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Bloodstone Chronicles #1
Blood Leverage
As humanity struggles with the aftermath of a century-long vampiric bloodbath, life outside the remaining great cities revolves around being inside by sunset and never questioning the status quo.
Aurora Strong is practically a pariah in her village thanks to her mother’s infamous involvement with vampires — not to mention her own inability to play by the rules. Not content with being a mere social outcast, Rory conspires in a secret, and very illegal, blood brokering scheme. She enjoys her private rebellion against the town that shuns her — until her partner in crime goes missing, and suddenly it’s not about her anymore.
Now, with her partner either enslaved as a living blood bank or already dead, Rory’s illicit blood brokering contacts are her only hope of making things right. Assuming they allow her to leave...or even to live.
Aurora Strong is practically a pariah in her village thanks to her mother’s infamous involvement with vampires — not to mention her own inability to play by the rules. Not content with being a mere social outcast, Rory conspires in a secret, and very illegal, blood brokering scheme. She enjoys her private rebellion against the town that shuns her — until her partner in crime goes missing, and suddenly it’s not about her anymore.
Now, with her partner either enslaved as a living blood bank or already dead, Rory’s illicit blood brokering contacts are her only hope of making things right. Assuming they allow her to leave...or even to live.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2014
68 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 4, 2014
I've read my share of vampire books. It's a full genre, to say the least. Just when it feels like every trope has been explored, that maybe there's nothing left in the world of vamp books to explore, I read something like this.
I. Loved. This.
Y'all, this was so fun! The main character Aurora Strong is exactly the kind of woman I want as a main character. She's sarcastic, has dead perfect comic timing, and she's smart. Most importantly, she's a survivor. While I guess technically this is set in a dystopian world, it's not a run for your life constant fight for survival type of novel. Aurora survives using her knowledge. She's not afraid to whack someone with a candlestick if she has to, but she'd rather learn things. As a teacher, she knows that being able to write, to adapt, and to learn things about her enemies and the vampires is crucial to her survival.
Let's talk about the vampires. The vampire mythology is so interesting! The book doesn't cover a lot of ground physically, but it feels like there's such a big world constructed! Technically, as in how vampires work (There's a convo about vampire poop. It's way funnier than it has any right to be), their political structures, their history (Despite being almost nothing but Aurora talking, the chapters on the Mass Conversions were fascinating.)
The individual vamps, mainly Ian and Keanu, are fantastic and very well developed. The Ian-Keanu-Aurora dynamic is so interesting! If there's a sequel, and with that ending there had better be, I would love to see more of Ian and Keanu's...I guess friendship is the right word? I want to see more of that and their history.
Really, excellent characterizations all around. My one exception would be Robert.
Let's see what else can I praise? The dialogue. Believable, frequently funny, and with very distinct voices for each character. And going along with that, the humor. Serious stuff happens: kidnapping, disemboweling, secret keeping, sexiness, blackmail, etc. But it never takes itself too seriously.
Besides the Robert thing, I really have only one minor complaint. I suppose they're related actually. However, considering how much I loved the other 97%, it doesn't really bother me when I look at the book as a whole.
If you like vampires, well-written fiction, or want to support independent authors, give this a read. (Insert pun about fresh blood in the vampire genre. Or something. I don't know. Just read it.)
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. Thank you Goodreads!
I. Loved. This.
Y'all, this was so fun! The main character Aurora Strong is exactly the kind of woman I want as a main character. She's sarcastic, has dead perfect comic timing, and she's smart. Most importantly, she's a survivor. While I guess technically this is set in a dystopian world, it's not a run for your life constant fight for survival type of novel. Aurora survives using her knowledge. She's not afraid to whack someone with a candlestick if she has to, but she'd rather learn things. As a teacher, she knows that being able to write, to adapt, and to learn things about her enemies and the vampires is crucial to her survival.
Let's talk about the vampires. The vampire mythology is so interesting! The book doesn't cover a lot of ground physically, but it feels like there's such a big world constructed! Technically, as in how vampires work (There's a convo about vampire poop. It's way funnier than it has any right to be), their political structures, their history (Despite being almost nothing but Aurora talking, the chapters on the Mass Conversions were fascinating.)
The individual vamps, mainly Ian and Keanu, are fantastic and very well developed. The Ian-Keanu-Aurora dynamic is so interesting! If there's a sequel, and with that ending there had better be, I would love to see more of Ian and Keanu's...I guess friendship is the right word? I want to see more of that and their history.
Really, excellent characterizations all around. My one exception would be Robert.
Let's see what else can I praise? The dialogue. Believable, frequently funny, and with very distinct voices for each character. And going along with that, the humor. Serious stuff happens: kidnapping, disemboweling, secret keeping, sexiness, blackmail, etc. But it never takes itself too seriously.
Besides the Robert thing, I really have only one minor complaint. I suppose they're related actually. However, considering how much I loved the other 97%, it doesn't really bother me when I look at the book as a whole.
If you like vampires, well-written fiction, or want to support independent authors, give this a read. (Insert pun about fresh blood in the vampire genre. Or something. I don't know. Just read it.)
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. Thank you Goodreads!
February 25, 2015
I hate Vampire Romance novels, like really hate them, because I feel like the female is always weak, which I can't relate to, and the vampire is always annoyingly controlling. And I will admit that while I greedily poured over all of the Twilight books, the whole genre kind of irks me. But Bloodstone is the Vampire novel that you need to read. There were so many great things about this book.
1. The Suspense. I love books that make my mouth drop open out of shock, which doesn't happen often (I HATE when authors foreshadow too much to the point that the reader is not at all surprised when the twist in the story finally happens).
2. The Romance. This is no Twilight, or any other annoying vampire book. Heck it's not even annoying in the romance department (Bella was kind of annoying in Twilight and Edward was kind of creepy). Don't get me wrong, there is passion and romance, but just enough to whet your appetite and keep you on the edge of your seat hoping for more.
3. The Genre, well GenreS. This was an amazing read, because it brings together Vampires, New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic and of course Romance (with a sprinkle of comedy), and I can TOTALLY see all of it transpiring. Just looking at that sentence kind of makes my head spin, but seriously it works in this book. It all just makes sense and I'm not going to lie, I could NOT put it down.
BONUS: It's available on Kindle Unlimited (that's how I found this treasure).
This book also did a great job of setting you up for a bigger better second book. I can already feel the whiplash from the twists and turns Hazzard will throw at us and it's not even published yet!
There is a chance the editing was off, I vaguely recall having to reread some things, but I don't even remember because I was too enraptured by the book to care.
1. The Suspense. I love books that make my mouth drop open out of shock, which doesn't happen often (I HATE when authors foreshadow too much to the point that the reader is not at all surprised when the twist in the story finally happens).
2. The Romance. This is no Twilight, or any other annoying vampire book. Heck it's not even annoying in the romance department (Bella was kind of annoying in Twilight and Edward was kind of creepy). Don't get me wrong, there is passion and romance, but just enough to whet your appetite and keep you on the edge of your seat hoping for more.
3. The Genre, well GenreS. This was an amazing read, because it brings together Vampires, New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic and of course Romance (with a sprinkle of comedy), and I can TOTALLY see all of it transpiring. Just looking at that sentence kind of makes my head spin, but seriously it works in this book. It all just makes sense and I'm not going to lie, I could NOT put it down.
BONUS: It's available on Kindle Unlimited (that's how I found this treasure).
This book also did a great job of setting you up for a bigger better second book. I can already feel the whiplash from the twists and turns Hazzard will throw at us and it's not even published yet!
There is a chance the editing was off, I vaguely recall having to reread some things, but I don't even remember because I was too enraptured by the book to care.
January 21, 2015
I won this on the goodread's giveaway program. I want to start off by saying out of the books I have won so far this was the best. The writing by J.S. Hazzard was superb. Grammatically everything was perfect and so professionally written. The main character, Aurora , was extremely likeable and relatable. She reacts to every situation the way any young lady would react and even in the toughest spots holds her charisma. She's brave ,witty , and intelligent three things I love in my female characters. I also think every character in the book played their part there was no excess of characters that some books contain. There wasn't one part of the book that I got lost or lost interest, which says a lot. Also I read through this book like there was no tomorrow. The plot was so entertaining and I just could not get enough. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. The main vampires were described so well I could picture them in my mind and it's not wonder *spoiler alert* that Aurora ends up lusting over Ian even though he is old enough to be her greatgreatgreatgreat(you get the point) grandfather. Another *spoiler alert* it ends at a good part and now I can NOT wait to read the next book. Good job at hooking me! I loved this book and I normally don't go for vampire genres but this one was perfect in every way there is nothing I can say bad about it other than you're killing me with the cliff hanger :( Great read I highly recommend it to anyone even those who normally don't read this type of book.
May 12, 2015
I received this book as a result of winning a giveaway, and I really hoped I'd adore it and become a huge fan, but unfortunately that didn't happen, although I did enjoy the book and believe it is a great book for a first time author, I believe it could have been better, it wasn't the best book I've read or the worst, the writing style was lovely but the story was slow and quite boring, there was not much character development either.
Rated 3 Stars for beautiful writing style and good book for a first timer
Rated 3 Stars for beautiful writing style and good book for a first timer
September 7, 2018
Changing my 5 star review
I had originally given this book 5 stars. I still really like the book, but am changing my review to say DO NOT READ! it ends in the middle of the story with a release date for the next book in February 2015. More than 3 years ago! The 2nd book Blood Loyalty can not be found. A Google search just show a Twitter post where she confirms the release. Yet the book has never been published. I recomend Amazon kindle remove the info about the 2nd installment and let readers know the story ends unfinished.
I had originally given this book 5 stars. I still really like the book, but am changing my review to say DO NOT READ! it ends in the middle of the story with a release date for the next book in February 2015. More than 3 years ago! The 2nd book Blood Loyalty can not be found. A Google search just show a Twitter post where she confirms the release. Yet the book has never been published. I recomend Amazon kindle remove the info about the 2nd installment and let readers know the story ends unfinished.
July 17, 2018
Where is the second book?
I thought that this was a well written book although I was about 15% through before I felt it was worth reading. It is a bit confusing at first and sort of boring but once Rory leaves it becomes interesting. No matter how good it is I do not advise reading it. Book one ends with a cliffhanger and although it says book 2 was supposed to be released February 2015, there is no book to be found. You are left with a cliffhanger and that’s it!
I thought that this was a well written book although I was about 15% through before I felt it was worth reading. It is a bit confusing at first and sort of boring but once Rory leaves it becomes interesting. No matter how good it is I do not advise reading it. Book one ends with a cliffhanger and although it says book 2 was supposed to be released February 2015, there is no book to be found. You are left with a cliffhanger and that’s it!
March 17, 2018
Fell in love with this book.
The book started out a little slow, but I am so glad I stuck with it! One of the best books I've read in awhile. Love the characters and storyline, very original writing and take on vampires. I am so sad that book two isn't out yet! I really hope it gets released at some point..
The book started out a little slow, but I am so glad I stuck with it! One of the best books I've read in awhile. Love the characters and storyline, very original writing and take on vampires. I am so sad that book two isn't out yet! I really hope it gets released at some point..
February 28, 2018
Blood Leverage
Although a slow opening, I really enjoyed the telling of this story. The characters were strong, diversified, and intelligent. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Although a slow opening, I really enjoyed the telling of this story. The characters were strong, diversified, and intelligent. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 18, 2018
Awesome!!!
Loved the storyline, the characters and all the suspense! Can't wait to start the next book. This is a story you will want to read. It starts a bit slow but when it picks up,but really gets going.
Loved the storyline, the characters and all the suspense! Can't wait to start the next book. This is a story you will want to read. It starts a bit slow but when it picks up,but really gets going.
April 16, 2018
HEY!!!! Where is the next book?????
May 6, 2018
This story sucked me in!
Love it!
Cant wait to read the next!
Which I am going to do right now!
I read this book in five hours! Could not put it down!
Love it!
Cant wait to read the next!
Which I am going to do right now!
I read this book in five hours! Could not put it down!
February 17, 2019
Don't read this book. The series was never finished. NO BOOK 2 TO READ.
August 1, 2021
Excellent
This was so good that I'm following the author and going to read everything by her. Funny, fast paced and a little bit of confusing romance thrown in.
This was so good that I'm following the author and going to read everything by her. Funny, fast paced and a little bit of confusing romance thrown in.
March 16, 2017
Nope. I don't abandon books lightly, but:
- Naive dialogue. "Golly gee!" might not actually be on the page, but almost every conversation is saturated with the same vibe. Conversations are written too naturally in that way that weaker authors tend to do. The best dialogue is a mix of more studied wit and intelligence than most people naturally have, in my opinion, and that's lacking here. If I want to hear inane conversations about nothing important, I can walk outside.
- One word: Vampoogle. That's right. The vampire's version of Google. I don't care that the author has her character admit that it's silly -- you should know better. I rage quit after that.
- Knowing the author fell off the map after this and never published the sequel does not offer a compelling reason to continue, regardless. Why would I want to torture myself with a not-ending if I'll never actually know the end? Better to quit while I'm ahead. I know several people who've rated this highly, but sadly, I know it's not worth my time.
- Naive dialogue. "Golly gee!" might not actually be on the page, but almost every conversation is saturated with the same vibe. Conversations are written too naturally in that way that weaker authors tend to do. The best dialogue is a mix of more studied wit and intelligence than most people naturally have, in my opinion, and that's lacking here. If I want to hear inane conversations about nothing important, I can walk outside.
- One word: Vampoogle. That's right. The vampire's version of Google. I don't care that the author has her character admit that it's silly -- you should know better. I rage quit after that.
- Knowing the author fell off the map after this and never published the sequel does not offer a compelling reason to continue, regardless. Why would I want to torture myself with a not-ending if I'll never actually know the end? Better to quit while I'm ahead. I know several people who've rated this highly, but sadly, I know it's not worth my time.
July 26, 2014
For whatever reason, vampire stories don’t usually hold much interest for me. My initial reaction to them is usually a roll of the eyes and some comment about another thing with vampires in it. I decided to read Blood Leverage after hearing several recommendations from people I trust, even though it’s not my normal fare.
The new twist Jillian Hazzard adds to the genre (a dash of post apocalyptic dystopia) is right up my alley, and I found myself enjoying the story. Her vamps are classical and potent, able to retain an air of sensuality without all the grating self-loathing that these beings so often wrap themselves in.
Set in the 2300s, the world of Blood Leverage is one in which the majority of humanity has either been wiped out or converted into vampires as a means to “greenify” the Earth and reduce our consumption of resources. Aurora Strong, “Rory” to her friends, lives in one of the sheltered squares where ‘free humans’ (as opposed to city dwelling humans who are little more than slaves) eke out a metered existence under the weight of constant paranoia and tight security.
Due to her mother’s work in writing a book exposing the truth behind the mass conversion (of humans to vampire) she has inherited a bit of the celebrity that goes along with it―as well as the ire of one of the town’s gatekeepers, whose personal grudge against Rory is as immortal as anything with fangs.
Rory is a great and memorable character, a near perfect mixture of strength and vulnerability with enough attitude to get you laughing at her wit, cheering for her success, and biting your nails when she’s in danger. She has spent most of her life in her mother’s shadow and doesn’t even realize herself how much she wants to be out of it. At one point, I started to question her mindset as her behavior seemed a bit strange and out of character; however, it wound up making total sense.
Blood Leverage is self-published and not without the occasional typo or awkward dialogue tag – however, the overall quality of the writing is excellent and on par or better than many traditionally published books I’ve read. I was hoping for a little more resolution than the ending provided, but to say more than that would spoil. The story does not feel incomplete though, as Blood Leverage has a resolved story arc (Rory and the gatekeeper with a chip on his shoulder).
I debated four stars because it’s about vampires, but my personal bias in that regard shouldn’t reflect on the effort the author has obviously poured into the work. In light of her ability to get me to enjoy reading a vampire-based story, I think it deserves not to have its fangs held against it. I did find some of the descriptions of food and furniture a bit long in the tooth, but not quite to the point of forcing me to skim. Because I find myself wanting to read the sequel (and it’s about vampires) I’ve got to give credit where it’s due.
This is an excellent read.
The new twist Jillian Hazzard adds to the genre (a dash of post apocalyptic dystopia) is right up my alley, and I found myself enjoying the story. Her vamps are classical and potent, able to retain an air of sensuality without all the grating self-loathing that these beings so often wrap themselves in.
Set in the 2300s, the world of Blood Leverage is one in which the majority of humanity has either been wiped out or converted into vampires as a means to “greenify” the Earth and reduce our consumption of resources. Aurora Strong, “Rory” to her friends, lives in one of the sheltered squares where ‘free humans’ (as opposed to city dwelling humans who are little more than slaves) eke out a metered existence under the weight of constant paranoia and tight security.
Due to her mother’s work in writing a book exposing the truth behind the mass conversion (of humans to vampire) she has inherited a bit of the celebrity that goes along with it―as well as the ire of one of the town’s gatekeepers, whose personal grudge against Rory is as immortal as anything with fangs.
Rory is a great and memorable character, a near perfect mixture of strength and vulnerability with enough attitude to get you laughing at her wit, cheering for her success, and biting your nails when she’s in danger. She has spent most of her life in her mother’s shadow and doesn’t even realize herself how much she wants to be out of it. At one point, I started to question her mindset as her behavior seemed a bit strange and out of character; however, it wound up making total sense.
Blood Leverage is self-published and not without the occasional typo or awkward dialogue tag – however, the overall quality of the writing is excellent and on par or better than many traditionally published books I’ve read. I was hoping for a little more resolution than the ending provided, but to say more than that would spoil. The story does not feel incomplete though, as Blood Leverage has a resolved story arc (Rory and the gatekeeper with a chip on his shoulder).
I debated four stars because it’s about vampires, but my personal bias in that regard shouldn’t reflect on the effort the author has obviously poured into the work. In light of her ability to get me to enjoy reading a vampire-based story, I think it deserves not to have its fangs held against it. I did find some of the descriptions of food and furniture a bit long in the tooth, but not quite to the point of forcing me to skim. Because I find myself wanting to read the sequel (and it’s about vampires) I’ve got to give credit where it’s due.
This is an excellent read.
February 20, 2017
Amazing!!!
All I can say it this book is amazing. Some of my favorite books are House of Night and Vampire Academy. I honest belive that Blood Leverage was just as good as both of them and I'm axious to read Blood Loyalty!
All I can say it this book is amazing. Some of my favorite books are House of Night and Vampire Academy. I honest belive that Blood Leverage was just as good as both of them and I'm axious to read Blood Loyalty!
June 20, 2014
I am generally not a fan of vampire books, or anything with a whiff of dystopia, so imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying BLOOD LEVERAGE. I mean, enjoying it to the point where I didn’t want to put the book down until I finished reading it. It’s enough to make an immortal denizen of the dark walk straight into the sunlight.
But seriously, this is one hell of a read. A rollicking good yarn, as my grandfather would say. An engaging, exciting STORY Dumas would applaud. The main character, Rory, is witty, intelligent, and sexy – a well-rounded individual who is not a cookie-cutter female lead. In fact, all of the main characters actually HAVE character, and are distinctive and unique. No annoyingly perfect “Mary Sues” or “Gary Stus” litter the pages of this novel (much to my relief). These are characters you enjoy getting to know and share adventures with.
I have only two criticisms, and they’re the only reasons this is a 4 star book for me instead of a 5 star. One: the beginning of the book is rather slow. Although well-written, it didn’t grab me right away. While I appreciate the need for world building in a book like this, I felt that some of the detail and scenes at the beginning could have been condensed. (However, once the story really kicks into gear it definitely keeps you turning pages). Two: the secondary characters, especially Rory’s best friend, Amy, fell a little “flat” for me. They were not badly written, but just didn’t jump off the page like the main characters, and seemed a little too much like stock actors, especially when compared to Rory, her friend Nicky, and the main vampire characters.
But those are minor quibbles, and don’t mar the great fun of reading this book. So – if you want to really ENJOY reading a book, don’t miss this one! I know that I, for one, am looking forward to the rest of the series.
But seriously, this is one hell of a read. A rollicking good yarn, as my grandfather would say. An engaging, exciting STORY Dumas would applaud. The main character, Rory, is witty, intelligent, and sexy – a well-rounded individual who is not a cookie-cutter female lead. In fact, all of the main characters actually HAVE character, and are distinctive and unique. No annoyingly perfect “Mary Sues” or “Gary Stus” litter the pages of this novel (much to my relief). These are characters you enjoy getting to know and share adventures with.
I have only two criticisms, and they’re the only reasons this is a 4 star book for me instead of a 5 star. One: the beginning of the book is rather slow. Although well-written, it didn’t grab me right away. While I appreciate the need for world building in a book like this, I felt that some of the detail and scenes at the beginning could have been condensed. (However, once the story really kicks into gear it definitely keeps you turning pages). Two: the secondary characters, especially Rory’s best friend, Amy, fell a little “flat” for me. They were not badly written, but just didn’t jump off the page like the main characters, and seemed a little too much like stock actors, especially when compared to Rory, her friend Nicky, and the main vampire characters.
But those are minor quibbles, and don’t mar the great fun of reading this book. So – if you want to really ENJOY reading a book, don’t miss this one! I know that I, for one, am looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 12, 2014
Favorite Lines “I took another few minutes to admire the dangerous beauty of the night before climbing into the truck. Then I laughed silently. If I wanted to admire dangerous beauty, it was sitting right in the front seat.”
“I will miss,” I said softly, my thumb tracing his jawline, “the way you look at me and find things to admire where others see either a nuisance or someone to be humored.”
“Judging from our conversation, quiet and calm were now things of the past. Apparently I wasn’t the only person who’d found a new version of normal this summer.”
While reading this book I found myself imagining if this story happened for real. I was she'll shocked while reading this book.
Vampires have exploded all over the world. Aurora is a human who lives with a group of other human in a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Her and her hottie of a best friend Nick have been secretly selling there blood to 2 vampires. When Nicky takes Rory with him on a scavenger trip their lives are turned upside down! Nicky is kidnapped Rory meets her Vampire patron. The ending left me with my mouth open thing oh crap and needing more!
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was great! I love Rory, Nicky, and their patrons. Those yummy vampires Ian and Keanu are fabulous characters. I am looking fwd to see what this amazing author does next with this series. I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing ride!
I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest
FIVE PATRON FAIRIES
“I will miss,” I said softly, my thumb tracing his jawline, “the way you look at me and find things to admire where others see either a nuisance or someone to be humored.”
“Judging from our conversation, quiet and calm were now things of the past. Apparently I wasn’t the only person who’d found a new version of normal this summer.”
While reading this book I found myself imagining if this story happened for real. I was she'll shocked while reading this book.
Vampires have exploded all over the world. Aurora is a human who lives with a group of other human in a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Her and her hottie of a best friend Nick have been secretly selling there blood to 2 vampires. When Nicky takes Rory with him on a scavenger trip their lives are turned upside down! Nicky is kidnapped Rory meets her Vampire patron. The ending left me with my mouth open thing oh crap and needing more!
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was great! I love Rory, Nicky, and their patrons. Those yummy vampires Ian and Keanu are fabulous characters. I am looking fwd to see what this amazing author does next with this series. I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing ride!
I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest
FIVE PATRON FAIRIES
May 29, 2015
Slow Start But Worth It
I originally started reading this months ago and found the first couple chapters hard going. Not sure why I came back, but I'm glad I did. Once I got to the part where Aurora and Nicky leave on their trip the story comes alive, and I get the sense that this is the story Hazzard really wanted to tell. Unfortunately the necessary and unwieldy explanations for the state her fictional world is in after a near vampire-human apocalypse gets in her way. The interaction between the three main characters Aurora, Ian, and Keanu I is the best part. It's ending made me excited that the next volume in the series was to be published August 2014 . . . except it wasn't. It still isn't available as of late May 2015, so if you don't like long waits between books in a series, you might want to wait to read this until you know there will be a second one, a little like investing in a TV show and having it cancelled leaving you high and dry. All that said, I enjoyed it and hope to be reading the sequel soon.
I originally started reading this months ago and found the first couple chapters hard going. Not sure why I came back, but I'm glad I did. Once I got to the part where Aurora and Nicky leave on their trip the story comes alive, and I get the sense that this is the story Hazzard really wanted to tell. Unfortunately the necessary and unwieldy explanations for the state her fictional world is in after a near vampire-human apocalypse gets in her way. The interaction between the three main characters Aurora, Ian, and Keanu I is the best part. It's ending made me excited that the next volume in the series was to be published August 2014 . . . except it wasn't. It still isn't available as of late May 2015, so if you don't like long waits between books in a series, you might want to wait to read this until you know there will be a second one, a little like investing in a TV show and having it cancelled leaving you high and dry. All that said, I enjoyed it and hope to be reading the sequel soon.
December 2, 2014
We wait for the next part of the series to come.. During that time we reflect on this book and how much we enjoyed everything. The story was delightful and intense. At times I didn't know what was about to happen which is rare because there is always something to give it away. I loved the characters. I'm hoping that Ian and Aurora get together. I'm wondering if Nicky will be ok. These parts just keep going around like a merry go round. I am patiently waiting for the next book even though it is winter 2014. I hope the author continues on this great story with as much gusto as she has put into this one.
May 22, 2015
Surprisingly good! It's pure fluff in a post-apocalypse style setting where vampires outnumber humans. Sadly, Toronto is still a city. The MC has an academic mind that made her far more palatable to read, compared to other tropes that could've been used for her character.
The sequel was supposed to have been published back in February, but the author has gone strangely silent & no book has become available, so I'm not sure what's happening there. Shame, because the ending of this book was interesting.
Finally, what's some fluff without a little smut? This book's got it \o/
The sequel was supposed to have been published back in February, but the author has gone strangely silent & no book has become available, so I'm not sure what's happening there. Shame, because the ending of this book was interesting.
Finally, what's some fluff without a little smut? This book's got it \o/
October 10, 2016
I LOVED this book. It was truly fantastic and I highly recommend it, but can't find the second one (and the story is far from over at the end of the first book). It was supposed to come out in February of last year (2015) and the author's website is a total mystery - no new information since over a year ago. Can someone please let me know what happened to Ms. Hazzard? Is she still "with us"? Even the cover of the second book was released a year ago, but no book. I am desperate to read the next one!!
July 21, 2014
First, let me say that I could not put this book down. When I finished this book only twenty-four hours after downloading it my kids said, “Mommy, you’re BACK!” because I’d been SO enthralled with this story. Yes, there is action. Yes, there is intrigue. Yes, there is even romance (wiggles eyebrows). I was pulled into this story by the premise but I stayed for the characters. If you need a break from the real world I promise you will not regret taking a chance on this book.
March 15, 2015
I loved this book! This came as a complete surprise to me since I didn't think I was into vampire stories. However, I decided to give this book a try since I went to school with the author and wanted to be supportive of someone I admired for being unique. Aurora is a character that is easy to root for and the details take me out of living room into a futuristic vampire filled world. Even if you're not into vampire books, I suggest you give this one a try.
April 12, 2015
Blood Leverage by J S. Hazzard,was the best Vampire book that I have read since the other vampire series became popular.
I loved the characters in this book,the storyline was great and kept me wanting for more.
I hope there will be a sequel,as these vampires are delicious!
I won this book through Goodreads and sent to me by the author.
Thank you for the chance to review this book!
I loved the characters in this book,the storyline was great and kept me wanting for more.
I hope there will be a sequel,as these vampires are delicious!
I won this book through Goodreads and sent to me by the author.
Thank you for the chance to review this book!
November 3, 2014
Amazing
completely amazing
it had me completely surprised and laughing so hard a lot of the times, and sighing when something sweet happened. This was truly an amazing book, with such a cliff hanger ending I can't help but dash to go get the second book.
so good job on a job so well done
completely amazing
it had me completely surprised and laughing so hard a lot of the times, and sighing when something sweet happened. This was truly an amazing book, with such a cliff hanger ending I can't help but dash to go get the second book.
so good job on a job so well done
August 1, 2015
Dystopian vampire action
This book has a new twist on vampire & dystopian genres by combining them. It works well, it is a believable world with likeable characters and enough mystery/ action/ romance going on.It is part of a series and does not resolve itself in this book. Enjoyable read.
This book has a new twist on vampire & dystopian genres by combining them. It works well, it is a believable world with likeable characters and enough mystery/ action/ romance going on.It is part of a series and does not resolve itself in this book. Enjoyable read.
February 23, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It had everying I wanted... well maybe a little more graphic/detailed writing during the *naked* parts, but other than my freak side, I was extremely pleased. Unfortunately, I cannot find the second book. It was supposed to have come out a year ago... but no such luck. I really hope the second book comes out soon! I need this story in my life!!! grrrr
September 22, 2014
This would be a great book for Adults/Older YA readers who want a vampire book that's not super romancey or super Bram Stokers either.
Although there are a few sorta intimate scenes, they are glossed overed.
Good writing, decent world building enjoyable characters.
Although there are a few sorta intimate scenes, they are glossed overed.
Good writing, decent world building enjoyable characters.
September 20, 2014
Very good read!!!!!!
This book keeps you interested from the beginning. I did not want to put it down. Can't wait for the next one.
This book keeps you interested from the beginning. I did not want to put it down. Can't wait for the next one.
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