée et emmenée là où tout a commencé : dans les grottes de Cappadocia.
Toute la famille de vampires se met à sa poursuite. Et on suit aussi le passé d’une certaine Aelia, c’est intriguant !
Les 2 trames chronologiques avancent en parallèle jusqu’à se réunir, ça nous tient en haleine, comme dans le tome 1.
C’est plus rythmé que le premier tome, dans une ambiance différente.
On côtoie d’autres personnages !
Toujours YA
La fin nous laisse sur la faim, et annonce le tome 3
C’est la suite de Hidden, et ça se passe quelques mois après.
On retrouve Alex et Maddy filent le parfait amour, et qui vivent au manoir avec Ben et la famille de vampires.
Une ombre au tableau : Madison est enlevée et emmenée là où tout a commencé : dans les grottes de Cappadocia.
Toute la famille de vampires se met à sa poursuite. Et on suit aussi le passé d’une certaine Aelia, c’est intriguant !
Les 2 trames chronologiques avancent en parallèle jusqu’à se réunir, ça nous tient en haleine, comme dans le tome 1.
C’est plus rythmé que le premier tome, dans une ambiance différente.
On côtoie d’autres personnages !
Toujours YA
La fin nous laisse sur la faim, et annonce le tome 3
November 26, 2021
This was alright. It did seem a bit unfair to leave Ben behind, but he was only 14 and he didn't have a passport so there wasn't exactly a lot they could do. Alex was pretty rash, Maddy was rather pushy trying to make friends with Zoe, and I didn't quite get Leonora
March 9, 2024
umhf!
TRAMA E SPOILER
Leonora tradisce tutti x stizza
Maddy viene rapita e quasi uccisa
Un ex vampira appestata salva tutti
TRAMA E SPOILER
Leonora tradisce tutti x stizza
Maddy viene rapita e quasi uccisa
Un ex vampira appestata salva tutti
July 29, 2023
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
Captivating enough to continue.
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
Captivating enough to continue.
July 10, 2012
I was lucky enough to win an e-copy of this book from a giveaway on Jera’s Jamboree.
The action started early on in this book and switches between 575 AD and the present day. We discover more about the history of the vampires and the truth behind the cave legends. The introduction of Aelia was very interesting for me – her story was fascinating and I spent my time trying to figure out how she fitted into the story. I also noticed similarities between her and Maddy’s characters, they both seemed very strong-willed and courageous.
When Maddy finds herself in trouble it begins a chain of events that threatens the comfortable life they have built for themselves. I was concerned for Alexandre throughout this because of his protectiveness towards Maddy, I was afraid he would become careless and let his emotions get the better of him.
One of the things I really liked about these books was that I was unable to predict what would happen next, this meant that I experienced many surprises and I found this quite refreshing. It also made the scary moments even more heart-pounding because I didn’t know how everything would turn out.
After an interesting cliffhanger ending I can definitely see more danger for these characters in the future and I’m very much looking forward to the next instalment to see how, or if, they manage to overcome it.
These are fascinating and unpredictable books with many exciting twists and turns.
The action started early on in this book and switches between 575 AD and the present day. We discover more about the history of the vampires and the truth behind the cave legends. The introduction of Aelia was very interesting for me – her story was fascinating and I spent my time trying to figure out how she fitted into the story. I also noticed similarities between her and Maddy’s characters, they both seemed very strong-willed and courageous.
When Maddy finds herself in trouble it begins a chain of events that threatens the comfortable life they have built for themselves. I was concerned for Alexandre throughout this because of his protectiveness towards Maddy, I was afraid he would become careless and let his emotions get the better of him.
One of the things I really liked about these books was that I was unable to predict what would happen next, this meant that I experienced many surprises and I found this quite refreshing. It also made the scary moments even more heart-pounding because I didn’t know how everything would turn out.
After an interesting cliffhanger ending I can definitely see more danger for these characters in the future and I’m very much looking forward to the next instalment to see how, or if, they manage to overcome it.
These are fascinating and unpredictable books with many exciting twists and turns.
November 23, 2014
Vampire lovers, this is a great series! (Marchwood Vampires#2)
This sequel is worth the 5 stars I gave it. It is a sequel, but it is an interesting and worthy book on its own. It has plot twists and turns, complex characters.and a rich depth of history that the author has created- but feels real. I definitely do recommend reading the first book to gain more knowledge of the characters and story before reading this, however.
The book is well written and edited, using U.K. English. It pretty much just starts as if you've just read the first book, and goes on from there. The characters continue to develop, and we continue to see history now and from the past with the underground cappodocian people as we did in the first novel. I felt again, that this was a great way for us to see the characters from a full perspective instead of wondering how it all connected.
I highly recommend this book for YA/Teen to adult readers. It is complex and interesting, and can be enjoyed by everyone (young teen and older). I think the plot twists are surprising and unexpected, and I will be waiting to see where the next book takes us as readers!
This sequel is worth the 5 stars I gave it. It is a sequel, but it is an interesting and worthy book on its own. It has plot twists and turns, complex characters.and a rich depth of history that the author has created- but feels real. I definitely do recommend reading the first book to gain more knowledge of the characters and story before reading this, however.
The book is well written and edited, using U.K. English. It pretty much just starts as if you've just read the first book, and goes on from there. The characters continue to develop, and we continue to see history now and from the past with the underground cappodocian people as we did in the first novel. I felt again, that this was a great way for us to see the characters from a full perspective instead of wondering how it all connected.
I highly recommend this book for YA/Teen to adult readers. It is complex and interesting, and can be enjoyed by everyone (young teen and older). I think the plot twists are surprising and unexpected, and I will be waiting to see where the next book takes us as readers!
May 5, 2012
I always get a bit nervous around sequels, because they almost never live up to the promise of the first, but this author's writing is always so full of enthusiasm, it's hard not to catch it as you're whipped along in a twisting plot that could take you anywhere (and usually does).
The characters of Madison and Alexandre felt like old friends after Hidden. They've matured and are a real team, even though they're apart for most of the story. But the star of this one for me was the young Cappodocian girl, an outcast from society with a very interesting and scary job to do.
The whole concept of an underground world, and the reasons for its existence, were wonderful, and some of the twists genuinely caught me by surprise. Thanks for another great read.
(And that's one gorgeous cover!)
The characters of Madison and Alexandre felt like old friends after Hidden. They've matured and are a real team, even though they're apart for most of the story. But the star of this one for me was the young Cappodocian girl, an outcast from society with a very interesting and scary job to do.
The whole concept of an underground world, and the reasons for its existence, were wonderful, and some of the twists genuinely caught me by surprise. Thanks for another great read.
(And that's one gorgeous cover!)
April 16, 2016
I am absolutely fangirling over here over this compellingly smart series. If you are anything like me you are probably a little weary about yet another vampire series but this is why we keep reading them, for that rare treat of a damn good writer who brings back some class and sophistication to our beloved vampire stories.
I wrote that four days ago and have been struggling to come up with what I want to say and how to say it. Sometimes simpler is better so let me say this, if you don't want to run out and grab the series and read it immediately then the failing is mine. It's just a great damn series!
Although I am a stickler for reading things in order I will say that book two can be read without reading the first one without any big gaps of missing information. The author does a superb job at catching you up.
I wrote that four days ago and have been struggling to come up with what I want to say and how to say it. Sometimes simpler is better so let me say this, if you don't want to run out and grab the series and read it immediately then the failing is mine. It's just a great damn series!
Although I am a stickler for reading things in order I will say that book two can be read without reading the first one without any big gaps of missing information. The author does a superb job at catching you up.
May 1, 2012
This is the second book in the Marchwood Vampire series and I absolutely loved it.
As in the first book Mrs Boland wrote two separate stories who run parallel to each other until they finally combine and lead to the end. It is a marvelous idea and works very well. I actually read the story of the heroine Ailea first and then the story of Madison and Alexander.
It is great to read the continuation of the known characters - their development in this new situation they find themselves in and how they respond to it. We also meet new characters, which I hope we will see in book 3.
Over all, this new book in this series is as gripping and entertaining as the first one and it makes you very curious how it will continue - good job Mrs Boland.
As in the first book Mrs Boland wrote two separate stories who run parallel to each other until they finally combine and lead to the end. It is a marvelous idea and works very well. I actually read the story of the heroine Ailea first and then the story of Madison and Alexander.
It is great to read the continuation of the known characters - their development in this new situation they find themselves in and how they respond to it. We also meet new characters, which I hope we will see in book 3.
Over all, this new book in this series is as gripping and entertaining as the first one and it makes you very curious how it will continue - good job Mrs Boland.
June 21, 2012
I loved Hidden, the first book in the Marchwood Vampire series, so I knew Thicker Than Blood was going to be a great read. Well it was better than great; it was amazing.
I was excited to see what happened to feisty Madison and the gorgeous Alexandre, the main characters from the first book, and I enjoyed meeting new characters too. Aelia’s story is particularly good, one of those you can’t stop thinking about for a few days after.
Shalini Boland has a real talent for bringing the scenes alive and making you feel you are right there beside the characters. I feel like I’ve been on one hell of a journey, right into ancient Cappadocia!
A truly excellent book, and a great hook at the end, so now I am (not so) patiently awaiting book 3 in the series.
I was excited to see what happened to feisty Madison and the gorgeous Alexandre, the main characters from the first book, and I enjoyed meeting new characters too. Aelia’s story is particularly good, one of those you can’t stop thinking about for a few days after.
Shalini Boland has a real talent for bringing the scenes alive and making you feel you are right there beside the characters. I feel like I’ve been on one hell of a journey, right into ancient Cappadocia!
A truly excellent book, and a great hook at the end, so now I am (not so) patiently awaiting book 3 in the series.
May 13, 2012
Another amazing story from Ms Boland! I was so looking forward to reading the second book in the Marchwood series, and I was not disappointed one bit. I’m not going to do spoilers, so all I’ll say is - the opening is fabulous, the middle is fabulous, oh and the ending … WOW! I love it when a book can surprise me and this book did that many times over. I enjoyed meeting the new characters introduced. The writing is beautiful and flawless. And I am also even more hooked on Alexandre than I was from the first book, Hidden, and I love him and Maddy together – even if I do want him for myself! ;)
I so cannot wait for the third instalment in the wonderful Marchwood series!
I so cannot wait for the third instalment in the wonderful Marchwood series!
July 19, 2012
This is a Good Reads First Read book giveaway. I did not read the first book. This book was written in such a way that I was absorbed into this book without feeling like I missed something by not reading the first one. This is well written and fast paced. Some of the characters come full circle within this storyline. The plot and the characters are fascinating.I loved this ending, and I can not wait to read what and who this new character is that loves Alexandre's name. Plus, I am curious as to what if anything happens to Aelia. Leonora surprised me with her about face. I am also curious if anything happens to her character as well. So much to look forward to!!!!!
September 29, 2013
In this installation of the Marchwood Vampire series we learn about what caused the vampires to lay dormant for centuries and what happened to all the human inhabitants of the underground city.The sign of a good book is when you slow down reading it to make it last longer and that's exactly what I did.I was completely drawn into this story as Maddy,Alexandre,Ben, Leonora,Isobel,Jacques and Freddy settle into life as a family. But everything explodes around them turning their world upside down once again.Shalini is an amazing writer with the ability to hold her readers attention from start to finish,and she left me wanting MORE!
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