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Sisters in Blood #1
Dangerous Waters
For Emily Waters, a nature-loving, small-town girl with an overprotective father, heading off to Boston University to study conservation biology is a dream come true—until a chance encounter catapults her into a mythical world she'd do anything to escape.
The latest victim in a rash of abductions near campus, Emily is brutally attacked before being rescued by a powerful new friend. She survives the ordeal, only to find herself held captive and presented with an impossible choice.
While preparing for the unimaginable life she must now embrace, clues soon emerge that Emily may not be entirely human, and her physical transformation awakens goddess-like powers that her new family cannot begin to explain.
Dealing with her human first love, the not-so-platonic relationship with her coven "sister," and her new vampire sort-of-boyfriend further complicates matters, not to mention being secretly hunted by the psychopaths who attacked her. And as the only known offspring of a once all-powerful race, the climactic battle is just the beginning of her journey.
The latest victim in a rash of abductions near campus, Emily is brutally attacked before being rescued by a powerful new friend. She survives the ordeal, only to find herself held captive and presented with an impossible choice.
While preparing for the unimaginable life she must now embrace, clues soon emerge that Emily may not be entirely human, and her physical transformation awakens goddess-like powers that her new family cannot begin to explain.
Dealing with her human first love, the not-so-platonic relationship with her coven "sister," and her new vampire sort-of-boyfriend further complicates matters, not to mention being secretly hunted by the psychopaths who attacked her. And as the only known offspring of a once all-powerful race, the climactic battle is just the beginning of her journey.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
25 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Michaels
4 books34 followersC.M Michaels grew up in a small town in northern Michigan as the youngest child of a close-knit family of seven.
He met his wife, Teresa, while attending Saginaw Valley State University.
Together they’ve provided a loving home for several four-legged “kids”, including Sophie, their eternally young at heart, hopelessly spoiled Spaniel.
He has always enjoyed writing, and still has fond memories of reading his first book, a children’s novella, to local grade schools when he was 14. C.M. is currently working on the third book in the Sisters in Blood series along with a Fantasy romance called Kerrigan’s Race.
An avid reader since discovering Jim Kjelgaard novels in early childhood, his favorite authors include Kelley Armstrong, Peter V. Brett, Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine and Laini Taylor. When he’s not writing, C.M. can be found curled up with a good book, watching movies or hitting the hiking trails with his wife.
C.M. currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
He met his wife, Teresa, while attending Saginaw Valley State University.
Together they’ve provided a loving home for several four-legged “kids”, including Sophie, their eternally young at heart, hopelessly spoiled Spaniel.
He has always enjoyed writing, and still has fond memories of reading his first book, a children’s novella, to local grade schools when he was 14. C.M. is currently working on the third book in the Sisters in Blood series along with a Fantasy romance called Kerrigan’s Race.
An avid reader since discovering Jim Kjelgaard novels in early childhood, his favorite authors include Kelley Armstrong, Peter V. Brett, Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine and Laini Taylor. When he’s not writing, C.M. can be found curled up with a good book, watching movies or hitting the hiking trails with his wife.
C.M. currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 10, 2014
Most of the books I read can't hold my attention past page twenty. This book had me ignoring my work, kids, and husband because I was so inthralled! I loved this book and am so so so excited it's a series. It is extremely well written, easy to read, flows so smoothly that I didn't even realize I had been reading it for three hours straight. Well developed characters had me ache to know more. Climate build-up was spot on. I'm glad I finally read it, I wish I had read it sooner.
75% of the books I read don't get a review from me because they can't hold my attention and I hate giving 1 & 2 star reviews. This one has me writing this review 10 minutes after I finished reading it. BTW I picked it up yesterday! Get this book now!
75% of the books I read don't get a review from me because they can't hold my attention and I hate giving 1 & 2 star reviews. This one has me writing this review 10 minutes after I finished reading it. BTW I picked it up yesterday! Get this book now!
November 9, 2014
Just when you think there is no other way to but a new spin on a vampire story, you read one that blows you away! This was an absolute awesome read. The characters in this book are easy to fall in love with, they are fun, sassy, enduring and lovable! And of course, there is a danger....I literally had a hard time having to put this down to work and do other normal life activities....I could've easily finished this in one sitting if life didn't call....Just absolutely a great read!
November 11, 2013
Emily Waters was just like any other college student, she was focusing on school, making new friends, and living a carefree lifestyle. That is until she was attacked and saved by an unlikely source. Now everything Emily knew about her life has changed and her new life as a vampire begins. Life is not easy though, she is emerging into a powerful vampire with unparalleled powers. Throw in missing women, a kind of vampire boyfriend, and a companion she had not expected, and then there is the human boy who she still carries feelings for but cannot see again.
Intriguing story, this was quite different for a vampire story then I have read in awhile. The story was not predictable at all and I am anxious to see where the next book leads. There is a complexity to the story that draws the reader in immediately. Excellent read.
September 30, 2013
There’s this saying that has been going around for so long I had gotten tired of hearing it until I picked up CM Michaels’ “Dangerous Waters” – the first in the Sisters in Blood series. That saying? It goes something like this … ‘We all have two families – those we are born with and those we choose.’
Before I get into the whole types of families thing, I have to start at the beginning. Dangerous Waters opens with a trial – though not your typical trial. The reader is thrust into this odd proceeding only to have it interrupted and become quite the uniquely chaotic scene. This short chapter is probably one of the best opening chapters I have read in a long time. Kudos to Michaels for jarring me out of my expectations and into a world I never expected.
Just a page turn after the events in that courtroom scene, the reader lands in the past where we are introduced to Emily Waters as she arrives to campus for her freshman year at a university states away from the life she has always known. Within an incredibly short span of time, Emily is introduced into a world far beyond what she could have dreamed.
After finding herself the latest victim in a rash of abductions, Emily is rescued in a way she never expected and her eyes are opened to that new world. She is presented with an impossible choice – one that if I were in her position would be almost impossible to make. Emily’s choice triggers her initiation her into her chosen family. This family is closeness personified with everything from an ever so slightly off-putting bath with her “sister” to how excited they are to help someone lose her virginity. Some of this was glossed over or over-simplified to the point of ‘oh it’s an everyday occurrence’ instead of the truly life-changing experiences that they are.
Aside from the ‘uh, okay’ factor of their initial interactions, Emily’s chosen family becomes as instrumental to her identity and survival as the family she was born into had been. They teach her all of the things she needs to know to survive in her new life but allow themselves to be integrated into her old life as well. Thus Emily finds a way of bridging the gap between biological and chosen families.
Upon her transformation things are discovered about Emily that makes the reader as well as her new family wonder just how human she had been to begin with. *this is potential spoiler territory, so I’ll leave it at that* Let’s just say that if I ever get the choice to become a vampire, I want her abilities.
Michaels smoothly explains away all of the questions about becoming a vampire – yes they have to kill to feed, but they have charities galore so it makes up for it in some weird karmic way. He also handily explains vampirism as the result of a virus – giving it a more scientific logic behind the phenomenon and better explaining biological need for fresh blood from live hosts.
Though a good portion of this story could have been shortened I’m intrigued enough by the incredible beginning and final chapter that I’ll be keeping an eye out for when he releases the second in the series.
Review by I Love Vampire Novels
www.ilovevampirenovels.com
Before I get into the whole types of families thing, I have to start at the beginning. Dangerous Waters opens with a trial – though not your typical trial. The reader is thrust into this odd proceeding only to have it interrupted and become quite the uniquely chaotic scene. This short chapter is probably one of the best opening chapters I have read in a long time. Kudos to Michaels for jarring me out of my expectations and into a world I never expected.
Just a page turn after the events in that courtroom scene, the reader lands in the past where we are introduced to Emily Waters as she arrives to campus for her freshman year at a university states away from the life she has always known. Within an incredibly short span of time, Emily is introduced into a world far beyond what she could have dreamed.
After finding herself the latest victim in a rash of abductions, Emily is rescued in a way she never expected and her eyes are opened to that new world. She is presented with an impossible choice – one that if I were in her position would be almost impossible to make. Emily’s choice triggers her initiation her into her chosen family. This family is closeness personified with everything from an ever so slightly off-putting bath with her “sister” to how excited they are to help someone lose her virginity. Some of this was glossed over or over-simplified to the point of ‘oh it’s an everyday occurrence’ instead of the truly life-changing experiences that they are.
Aside from the ‘uh, okay’ factor of their initial interactions, Emily’s chosen family becomes as instrumental to her identity and survival as the family she was born into had been. They teach her all of the things she needs to know to survive in her new life but allow themselves to be integrated into her old life as well. Thus Emily finds a way of bridging the gap between biological and chosen families.
Upon her transformation things are discovered about Emily that makes the reader as well as her new family wonder just how human she had been to begin with. *this is potential spoiler territory, so I’ll leave it at that* Let’s just say that if I ever get the choice to become a vampire, I want her abilities.
Michaels smoothly explains away all of the questions about becoming a vampire – yes they have to kill to feed, but they have charities galore so it makes up for it in some weird karmic way. He also handily explains vampirism as the result of a virus – giving it a more scientific logic behind the phenomenon and better explaining biological need for fresh blood from live hosts.
Though a good portion of this story could have been shortened I’m intrigued enough by the incredible beginning and final chapter that I’ll be keeping an eye out for when he releases the second in the series.
Review by I Love Vampire Novels
www.ilovevampirenovels.com
January 14, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
I first fell in love with paranormal romance, and vampire series in particular, in the Summer of 2008 when HBO started showing commercials for their upcoming serialization of The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris, True Blood. Since then on and off through the last five years, I’ve read quite a bit of paranormal romance and fallen in and out of love with books featuring vampires as central characters. As I read the description for C.M. Michaels’ Dangerous Waters, I was intrigued by the premise of his story, and after reading a sampling of the book, I quickly agreed to review it to see if Mr. Michaels’ tale would live up to my hopes; and I can honestly say it does.
Beginning with a trail which turns into an action packed situation which quickly becomes chaotic, the author introduces us to an ongoing struggle between humans and the vampire queen. As the battle in the court room spirals out of human control, and is then regained, Mr. Michaels introduces us to several of his characters and then takes us into the past to show us how this all began when Emily Waters arrives at Boston University for her freshman year. A typical newbie to college, Emily is focused on her grades, her friends and having a good time. When Emily is attacked and is turned into a vampire in an attempt to save her, she realizes her life will never become what she expected.
Mr. Michaels’ does a wonderful job developing Emily’s character; she’s young, intelligent and easily makes friends. She loves her family and had to work hard to convince them to let her go to school out of state so she knows she’ll have to maintain her grades. When she’s forced to choose between dying or becoming a vampire, she makes the difficult choice to become something she knows nothing about. As Emily gets to know her new vampire “family”, who take closeness to an entirely new level, she accepts everything they teach her in order to survive. Especially her new vampire powers, which are very strong and pretty unique, which impress her new “family” and make them question if she was ever really completely human.
Mr. Michaels’ world building is well done and really interesting; while the vampires do have kill to eat, they are involved in charities and in giving back to the “human” community. They are a benevolent monster in a strange kind of way. He also explains how vampires became what they are as a result of a virus and explains why they need “live” blood from a live host. They can’t get real blood any other way.
Will Emily’s new life separate her completely from her biological family forever? What part will Emily play in the upcoming struggle between humans and vampires? You’ll have to read Dangerous Waters to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading Mr. Michaels next book.
I first fell in love with paranormal romance, and vampire series in particular, in the Summer of 2008 when HBO started showing commercials for their upcoming serialization of The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris, True Blood. Since then on and off through the last five years, I’ve read quite a bit of paranormal romance and fallen in and out of love with books featuring vampires as central characters. As I read the description for C.M. Michaels’ Dangerous Waters, I was intrigued by the premise of his story, and after reading a sampling of the book, I quickly agreed to review it to see if Mr. Michaels’ tale would live up to my hopes; and I can honestly say it does.
Beginning with a trail which turns into an action packed situation which quickly becomes chaotic, the author introduces us to an ongoing struggle between humans and the vampire queen. As the battle in the court room spirals out of human control, and is then regained, Mr. Michaels introduces us to several of his characters and then takes us into the past to show us how this all began when Emily Waters arrives at Boston University for her freshman year. A typical newbie to college, Emily is focused on her grades, her friends and having a good time. When Emily is attacked and is turned into a vampire in an attempt to save her, she realizes her life will never become what she expected.
Mr. Michaels’ does a wonderful job developing Emily’s character; she’s young, intelligent and easily makes friends. She loves her family and had to work hard to convince them to let her go to school out of state so she knows she’ll have to maintain her grades. When she’s forced to choose between dying or becoming a vampire, she makes the difficult choice to become something she knows nothing about. As Emily gets to know her new vampire “family”, who take closeness to an entirely new level, she accepts everything they teach her in order to survive. Especially her new vampire powers, which are very strong and pretty unique, which impress her new “family” and make them question if she was ever really completely human.
Mr. Michaels’ world building is well done and really interesting; while the vampires do have kill to eat, they are involved in charities and in giving back to the “human” community. They are a benevolent monster in a strange kind of way. He also explains how vampires became what they are as a result of a virus and explains why they need “live” blood from a live host. They can’t get real blood any other way.
Will Emily’s new life separate her completely from her biological family forever? What part will Emily play in the upcoming struggle between humans and vampires? You’ll have to read Dangerous Waters to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading Mr. Michaels next book.
December 11, 2013
** Review written for an originally posted on my blog, Book Bliss.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**
Review: 3.5 stars
General:This book was entertaining from start to finish. There were moments when I was chuckling and others when I was wincing away from actions in certain scenes. From the get go I was hooked on the book the minute Emily’s personality popped to life. The world building is extensive and subtle all at the same time. It is obviously futuristic with weapons and certain choices but at the same time it felt easy enough to place in today and now. I spent time in Boston obtaining my Master’s and the descriptions were spot on.
I loved the unusual plot element – becoming a vampire or dying is not unheard but rarely looked at from such an angle. The addition of witches helped to ground it in it’s genre as the two tend to go hand in hand when not dealing with paranormal romance. yes, there is romance – no it doesn’t jump off the page and make me clamor for them, but it also wasn’t the main point. The point was the choice and life Emily is forced into and I think that was wonderfully done.
That being said there were two things about the novel I wished would have been seen to. The first is the writing itself. It was very choppy and the flow caused me to pull out a few times. It was well edited the case was simply in structure and word choice everything felt very repetitive and believe it or not it makes it a little less interesting to read when you know the formula for each subsequent paragraph. The other is with the use of certain stereotyping. At some moments this book felt amazingly original and at others it felt like carbon copies of books that have come before it as there were scenes and actions that were very generic to the idea of vamps and witches and others that jumped off the page with uniqueness.
Characters: Emily- Emily had me from the get go. I don’t normally remember lines or thoughts a character has outside the ones I connect with for a writing standpoint. But Emily’s first line took me so guard and made me laugh so hard I couldn’t not hear it as I read. She was a wonderfully written role. Naive and selfish until her journey begins it was easy to place her in the age bracket she was in.If there are more I would like to see a growth in her though as it was small in this novel despite everything she went through.
Raven- Raven begins it all. She’s a little untrustworthy and more than a little suspicious and i loved it.
Review: 3.5 stars
General:This book was entertaining from start to finish. There were moments when I was chuckling and others when I was wincing away from actions in certain scenes. From the get go I was hooked on the book the minute Emily’s personality popped to life. The world building is extensive and subtle all at the same time. It is obviously futuristic with weapons and certain choices but at the same time it felt easy enough to place in today and now. I spent time in Boston obtaining my Master’s and the descriptions were spot on.
I loved the unusual plot element – becoming a vampire or dying is not unheard but rarely looked at from such an angle. The addition of witches helped to ground it in it’s genre as the two tend to go hand in hand when not dealing with paranormal romance. yes, there is romance – no it doesn’t jump off the page and make me clamor for them, but it also wasn’t the main point. The point was the choice and life Emily is forced into and I think that was wonderfully done.
That being said there were two things about the novel I wished would have been seen to. The first is the writing itself. It was very choppy and the flow caused me to pull out a few times. It was well edited the case was simply in structure and word choice everything felt very repetitive and believe it or not it makes it a little less interesting to read when you know the formula for each subsequent paragraph. The other is with the use of certain stereotyping. At some moments this book felt amazingly original and at others it felt like carbon copies of books that have come before it as there were scenes and actions that were very generic to the idea of vamps and witches and others that jumped off the page with uniqueness.
Characters: Emily- Emily had me from the get go. I don’t normally remember lines or thoughts a character has outside the ones I connect with for a writing standpoint. But Emily’s first line took me so guard and made me laugh so hard I couldn’t not hear it as I read. She was a wonderfully written role. Naive and selfish until her journey begins it was easy to place her in the age bracket she was in.If there are more I would like to see a growth in her though as it was small in this novel despite everything she went through.
Raven- Raven begins it all. She’s a little untrustworthy and more than a little suspicious and i loved it.
May 20, 2014
This book started off with a bang! Chapter 1 engages the reader with an action packed situation. I didn’t know who any of the characters were and wasn’t even sure who the “good guys” were and who the “bad guys” were but I found I didn’t even care. There was such an intense start that I just wanted to find out what was happening then I could figure out who I was rooting for.
The next chapter introduced the main character of the book. From here on out, the story is about Emily Waters and the challenges she ends up facing after leaving home to go to college at BU. There are new characters introduced in the first part of the book that are all involved with Emily. The author does an amazing job telling each characters background story.
There are hints throughout the story that Emily is going to face another struggle but you can’t figure out what will happen or when. You are just constantly prepared that it is about to happen.
The book ends with a bang too! The last chapter is completely action packed and unfortunately, over before you know it. When I got to the end of the book I realized that we never circled back to what went on in the first chapter. Now that I had read the whole book and was familiar with all the characters, I read the first chapter again. This time I was blown away! I highly recommend going back and reading chapter 1 after finishing the book. It will blow your mind.
Dangerous Waters was very well written. There are a few equally important characters and the author does a great job making each one different and because of this you don’t get them confused. I have read books before where there are so many characters introduced that I am unable to remember who is who. That is not the case in this book.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series to come out. Dangerous Waters ended with a cliffhanger and a few lose ends that I can’t wait to see how they are tied up. CM Michaels is currently writing book two.
The next chapter introduced the main character of the book. From here on out, the story is about Emily Waters and the challenges she ends up facing after leaving home to go to college at BU. There are new characters introduced in the first part of the book that are all involved with Emily. The author does an amazing job telling each characters background story.
There are hints throughout the story that Emily is going to face another struggle but you can’t figure out what will happen or when. You are just constantly prepared that it is about to happen.
The book ends with a bang too! The last chapter is completely action packed and unfortunately, over before you know it. When I got to the end of the book I realized that we never circled back to what went on in the first chapter. Now that I had read the whole book and was familiar with all the characters, I read the first chapter again. This time I was blown away! I highly recommend going back and reading chapter 1 after finishing the book. It will blow your mind.
Dangerous Waters was very well written. There are a few equally important characters and the author does a great job making each one different and because of this you don’t get them confused. I have read books before where there are so many characters introduced that I am unable to remember who is who. That is not the case in this book.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series to come out. Dangerous Waters ended with a cliffhanger and a few lose ends that I can’t wait to see how they are tied up. CM Michaels is currently writing book two.
September 10, 2015
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
Vampires, love them or hate them everybody has their own version of how they came to be and this is good one.
Michaels introduces opens the story with a kick ass vampire Queen saving her family and getting captured so that they can get away. When she is captured she's knocked unconscious and then the story begins.
Emily is ready to begin her first semester away at college, she loves her roommates, likes her classes, and makes a new best friend when she meets Raven.
Raven has a secret though and she wants Emily to know, but she's not ready.
When Emily is attacked, she has no choice but to tell her to save her life. She is a vampire, her sisters and mom are her coven. The choice is given to Emily to keep the secret, become a vampire or die.
If Emily hadn't been attacked by another group of vamps, Raven was planning on introducing her to the coven and letting her choose between becoming one or not, but not death. Raven's coven consist of her "sisters" Ruby and Sandy, and their "mom" Sierra. The way they introduce Emily to the way vampires are made is different. They are infected with a virus and the only thing that sustains them is fresh human blood.
I love hearing the stories of how they each became a vampire and where they came from, Michaels does a great job of pulling you into these time periods with Emily as she learns about her new family.
Emily is great, she is a young woman with unselfishness that is unheard of in this day and age. When she is changed, she is even more so and even more than her "sisters" and "mom" knew and they want to know more of her family history.
Her vampire sisters are wonderful, they each have their own story that if Michaels wanted to he could write a book on, they are that great.
I can't wait to find out more of Emily and her sisters story, of why she is MORE.
Dangerous Waters, check it out if you like vampires and strong women you can't do wrong with this one.
Vampires, love them or hate them everybody has their own version of how they came to be and this is good one.
Michaels introduces opens the story with a kick ass vampire Queen saving her family and getting captured so that they can get away. When she is captured she's knocked unconscious and then the story begins.
Emily is ready to begin her first semester away at college, she loves her roommates, likes her classes, and makes a new best friend when she meets Raven.
Raven has a secret though and she wants Emily to know, but she's not ready.
When Emily is attacked, she has no choice but to tell her to save her life. She is a vampire, her sisters and mom are her coven. The choice is given to Emily to keep the secret, become a vampire or die.
If Emily hadn't been attacked by another group of vamps, Raven was planning on introducing her to the coven and letting her choose between becoming one or not, but not death. Raven's coven consist of her "sisters" Ruby and Sandy, and their "mom" Sierra. The way they introduce Emily to the way vampires are made is different. They are infected with a virus and the only thing that sustains them is fresh human blood.
I love hearing the stories of how they each became a vampire and where they came from, Michaels does a great job of pulling you into these time periods with Emily as she learns about her new family.
Emily is great, she is a young woman with unselfishness that is unheard of in this day and age. When she is changed, she is even more so and even more than her "sisters" and "mom" knew and they want to know more of her family history.
Her vampire sisters are wonderful, they each have their own story that if Michaels wanted to he could write a book on, they are that great.
I can't wait to find out more of Emily and her sisters story, of why she is MORE.
Dangerous Waters, check it out if you like vampires and strong women you can't do wrong with this one.
September 6, 2013
Dorothy A. Bell review:
Dangerous Waters by CM Michaels
Dangerous Waters is both a novel and a how-too book on vampires. Dangerous Waters delivers a warning: send your kids to college with the knowledge that they could find themselves recruited not to serve in the risk-taking ranks of the armed forces, CIA, FBI, but to take the bloody, irrevocable pledge to serve all of eternity in a coven of vampires.
I found Dangerous Waters fascinating. Michaels has inserted in this novel his scientific theory as to how one becomes a vampire through a virus, why one has to remain a vampire, and the upside and the downside of being a vampire.
On the upside: you have a close-knit, loving family, each member loyal, prepared, trained to protect your back in all situations. Michaels tells us that you can live pretty darn well as a vampire, given that you have centuries to accrue wealth, and you have special abilities both physical and mental. You can have a rewarding life, doing good through charities or foundations to offset the fact that you have to kill people to sustain your life.
On the downside, you don’t get to have the big holiday meals anymore. Nope, no more ice cream, pizza, steak, pie or cake: now you feast every week or so on your carefully selected prey. Michaels explains, it is not unlike the lion or wolf pack, the coven has to kill to survive, it is basic nature. Michaels does this so well and with such conviction through his characters, the reader can’t help but see the logic and becomes almost, I say almost, comfortable with the reality of being a vampire.
The ending will provoke the reader, as it is a cliff-hanger. Michaels isn’t done playing with our minds, he has another episode waiting beneath these Dangerous Waters. I give this novel five stars.
Dangerous Waters by CM Michaels
Dangerous Waters is both a novel and a how-too book on vampires. Dangerous Waters delivers a warning: send your kids to college with the knowledge that they could find themselves recruited not to serve in the risk-taking ranks of the armed forces, CIA, FBI, but to take the bloody, irrevocable pledge to serve all of eternity in a coven of vampires.
I found Dangerous Waters fascinating. Michaels has inserted in this novel his scientific theory as to how one becomes a vampire through a virus, why one has to remain a vampire, and the upside and the downside of being a vampire.
On the upside: you have a close-knit, loving family, each member loyal, prepared, trained to protect your back in all situations. Michaels tells us that you can live pretty darn well as a vampire, given that you have centuries to accrue wealth, and you have special abilities both physical and mental. You can have a rewarding life, doing good through charities or foundations to offset the fact that you have to kill people to sustain your life.
On the downside, you don’t get to have the big holiday meals anymore. Nope, no more ice cream, pizza, steak, pie or cake: now you feast every week or so on your carefully selected prey. Michaels explains, it is not unlike the lion or wolf pack, the coven has to kill to survive, it is basic nature. Michaels does this so well and with such conviction through his characters, the reader can’t help but see the logic and becomes almost, I say almost, comfortable with the reality of being a vampire.
The ending will provoke the reader, as it is a cliff-hanger. Michaels isn’t done playing with our minds, he has another episode waiting beneath these Dangerous Waters. I give this novel five stars.
February 19, 2014
I'm reading two vampire books at the same time and it's amazing how different they are. This one is nothing like the normal thinking for vampire books. The plot is very different and although the vampires do drink blood they can go out into the sun and act mostly like humans. And before you start thinking about sparkley vamps, this isn't that kind of book either.
Firstly, the mythology behind the vampires is about a virus. I love the way C.M. Michaels delivers most of this information. The main character is human and is learning as we learn so it makes the info all that more important but also it really relates to the story instead of just shoving mythology down our throats.
Secondly, this isn't just your run of the mill human wants to live forever plot. The main character wants to remain human, however, her life is in danger and she is given an ultimatum. She is already close to the vampires that are taking her under their wings so it makes the decision that much easier for her.
And that's when all hell starts to break loose! Emme is totally different and it's that difference that drives everyone to like her but it's also that difference that makes her stand out, even among vampires. She's an amazing and very interesting character, full of depth. As are most of the characters in this. I really felt like I was watching someone's life rather than just reading a book. I totally felt immersed.
4.5 / 5
Full review coming to BTSe Magazine in March!
Firstly, the mythology behind the vampires is about a virus. I love the way C.M. Michaels delivers most of this information. The main character is human and is learning as we learn so it makes the info all that more important but also it really relates to the story instead of just shoving mythology down our throats.
Secondly, this isn't just your run of the mill human wants to live forever plot. The main character wants to remain human, however, her life is in danger and she is given an ultimatum. She is already close to the vampires that are taking her under their wings so it makes the decision that much easier for her.
And that's when all hell starts to break loose! Emme is totally different and it's that difference that drives everyone to like her but it's also that difference that makes her stand out, even among vampires. She's an amazing and very interesting character, full of depth. As are most of the characters in this. I really felt like I was watching someone's life rather than just reading a book. I totally felt immersed.
4.5 / 5
Full review coming to BTSe Magazine in March!
October 25, 2014
What I enjoyed most about Dangerous Waters was the scientific take on vampirism. Rather than veering totally into the supernatural element most vampire novelists employ, Michaels attempts to give a rational explanation that made sense to my semi-scientific brain. In fact, given this path, I would almost label the book as having a sci-fi tilt.
This is a New Adult Urban Fantasy, so a lot of the focus is on Emily's shift to adulthood as she balances both her first time on her own as an adult, as well as the new life being put before her. There's a considerable amount of exposition on each of the characters Emily now looks to as her second family, which both helps familiarize readers with each character as an individual, as well as give promise to some potential future stories or complications down the road. The characters are relatable, and its easy to connect with them. If you enjoy interpersonal relationships, and the exploration of sisterhood and acceptance, you'll more than likely enjoy this book, even if urban fantasy is not your thing.
The novel starts off with a mystery and ends with a mystery. It is a testament to the storytelling that I'm not sure where the next book will go, but there was plenty of setup and trickles of explanation laid as foundation for some very interesting developments on the horizon.
This is a New Adult Urban Fantasy, so a lot of the focus is on Emily's shift to adulthood as she balances both her first time on her own as an adult, as well as the new life being put before her. There's a considerable amount of exposition on each of the characters Emily now looks to as her second family, which both helps familiarize readers with each character as an individual, as well as give promise to some potential future stories or complications down the road. The characters are relatable, and its easy to connect with them. If you enjoy interpersonal relationships, and the exploration of sisterhood and acceptance, you'll more than likely enjoy this book, even if urban fantasy is not your thing.
The novel starts off with a mystery and ends with a mystery. It is a testament to the storytelling that I'm not sure where the next book will go, but there was plenty of setup and trickles of explanation laid as foundation for some very interesting developments on the horizon.
April 23, 2015
This was a fantastic book, it had me in tears of laughter more than once. The characters were easy to relate to, especially Emily as the book is told mostly from her point of view. It was really well written and captured my attention from the very beginning.
The prologue leaves you intrigued and even a little confused as there are seemingly main characters that are left without names and is very action packed. I know some people wouldn't like that the prologue is confusing but I thought it worked well and definitely left me eager to read more.
I liked the fact that the 'Vampire Curse' was explained solely as a disease, instead of leaning toward the traditional supernatural explanation of vampirism as it was a refreshing change. I have read a few other books that try to explain vampirism as a disease but they are few and far between and none that I have read explain it as well as CM Michaels does here.
My only criticism would be how the book ended, I won't go into too many details as I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but to me it just seemed a strange place to end the book. It wasn't bad by any means, I just thought it was strange.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal/romance books and is probably over the age of 16 as there are a few sex scenes and some quite strong language.
The prologue leaves you intrigued and even a little confused as there are seemingly main characters that are left without names and is very action packed. I know some people wouldn't like that the prologue is confusing but I thought it worked well and definitely left me eager to read more.
I liked the fact that the 'Vampire Curse' was explained solely as a disease, instead of leaning toward the traditional supernatural explanation of vampirism as it was a refreshing change. I have read a few other books that try to explain vampirism as a disease but they are few and far between and none that I have read explain it as well as CM Michaels does here.
My only criticism would be how the book ended, I won't go into too many details as I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but to me it just seemed a strange place to end the book. It wasn't bad by any means, I just thought it was strange.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal/romance books and is probably over the age of 16 as there are a few sex scenes and some quite strong language.
April 21, 2014
I have no idea what to say about this book! When does the next one come out? Can I have it yesterday please?!
The prologue pulled me in immediately although it left me confused (on purpose) as to who exactly these characters were by not referring to some of them by name. I also wasn't quite sure if the prologue was in the past or the future, but that was made clear as I continued to read.
There was a moment of disconnect between the prologue and chapter one (time thing) but Emily's voice was so fully realized that I connected to her quickly. It is quickly apparent that her world is about to be changed - being on her own for the first time without her overprotective father, experiencing adult relationships (yep, that means sex!), and the realization that there is a paranormal world hidden from the normal one.
This book did an amazing job of setting up all the rules for the paranormal world while continuing to move the story forward and then twisting and breaking the rules as something new came into play. The ending - while not leaving any one character in immediate mortal danger - is the kind of cliffhanger that must be expected when reading a series. I can't wait for book 2, and I hope this series continues until the author gives us all of Emily's story.
The prologue pulled me in immediately although it left me confused (on purpose) as to who exactly these characters were by not referring to some of them by name. I also wasn't quite sure if the prologue was in the past or the future, but that was made clear as I continued to read.
There was a moment of disconnect between the prologue and chapter one (time thing) but Emily's voice was so fully realized that I connected to her quickly. It is quickly apparent that her world is about to be changed - being on her own for the first time without her overprotective father, experiencing adult relationships (yep, that means sex!), and the realization that there is a paranormal world hidden from the normal one.
This book did an amazing job of setting up all the rules for the paranormal world while continuing to move the story forward and then twisting and breaking the rules as something new came into play. The ending - while not leaving any one character in immediate mortal danger - is the kind of cliffhanger that must be expected when reading a series. I can't wait for book 2, and I hope this series continues until the author gives us all of Emily's story.
September 27, 2015
I don't know why it took me so long to purchase this and/or read it. I met the author at a book fair in 2014 and learned of this story. Meeting him again at another event in 2015 reminded me I never got around to his book. Well, that changed this week.
I normally come into new books cold, I don't read much of the back cover, and just plunge in the deep end. This book is no different. The author starts with a setting and environment and action. Not 10 pages later, the story shifts time and location. Quite a bit jarring, but the writer knows what he is doing as he keeps the action and activity going. Throughout this book there are no stops, nothing really slows down. Sure there are tender moments, tense moments, sexy moments, but it never slows down.
Additionally, I need to remark how he describes his characters and their back story. Sure, it may be a bit cliche in the delivery, but it is full and helps you understand the various characters motivations and how they live.
I have done my best to not give anything away to the story, I'll leave other reviews to do that, but try this book, either in physical form or on digits. It is so worth the time.
I normally come into new books cold, I don't read much of the back cover, and just plunge in the deep end. This book is no different. The author starts with a setting and environment and action. Not 10 pages later, the story shifts time and location. Quite a bit jarring, but the writer knows what he is doing as he keeps the action and activity going. Throughout this book there are no stops, nothing really slows down. Sure there are tender moments, tense moments, sexy moments, but it never slows down.
Additionally, I need to remark how he describes his characters and their back story. Sure, it may be a bit cliche in the delivery, but it is full and helps you understand the various characters motivations and how they live.
I have done my best to not give anything away to the story, I'll leave other reviews to do that, but try this book, either in physical form or on digits. It is so worth the time.
January 9, 2014
CM Michaels has created a unique and intriguing vampire world with a whole set of new, fresh rules. Dangerous Waters is the first in the Sisters of Blood series and a great start to the series. Emily Waters is a new collage student, experiencing life on her own for the first time. During a dorm party, she meets Raven and they become fast friends. But that friendship puts Emily in danger from other vampires. She is faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
The one thing I love about reading PNR and UF is the action and the suspense. I love it when a book keeps me guessing and thinking as I read. This book does that. And the ending is just the cliffhanger that I love. It left me jonesing for the next book.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and I wasn't compensated in any way. Review was posted on http://liasbookhaven.wordpress.com
The one thing I love about reading PNR and UF is the action and the suspense. I love it when a book keeps me guessing and thinking as I read. This book does that. And the ending is just the cliffhanger that I love. It left me jonesing for the next book.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and I wasn't compensated in any way. Review was posted on http://liasbookhaven.wordpress.com
January 19, 2014
I have to say the opening chapter drew me straight in. Fast paced with plenty of action, Dangerous Waters is certainly a turnaround when it comes to vampires. Quite original in it’s plot, I easily warmed to the characters and loved the development in their friendships and loyalties. The story builds all the way to the end, giving away small secrets on the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the sequel.
December 31, 2013
Michaels is a talented writer and will gain many new fans with this incredible launch of the Sisters in Blood series. The author's fast-moving novel will appeal to fans of Twilight, mythical worlds and vampire groupies everywhere. Thoroughly entertaining, gripping and enchanting from start to finish. And, the characters seem to come to life with every flick of the page in this urban fantasy geared for the NA scene. The cliffhanger of an ending will leave one frustrated and craving more.
July 14, 2014
This was not your typical vampire book which was refreshing. It has great character development although I still cannot fully picture the main character. That kind of intrigues me. The book has a few twists that I didn't expect and am not sure I fully like but overall I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the second one. I definitely recommend. I ended the book wanting to be a part of this vampire group. :)
September 17, 2014
So yeah, where is book two already? The prologue at the beginning more than Drew me in. This is an amazing take on vampires. I love reading about vamps that are not what we grew up with! Emily's journey is just so entertaining that I was so not ready for the book to end! I am way going to be impatient for the next one!
January 20, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author C.M. Michaels for giving me this book for an honest review. This book was a good read. The characters are well developed, the story is good and flows nicely. I am looking forward to reading more of C.M. Michaels work.
March 27, 2014
Absolutely amazing!! I love this book and can't wait for the next! Great storyline!
Did Not Finish
November 30, 2016Setting aside may attempt later.
March 9, 2018
Best Current Fantasy Vampire Book!!!
This is truly one of the books on the emotional side that I've read this year. Its got some funny repartees in it and its quite action packed towards the end and shocking too!
I Just LOVE The Heroine in this book, She was truly remarkable, Strong Willed, Peppy, Quick Witted & Sometimes Snarky, Loving & Caring, Understanding and able to cope under the most dire of situations! She continues to surprise us throughout the book!
C. M. Michaels shows us the true bond of Sisterhood in this enrapturing vampire tale. My favorite quote in the whole book was "Souers de sang pour l'eternite'" which is French for Sisters of blood for eternity.
I Instantly Went and Bought Book 2 Omnipotent Blood after reading this ^_^
June 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book even though I was unsure if I would at first. I loved Emily's personality, she is so funny especially in her thoughts. I thought that her relationship problems were strange but I can't wait to find out how she works around them. I'm so glad for the explanation about the Virus but I found it weird that they couldn't heal, I can't wait until we find out more about her "Dreams", DNA results, and Powers. I found the backstories for each of her new family interesting, poor Raven! My only real problem with the book was that we didn't end the story the way it started. I am guessing we will find out how that happened in the next book or the one after.
February 21, 2017
Different type of Vampires that kill without remorse
It is an interesting story, but I couldn't get over the issue of the main character who wouldn't even kill a spider growing up now killing humans like cattle once she became a vampire.
The other vampires acting like murders thats ok, but it was out of character for her to blindly accept becoming a serial killer herself.
I was planning on buying the rest of the series, but not anymore.
It is an interesting story, but I couldn't get over the issue of the main character who wouldn't even kill a spider growing up now killing humans like cattle once she became a vampire.
The other vampires acting like murders thats ok, but it was out of character for her to blindly accept becoming a serial killer herself.
I was planning on buying the rest of the series, but not anymore.
October 16, 2019
Amazing and edge of my seat reading
Like I said before. I love this book series. Im from Traverse City,Mi. So this is up my alley and I undertaken the reference
Like I said before. I love this book series. Im from Traverse City,Mi. So this is up my alley and I undertaken the reference
July 18, 2016
I like a good vampire tale, so I read it on the recommendation of a friend with a request to review it. Overall it was a good story, unique-ish and carried along pretty nicely. There was plenty of action and some twists that you don't see coming... well, you won't see them coming if you DON'T READ THE PROLOGUE. I was advised to skip the prologue until I finished the story, which I did, and I am glad for it. That would have been a great epilogue since it felt like the first chapter of the next book, but as a prologue it destroys the suspense you want the reader to experience while reading the first book.
November 22, 2015
This book gave a new spin on vampires but I got annoyed by the main character. Emily Waters 'aka' Brooke is an 18 year old girl who moves from Michigan to study at the University of Boston. There she meets a strange girl named Raven. The Emily is brutally atacked by two vampires and is saved by Raven. Emily is given the choice of becoming a vampire or death. She decides to become a vampire after barely knowing Her. She was willing to leave behind her father and everybody she knew to join Sienna's coven. Emily then is prepared for her transformation. She exercises to be as perfect as possible since she cannot heal once she becomes a vampire and because her wounds have to heal. She also has sex with a random dude at a club since if she is transformed while a virgin, she wouldn't be able to have sex. Emily has the hots for her 'sister' Sandy and promises to go on a date with a male vampire named Alexander. I feel like the book didn't have much plot. Emily becomes a vampire and the same vampire who attacked her wants to kill her. The book just focuses on Emily prepping to become infected with the virus so she can turn into a vampire. And 'Brooke' is unlike any other vampire because she has special abilities. Oh and these vampires have no fangs except Brooke. Overall, what i really enjoyed was reading Sienna, Ruby, Sandy, And Raven's stories of how they became vampires. I'll probably check out the sequel later on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This starts with a bang and grabs your attention! Great first book in this series. Emily is experiencing a lot of firsts lately. First time away from home, starts college, new roommates, people coming up missing, vampires, love, sisterhood............ Do you see a pattern?? Emily is attacked by a group that take control of her body. She is going crazy trying to figure out what is going on when she is saved by a new friend. She is then catapulted into a new supernatural world that is absolutely captivating. She is given two choices....life or death. Each choice comes with life altering changes. She faces a choice to become part of a new family or leave the one she was given behind. All the while she is secretly being hunted by the crazy people who attacked her.
“You can never assume anything is going to go as planned.”
This author does an incredible job with getting your attention and keeping it. Great job with the world building and character development. Each character that Emily is in contact with is special to her one way or another. I felt that some parts moved a little slow but this was mainly due to the amount of information you are being given to be sure nothing was left out. Awesome buildup to the story as well. This has the potential to be a really amazing series! Looking forward to reading the next!
December 3, 2014
2.5 The only thing good about this book was the prologue. Its weird this site is usually really good at rating books and so when I saw this had a 4.24 I immediately bought it. I now have no idea why it scored so high!!
Pros:
The prologue and the last 10 pages.
Emily/brooke's potential
Cons:
How to sum up the forced dialogue in this book.
"Ive been through shit"
"Thanks for sharing with me"
"We all love each other" *kiss*
"Sisters for life"
I'm not joking I skipped abt 20 pages and missed nothing... the middle was aaaggoonniizzinnngg to get through... maybe im impatient but seriously this book could have been a hell of a lot shorter and still accomplished the same thing.
I understand this is the first installment however so I expect great things from the series.
but I probably wont be standing in line to buy the next installment until at least 2 or three more are out and if they are anything like this one Ill read the prologue and the last 10 pages to save myself a few hours of unnecessary dialogue.
Pros:
The prologue and the last 10 pages.
Emily/brooke's potential
Cons:
How to sum up the forced dialogue in this book.
"Ive been through shit"
"Thanks for sharing with me"
"We all love each other" *kiss*
"Sisters for life"
I'm not joking I skipped abt 20 pages and missed nothing... the middle was aaaggoonniizzinnngg to get through... maybe im impatient but seriously this book could have been a hell of a lot shorter and still accomplished the same thing.
I understand this is the first installment however so I expect great things from the series.
but I probably wont be standing in line to buy the next installment until at least 2 or three more are out and if they are anything like this one Ill read the prologue and the last 10 pages to save myself a few hours of unnecessary dialogue.
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