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Blackthorn #1
Blood Shadows
For vengeance - would you trust a vampire?
For justice - could you betray your family?
For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in?
Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for.
Or die.
Blackthorn: Book One
For justice - could you betray your family?
For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in?
Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for.
Or die.
Blackthorn: Book One
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2012
401 people are currently reading
4979 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay J. Pryor
16 books522 followersSign up to be the first to hear about Lindsay's NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/150twsa
*Lindsay is not an active Goodreads user. Please visit her website if you would like to contact her.*
Lindsay J. Pryor is a speculative fiction author published by Hachette U.K. Her dark, gritty and complex dystopian BLACKTHORN series has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the US. Her spin-off LOWTOWN standalone novels are underway as well as her upcoming romantic Gothic horror.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
To find out more about Lindsay and her books, please visit her website: lindsayjpryor.com
BLACKTHORN is published by Bookouture. Her LOWTOWN novels are being published by Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group).
I absolutely adore the world she's put into place here. Everything is so well formed with its own history and culture that it really feels like I'm living in Blackthorn... (Marked by Books)
This is a paranormal universe like none you have encountered before. (Keeper Bookshelf)
I don't think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world before... The world-building is spectacular. (Gaga Over Books)
Lindsay Pryor has crafted a world that's intricate, gritty and genuinely fascinating... (Big Little Sister Blog)
This concept is creative and different from other paranormal books I've read lately. (My Paranormal Book Review)
I cannot say how much I love this author. She is creating a world which sucks you in, which makes you want to know more about Blackthorn and its inhabitants. (I Heart Books)
Not only are Pryor's characters and fathomlessly dark love stories fabulous, but her continual world building of Blackthorn blows me away. (Gravetells)
Lindsay is a wonderful writer. She's crafted one heck of a world... (Vice President of Creative Affairs for Relativity Media Film Studios, California)
*Lindsay is not an active Goodreads user. Please visit her website if you would like to contact her.*
Lindsay J. Pryor is a speculative fiction author published by Hachette U.K. Her dark, gritty and complex dystopian BLACKTHORN series has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the US. Her spin-off LOWTOWN standalone novels are underway as well as her upcoming romantic Gothic horror.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
To find out more about Lindsay and her books, please visit her website: lindsayjpryor.com
BLACKTHORN is published by Bookouture. Her LOWTOWN novels are being published by Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group).
I absolutely adore the world she's put into place here. Everything is so well formed with its own history and culture that it really feels like I'm living in Blackthorn... (Marked by Books)
This is a paranormal universe like none you have encountered before. (Keeper Bookshelf)
I don't think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world before... The world-building is spectacular. (Gaga Over Books)
Lindsay Pryor has crafted a world that's intricate, gritty and genuinely fascinating... (Big Little Sister Blog)
This concept is creative and different from other paranormal books I've read lately. (My Paranormal Book Review)
I cannot say how much I love this author. She is creating a world which sucks you in, which makes you want to know more about Blackthorn and its inhabitants. (I Heart Books)
Not only are Pryor's characters and fathomlessly dark love stories fabulous, but her continual world building of Blackthorn blows me away. (Gravetells)
Lindsay is a wonderful writer. She's crafted one heck of a world... (Vice President of Creative Affairs for Relativity Media Film Studios, California)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
June 16, 2016
This series hit my radar when I saw that the lead male in this book, Kane, actually beat-out Jerricho Barrons in an "Alpha Showdown". Really? Color me intrigued because Jerricho Barrons is alphalicious.
To be hotter and more alpha-y than Barrons, this Kane guy must be on fire, baby!
Yeah, this was worth an investigation. And, being the giving, self-sacrificial girl that I am, I decided to take one for the team and meet our mystery man myself.
Let me start by saying: Dibs!
Okay, now that this most sacred of all verbal contracts from childhood has been established, I will now report my findings about our new alpha hunk.
At first, things weren't looking too good for bachelor number one because his name is Kane. Y'all know how I hate names that are either spelled weird or are simply not names just for the sake of being different or hip. I don't need no special name to make me love a character, but a bad name can really sink them. The one that famously comes to mind is when there was a series where the girl was named Deuce. I could never, in a million years, consider a girl with the nickname of some old fat guy in a bowling league a romantic lead. Deuce is probably the worst name I have ever heard of for a girl. I won't even mention some of the other beauties we've dealt with through the years.. Peeta! But, in spite of Kane being named for a famous chicken joint, I found that he was able to overcome it. In fact, he is such an alpha that the chicken place is now named after him!
Kane made them change the spelling of their name because he could do what he wants
Next, I need to address my very outspoken thoughts on alpha males. As you all know, I'm an alpha female, so I often want to kick an alpha male's ass. It's just part of my charm. But, I do actually love an alpha who can walk that delicate tightrope of perfection without falling into the asshole zone. Kane is one hell of a tightrope walker.
That's right, Kane doesn't even spill a drop of milk. Like a boss.
Now, a good alpha also needs to be complicated. He usually needs to be carrying more baggage than Lady Gaga going on a road trip. And, we also need to have those moments where we wonder if he's playing us - not sure of his motivations. Kane keeps us guessing. Every time we are sure we know what he's going to do next, and we think we have him figured out, he does something unexpected.
um, okay. That's really polite, I guess. Thank you?
Kane has layers and layers of plans for our girl in the story, Caitlyn. Every time we think we have the plan figured out, another layer comes in. And, then we think that he's a good guy - but no, maybe not. We root for Caitlyn to love and trust him, then we want to tell her to run for her life. On facebook, under their relationship status, they totally qualify for the "it's complicated" button.
Complicated and TMI
And, of course a good alpha must be a sexy beast. He has to exude sexuality so much that women are simply compelled to throw their panties at him as he walks by. That's right, he must be the star of a non-stop panty parade.
"you're not the only hunter around here, Caitlin."
"What do you want with me?"
"If you hadn't upped the ante, you would have known by now. But don't worry, you will soon enough."
"Is that a threat?"
"I prefer to call it foreplay. But whatever works for you."
that works just fine for me!
So, Kane's a good alpha. But, my main goal here was to decide if he is a better alpha than Jerricho Barrons. For me, the answer is "no", but, I haven't gotten to know him as well as I know Barrons, so I am thinking that this whole matter is worthy of further investigation. I might need to read the rest of this series in hopes that Kane will show up again many times. And, as your good friend, I am willing to do this. What can I say, I'm a giver.
To be hotter and more alpha-y than Barrons, this Kane guy must be on fire, baby!
Yeah, this was worth an investigation. And, being the giving, self-sacrificial girl that I am, I decided to take one for the team and meet our mystery man myself.
Let me start by saying: Dibs!
Okay, now that this most sacred of all verbal contracts from childhood has been established, I will now report my findings about our new alpha hunk.
At first, things weren't looking too good for bachelor number one because his name is Kane. Y'all know how I hate names that are either spelled weird or are simply not names just for the sake of being different or hip. I don't need no special name to make me love a character, but a bad name can really sink them. The one that famously comes to mind is when there was a series where the girl was named Deuce. I could never, in a million years, consider a girl with the nickname of some old fat guy in a bowling league a romantic lead. Deuce is probably the worst name I have ever heard of for a girl. I won't even mention some of the other beauties we've dealt with through the years.. Peeta! But, in spite of Kane being named for a famous chicken joint, I found that he was able to overcome it. In fact, he is such an alpha that the chicken place is now named after him!
Kane made them change the spelling of their name because he could do what he wants
Next, I need to address my very outspoken thoughts on alpha males. As you all know, I'm an alpha female, so I often want to kick an alpha male's ass. It's just part of my charm. But, I do actually love an alpha who can walk that delicate tightrope of perfection without falling into the asshole zone. Kane is one hell of a tightrope walker.
That's right, Kane doesn't even spill a drop of milk. Like a boss.
Now, a good alpha also needs to be complicated. He usually needs to be carrying more baggage than Lady Gaga going on a road trip. And, we also need to have those moments where we wonder if he's playing us - not sure of his motivations. Kane keeps us guessing. Every time we are sure we know what he's going to do next, and we think we have him figured out, he does something unexpected.
um, okay. That's really polite, I guess. Thank you?
Kane has layers and layers of plans for our girl in the story, Caitlyn. Every time we think we have the plan figured out, another layer comes in. And, then we think that he's a good guy - but no, maybe not. We root for Caitlyn to love and trust him, then we want to tell her to run for her life. On facebook, under their relationship status, they totally qualify for the "it's complicated" button.
Complicated and TMI
And, of course a good alpha must be a sexy beast. He has to exude sexuality so much that women are simply compelled to throw their panties at him as he walks by. That's right, he must be the star of a non-stop panty parade.
"you're not the only hunter around here, Caitlin."
"What do you want with me?"
"If you hadn't upped the ante, you would have known by now. But don't worry, you will soon enough."
"Is that a threat?"
"I prefer to call it foreplay. But whatever works for you."
that works just fine for me!
So, Kane's a good alpha. But, my main goal here was to decide if he is a better alpha than Jerricho Barrons. For me, the answer is "no", but, I haven't gotten to know him as well as I know Barrons, so I am thinking that this whole matter is worthy of further investigation. I might need to read the rest of this series in hopes that Kane will show up again many times. And, as your good friend, I am willing to do this. What can I say, I'm a giver.
February 18, 2014
4.5 Blackthorn Stars!
I'm not sure why this series is tagged as YA... But it isn't, this is 100% adult UF.
What an absolutely intriguing story! Caitlin Parish is a shadow reader, she can reader a Vampire's shadow (this is basically like a soul) and by doing this she knows their deepest secrets and desires. She's been tracking Kane Malloy, a master vampire for years. He's the only vampire that can help her kill what's after her, her parents were killed by the same sinister creature, exactly 7 years apart and if she can't get Kane Malloy to help her she's next!
Kane Malloy is infamous, known to be twisted and cruel, he hates Lycans and humans alike. When Caitlin confronts him in a bar, she realises she bitten off more than she can chew. Kane is predatory and 100% alpha male, that night the nearly kidnaps her with her unit only a few meters away! That doesn't stop him though, Kane needs Caitlin for something and he's determined to get her, and Caitlin only realises the extent of what he's capable of, once she's handcuffed to his bed!
"Is that why you're arrogant enough to think you can get my soul> Because you think I fancy you? "I didn't for sure. But I do now." Caitlin exhaled curtly. "You're unbelievable." "Say yes next time I've got you on your back and you'll find out just how unbelievable.
Analysis
Blood Shadows, is a heavily plot based story, there are so many plot twists, so many secrets unraveled that I doubt anyone could get bored while reading this book! The sexual tension was palpable, the sex scenes sensual and very hot! Kane is 100% alpha male and Caitlin gives him a run for his money! I found the first 30% overly descriptive and rather slow, which is why I gave a rating of 4-4.5 Stars. But the story definitely picked up after that! I love it when I find a new author and series, it's rare that I find a story that caters to my particular tastes so accurately!
I'm not sure why this series is tagged as YA... But it isn't, this is 100% adult UF.
What an absolutely intriguing story! Caitlin Parish is a shadow reader, she can reader a Vampire's shadow (this is basically like a soul) and by doing this she knows their deepest secrets and desires. She's been tracking Kane Malloy, a master vampire for years. He's the only vampire that can help her kill what's after her, her parents were killed by the same sinister creature, exactly 7 years apart and if she can't get Kane Malloy to help her she's next!
Kane Malloy is infamous, known to be twisted and cruel, he hates Lycans and humans alike. When Caitlin confronts him in a bar, she realises she bitten off more than she can chew. Kane is predatory and 100% alpha male, that night the nearly kidnaps her with her unit only a few meters away! That doesn't stop him though, Kane needs Caitlin for something and he's determined to get her, and Caitlin only realises the extent of what he's capable of, once she's handcuffed to his bed!
"Is that why you're arrogant enough to think you can get my soul> Because you think I fancy you? "I didn't for sure. But I do now." Caitlin exhaled curtly. "You're unbelievable." "Say yes next time I've got you on your back and you'll find out just how unbelievable.
Analysis
Blood Shadows, is a heavily plot based story, there are so many plot twists, so many secrets unraveled that I doubt anyone could get bored while reading this book! The sexual tension was palpable, the sex scenes sensual and very hot! Kane is 100% alpha male and Caitlin gives him a run for his money! I found the first 30% overly descriptive and rather slow, which is why I gave a rating of 4-4.5 Stars. But the story definitely picked up after that! I love it when I find a new author and series, it's rare that I find a story that caters to my particular tastes so accurately!
September 19, 2016
Overall, I guess I liked it... ish... Maybe? Hmm...
There were things that I enjoyed, the idea mainly, and even Kane at the beginning. I enjoyed the plot twist, it was a bit unexpected and appreciated (why I gave it 3 stars, not less).
But well, those first days, they were too long and boring and damn long!
I admit, I was curious. I expected Kane to be a badass from the beginning 'til the end (but guess what? That didn't happen!). Of course, he ended up being the good guy. I know, I shouldn't have been surprised, but for some reason, I expected something more from this author (courage? Maybe it's too much to ask).
I want a story where the bad guy stays bad and the chick accepts him as is or she gets the fu*k out. Or I want a good reason for his/her personality to change, not the usual.
Basically, I expected something different and all I got was the same old story, good girl bad guy, good girl good guy, happily ever after. Not a bad concept, but nothing special either.
There were things that I enjoyed, the idea mainly, and even Kane at the beginning. I enjoyed the plot twist, it was a bit unexpected and appreciated (why I gave it 3 stars, not less).
But well, those first days, they were too long and boring and damn long!
I admit, I was curious. I expected Kane to be a badass from the beginning 'til the end (but guess what? That didn't happen!). Of course, he ended up being the good guy. I know, I shouldn't have been surprised, but for some reason, I expected something more from this author (courage? Maybe it's too much to ask).
I want a story where the bad guy stays bad and the chick accepts him as is or she gets the fu*k out. Or I want a good reason for his/her personality to change, not the usual.
Basically, I expected something different and all I got was the same old story, good girl bad guy, good girl good guy, happily ever after. Not a bad concept, but nothing special either.
December 30, 2017
The beginning of this book was slow to get going; but once it became interesting I started to enjoy it! This is a new author for me, as well as a new series for me! I’m happy to say I will be continuing on to the next book which features a new couple! I do recommend this series to lovers of paranormal romance!
January 15, 2018
Someone hand me an award for finishing this book.
I wanted to DNF it a lot, but kept talking myself out of it, thinking it'll get better, and it did, marginally, at the 67% mark.
The female mc is a member of the Vampire police. She's human, but works at patrolling and controlling the vampires. Yeah, I know, idiotic. She's completely obsessed with taking down a master vampire named Kane and shadow reading him - that's her talent, reading the inner most thoughts of paranormals. She never has time for that because she's too busy blabbering in her inner monologue. I wanted to yell at her to shut the eff up so many times in her inner monologue.
So blabber mouth mc gets kidnapped by Kane, the master vampire and male mc. He's using her as leverage to get revenge on the people who killed his sister. From page one to 60%, there's just endless inner monologue. So little happens. There's some sexual tension, etc., but really it's just endlessly drowning in her inner monologue. Kane has inner monologue as well, but less. Blah blah boring.
There's a twist that comes out around the 67% mark that explains things and is mildly interesting. Some action happens and the plot actually moves along. More of her endless inner diarrhea monologue and an ending. The ending was meh.
Kane was a pretty good character. I obviously hate the female character. Secondary characters were dummies. Didn't believe the romance at all, too fast and wooden. Boring book that made me want to DNF and was so slow. Blahhh.
I wanted to DNF it a lot, but kept talking myself out of it, thinking it'll get better, and it did, marginally, at the 67% mark.
The female mc is a member of the Vampire police. She's human, but works at patrolling and controlling the vampires. Yeah, I know, idiotic. She's completely obsessed with taking down a master vampire named Kane and shadow reading him - that's her talent, reading the inner most thoughts of paranormals. She never has time for that because she's too busy blabbering in her inner monologue. I wanted to yell at her to shut the eff up so many times in her inner monologue.
So blabber mouth mc gets kidnapped by Kane, the master vampire and male mc. He's using her as leverage to get revenge on the people who killed his sister. From page one to 60%, there's just endless inner monologue. So little happens. There's some sexual tension, etc., but really it's just endlessly drowning in her inner monologue. Kane has inner monologue as well, but less. Blah blah boring.
There's a twist that comes out around the 67% mark that explains things and is mildly interesting. Some action happens and the plot actually moves along. More of her endless inner diarrhea monologue and an ending. The ending was meh.
Kane was a pretty good character. I obviously hate the female character. Secondary characters were dummies. Didn't believe the romance at all, too fast and wooden. Boring book that made me want to DNF and was so slow. Blahhh.
February 26, 2014
Gotta LOVE a sexy vamp!!!
“...he flashed a hint of that sexy smile, those deadly alluring incisors, she hated the way he ignited her inside. Hated the fact he was so damned sexual. So damned bad. So damned everything that deep inside she craved."
Come to Momma Kane Malloy!!! I'm officially in love with another vamp!! He's a powerful and sexy Master Vampire. It just doesn't get more perfect than that!
Caitlin Parish works for the agency that controls and helps regulate the "third species" and she's studied/stalked Kane Malloy for years...she knows everything about him or so she thinks.
“What’s my middle name?’ ‘James. Kane James Malloy. If the records are correct.’ He almost smiled, his gaze meeting hers fleetingly before he turned his attention back to what he was doing. ‘Genuine little stalker, aren’t you?”
When these two finally come face to face with each other it's a battle of wills, seduction, smarts and trust! I freaking loved it!!
She hated her attraction to him......he was too sexual and manipulative...way out of her league. However she holds her own as best she can against him.
"Hated the fact that she wanted him despite knowing he was poison. A poison so deadly that if she let it into her system, it would all be over.”
This book was great! I'm a PNR junkie at heart and the world building in this one was fabulous...I was glued to the pages. Especially the last 30% I couldn't put it down...I was hiding under the covers so my husband wouldn't see the light from my iPad.....I COULDN'T STOP!!!!! I had to know how it ended....it was one of those you just couldn't "pause until tomorrow" type endings!
The only thing I would change was the inner monologues sometimes got a bit long winded but that's it I loved the rest.
Starting book two today, I'm very excited to see where this storyline is headed!
May add more to this later today.
“...he flashed a hint of that sexy smile, those deadly alluring incisors, she hated the way he ignited her inside. Hated the fact he was so damned sexual. So damned bad. So damned everything that deep inside she craved."
Come to Momma Kane Malloy!!! I'm officially in love with another vamp!! He's a powerful and sexy Master Vampire. It just doesn't get more perfect than that!
Caitlin Parish works for the agency that controls and helps regulate the "third species" and she's studied/stalked Kane Malloy for years...she knows everything about him or so she thinks.
“What’s my middle name?’ ‘James. Kane James Malloy. If the records are correct.’ He almost smiled, his gaze meeting hers fleetingly before he turned his attention back to what he was doing. ‘Genuine little stalker, aren’t you?”
When these two finally come face to face with each other it's a battle of wills, seduction, smarts and trust! I freaking loved it!!
She hated her attraction to him......he was too sexual and manipulative...way out of her league. However she holds her own as best she can against him.
"Hated the fact that she wanted him despite knowing he was poison. A poison so deadly that if she let it into her system, it would all be over.”
This book was great! I'm a PNR junkie at heart and the world building in this one was fabulous...I was glued to the pages. Especially the last 30% I couldn't put it down...I was hiding under the covers so my husband wouldn't see the light from my iPad.....I COULDN'T STOP!!!!! I had to know how it ended....it was one of those you just couldn't "pause until tomorrow" type endings!
The only thing I would change was the inner monologues sometimes got a bit long winded but that's it I loved the rest.
Starting book two today, I'm very excited to see where this storyline is headed!
May add more to this later today.
May 20, 2019
5 Stars!
Reread-5/16/2019
My third time reading this series! I’ve loved it every single time! I hope I can get them all read before the final book comes out:)
Reread-10/1/2016
Loved this the first time I read it and loved it just as much the second time around. Is it perfect? Hell no! Do I care? Hell no! Was I up all night reading a book I've already read before? Hell yes!
Vengeance, trust, betrayal, love and a sexy vampire. Yum!!
Caitlyn works for the VCU ( vampire control unit). She's a shadow reader. One touch to your pulse and she will read all your memories. She couldn't wait to get her hands on the master vampire Kane. She wanted to bring him in and read him. She may be the only woman working cases but she's the best at her job and she will get Kane one way or another. He's done horrible things and needs to be brought down.
Kane knows that Caitlyn wants to bring him in. He's been watching her for years. He knows the VCU wants him. But they will never get him. But what Caitlyn doesn't know is that Kane has plans for her too.
What happens when Kane and Caitlyn finally come face to face? Will Caitlyn finally bring Kane in and shadow read him or will she listen to Kane's threats that it will kill her if she does? What does Kane want with Caitlyn and why is Caitlyn really obsessed with the powerful Kane?
These two are so good together. They had me on the edge of my seat one minute and fanning myself the next. Kane was so damn sexy and powerful. The tension between these two was thick and once it happened the pages had steam coming off of them.
There's a lot going on in this series and the first 4 books are about a different couple but the story is entwined in all of them so it's best to read them in order or you will be lost.
If you love PNR I hope you give this a go and enjoy. It's fast paced and filled with different species. Vampires, shape shifters, angels, witches and demons. Full of action and suspense and lots of tension and steam.
I can't wait to see how it all will end in the 8th book that's not out yet:(
The Blackthorn series reading order
Book 1:Blood Shadows - Kane and Caitlyn https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AAM...
Book 2:Blood Roses - Caleb and Leila https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CHV...
Book 3:Blood Torn - Jask and Sophia
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJH...
Book 4:Blood Deep - Jessie and Eden https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O4Y...
Book 5:Blood Dark - Kane and Caitlyn https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013J5...
Book 6:Blood Instinct - Jask and Sophia https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DWU...
Book 7:Blood Bound - Jessie and Eden https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IQY...
Book 8:Blood Broken - Caleb and Leila
Final book! Releasing May 20, 2019
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Books 1-7 24.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01K2S...
Reread-5/16/2019
My third time reading this series! I’ve loved it every single time! I hope I can get them all read before the final book comes out:)
Reread-10/1/2016
Loved this the first time I read it and loved it just as much the second time around. Is it perfect? Hell no! Do I care? Hell no! Was I up all night reading a book I've already read before? Hell yes!
Vengeance, trust, betrayal, love and a sexy vampire. Yum!!
Caitlyn works for the VCU ( vampire control unit). She's a shadow reader. One touch to your pulse and she will read all your memories. She couldn't wait to get her hands on the master vampire Kane. She wanted to bring him in and read him. She may be the only woman working cases but she's the best at her job and she will get Kane one way or another. He's done horrible things and needs to be brought down.
Kane knows that Caitlyn wants to bring him in. He's been watching her for years. He knows the VCU wants him. But they will never get him. But what Caitlyn doesn't know is that Kane has plans for her too.
What happens when Kane and Caitlyn finally come face to face? Will Caitlyn finally bring Kane in and shadow read him or will she listen to Kane's threats that it will kill her if she does? What does Kane want with Caitlyn and why is Caitlyn really obsessed with the powerful Kane?
These two are so good together. They had me on the edge of my seat one minute and fanning myself the next. Kane was so damn sexy and powerful. The tension between these two was thick and once it happened the pages had steam coming off of them.
There's a lot going on in this series and the first 4 books are about a different couple but the story is entwined in all of them so it's best to read them in order or you will be lost.
If you love PNR I hope you give this a go and enjoy. It's fast paced and filled with different species. Vampires, shape shifters, angels, witches and demons. Full of action and suspense and lots of tension and steam.
I can't wait to see how it all will end in the 8th book that's not out yet:(
The Blackthorn series reading order
Book 1:Blood Shadows - Kane and Caitlyn https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AAM...
Book 2:Blood Roses - Caleb and Leila https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CHV...
Book 3:Blood Torn - Jask and Sophia
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJH...
Book 4:Blood Deep - Jessie and Eden https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O4Y...
Book 5:Blood Dark - Kane and Caitlyn https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013J5...
Book 6:Blood Instinct - Jask and Sophia https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DWU...
Book 7:Blood Bound - Jessie and Eden https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IQY...
Book 8:Blood Broken - Caleb and Leila
Final book! Releasing May 20, 2019
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Books 1-7 24.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01K2S...
March 17, 2014
4.5 Blackthorn Stars
"Strong isn't about not being afraid. It's about facing what you 're scared of."
Caitlin Parish, a VCU agent and shadow-reader, charged with policing vampires, lives in a black and white world, encased in fear. Since her parents deaths she is convinced that she is next. She refuses to believe and trust in anyone but the one thing she thinks she knows? Kane Malloy is bad and the only one who can help her escape destiny and the one creature that everyone seems to fear. Unstopable. Brutal. A Vampire.
Kane Malloy, is a master vampire that lives by his own set of rules. Ruthless, arrogant, manipulative, a mastermind with only one goal in mind. Avenge his sister brutal death. Nothing will stand in his way.
Thrust together, with their agendas and fair share of secrets, they will give into the undeniable attraction that shimmers between them. Unable to forget vengeance and reluctant to overcome prejudice and years of hate, will they emerge both winners and alive?
An intense read with intriguing characters set into a dystopian new world where paranormal creatures live in well guarded ghettos under the iron fist of human laws. Prophecies, betrayals and secrets. I liked that this was a paranormal read heavily based on character development and emotions. How it holds back the WOW factor and it relies on the hero and heroine to work through their issues. This way I related easily to the main couple; Caitlin the stubborn and vulnerable heroine that actually needs the only thing that she doesn't want, love and Kane the powerful vampire that hides his emotions behind intimidation and the mask of the big bad vampire.
By the end of the book, nothing is really resolved. Kane and Caitlin have a lot more stories to share and a world to save. Not to mention set a couple of beds on fire...
"Strong isn't about not being afraid. It's about facing what you 're scared of."
Caitlin Parish, a VCU agent and shadow-reader, charged with policing vampires, lives in a black and white world, encased in fear. Since her parents deaths she is convinced that she is next. She refuses to believe and trust in anyone but the one thing she thinks she knows? Kane Malloy is bad and the only one who can help her escape destiny and the one creature that everyone seems to fear. Unstopable. Brutal. A Vampire.
Kane Malloy, is a master vampire that lives by his own set of rules. Ruthless, arrogant, manipulative, a mastermind with only one goal in mind. Avenge his sister brutal death. Nothing will stand in his way.
Thrust together, with their agendas and fair share of secrets, they will give into the undeniable attraction that shimmers between them. Unable to forget vengeance and reluctant to overcome prejudice and years of hate, will they emerge both winners and alive?
An intense read with intriguing characters set into a dystopian new world where paranormal creatures live in well guarded ghettos under the iron fist of human laws. Prophecies, betrayals and secrets. I liked that this was a paranormal read heavily based on character development and emotions. How it holds back the WOW factor and it relies on the hero and heroine to work through their issues. This way I related easily to the main couple; Caitlin the stubborn and vulnerable heroine that actually needs the only thing that she doesn't want, love and Kane the powerful vampire that hides his emotions behind intimidation and the mask of the big bad vampire.
By the end of the book, nothing is really resolved. Kane and Caitlin have a lot more stories to share and a world to save. Not to mention set a couple of beds on fire...
June 19, 2016
DNF @19%
I don’t remember the last time I read a book and genuinely hated it from just a few pages in.
Kane is a powerful vampire who has been brutally killing people for decades. The special vampire police unit is after him. Caitlin is the lead on the case. She is determined to get him, not just to advance her career but to get revenge for her parents although she’s really not sure what happened to them. Her cop story is highly typical of UF/PNR cop/PI ones. Her parents were murdered, so now she’s determined to rid the world of evil and avenge her parents. Everyone underestimates her abilities since she’s a fragile woman.
Much to her chagrin Caitlin is deeply attracted to Kane. Initially the attraction developed from looking at his picture. I shit you not. Anyway Kane and Caitlin meet very early on in the book, and the attraction is instant. I was not feeling it. Just to throw another lame trope into the mix, sex with other men isn’t appealing. The elusive and evil Kane is the only one who gets her hot and bothered.
I hate Caitlin!!! She's wicked annoying. One second she'll think about how Kane viciously murders people and the next she'll be horny. It's bad enough that she's a special snowflake, but what's worse is she thinks she's all that. So she does have exceptional shadow reading skills, but it doesn’t really matter since she’s TSTL. Each decision she makes is dumber than the last.
I'm not convinced she would be the one capable of taking Kane down. She lacked the skills and intelligence. She couldn't even get Rob off of her when he pinned her to the wall, but supposedly she can handle a vampire who is much stronger? She doesn't think clearly when it comes to Kane. If this wasn't a romance her obsession and lust would be her downfall, and everything the other men are saying would be right.
All of the men are assholes. Kane's behavior isn't despicable so far, but he's not charming enough to be book boyfriend material. I love vampires, but Kane didn’t impress me. Xavier is manipulative. Max isn't an asshole but he's irritating. Rob, the ex, is a complete douche. She should have kicked him in the balls.
I can’t get into this when I despise the characters and don’t think any of them are particularly smart. Practically every romance trope there is was used. It was too much. Nothing about this stands out from other PNR. It’s not worth reading a romance when I don’t ship the couple.
I don’t remember the last time I read a book and genuinely hated it from just a few pages in.
Kane is a powerful vampire who has been brutally killing people for decades. The special vampire police unit is after him. Caitlin is the lead on the case. She is determined to get him, not just to advance her career but to get revenge for her parents although she’s really not sure what happened to them. Her cop story is highly typical of UF/PNR cop/PI ones. Her parents were murdered, so now she’s determined to rid the world of evil and avenge her parents. Everyone underestimates her abilities since she’s a fragile woman.
Much to her chagrin Caitlin is deeply attracted to Kane. Initially the attraction developed from looking at his picture. I shit you not. Anyway Kane and Caitlin meet very early on in the book, and the attraction is instant. I was not feeling it. Just to throw another lame trope into the mix, sex with other men isn’t appealing. The elusive and evil Kane is the only one who gets her hot and bothered.
I hate Caitlin!!! She's wicked annoying. One second she'll think about how Kane viciously murders people and the next she'll be horny. It's bad enough that she's a special snowflake, but what's worse is she thinks she's all that. So she does have exceptional shadow reading skills, but it doesn’t really matter since she’s TSTL. Each decision she makes is dumber than the last.
I'm not convinced she would be the one capable of taking Kane down. She lacked the skills and intelligence. She couldn't even get Rob off of her when he pinned her to the wall, but supposedly she can handle a vampire who is much stronger? She doesn't think clearly when it comes to Kane. If this wasn't a romance her obsession and lust would be her downfall, and everything the other men are saying would be right.
All of the men are assholes. Kane's behavior isn't despicable so far, but he's not charming enough to be book boyfriend material. I love vampires, but Kane didn’t impress me. Xavier is manipulative. Max isn't an asshole but he's irritating. Rob, the ex, is a complete douche. She should have kicked him in the balls.
I can’t get into this when I despise the characters and don’t think any of them are particularly smart. Practically every romance trope there is was used. It was too much. Nothing about this stands out from other PNR. It’s not worth reading a romance when I don’t ship the couple.
April 12, 2013
**Find this and other reviews @ The Demon Librarian**
A vampire book with bite!
I've become a little wary of vampire books in recent years because I feel like I've been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt at least a dozen times. Fortunately, this was one of those times I needn't have worried. BLOOD SHADOWS reminded me why I fell in love with vampire books in the first place, and why they will always be a staple part of my reading diet. Because when a vampire book is done right, it's right.
At first glance, BLOOD SHADOWS may seem like just another paranormal romance, but trust me, boys and girls, it is so much more! Pryor weaves in some intriguing dystopian-ish elements, creating a society where powerhouse supernatural races (aka "third species") are policed by humans. Hostilities, conflicts and age-old resentments abound. The world of BLOOD SHADOWS is a dark and violent place, and Pryor doesn't pull any punches conveying that to the reader.
The heroine of the story, Caitlin Parish, is a woman on a mission. As an agent of the VCU, it is her job to maintain order and keep the third species in check - and she's extremely good at what she does. Her latest assignment is tracking the elusive vampire Kane, a man who has consistently slipped through VCU fingers and whose list of crimes would make even the most nefarious of villains blush. Caitlin has studied Kane for years, determined to be the one to finally bring him to justice, but her interest in him isn't solely professional. Because, you see, as an old and powerful vampire, Kane may hold the secret to solving a mystery that has haunted Caitlin for years. She wants - no, she needs - information only Kane can give her.
Kane is no fool. He is fully aware of Caitlin's obsession with him. Little does she know, he has been watching her as well, and he has every intention of using her to fulfill his own plans.
Caitlin is a kickass heroine, yet there's a surprising fragility to her as well. I connected to her character easily and was right there with her through every emotional up and down. But Kane...Kane stole this show, folks. He isn't one of those "woe is me" vampires who is forever bemoaning his unfortunate, undead fate. Instead, he fully embraces who and what he is, thumbs his nose at human authority, isn't afraid to play dirty (in fact, he rather enjoys it), and best of all, he doesn't apologize for any of it. I freaking LOVED him.
The push-pull dynamic between Caitlin and Kane is superb. Quite possibly the best I've ever read. They are relentless together, constantly pushing buttons, testing boundaries and peeling away layers. At the same time, they are fighting an intense and entirely mutual attraction which neither one of them wants to give in to. While their relationship does unfold over a relatively short period of time, it never once felt rushed or manufactured to me. Pryor makes every moment between these characters count, and the result is a complex, fully developed, and insanely hot romance.
BLOOD SHADOWS is a deliciously twisted and exciting tale. Everyone has an agenda, and motives are murky. Just when you think you've figured out who is doing what and why, Pryor will rip the rug out from under your feet. This isn't a comfortable and cozy read, folks. It will shake and stir you in the best of ways. I couldn't put it down.
Do I recommend this book? Hell yes! Whether you're a diehard vamp fan or just a lover of all things that bite and go bump in the night, BLOOD SHADOWS is a story you won't want to miss.
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
A vampire book with bite!
I've become a little wary of vampire books in recent years because I feel like I've been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt at least a dozen times. Fortunately, this was one of those times I needn't have worried. BLOOD SHADOWS reminded me why I fell in love with vampire books in the first place, and why they will always be a staple part of my reading diet. Because when a vampire book is done right, it's right.
At first glance, BLOOD SHADOWS may seem like just another paranormal romance, but trust me, boys and girls, it is so much more! Pryor weaves in some intriguing dystopian-ish elements, creating a society where powerhouse supernatural races (aka "third species") are policed by humans. Hostilities, conflicts and age-old resentments abound. The world of BLOOD SHADOWS is a dark and violent place, and Pryor doesn't pull any punches conveying that to the reader.
The heroine of the story, Caitlin Parish, is a woman on a mission. As an agent of the VCU, it is her job to maintain order and keep the third species in check - and she's extremely good at what she does. Her latest assignment is tracking the elusive vampire Kane, a man who has consistently slipped through VCU fingers and whose list of crimes would make even the most nefarious of villains blush. Caitlin has studied Kane for years, determined to be the one to finally bring him to justice, but her interest in him isn't solely professional. Because, you see, as an old and powerful vampire, Kane may hold the secret to solving a mystery that has haunted Caitlin for years. She wants - no, she needs - information only Kane can give her.
Kane is no fool. He is fully aware of Caitlin's obsession with him. Little does she know, he has been watching her as well, and he has every intention of using her to fulfill his own plans.
Caitlin is a kickass heroine, yet there's a surprising fragility to her as well. I connected to her character easily and was right there with her through every emotional up and down. But Kane...Kane stole this show, folks. He isn't one of those "woe is me" vampires who is forever bemoaning his unfortunate, undead fate. Instead, he fully embraces who and what he is, thumbs his nose at human authority, isn't afraid to play dirty (in fact, he rather enjoys it), and best of all, he doesn't apologize for any of it. I freaking LOVED him.
The push-pull dynamic between Caitlin and Kane is superb. Quite possibly the best I've ever read. They are relentless together, constantly pushing buttons, testing boundaries and peeling away layers. At the same time, they are fighting an intense and entirely mutual attraction which neither one of them wants to give in to. While their relationship does unfold over a relatively short period of time, it never once felt rushed or manufactured to me. Pryor makes every moment between these characters count, and the result is a complex, fully developed, and insanely hot romance.
BLOOD SHADOWS is a deliciously twisted and exciting tale. Everyone has an agenda, and motives are murky. Just when you think you've figured out who is doing what and why, Pryor will rip the rug out from under your feet. This isn't a comfortable and cozy read, folks. It will shake and stir you in the best of ways. I couldn't put it down.
Do I recommend this book? Hell yes! Whether you're a diehard vamp fan or just a lover of all things that bite and go bump in the night, BLOOD SHADOWS is a story you won't want to miss.
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
June 22, 2016
I don't know... How about a 3?
Yep, I'm going with a 3. I read this one with the lovelies over in the MacHalo crew because there was a rumor that the male lead beat out Barrons to win the Alpha Showdown. So we were like
Let's just say I definitely wanted to read about the guy that is able to beat Barrons at anything so of course I jumped in on this BR despite the fact that I already have two ARCs on my nightstand plus another on my iPad, oh and I have been getting my butt kicked this month by work, kid's sports, and a new puppy.
Well, I guess when someone dangles a "better than Barrons" statement in front of me I have pretty high expectations. Was Kane hot? Sure. Was he more alpha than Barrons? Not A Chance.
It wasn't terrible, but it sure as hell wasn't what I was expecting so I might continue on with the series, but it's unlikely. If you haven't read the first five books of the Fever Series you might really enjoy this but if you have already been exposed to a UF that gets ALL THE THINGS RIGHT (like anything by Ilona Andrews) you may not be as impressed and I say skip it.
Yep, I'm going with a 3. I read this one with the lovelies over in the MacHalo crew because there was a rumor that the male lead beat out Barrons to win the Alpha Showdown. So we were like
Let's just say I definitely wanted to read about the guy that is able to beat Barrons at anything so of course I jumped in on this BR despite the fact that I already have two ARCs on my nightstand plus another on my iPad, oh and I have been getting my butt kicked this month by work, kid's sports, and a new puppy.
Well, I guess when someone dangles a "better than Barrons" statement in front of me I have pretty high expectations. Was Kane hot? Sure. Was he more alpha than Barrons? Not A Chance.
It wasn't terrible, but it sure as hell wasn't what I was expecting so I might continue on with the series, but it's unlikely. If you haven't read the first five books of the Fever Series you might really enjoy this but if you have already been exposed to a UF that gets ALL THE THINGS RIGHT (like anything by Ilona Andrews) you may not be as impressed and I say skip it.
March 4, 2014
I'm really liking this book 1 of Blackthorn series. I think I got myself a new badass vampire to lust after. This book was choked full with sexual tension, convoluted plot, government conspiracy, bad guys that might not be bad and good guys that might not be good.
Caitlin was a shadow reader (someone who can mind read a vampire at close distant) and a VCU (vampire control unit) agent who had been obsessing in tracking down the infamous master vampire, Kane Malloy in order to get him to help her with solving her parents murder and save her own life. Everyone around her including her stepfather, Max and ex-lover, Rob thought her parents murder was just an unfortunate incident and they have trying to keep her away from her deadly obsession.
Kane Malloy was Blackthorn most influential master vampire who was on a mission to avenge his sister's brutal death 14 years ago. We knew he had a grand plan, but what it is exactly I'm not entirely sure until the very end. All we knew was that he wanted Caitlin's soul and in order to get it he needed to win her heart.
So how does Kane win over the heart of someone who truly despise him and think he was a cruel, sadistic bastard and a master manipulator?
From the moment Kane make his intention known to Caitlin and captured her, I'm bewildered and wondering how the hell is he going to achieve this 'mission impossible'! He pretty much admitted that 'I am going to take your soul, get my revenge, bring down your agency, and you might just have to die in the end'. Way to assure a girl.
I might just be a tad biased towards the hero because whenever Caitlin talked about human laws and being all self righteous, I just wanted to wring her neck. Kane was a 400 years old vampire, they have their own laws, which didn't conform to the current human believes and this was pretty much what they have been arguing all over the book. Do you kill the criminal or imprison them? They both were so stubborn and stand strong in their own opinion.
In regards to the romance department, I didn't think there were much flowers or roses moment due to the situation they were in. But definitely filled with strong sexual tension. Their attraction to each other was apparent, but both tried to fight it to preserve their own heart. Kane kept reminding himself that Caitlin is a means to an end. There were times they wanted to fuck each other brains out and other time wanted to kill each other. So much conflict!
The only negative comment I have on this book was the long internal dilemma from the dual POV. Both Caitlin and Kane have so much inner conflict going on in their head all the time and I felt that the issues they facing were the same since the beginning and they usually tend to end at an impasse. Although I did felt these parts draggy, rather than putting it off, I just read them really fast to reach to the good parts. I'm always dying to find out what's going to happen next.
The ending didn't seemed to offer us a resolution or a definitely ending. Is like an 'okay for now' scenario. We knew that something large was at stake here. Though I'm glad Caitlin and Kane were finally together despite all the impossibility, I wonder how their future holds. They have so much challenges ahead and I'm rather disappointed to know that the next book will be featuring a new couple. I felt that Kane and Caitlin's story have so much more to offer.
Caitlin was a shadow reader (someone who can mind read a vampire at close distant) and a VCU (vampire control unit) agent who had been obsessing in tracking down the infamous master vampire, Kane Malloy in order to get him to help her with solving her parents murder and save her own life. Everyone around her including her stepfather, Max and ex-lover, Rob thought her parents murder was just an unfortunate incident and they have trying to keep her away from her deadly obsession.
Kane Malloy was Blackthorn most influential master vampire who was on a mission to avenge his sister's brutal death 14 years ago. We knew he had a grand plan, but what it is exactly I'm not entirely sure until the very end. All we knew was that he wanted Caitlin's soul and in order to get it he needed to win her heart.
So how does Kane win over the heart of someone who truly despise him and think he was a cruel, sadistic bastard and a master manipulator?
From the moment Kane make his intention known to Caitlin and captured her, I'm bewildered and wondering how the hell is he going to achieve this 'mission impossible'! He pretty much admitted that 'I am going to take your soul, get my revenge, bring down your agency, and you might just have to die in the end'. Way to assure a girl.
I might just be a tad biased towards the hero because whenever Caitlin talked about human laws and being all self righteous, I just wanted to wring her neck. Kane was a 400 years old vampire, they have their own laws, which didn't conform to the current human believes and this was pretty much what they have been arguing all over the book. Do you kill the criminal or imprison them? They both were so stubborn and stand strong in their own opinion.
In regards to the romance department, I didn't think there were much flowers or roses moment due to the situation they were in. But definitely filled with strong sexual tension. Their attraction to each other was apparent, but both tried to fight it to preserve their own heart. Kane kept reminding himself that Caitlin is a means to an end. There were times they wanted to fuck each other brains out and other time wanted to kill each other. So much conflict!
The only negative comment I have on this book was the long internal dilemma from the dual POV. Both Caitlin and Kane have so much inner conflict going on in their head all the time and I felt that the issues they facing were the same since the beginning and they usually tend to end at an impasse. Although I did felt these parts draggy, rather than putting it off, I just read them really fast to reach to the good parts. I'm always dying to find out what's going to happen next.
The ending didn't seemed to offer us a resolution or a definitely ending. Is like an 'okay for now' scenario. We knew that something large was at stake here. Though I'm glad Caitlin and Kane were finally together despite all the impossibility, I wonder how their future holds. They have so much challenges ahead and I'm rather disappointed to know that the next book will be featuring a new couple. I felt that Kane and Caitlin's story have so much more to offer.
August 26, 2016
4 HOT MASTER VAMPIRE STARS!
Caitlin Parish is a shadow reader and works for the Vampire Control Unit. She has been on a mission to get to master vampire, Kane Malloy, for quite some time. Her research on him has almost become an obsession. Plus he is really sexy so you know that helps..
Kane knows what killed Caitlin's parents. Caitlin hopes she can get him to tell her so she may defeat it. But Kane wants Caitlin for other reasons. Namely her soul as revenge for what happened to his sister, Arana.
They get a little nookie action going on and we do have a little bit of insta-love but its a pnr book so I can look past that. The dual feeding was hot! Lol!
But what will happen when Kane needs to get his revenge in the end? Can he go through with it and give her to the soul ripper?
I will say I got VERY annoyed with how much she "clenched" stuff. Whether it be her hands or thighs or whatever. It seemed like every other page had the word clench on it. You know I get A.D.D. when it comes to stuff like that. I did a search and its in there more than 50 times!
Also it said bonnet and knickers alot which I understand since this isn't an American author but it still made me chuckle every time I saw it. ;)
Anyways the story kept me interested and I overall enjoyed it!
Caitlin Parish is a shadow reader and works for the Vampire Control Unit. She has been on a mission to get to master vampire, Kane Malloy, for quite some time. Her research on him has almost become an obsession. Plus he is really sexy so you know that helps..
Kane knows what killed Caitlin's parents. Caitlin hopes she can get him to tell her so she may defeat it. But Kane wants Caitlin for other reasons. Namely her soul as revenge for what happened to his sister, Arana.
They get a little nookie action going on and we do have a little bit of insta-love but its a pnr book so I can look past that. The dual feeding was hot! Lol!
But what will happen when Kane needs to get his revenge in the end? Can he go through with it and give her to the soul ripper?
I will say I got VERY annoyed with how much she "clenched" stuff. Whether it be her hands or thighs or whatever. It seemed like every other page had the word clench on it. You know I get A.D.D. when it comes to stuff like that. I did a search and its in there more than 50 times!
Also it said bonnet and knickers alot which I understand since this isn't an American author but it still made me chuckle every time I saw it. ;)
Anyways the story kept me interested and I overall enjoyed it!
November 22, 2012
Wow! Lindsay J Pryor makes her debut as an author with the much anticipated Blood Shadows, her first book in the Blackthorn series. And boy has she done it with a bang! It's unpredictable right to the end. It's deliciously compelling. Lindsay's vivid imagery draws you into the world of Blackthorn where humans control the divisions of the third species.
Don't be mistaken that this is your typical vampire story where vamp meets girl, becomes her protector, they fall in love and vamp goes all soft and fluffy inside. Oh no - vampire Kane keeps his edges so sharp they are lethal, right to the end. If you love J.R.Ward then you will love this. It's a no-holds barred story set in a dark dangerous world.
Caitlin Parish is an agent of the Vampire Control Unit gifted with the ability to shadow read. She likes control. Her thoughts, her emotions all locked away. Her weakness? Her need for vengeance against the murderer of her parents, a fourth species shape shifter. The problem? It's coming for her. The only one to stop it is the master vampire Kane Malloy.
Kane needs vengeance of his own. When Caitlin tracks him to find answers she falls into his trap. Her capture becomes a battle of wills as they fight the sexual tension simmering between them. Neither willing to lose control, neither willing to feel. To lose is to lose her soul.
Kane makes Caitlin question everything she believes. What if the answers she discovers could start the battle of the species and the downfall of humans? She has to choose a side. How can she trust the dangerously sexy vamp she despises?
Death is coming for her - but who will be the one to make her die?
Amazing!!! Available now POD or ebook 27th November
Don't be mistaken that this is your typical vampire story where vamp meets girl, becomes her protector, they fall in love and vamp goes all soft and fluffy inside. Oh no - vampire Kane keeps his edges so sharp they are lethal, right to the end. If you love J.R.Ward then you will love this. It's a no-holds barred story set in a dark dangerous world.
Caitlin Parish is an agent of the Vampire Control Unit gifted with the ability to shadow read. She likes control. Her thoughts, her emotions all locked away. Her weakness? Her need for vengeance against the murderer of her parents, a fourth species shape shifter. The problem? It's coming for her. The only one to stop it is the master vampire Kane Malloy.
Kane needs vengeance of his own. When Caitlin tracks him to find answers she falls into his trap. Her capture becomes a battle of wills as they fight the sexual tension simmering between them. Neither willing to lose control, neither willing to feel. To lose is to lose her soul.
Kane makes Caitlin question everything she believes. What if the answers she discovers could start the battle of the species and the downfall of humans? She has to choose a side. How can she trust the dangerously sexy vamp she despises?
Death is coming for her - but who will be the one to make her die?
Amazing!!! Available now POD or ebook 27th November
February 9, 2018
It was the cover! The cover made me do it!!!
Not this white one, I mean the other black one that's common for all the books in the series.
How the hell did I not know of this before?! This was such an intense read. I'm already on the second book and God! the only reason I put that down was cause my battery died!
A million and one things to do but I just can't make myself stop reading!
My original rating while I was reading the book was a little over 4 stars but I'm cutting it down to 3.5-3.75 cause I wanted more romance... I don't know. There was something missing about the "love". Also after reading a couple other reviews, I feel like I need to clarify that though I really enjoyed it, it wasn't the best thing I've ever read and it's entirely possible it will not appeal to a lot of readers especially if you go into this comparing it to the book world legends.
Also, No. I don't care how good Kane is, he can't compare to Jericho Barrons. Or even think to go head to head with Kate Daniels.
Check out Jilly's review for added details. ;)
Not this white one, I mean the other black one that's common for all the books in the series.
How the hell did I not know of this before?! This was such an intense read. I'm already on the second book and God! the only reason I put that down was cause my battery died!
A million and one things to do but I just can't make myself stop reading!
My original rating while I was reading the book was a little over 4 stars but I'm cutting it down to 3.5-3.75 cause I wanted more romance... I don't know. There was something missing about the "love". Also after reading a couple other reviews, I feel like I need to clarify that though I really enjoyed it, it wasn't the best thing I've ever read and it's entirely possible it will not appeal to a lot of readers especially if you go into this comparing it to the book world legends.
Also, No. I don't care how good Kane is, he can't compare to Jericho Barrons. Or even think to go head to head with Kate Daniels.
Check out Jilly's review for added details. ;)
March 6, 2017
Wow. Review to come.
I'm annoyed cause I made my last status update and it's nowhere to be seen. I basically said idk if I can go on to the next book yet because the couple changes and idk if I can handle that right now.
---------------------
WOW. This book. No really, this book. I dove in and I dove in deep. First it was darker than I expected but was a fascinating world that I kept going even though it was darker than the mood I was in.
Caitlin thinks that Kane is her last resort and only option to combat an unknown murderer. Someone or something has killed her father and seven years exactly her mother. It's been 7 years now since her mother's passing and Caitlin believes that Kane is the only one who can help her. Kane is an old, around 400-500 years, vampire. He is a master vampire, and the agency that Caitlin works for believes he is a bad vampire who needs to be taken in. Caitlin is assigned his case. But there is more going on here than what we see on the surface. Caitlin is insanely attracted to Kane, so much so that she feels this attraction as such weird moments, like when he's pushed her up against the wall with handcuffs, and her team is around the corner.
Her boss is her stepfather from her mother's second marriage after her father. Her stepfather, Max, also was BFFs with her father too, which makes for some interesting information. HIS boss, wants Caitlin to go undercover to bring Kane in. This works in Caitlin's favor because of her ulterior mission regarding Kane.
But somewhere during the course of this relationship, Caitlin and Kane both start having feelings for each other and Caitlin learns some life altering and destroying information regarding Kane and his mission for vengeance and her family.
Kane a master vampire, and is our for vengeance. Caitlin is just the tool he needs to exact it. But first he has to have her voluntarily give him her soul. Due to Caitlin's power (I forget what it's called) their souls are important to their well being. Kane's vengeance is about how his sister was murdered by werewolves, but she wasn't just murdered she was raped, and torn to pieces.
As each of them strive for their own end games more startling information comes to light.
I was so surprised by the revelations between Caitlin and Kane, as well as the revelations into how Kane's sister came to die. I am soooo wrapped up in their relationship and emotions right now it's not even funny. Like seriously invested, blindsided, and emotional all with them.
When I came to the conclusion of the book, where I found out more info via the author's note/letter telling us the next book will be of another couple, I'm not ready to move on. I know I'll hear about Kane and Caitlin and their stories, but I assume this new couple will occupy most of our time and I'm just not mentally or emotionally ready for it. Plus the series isn't finished yet. So I will go to book 2, just not yet.
I loved the emotions, the darkness, and how this book made me feel.
I'm annoyed cause I made my last status update and it's nowhere to be seen. I basically said idk if I can go on to the next book yet because the couple changes and idk if I can handle that right now.
---------------------
WOW. This book. No really, this book. I dove in and I dove in deep. First it was darker than I expected but was a fascinating world that I kept going even though it was darker than the mood I was in.
Caitlin thinks that Kane is her last resort and only option to combat an unknown murderer. Someone or something has killed her father and seven years exactly her mother. It's been 7 years now since her mother's passing and Caitlin believes that Kane is the only one who can help her. Kane is an old, around 400-500 years, vampire. He is a master vampire, and the agency that Caitlin works for believes he is a bad vampire who needs to be taken in. Caitlin is assigned his case. But there is more going on here than what we see on the surface. Caitlin is insanely attracted to Kane, so much so that she feels this attraction as such weird moments, like when he's pushed her up against the wall with handcuffs, and her team is around the corner.
Her boss is her stepfather from her mother's second marriage after her father. Her stepfather, Max, also was BFFs with her father too, which makes for some interesting information. HIS boss, wants Caitlin to go undercover to bring Kane in. This works in Caitlin's favor because of her ulterior mission regarding Kane.
But somewhere during the course of this relationship, Caitlin and Kane both start having feelings for each other and Caitlin learns some life altering and destroying information regarding Kane and his mission for vengeance and her family.
Kane a master vampire, and is our for vengeance. Caitlin is just the tool he needs to exact it. But first he has to have her voluntarily give him her soul. Due to Caitlin's power (I forget what it's called) their souls are important to their well being. Kane's vengeance is about how his sister was murdered by werewolves, but she wasn't just murdered she was raped, and torn to pieces.
As each of them strive for their own end games more startling information comes to light.
I was so surprised by the revelations between Caitlin and Kane, as well as the revelations into how Kane's sister came to die. I am soooo wrapped up in their relationship and emotions right now it's not even funny. Like seriously invested, blindsided, and emotional all with them.
When I came to the conclusion of the book, where I found out more info via the author's note/letter telling us the next book will be of another couple, I'm not ready to move on. I know I'll hear about Kane and Caitlin and their stories, but I assume this new couple will occupy most of our time and I'm just not mentally or emotionally ready for it. Plus the series isn't finished yet. So I will go to book 2, just not yet.
I loved the emotions, the darkness, and how this book made me feel.
April 2, 2020
nothing really special
couldn't capture my interest, definitely don+t want to read seven more books in this series
2,5 stars
couldn't capture my interest, definitely don+t want to read seven more books in this series
2,5 stars
August 13, 2016
Re-read and now it is a 5-star-review! Hot and steamy read with very interesting plot!
The following review is from the first time I read it but I am not changing it!!
......................................................................................................
That was very good!
It was sexy...
And it made me cry...
A very nice start for a paranormal romance series! I am so glad that I decided to read this book! It was darker than what I thought it would be and that’s why I liked it even more! Attention: This is not a love story. This is a story of revenge, hard truths and of lust. Love doesn’t come and play until the very end and even then it’s not the easy kind of love.
Caitlin is an agent of Vampire Control Unit and she can read the mind of vampires. She’s trying to catch a very dangerous vampire because she wants to learn the truth for the deaths of her parents. Kane is not only dangerous but he has an agenda of his own. And he wants Caitlin to catch him but for very different reasons.
I liked Caitlin a lot. She’s been through a lot in her life but she’s a fighter and she does not quit easily. She lives a lonely life and it’s easy to see that it’s hard for her to let anyone near her heart. She does the right thing even if that is going to break her heart. I was sad for her too many times in this story. The answers to her questions aren’t what she want them to be and she has to accept a new and painful reality. And she does it with dignity and for that I respect her.
Kane is a mysterious, hot and dangerous vampire with his mind on revenge. I can’t blame him at all, but even he, can make mistakes. He’s very smart and he made plans about everything but he forgot that sometimes the heart has other plans.
There is no love at first sight here. Passion, yes. Lust, yes. But no love. Truth to be told, neither Caitlin nor Kane wanted to love each other. But it happened and they have to deal with that. And in order to make this work they have to put their past behind. It’s nothing easy when this past is full of death and ugliness. What I liked most in this book is that the author doesn’t end this story with roses and rainbows but with a promise to fight.
With great plot full of twists and very well-written characters, this book is a very nice read that I recommend to all the fans of this genre!
The following review is from the first time I read it but I am not changing it!!
......................................................................................................
That was very good!
It was sexy...
And it made me cry...
A very nice start for a paranormal romance series! I am so glad that I decided to read this book! It was darker than what I thought it would be and that’s why I liked it even more! Attention: This is not a love story. This is a story of revenge, hard truths and of lust. Love doesn’t come and play until the very end and even then it’s not the easy kind of love.
Caitlin is an agent of Vampire Control Unit and she can read the mind of vampires. She’s trying to catch a very dangerous vampire because she wants to learn the truth for the deaths of her parents. Kane is not only dangerous but he has an agenda of his own. And he wants Caitlin to catch him but for very different reasons.
I liked Caitlin a lot. She’s been through a lot in her life but she’s a fighter and she does not quit easily. She lives a lonely life and it’s easy to see that it’s hard for her to let anyone near her heart. She does the right thing even if that is going to break her heart. I was sad for her too many times in this story. The answers to her questions aren’t what she want them to be and she has to accept a new and painful reality. And she does it with dignity and for that I respect her.
Kane is a mysterious, hot and dangerous vampire with his mind on revenge. I can’t blame him at all, but even he, can make mistakes. He’s very smart and he made plans about everything but he forgot that sometimes the heart has other plans.
There is no love at first sight here. Passion, yes. Lust, yes. But no love. Truth to be told, neither Caitlin nor Kane wanted to love each other. But it happened and they have to deal with that. And in order to make this work they have to put their past behind. It’s nothing easy when this past is full of death and ugliness. What I liked most in this book is that the author doesn’t end this story with roses and rainbows but with a promise to fight.
With great plot full of twists and very well-written characters, this book is a very nice read that I recommend to all the fans of this genre!
September 27, 2016
RATING: 4.5 LOVE LOVE Hearts!!<3 :D
It's been a long time since I last read or found an AMAZING PNR series, and Lindsay J. Pryor definitely heightened by expectations for the next book. Really enjoyed this one. Diving into book 2 now!
December 1, 2012
Kane Malloy, master vampire of the murky world of Blackthorn, has enough brooding menace to make you shiver and sizzle at the same time. With a vicious reputation and a status as the Vampire Control Unit's Most Wanted, there's no doubt he's the vampire I have been waiting for.
Blood Shadows has a vibe reminiscent of J.R Ward's Black Dagger series, both sexy, unrelenting and blood-thirsty, but the significant difference between the Black Dagger vampires and Lindsay's Kane, is that he stole my heart right from the beginning. Whilst I enjoyed all the Black Dagger vamps, none of them burrowed deep under my skin as Kane did.
It certainly wasn't lost on me that, as the reader, Kane slips stealthily into your veins, in the same way he slowly works his indisputable charms on ass-kicking VCU agent, Caitlin Parish. All the way through the book, you know you're falling in love, yet you can't help but think there's something not quite right about feeling that way. It's an uneasy love. A love that makes you squirm uncomfortably. And the reason for that is Lindsay's canny ability to make the book unpredictable until the very end. Just when you think you've sussed out the plot, Lindsay has a way of turning everything on its head and throwing you this Kane-sized curve ball that keeps you on the edge of your seat, practically begging for more.
And of course, we can't forget Caitlin. Strong, sassy and smart with a perfect balance of tough versus vulnerable, Caitlin is the kind of female lead that stands her ground against the most captivating of male characters. When you have a novel that is destined to always have a higher volume of female readers than male, it's always hard to create a female character who shines just as bright as her male counterpart. You might like her, but you're never really rooting for her in the same way you're punching the air for him. But, because you're never really sure what Kane is all about, you want Caitlin to win. Life has dealt her a crappy enough hand to make you sympathise with her and yet, at the same time, she is just the right amount of heroine to make you wish you were a little bit more like her.
In bringing the fantastical world of Blackthorn to life, Lindsay has created a heady mix of intense page-to-page action, blistering heat and blood-curdling chills that literally grabs you by the jugular and keeps you guessing until the very last word. It's gritty, gripping, captivating and unrelenting and will leave you begging for the next white-knuckle ride into Blackthorn's dark and disturbing streets.
Five stars! Finally, a vampire novel I can get my teeth into!
Blood Shadows has a vibe reminiscent of J.R Ward's Black Dagger series, both sexy, unrelenting and blood-thirsty, but the significant difference between the Black Dagger vampires and Lindsay's Kane, is that he stole my heart right from the beginning. Whilst I enjoyed all the Black Dagger vamps, none of them burrowed deep under my skin as Kane did.
It certainly wasn't lost on me that, as the reader, Kane slips stealthily into your veins, in the same way he slowly works his indisputable charms on ass-kicking VCU agent, Caitlin Parish. All the way through the book, you know you're falling in love, yet you can't help but think there's something not quite right about feeling that way. It's an uneasy love. A love that makes you squirm uncomfortably. And the reason for that is Lindsay's canny ability to make the book unpredictable until the very end. Just when you think you've sussed out the plot, Lindsay has a way of turning everything on its head and throwing you this Kane-sized curve ball that keeps you on the edge of your seat, practically begging for more.
And of course, we can't forget Caitlin. Strong, sassy and smart with a perfect balance of tough versus vulnerable, Caitlin is the kind of female lead that stands her ground against the most captivating of male characters. When you have a novel that is destined to always have a higher volume of female readers than male, it's always hard to create a female character who shines just as bright as her male counterpart. You might like her, but you're never really rooting for her in the same way you're punching the air for him. But, because you're never really sure what Kane is all about, you want Caitlin to win. Life has dealt her a crappy enough hand to make you sympathise with her and yet, at the same time, she is just the right amount of heroine to make you wish you were a little bit more like her.
In bringing the fantastical world of Blackthorn to life, Lindsay has created a heady mix of intense page-to-page action, blistering heat and blood-curdling chills that literally grabs you by the jugular and keeps you guessing until the very last word. It's gritty, gripping, captivating and unrelenting and will leave you begging for the next white-knuckle ride into Blackthorn's dark and disturbing streets.
Five stars! Finally, a vampire novel I can get my teeth into!
March 4, 2018
Wow i did not want this book to end, the characters were so deep the story was horrifying and raw, and the way it all came together in the end two broken people managing to find each other in the mess the world was in,
Caitlin having lost her parents joins a vampire control unit following in her fathers footsteps she wants to track down Kane and find out how to kill the monster that's after her and that took her parents. Kane on the other hand has his own reasons for needing Caitlin.
After each character having obsessed over the other for so many years each having their own agenda have come to know each other inside out and unwittingly i believe fallen a little in love with each other to begin with, so when they do finally come together fireworks is a tame term to use.
Suffice to say Kane is swoon worthy with his denim eyes, Caitlin has been anticipating their first meeting for a while.
yep definitely 5 stars from me
Caitlin having lost her parents joins a vampire control unit following in her fathers footsteps she wants to track down Kane and find out how to kill the monster that's after her and that took her parents. Kane on the other hand has his own reasons for needing Caitlin.
After each character having obsessed over the other for so many years each having their own agenda have come to know each other inside out and unwittingly i believe fallen a little in love with each other to begin with, so when they do finally come together fireworks is a tame term to use.
Suffice to say Kane is swoon worthy with his denim eyes, Caitlin has been anticipating their first meeting for a while.
yep definitely 5 stars from me
November 27, 2012
I'm a sucker for a well written burning hot vampire.
My perfect vampire hero would be a bad boy who takes the heroine right to the edge. And guys, do I have a doozy for you.
Meet Kane Malloy and boy is he bad to the bone.
My hardcopy of Blood Shadows arrived last Friday and cannot tell you how excited I was to receive it. This series first found traction during the New Voices romance competition where for two successive years author Lindsay Pryor reached the final four. I believe her reader comments during the competitions numbered in the high hundreds. For a paranormal author this was an amazing breakthrough where hard-core romance readers crossed romance genres to fall in love with Kane. And that says a great deal about the quality of Lindsay Pryor's writing.
Since the fall of 2010, where I first read Lindsay's work, I've followed her progress with huge interest. Lindsay had never let anyone, and I mean anyone, read her work before she entered the first competition. What she had been doing over fourteen years was to learn her craft and guys, she learned it well.
I finished Blood Shadows at 3.30am this morning. Yep, I couldn't put it down and as for 'Who's Edward?' I'd say, 'Who's Christian?' because Kane Malloy kicks that bad boy's ass (or as Kane might say, 'arse'.)
I know a literary diamond when I find one and Lindsay's a shining, brilliant new talent in the paranormal genre. Her writing is fluid, lyrical with sensual descriptive prose which hits the spot. The dialogue between Kane and Caitlin sparks.
Here's an example: Caitlin – ‘Is that a threat?’ Kane – ‘I prefer to call it foreplay, but whatever works for you.’
One of the most challenging aspects of a paranormal author's work is world building. And a dark dystopian world is a particularly tricky thing to pull off. Lindsay's lived with her world, her characters, for many years which means she writes them with a confidence, an authority, that makes the reader believe they are real and the events which happen plausible and feasible. And that skill is what makes a talented writer a great one imho. And Blackthorn is a dark, claustrophobic, almost gothic world where nothing is as it seems.
What struck me when I first read Lindsay's work and especially after reading this book from cover to cover is the intelligent exploration and development of the love story. It's hot, it's passionate and it's compelling, it's even fiercely intense, but most of all Caitlin's vulnerability and her courage in the face of that vulnerability - and how Kane copes with it - make this a fabulously valid emotional arc. I loved it.
My perfect vampire hero would be a bad boy who takes the heroine right to the edge. And guys, do I have a doozy for you.
Meet Kane Malloy and boy is he bad to the bone.
My hardcopy of Blood Shadows arrived last Friday and cannot tell you how excited I was to receive it. This series first found traction during the New Voices romance competition where for two successive years author Lindsay Pryor reached the final four. I believe her reader comments during the competitions numbered in the high hundreds. For a paranormal author this was an amazing breakthrough where hard-core romance readers crossed romance genres to fall in love with Kane. And that says a great deal about the quality of Lindsay Pryor's writing.
Since the fall of 2010, where I first read Lindsay's work, I've followed her progress with huge interest. Lindsay had never let anyone, and I mean anyone, read her work before she entered the first competition. What she had been doing over fourteen years was to learn her craft and guys, she learned it well.
I finished Blood Shadows at 3.30am this morning. Yep, I couldn't put it down and as for 'Who's Edward?' I'd say, 'Who's Christian?' because Kane Malloy kicks that bad boy's ass (or as Kane might say, 'arse'.)
I know a literary diamond when I find one and Lindsay's a shining, brilliant new talent in the paranormal genre. Her writing is fluid, lyrical with sensual descriptive prose which hits the spot. The dialogue between Kane and Caitlin sparks.
Here's an example: Caitlin – ‘Is that a threat?’ Kane – ‘I prefer to call it foreplay, but whatever works for you.’
One of the most challenging aspects of a paranormal author's work is world building. And a dark dystopian world is a particularly tricky thing to pull off. Lindsay's lived with her world, her characters, for many years which means she writes them with a confidence, an authority, that makes the reader believe they are real and the events which happen plausible and feasible. And that skill is what makes a talented writer a great one imho. And Blackthorn is a dark, claustrophobic, almost gothic world where nothing is as it seems.
What struck me when I first read Lindsay's work and especially after reading this book from cover to cover is the intelligent exploration and development of the love story. It's hot, it's passionate and it's compelling, it's even fiercely intense, but most of all Caitlin's vulnerability and her courage in the face of that vulnerability - and how Kane copes with it - make this a fabulously valid emotional arc. I loved it.
November 30, 2012
I’m a lover of all things fanged and Kane didn’t disappoint. When the paperback of Blood Shadows arrived I devoured the whole thing in the space of 24 hours. It’s fast paced, has sexual tension that easily beats Fifty Shades and its action packed, suspenseful and has a brilliant twist in the tale I didn’t see coming. The only complaint I had was when it ended because I really didn’t want to say goodbye to Kane, though I hear we’ll see more from the bad ass vamp. The first chapter of Blood Roses is at the end and made me long for more from the sexy, dangerous and irresistible third species men. I’d move to Blackthorn in a heartbeat.
October 22, 2015
I'm in the minority on this one. I did enjoy the story. The storyline was good, but it didn't reach its highest potential in my opinion. The characters were OK, Kane was a good Vamp-Alpha-tortured hero, Catlin well her character was not my favorite. I just wished more character development was ingrained in the story. Again just my opinion.
February 9, 2018
Spying on a Wanted vampire. Is she obsessed?
Kane was core to her vengeance and, moreover, core to her survival.
Dream walker?
The obsession is a two thing
Score 1 for....guess.
Caitlin has secrets.
The hunter is the hunted
She is reckless...not in a good way.
Caitlin knew only too well of the impulsive side, the reckless and self-sating side
Kane has an agenda.
High stakes and a deadline.
More than one bad guy.
This is disturbing. I am officially disturbed.
She lies...the lady with murky motives.
Razor sharp comebacks.
Surrounded by pushy men.
Prophecy. These make me unreasonably happy.
I am not rooting for her. At all. Or what she represents. She's callous and a compulsive liar
Kane is methodical.
And he’d do it without the deceit of playing her protector.
He’d do it without the deceit of being her hero.
So sure about what she knows, while you know her beliefs are going to be broken and reshaped soon. Anticipation. Suspense. Curiosity.
Prude, naive, sheltered, foolish - I thought Caitlin was all these things.
Kane reminds me of Klaus in so many ways.
Perspectives on Kane
There are so many ways of looking at Kane. His reputation. What people think he has done. What Caitlin has studied and unearthed. What he knows is true. A fascinating, compelling character.
Political unrest
‘We have our ways. You have yours. When are you agents ever going to understand that?
Rating and thoughts - 4 Stars
One star for the writing.
One star for the world building.
Two stars for Kane.
The story loses one star because of Caitlin. I'm hoping she will be better in the next book.
Will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
Kane was core to her vengeance and, moreover, core to her survival.
Dream walker?
The obsession is a two thing
Score 1 for....guess.
Caitlin has secrets.
The hunter is the hunted
She is reckless...not in a good way.
Caitlin knew only too well of the impulsive side, the reckless and self-sating side
Kane has an agenda.
High stakes and a deadline.
More than one bad guy.
This is disturbing. I am officially disturbed.
She lies...the lady with murky motives.
Razor sharp comebacks.
Surrounded by pushy men.
Prophecy. These make me unreasonably happy.
I am not rooting for her. At all. Or what she represents. She's callous and a compulsive liar
Kane is methodical.
And he’d do it without the deceit of playing her protector.
He’d do it without the deceit of being her hero.
So sure about what she knows, while you know her beliefs are going to be broken and reshaped soon. Anticipation. Suspense. Curiosity.
Prude, naive, sheltered, foolish - I thought Caitlin was all these things.
Kane reminds me of Klaus in so many ways.
Perspectives on Kane
There are so many ways of looking at Kane. His reputation. What people think he has done. What Caitlin has studied and unearthed. What he knows is true. A fascinating, compelling character.
Political unrest
‘We have our ways. You have yours. When are you agents ever going to understand that?
Rating and thoughts - 4 Stars
One star for the writing.
One star for the world building.
Two stars for Kane.
The story loses one star because of Caitlin. I'm hoping she will be better in the next book.
Will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
November 4, 2016
2.5 stars
I actually read this book back in June (yes, I'm ridiculously behind on my review writing again!) after finding out that the main character Kane beat out both Barrons AND Kate Daniels in the Alpha Showdown. Those are two of my favourite characters ever so for them to be beaten by someone from a series I'd never even heard of before had me incredibly intrigued. I'll admit that I went into this with very high expectations and perhaps that's why I ended up feeling disappointed but to be honest I don't think that's the only issue. Obviously this series has plenty of superfans but so far I'm just not feeling it.
I think my biggest issues were actually with the heroine of the story Caitlin. Let's face it, she's an idiot. If this was a horror story then she'd have been the first person to die and even though this is a paranormal romance it's still a miracle that she survived to the end. At the beginning we're told how she's a badass vampire hunter who has trained her whole life and is great at her job. She complains about always being underestimated because she's a small woman but within the first couple of chapters she's proved that she has absolutely no skill whatsoever and I wouldn't be surprised if she's a complete laughing stock amongst her colleagues. The second Kane enters the picture Caitlin loses her ability to think because she can't see past her libido. He has her pinned to the wall and is making threats to kill her and all she can do is think about how gorgeous he is. Even when Kane kidnaps her she has no sense of self-preservation, she doesn't fear for her life or try to plan an escape because she's too busy staring at his lickable abs. If you looked up "Too Stupid to Live" in a dictionary you'd find a picture of Caitlin's face and her actions just get worse as the story continues. It might not be quite so bad if she wasn't constantly trying to tell readers how amazing she is but she's completely oblivious to her own stupidity.
Kane interested me a little more, he has the whole brooding alpha male thing down pat but he doesn't ooze sex appeal like Barrons and I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between him and Caitlin so I never got fully sucked in by his character. Apparently he gets much more interesting in his next book but the next three books are all about different protagonists so it's going to take a while before we circle back to Kane to find out if that's true or not. There were things I liked about the world and I'm kind of curious to see if the series gets better, especially since this was the author's debut novel, but I just don't feel in any rush to pick up the sequel. I might get around to it one day but it could end up being one of those series that just never makes it to the top of the TBR pile.
_____________
Thoughts before reading:
So Kane somehow managed to beat out both Barrows AND Kate in the Alpha Showdown(how is that even possible??!) so of course (along with a bunch of the crazy MacHalos) I now have to meet this guy and see why he's so popular. Looking at my friend's ratings I'm not sure what to expect though. This definitely seems to be a marmite book but I've got no idea whether I'll love it or hate it. Wish me luck!
I actually read this book back in June (yes, I'm ridiculously behind on my review writing again!) after finding out that the main character Kane beat out both Barrons AND Kate Daniels in the Alpha Showdown. Those are two of my favourite characters ever so for them to be beaten by someone from a series I'd never even heard of before had me incredibly intrigued. I'll admit that I went into this with very high expectations and perhaps that's why I ended up feeling disappointed but to be honest I don't think that's the only issue. Obviously this series has plenty of superfans but so far I'm just not feeling it.
I think my biggest issues were actually with the heroine of the story Caitlin. Let's face it, she's an idiot. If this was a horror story then she'd have been the first person to die and even though this is a paranormal romance it's still a miracle that she survived to the end. At the beginning we're told how she's a badass vampire hunter who has trained her whole life and is great at her job. She complains about always being underestimated because she's a small woman but within the first couple of chapters she's proved that she has absolutely no skill whatsoever and I wouldn't be surprised if she's a complete laughing stock amongst her colleagues. The second Kane enters the picture Caitlin loses her ability to think because she can't see past her libido. He has her pinned to the wall and is making threats to kill her and all she can do is think about how gorgeous he is. Even when Kane kidnaps her she has no sense of self-preservation, she doesn't fear for her life or try to plan an escape because she's too busy staring at his lickable abs. If you looked up "Too Stupid to Live" in a dictionary you'd find a picture of Caitlin's face and her actions just get worse as the story continues. It might not be quite so bad if she wasn't constantly trying to tell readers how amazing she is but she's completely oblivious to her own stupidity.
Kane interested me a little more, he has the whole brooding alpha male thing down pat but he doesn't ooze sex appeal like Barrons and I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between him and Caitlin so I never got fully sucked in by his character. Apparently he gets much more interesting in his next book but the next three books are all about different protagonists so it's going to take a while before we circle back to Kane to find out if that's true or not. There were things I liked about the world and I'm kind of curious to see if the series gets better, especially since this was the author's debut novel, but I just don't feel in any rush to pick up the sequel. I might get around to it one day but it could end up being one of those series that just never makes it to the top of the TBR pile.
_____________
Thoughts before reading:
So Kane somehow managed to beat out both Barrows AND Kate in the Alpha Showdown(how is that even possible??!) so of course (along with a bunch of the crazy MacHalos) I now have to meet this guy and see why he's so popular. Looking at my friend's ratings I'm not sure what to expect though. This definitely seems to be a marmite book but I've got no idea whether I'll love it or hate it. Wish me luck!
October 28, 2014
This was freaking BRILLIANT!!!
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loved every second of it, kept me on the edge whole time.... until I read last word I would't know if they get together...let me tell, this was an epitome of love/hate relensionship
image:
first we have...
image:
image:
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then BAM!! when there was the final battle with soul reaper!!! I mean!!! GOD!!! that just finished me...
image:
image:
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I honestly thought, like no way and again BAM!!
image:
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but the shock I got who killed Ariana!!! damn...
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jumping to read next book, come to me CALEB AND JASK!!!
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loved every second of it, kept me on the edge whole time.... until I read last word I would't know if they get together...let me tell, this was an epitome of love/hate relensionship
image:
first we have...
image:
image:
image:
then BAM!! when there was the final battle with soul reaper!!! I mean!!! GOD!!! that just finished me...
image:
image:
image:
I honestly thought, like no way and again BAM!!
image:
image:
but the shock I got who killed Ariana!!! damn...
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jumping to read next book, come to me CALEB AND JASK!!!
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January 15, 2013
I've been waiting for Blood Shadows to be released for a couple of years now - a forever kind of delicious torture as Lindsay Prior came up with the goods and found Bookouture as the perfect publisher. Of course there was always a risk my expectations would fall sort after such a long wait but Lindsay created a fascinating book with strong characters and a powerful voice which made it impossible to put down.
I won't go into the details of plot etc (as many have before me) but the story itself was surprising too. This isn't your average bad-boy vamp soaked in darkness meets good-girl who rocks his world and has a personality transplant within a hundred pages - no, no, no. This vamp is wicked. Bad to the bone. And I actually winced a couple times at the lengths he went to. There's no forgetting this guy in a hurry - I promise you - which makes him even more yummy. The story twists and turns so there's very little chance to even guess what's coming next - I doubt you would anyway - because Lindsey has built a world unlike any other. The writing is seriously sharp in places. The plot intelligently crafted and the chemistry is sizzling.
Can't wait to read book 2. Blood Roses promises to be just as devilishly good!
I won't go into the details of plot etc (as many have before me) but the story itself was surprising too. This isn't your average bad-boy vamp soaked in darkness meets good-girl who rocks his world and has a personality transplant within a hundred pages - no, no, no. This vamp is wicked. Bad to the bone. And I actually winced a couple times at the lengths he went to. There's no forgetting this guy in a hurry - I promise you - which makes him even more yummy. The story twists and turns so there's very little chance to even guess what's coming next - I doubt you would anyway - because Lindsey has built a world unlike any other. The writing is seriously sharp in places. The plot intelligently crafted and the chemistry is sizzling.
Can't wait to read book 2. Blood Roses promises to be just as devilishly good!
February 12, 2018
I had to take 24 hours out to think what i can put in this review, well what i can get away with saying that is ... Plus i have a serious case of book hangover!! I feeling lost, lowly, sad since i turned the last page. I NEED MORE!!! But I couldn't just jump into the next book without taking time to process what i read, current feeling and felt about Kane & Caitlin.
I love Caitlin determination, honesty and humanity, she is one hell of a character that i would give my total respect to had a person. She shows there is some good in human race.
Kane... well he had/has me feeling so many emotions i would end up writing an essay on my feeling toward him. He isn't your normal vampire that takes control and wins you over. He is dark, untamed and f@#king smoking HOT that will have you on a rollercoaster. He would leave you feeling used an abused, raw & wanting more...
thats not him touching you yet.
I would recommended this book to anyone who loves paranormal reads but a bit of aa warning. This isn't your normal paranormal love story leaving you feeling all fluffy and warm.
Reviewed by Sara Reece Owner of Smut Lovers Wonderland
I love Caitlin determination, honesty and humanity, she is one hell of a character that i would give my total respect to had a person. She shows there is some good in human race.
Kane... well he had/has me feeling so many emotions i would end up writing an essay on my feeling toward him. He isn't your normal vampire that takes control and wins you over. He is dark, untamed and f@#king smoking HOT that will have you on a rollercoaster. He would leave you feeling used an abused, raw & wanting more...
thats not him touching you yet.
I would recommended this book to anyone who loves paranormal reads but a bit of aa warning. This isn't your normal paranormal love story leaving you feeling all fluffy and warm.
Reviewed by Sara Reece Owner of Smut Lovers Wonderland
August 1, 2022
Well, if you want to know minute detail of the main character's lives from the moment we meet them, then that's a book for you. I cannot believe that we literally see step by step of their 3 days confinement. And then I got crazy, because in 3 days the heroine only eat once. If you're going to give us all the details, please, make sure she eats. I kept hoping that she actually faints for the hero to remember to give her food lol
I am not sure what to think about this book, or this whole world. I think we spent way too much time with the romance and nothing at all out in the open. And I got so confused in the end. Can they actually have a conversion? Is the heroine the hero's mate? Can she become immortal too?
I am not sure what to think about this book, or this whole world. I think we spent way too much time with the romance and nothing at all out in the open. And I got so confused in the end. Can they actually have a conversion? Is the heroine the hero's mate? Can she become immortal too?
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