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Kiss Trilogy #3
Kiss of Revenge
Susan and her friends must prepare for their most important battle with the vampire Richelieu, but they find themselves divided. Wendy has been kidnapped by a centuries-old enemy of her ancestor, Carissa. While they search frantically to save her, a greater danger threatens as Richelieu's army of vampires and humans fills the crevices of Europe. Susan learns the rest of the ill-fated romance between Carissa and the formidable vampire Gabriel of centuries ago and soon realizes that history is repeating. But it is the secret of the cross that might save them all if she can discover it in time.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Debbie Viguié
99 books1,044 followersDebbie Viguié is the New York Times Bestselling author of more than three dozen novels including the Wicked series co-authored with Nancy Holder. In addition to her epic dark fantasy work Debbie also writes thrillers including The Psalm 23 Mysteries, the Kiss trilogy, and the Witch Hunt trilogy. Debbie also plays a recurring character on the audio drama, Doctor Geek’s Laboratory. When Debbie isn’t busy writing or acting she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, visiting theme parks.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 10, 2016
This book is a fairly satisfying conclusion of the trilogy. Though, is it actually the conclusion? I understood going in that it is the end of the story, yet there are allusions to a continuation by a couple of the characters at the end. It really should be the end of the story. The characters who make references to continuing on are some of the least developed and least interesting; I do not think another story focused on them would be very interesting at all. I would much rather follow Gabriel and Paul in the future.
Consistent with the previous two installments, the most interesting parts are the flashback episodes to the story of Carissa and Fleur, cousins and ancestors of present-day cousins Susan and Wendy. You finally find out what makes that cross necklace so darn interesting and powerful, why Raphael and Gabriel are at such odds, and what finally happened to Carissa (though that revelation was anti-climactic, in my opinion). A couple of other twists are revealed as well, but I was left again with the distinct impression that all the present-day humans were just flat and uninteresting. I really didn't feel connected to them at all, and their love for their respective significant others just didn't seem authentic.
The plot was a bit hard to follow, mostly because there were so many different lines and because it kept jumping back and forth in time. By the end, the whole Richelieu plot line seemed superfluous, and I wondered if it might not have been a better book if he hadn't even been a part of it. I still never figured out what exactly would happen if his plan had succeeded.
What I do like about this series, however, is the creativity of the premise -- that vampires are cursed to their existence because they were terrible humans, and the extra long life gives them more of a chance to see their depraved state and finally turn to God, thereby redeeming themselves. While this idea does bring up other issues, and it's obviously not Biblical, what is appealing is the idea that no one is beyond redemption, and that God does not desire that anyone should perish. So try not to think about it beyond that, and you will enjoy the story. Enjoy the what if? of it. Something that the author made more specific in this book that wasn't said explicitly in the previous two is the idea that vampires we're actually created by God himself, and that Cain, upon killing his brother, Abel, was the first vampire. Because a vampire is cursed - created - by ingesting the blood of the sire vampire, all vamps have the blood of Cain in them. I found this to be a very entertaining idea, and wait until you find out what Cain's alleged sacrifice to God was, the sacrifice that was found unacceptable. Little things such as these were what made the book even more enjoyable to me. I just wonder why this particular point was not made earlier in the series; it would have added a bit more interest to them.
I give this book 3 stars for plot, human character development, and writing; and 4 stars on creativity, uniqueness, and vampire character development. Because Goodreads doesn't allow me to give half-stars, I'll round up to four. I hope this author will consider writing more about Gabriel and Paul, and even the other vampires. Gabriel continues to be my favorite, though I still do not see why he terrifies everyone.
Consistent with the previous two installments, the most interesting parts are the flashback episodes to the story of Carissa and Fleur, cousins and ancestors of present-day cousins Susan and Wendy. You finally find out what makes that cross necklace so darn interesting and powerful, why Raphael and Gabriel are at such odds, and what finally happened to Carissa (though that revelation was anti-climactic, in my opinion). A couple of other twists are revealed as well, but I was left again with the distinct impression that all the present-day humans were just flat and uninteresting. I really didn't feel connected to them at all, and their love for their respective significant others just didn't seem authentic.
The plot was a bit hard to follow, mostly because there were so many different lines and because it kept jumping back and forth in time. By the end, the whole Richelieu plot line seemed superfluous, and I wondered if it might not have been a better book if he hadn't even been a part of it. I still never figured out what exactly would happen if his plan had succeeded.
What I do like about this series, however, is the creativity of the premise -- that vampires are cursed to their existence because they were terrible humans, and the extra long life gives them more of a chance to see their depraved state and finally turn to God, thereby redeeming themselves. While this idea does bring up other issues, and it's obviously not Biblical, what is appealing is the idea that no one is beyond redemption, and that God does not desire that anyone should perish. So try not to think about it beyond that, and you will enjoy the story. Enjoy the what if? of it. Something that the author made more specific in this book that wasn't said explicitly in the previous two is the idea that vampires we're actually created by God himself, and that Cain, upon killing his brother, Abel, was the first vampire. Because a vampire is cursed - created - by ingesting the blood of the sire vampire, all vamps have the blood of Cain in them. I found this to be a very entertaining idea, and wait until you find out what Cain's alleged sacrifice to God was, the sacrifice that was found unacceptable. Little things such as these were what made the book even more enjoyable to me. I just wonder why this particular point was not made earlier in the series; it would have added a bit more interest to them.
I give this book 3 stars for plot, human character development, and writing; and 4 stars on creativity, uniqueness, and vampire character development. Because Goodreads doesn't allow me to give half-stars, I'll round up to four. I hope this author will consider writing more about Gabriel and Paul, and even the other vampires. Gabriel continues to be my favorite, though I still do not see why he terrifies everyone.
August 7, 2014
Kiss of Revenge provides a perfect and satisfying ending to the provocatively stunning Kiss series. It feels like home to finally be able to revisit and finish this amazing series. I have loved everything about this story, and, wow, what an amazing ending! I still feel a little intoxicated from the shattering revelations that were slowly revealed. This journey has been absolutely incredible, and, to be honest, it pains me a little to see it all end since it has found its way so deeply into my heart.
There is a terrible evil that is preparing for an unveiling like no other. Susan and her companions are forced to the breaking point in trying to rescue one of their one while frantically scouring to discover the hidden secret to the weapon that will turn the tide in the battle that lies ahead. Love is discovered in the most unlikely of places that will help to rejuvenate their desire to see an end to this battle. Even when all hope seems lost, remaining true to themselves and each other will help guide them to their only saving grace.
The characters and the story that were further developed and refined in this last segment of the series had me on the edge of my seat. I relished the backstory of each amazing character as it helped me to understand their actions and thought processes better. I could finally appreciate them and their experiences in a way that I couldn’t until now. Susan and Raphael tugged at my heart the most. They complimented each other so well and yet they feared what their heart was quietly whispering to them.
The themes in this story are very relevant to each of us. While faith was not a huge element in this story, it was created as a thin yet strong cord that bound each of them together. No matter how much they fought against it or tried to hide from it, ultimately it was their faith in God and each other that saw them through the horror that they each had to face. We cannot live this life by our strength and wisdom. A time will come when our mistakes will not only haunt us but they will repeat over and over until we finally do what we can to right the wrongs that we have committed. The secret to a happy life is really not a secret at all. In fact, it is just us finally realizing that we can only be happy by being true to our Creator, ourselves, and those around us. It’s amazing how something so simple can become so drowned out and twisted.
I have to admit that I not only adored this series as a beautifully creative reinvention of vampiric lore, but I also found myself mesmerized by the incredible writing talent of Debbie Viguie. This was my first exposure to her, and I have savored every moment along the way. She has an immense reserve of heart and soul that was meticulously weaved into this outstanding tale. I am very eager to read more from this remarkable author!
There is a terrible evil that is preparing for an unveiling like no other. Susan and her companions are forced to the breaking point in trying to rescue one of their one while frantically scouring to discover the hidden secret to the weapon that will turn the tide in the battle that lies ahead. Love is discovered in the most unlikely of places that will help to rejuvenate their desire to see an end to this battle. Even when all hope seems lost, remaining true to themselves and each other will help guide them to their only saving grace.
The characters and the story that were further developed and refined in this last segment of the series had me on the edge of my seat. I relished the backstory of each amazing character as it helped me to understand their actions and thought processes better. I could finally appreciate them and their experiences in a way that I couldn’t until now. Susan and Raphael tugged at my heart the most. They complimented each other so well and yet they feared what their heart was quietly whispering to them.
The themes in this story are very relevant to each of us. While faith was not a huge element in this story, it was created as a thin yet strong cord that bound each of them together. No matter how much they fought against it or tried to hide from it, ultimately it was their faith in God and each other that saw them through the horror that they each had to face. We cannot live this life by our strength and wisdom. A time will come when our mistakes will not only haunt us but they will repeat over and over until we finally do what we can to right the wrongs that we have committed. The secret to a happy life is really not a secret at all. In fact, it is just us finally realizing that we can only be happy by being true to our Creator, ourselves, and those around us. It’s amazing how something so simple can become so drowned out and twisted.
I have to admit that I not only adored this series as a beautifully creative reinvention of vampiric lore, but I also found myself mesmerized by the incredible writing talent of Debbie Viguie. This was my first exposure to her, and I have savored every moment along the way. She has an immense reserve of heart and soul that was meticulously weaved into this outstanding tale. I am very eager to read more from this remarkable author!
December 16, 2017
4.5/5 stars.
A fitting conclusion to this very unique trilogy. I liked it more than Book 1, but slightly less than Book 2. I was eager to read this last volume to see the fate of Carissa and found not only her fate, but other relatives of hers diaries' interwoven, also. Perhaps I wanted a bit more time with her, but I still really appreciated the time spent reading about her father and cousin.
Carissa's ultimate fate came from a source I wasn't expecting and it was spat out rather quickly, thus taking the wind out of my sails a bit for the delivery. But, I am not at all unhappy with her fate. A very nice one and well deserved.
I was happy with Susan and Wendy's fates, too, and all the good (and bad) vampire men folk. All's well that end's well.
A fitting conclusion to this very unique trilogy. I liked it more than Book 1, but slightly less than Book 2. I was eager to read this last volume to see the fate of Carissa and found not only her fate, but other relatives of hers diaries' interwoven, also. Perhaps I wanted a bit more time with her, but I still really appreciated the time spent reading about her father and cousin.
Carissa's ultimate fate came from a source I wasn't expecting and it was spat out rather quickly, thus taking the wind out of my sails a bit for the delivery. But, I am not at all unhappy with her fate. A very nice one and well deserved.
I was happy with Susan and Wendy's fates, too, and all the good (and bad) vampire men folk. All's well that end's well.
April 12, 2022
What a awesome way to close out a trilogy. I’m honestly sad there’s only 3 books, I wish there was more. I would love to read about Susan and Raphael’s future together. But I absolutely love this trilogy so much! I’m happy I read it again!
January 18, 2021
4.5 stars
March 5, 2022
This is such a fun trilogy, it has it all~ vampires, action, romance, little bit of history & religious elements tied up in it. The action is fast and the romance is slow, so good!
June 26, 2016
While I like this series and I'm sad that it's over, everything kind of felt just a little...unfinished.
Yes, there was a (mostly) satisfying end to Richelieu and, while the vampires didn't get 'outed' to the rest of the human world, it seemed that his end was too quick and easy for someone that they've been chasing for so long. Then we've got a couple characters saying that they're going to continue searching for any remnants of Richelieu's followers, but we don't really get to know exactly how they plan to do that since we didn't find out who he had posted throughout the world.
I was happy that Raphael finally learned exactly what it was that Gabriel went through all those years ago when he needed to save Carissa (ironically enough from Raphael himself) and was able to do the same thing which ended up saving his life in the end. That also meant that Susan and Raphael get their happily ever after.
Then we have Wendy and David--while they clearly will get married, we don't get to see the wedding and whether or not Wendy has it held in the middle of a sunlit field so that no vampires could be there. Their promises to root out the rest of Richelieu's men make for a good storyline idea, but there just wasn't any conclusion there as to what they're specifically going to do.
Paul most likely goes back to the monastery, taking his precious burden with him to protect it for the rest of his days (however long that may be). Gabriel goes off somewhere after revealing to Susan exactly why he found her in the church that day after her grandmother's funeral. We finally get to find out how Carissa died, but we don't find out from Gabriel and the way it had been building and how he'd been so evasive about it, I thought we were going to get just a little bit more.
*Shrugs* Oh well, here's an overall decent ending to a very good series.
One thing though, do NOT start the series with this book. You'll be very lost, go back and read Kiss of Night and then Kiss of Death before you open this one up.
Yes, there was a (mostly) satisfying end to Richelieu and, while the vampires didn't get 'outed' to the rest of the human world, it seemed that his end was too quick and easy for someone that they've been chasing for so long. Then we've got a couple characters saying that they're going to continue searching for any remnants of Richelieu's followers, but we don't really get to know exactly how they plan to do that since we didn't find out who he had posted throughout the world.
I was happy that Raphael finally learned exactly what it was that Gabriel went through all those years ago when he needed to save Carissa (ironically enough from Raphael himself) and was able to do the same thing which ended up saving his life in the end. That also meant that Susan and Raphael get their happily ever after.
Then we have Wendy and David--while they clearly will get married, we don't get to see the wedding and whether or not Wendy has it held in the middle of a sunlit field so that no vampires could be there. Their promises to root out the rest of Richelieu's men make for a good storyline idea, but there just wasn't any conclusion there as to what they're specifically going to do.
Paul most likely goes back to the monastery, taking his precious burden with him to protect it for the rest of his days (however long that may be). Gabriel goes off somewhere after revealing to Susan exactly why he found her in the church that day after her grandmother's funeral. We finally get to find out how Carissa died, but we don't find out from Gabriel and the way it had been building and how he'd been so evasive about it, I thought we were going to get just a little bit more.
*Shrugs* Oh well, here's an overall decent ending to a very good series.
One thing though, do NOT start the series with this book. You'll be very lost, go back and read Kiss of Night and then Kiss of Death before you open this one up.
January 23, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads. It has been almost 13 weeks and I still have not received my copy. I also messaged the author and emailed the company who publishes it but received no response. I am very disappointed because I LOVED the first 2 books. It makes me sad to know that I have not been answered and that the fact that some one who speaks so highly of this series and has introduced countless people to it, is just being completely ignored.
When I went out and bought a copy after 10 weeks. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion. I thought there would be more action but it felt like they sat around a lot, we're injured more and more everyday and then they went and fought some people. Wendy stakes David in the chest, breaking a rib, and he just sleeps it off with a little vampire saliva? Hmmm...
I loved book one and two but a number of things were just glossed over and not really given sufficient explanation. Sort of explaining every last detail of Carisss's adventures, we just get random tidbits of Susan and Wendy's tasks and most of it consists of them sitting down and reading... oh and why does Wendy always have to ask if Susan is ready to read the diary?? she asked Wendy to read it of course she is ready!!
When I went out and bought a copy after 10 weeks. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion. I thought there would be more action but it felt like they sat around a lot, we're injured more and more everyday and then they went and fought some people. Wendy stakes David in the chest, breaking a rib, and he just sleeps it off with a little vampire saliva? Hmmm...
I loved book one and two but a number of things were just glossed over and not really given sufficient explanation. Sort of explaining every last detail of Carisss's adventures, we just get random tidbits of Susan and Wendy's tasks and most of it consists of them sitting down and reading... oh and why does Wendy always have to ask if Susan is ready to read the diary?? she asked Wendy to read it of course she is ready!!
August 1, 2016
this is the 3rd book in the trilogy
this book continues on from where the last ended perfectly ...
They must stop the Vampire Richelieu!
I recommend this series read in order and together ... I had read the first book a long while back and it took me some time to catch my brain up when I read book two!
I can't really review this end book without bundling the series together ...
These books blend supernatural and Christianity in a unique way and while I am not a religious person I could follow it easily without confusion or feeling like I was reading a religious book.
The characters are well developed and I enjoyed them ... I think I am a fan of Carissa and Gabriel!
the books often take us, the reader, back in time to when Carissa and Gabriel met and slowly fell in love ... it was beautiful
I felt like the story was wrapped up nicely in the 3 books although it left it open enough if the author wanted to do a spin off she could
The books are clean romance
this book continues on from where the last ended perfectly ...
They must stop the Vampire Richelieu!
I recommend this series read in order and together ... I had read the first book a long while back and it took me some time to catch my brain up when I read book two!
I can't really review this end book without bundling the series together ...
These books blend supernatural and Christianity in a unique way and while I am not a religious person I could follow it easily without confusion or feeling like I was reading a religious book.
The characters are well developed and I enjoyed them ... I think I am a fan of Carissa and Gabriel!
the books often take us, the reader, back in time to when Carissa and Gabriel met and slowly fell in love ... it was beautiful
I felt like the story was wrapped up nicely in the 3 books although it left it open enough if the author wanted to do a spin off she could
The books are clean romance
March 19, 2014
It seems that history is doomed to repeat itself in the last book of the Kiss Trilogy. Wendy has been kidnapped and Susan, Rafael, Gabriel and David frantically search for her. While they search and try to find clues as to where Wendy has been taken Paul lies dying and Richelieu is preparing his army of vampires for a great battle. We are taken on flashbacks through Carissa's diary to ancient Prague and her relationship with Gabriel and her mission of revenge against her husband who condemned her to death.
I found myself enjoying the story more when we were taken back to Carissa and Gabriel's story, but it was also interesting how the characters were all intertwined throughout history. Kiss of Revenge was fast-paced with epic battles and heart-stirring romantic moments, along with a few amazingly passionate kisses. A great conclusion to the series!
I found myself enjoying the story more when we were taken back to Carissa and Gabriel's story, but it was also interesting how the characters were all intertwined throughout history. Kiss of Revenge was fast-paced with epic battles and heart-stirring romantic moments, along with a few amazingly passionate kisses. A great conclusion to the series!
August 5, 2016
Normally, I don't do vampire and I don't do love stories. It was on the Christian shelf in the bookstore, so decided to pick up a copy. I set down Kiss of Revenge after reading it for a while and exclaimed, "This is supposed to be Christian?" I definitely would not recommend this to any young people I know. The author has some obscured views of the Bible. Murdering and adultery are promoted in this book. I thought the plot was interesting enough without some of the filler content in the novel.
While redemption and forgiveness are definite themes in the series, I don't think it's worth the read. I would be embarrassed to have someone reading this book over my shoulder. I really do believe the author needs to pick up her Bible before she writes another novel for the Christian market.
While redemption and forgiveness are definite themes in the series, I don't think it's worth the read. I would be embarrassed to have someone reading this book over my shoulder. I really do believe the author needs to pick up her Bible before she writes another novel for the Christian market.
July 22, 2016
Awesome ending to this series. I'm not a fan of the vampire fad, but these are really different. I enjoyed all three immensely, but this was the best of the three, as we are given more history of the vampires, and everything finally comes to a head.
I was irritated with the publisher for making this book a mass market paperback, when the other two were done as trade paperback.... stupid marketing decision
I was irritated with the publisher for making this book a mass market paperback, when the other two were done as trade paperback.... stupid marketing decision
September 30, 2024
Kiss of Revenge brings together all of the characters from the the first two books for an amazing finale. I don't want to give spoilers, but I truly enjoyed this series and found the Christian take on vampires to be unique and fascinating. I definitely recommend this series as a whole.
January 4, 2023
Still enjoyable, but it was pretty disjointed, and many, many questions were left unanswered. Still don't care about Wendy and David. More Raphael and Susan, please! Also, was she implying that Paul is the apostle Paul?
November 17, 2013
This was a fantastic finish to a great trilogy. I especially enjoyed how the David and Wendy story ended similar to the heroes of Dracula.
November 16, 2013
loved it! Sorry there isn't another one!
November 30, 2013
I loved the trilogy. I was just hoping for more in the end.
November 30, 2013
4 stars
Viguie wraps everything up nicely.
Viguie wraps everything up nicely.
December 31, 2013
A wonderful ending to a trilogy. It was action packed the entire way. A sequel would be nice, I hope so!
February 26, 2014
FUN MYSTERY WITH VAMPIRES.
March 2, 2014
I enjoyed this series on vampires
February 26, 2014
more enjoyable than the 2nd. great ending
July 29, 2014
Good story, intriguing ideas, loved the overall story line.
October 20, 2014
Christian Vampire Fiction. Enough said.
Read
November 7, 2014Good book, good series - a different slant on vampires.
February 7, 2015
Amazing! Well worth the time to read it. Debbie Viguié
January 16, 2015
A fantastic ending to a great trilogy. I really enjoyed how David and Wendy's story ended.
June 24, 2017
The ending was a bit abrupt, but it wrapped up nicely with everyone getting what they deserve. Would love to see how Rafael and Susan's romance develops beyond their traumatic beginning.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews