Talisen Rudyard is determined to honor her late grandmother's memory by finishing the unwritten chapter of the Rudyard family history. To do so, she must unravel the secret that has eluded generations of Benedikts and Rudyards alike: the fate of eighteenth-century sea captain Arthur Ellory Benedikt, who vanished on the night of his wedding to her distant ancestor, over two hundred years ago.
Having grown up with her grandmother's stories about heroic Captain Benedikt, Talisen has come to feel a passion for him no other man has ever inspired, in spite of the centuries that separate his lifetime from hers. But facing the truth about his alleged disappearance could break her heart. Eyewitness accounts claim Benedikt turned up in Europe only weeks after he vanished, that he was seen in the company of a mysterious noblewoman. Talisen can't bear the thought that the larger-than-life hero of her dreams could be so faithless.
From the moment Ellory meets Talisen, he aches to prove her love for him is deserved. He longs to be that man for her, the one and only man who holds her heart. But how can she love him once she learns the price she must pay for the truth she's seeking?
That her beloved Captain Benedikt is alive--and a vampire.
From modern vampire tales to Victorian historicals to epic fantasy, Janet writes a wide range of romances for adults and teens. Her interests include history, German, building computers, reading, web design, CG art, composing digital music, and playing video games.
Since 2004, she has provided web design services for fellow authors and other professionals in the publishing industry.
Janet Elizabeth Jones sweeps the reader into a different time and place seamlessly. The rhythm and majesty of her words elevates this book from the common vampire story and into a classical work of literary art. While this may make the book sound too lofty for a sensual romp, that is far from true. The scene when Ellory teaches Talisen how to play pool, using both his own body as well as his powers to show her the truth of what he is made the fine hair on my neck stand up. It was eerie, yet one of the most sensual scenes in the book. It's also the pivot point around which the rest of the book rests.
This is not your usual vampire fare. There are no "sparkles" or faint-hearted heroines who need to be rescued. Talisen holds her own and does her best to save Ellory. In fact, her sacrifice for him is the reason for the title of this book. If you want fluff -- read something else. This is vampire romance for the real fan.
I adore vampire books, and treasure the many I own. This ranks above them all. Highly recommended.
This was an enjoyable read. I had some trouble getting into at first, mostly trying to pick up on the tone and flavor of it. This book has a unique mix of darkness and playfulness (not unlike a certain other vampire series with both violence and sparkly vampires). Once the action started, it really took off, and the whole second half flowed smoothly. I've certainly never read another vampire story where the vampire uses squirrels as spies during the day. All in all, a good book.
This book took me by surprise. I didn't realize it was a vampire book, but this is different than other vampire books (I mean it in a good way). I was surprised that there are revenants and how they are created and how they can survive. Ellory didn't realize his link to Talisen, but when you finally find out it makes sense. It was a really good book and I am looking forward to see what happens with Meical.
I didn't dislike this book but it was too alpha male controlling for my liking. The author does justify the attraction to him by the female protagonist and the story was interesting but there seemed to be too many abilities which made the story a little too unrealistic. I also questioned whether I liked the main male character on several occasions especially when he was happy for his charge to become a blood bank for another character.
I liked this vampire tale very much and hope the author writes more in this world. It was one of those cases where I was so taken with the world that things that might have otherwise bothered me about the plot or characters just didn't.
I've just started this tantilizing novel, and the author's writing style has me hooked. Because of my hectic schedule, I can only read a couple of pages at a time, but I'm certainly enjoying it!