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The Grigori Trilogy #2
Scenting Hallowed Blood
Signet 1996 paperback, vg++ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
4 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Storm Constantine
144 books502 followersStorm Constantine was a British science fiction and fantasy author, primarily known for her Wraeththu series.
Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.
In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.
Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.
In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2013
Classical Storm Constantine. I started with this book, which is the 2nd in the trilogy, but it didn't impact my enjoyment of it at all. You're right in the middle of the story - Shem is a Grigori (descendant of angels), and a reincarnation of sorts of their deity. He has to do something magical, and there's various groups fighting over him (local witches, Grigori clans), while he's mostly moping, trying to come to terms with his old & new life. Gosh, this is hard to describe. But the book is very absorbing.
July 18, 2023
The nightmare is over, but awakening has consequences. What Peveral Othman did to Lily, Owen, and Daniel continues to haunt Shemyaza as do memories of being sacrificed and tortured. He wants to be left alone, but everyone from the Parzupheim (the ruling body of the Grigori) to a coven of mortal witches wants a piece of him. These are just some of less dangerous opportunists eyeing him. The challenges of rediscovering himself, awakening his power are before him, regardless of what he wants. For those hunting Shemyaza are also coming for Daniel, the boy he lost and found again. They’re coming for Lily and Owen, the half-Grigori twins he wounded, empowered, and drew into his destiny. They’re coming for Emma, the rejuvenated Grigori dependent whose become the group’s guardian. Shem and his companions are going to have to evolve, grown, change, and seize their destinies if they’re to face the predators coming for them. For each of them has a part of play in the myth and prophecy unfolding in Cornwall, drawing them into its sacred drama.
Every character in this was layered, having secrets and schemes. The witches, the Grigori factions, the members who betrayed their own factions to work together. Tamara Trewlynn was very different from Barbara Eager in this first book, yet similar in her stronger presence, tempered by how often she was taken in. Lahash, Enniel, Aninka, Taziel, and Emma were even more fleshed out than in the first book. Meggie, Betsy, and Delmar were intriguing new characters, bringing to life the Pelleth, the Cornwall coven in their traditions, prejudices, and strengths. Sofia was a magnificent villain, larger than life and delightfully secretive, more than happy to step into Shemyaza’s shoes once he threw them away in disgust, taking him places he’d never dare go. Salamiel was mysterious, sometimes very tender, sometimes very wise, sometimes sinister and childlike at the same time. Ishahar’s shadow continue to cast her veil, guarding Shem, Lily, and Daniel. This shadow is vulnerable enough be bound, yet powerful enough to face a goddess. Everyone came together for the quest to awaken the sacred sites of Britain, even while following divergent paths; grabbing, allying, using, and loving each other. I’m left with a powerful sense of closure, yet a feeling that another quest is about to begin.
Every character in this was layered, having secrets and schemes. The witches, the Grigori factions, the members who betrayed their own factions to work together. Tamara Trewlynn was very different from Barbara Eager in this first book, yet similar in her stronger presence, tempered by how often she was taken in. Lahash, Enniel, Aninka, Taziel, and Emma were even more fleshed out than in the first book. Meggie, Betsy, and Delmar were intriguing new characters, bringing to life the Pelleth, the Cornwall coven in their traditions, prejudices, and strengths. Sofia was a magnificent villain, larger than life and delightfully secretive, more than happy to step into Shemyaza’s shoes once he threw them away in disgust, taking him places he’d never dare go. Salamiel was mysterious, sometimes very tender, sometimes very wise, sometimes sinister and childlike at the same time. Ishahar’s shadow continue to cast her veil, guarding Shem, Lily, and Daniel. This shadow is vulnerable enough be bound, yet powerful enough to face a goddess. Everyone came together for the quest to awaken the sacred sites of Britain, even while following divergent paths; grabbing, allying, using, and loving each other. I’m left with a powerful sense of closure, yet a feeling that another quest is about to begin.
February 19, 2012
This is the second book of Storm Constantine’s Grigori trilogy. I read the first book, ‘Stalking Tender Prey’, about ten years ago and had forgotten a lot of the story. Fortunately, Constantine provides a recap (which is spread out over the course of the first quarter of the book, so it doesn’t feel too intrusive) and I found it really easy to pick things up again.
I’ve long been a fan of Constantine’s work: her prose is enjoyable to read and she uses a lot of very evocative imagery. The last quarter of this book seemed a little rushed to me however, especially in parts of chapter 26. In spite of a good beginning, I found it hard to really get involved in the story once it had passed the halfway mark. Mostly this is because the heroes do not seem to have much control over the course of events. Shemyaza in particular is a much less interesting character in this instalment of the series, as he spends much of the story moping about indecisively. In the end, the story’s conclusion is brought about more by the timely appearance of the powers-that-be than by any action or decision made by the heroes.
I’ve long been a fan of Constantine’s work: her prose is enjoyable to read and she uses a lot of very evocative imagery. The last quarter of this book seemed a little rushed to me however, especially in parts of chapter 26. In spite of a good beginning, I found it hard to really get involved in the story once it had passed the halfway mark. Mostly this is because the heroes do not seem to have much control over the course of events. Shemyaza in particular is a much less interesting character in this instalment of the series, as he spends much of the story moping about indecisively. In the end, the story’s conclusion is brought about more by the timely appearance of the powers-that-be than by any action or decision made by the heroes.
January 11, 2011
Storm Constantine is one my fave authors. Her writing is spooky, luscious, darkly romantic. I've spent a lot of years studying the Nephilim, but rarely do I find any fiction stories about them that aren't cliche and horribly predictable. Constantine has a flair for dropping shadowed plotlines one spicy breadcrumb at a time. Love the cover for this one too. It really does set the correct mood for the series. Must read!
September 28, 2023
I can’t finish this; it’s too stupid.
October 31, 2015
I thought this was an excellent second book in the series. It even seemed as though this one could have been the final book in the series in the way it ended. This book starts just about at the same point where the first book in the series finished. A lot happened in this book and there were lots of twists and turns to the plot. I thought it was interesting and exciting from the very first page of the book. The author kept the reader guessing as to the outcome of everything up until pretty nearly the end of the book. I just love how she has developed her characters and how she gets the reader to care about so many of them. I can't wait to start on the next and final book of the series.
May 28, 2019
I read this when I was ten, which was something of a mistake but boy did I learn things.
March 20, 2008
Continues the Grigori trilogy with a vengeance that is sweet and tasty.
Must be read second!!
Must be read second!!
September 28, 2014
Review here.
May 20, 2012
Thriller/Fantasy Fiction/ Eroticism! Wow what a combo! I loved this book and can't wait to read it again. Move over, Mercedes Lackey!
November 27, 2014
And, yes, "From the Ashes of Angels" (mentioned in the intro) is a great book!
September 23, 2012
Not as much fun as the first one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews