Nightmaster

Nightsiders #2

by Susan Krinard

In the Nightsiders miniseries, New York Times best-selling author Susan Krinard delves into two very different worlds, each filled with lust and power...

Rumors of war are rumbling in the vampire city of Erebus. Undercover agent Trinity Ward must pose as a blood slave to unearth the truth and keep the peace between vampires and humans. Acting now as a serf to Ares - a powerful Bloodmaster - Trinity must give herself to him....

Yet one look into his striking eyes turns submission into burning desire. The fiery beauty has the same effect on Ares, but as their passion grows so do the risks. Now Trinity's betrayal could cost her the mission - and the man she loves.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Harlequin Nocturne

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Trained as an artist with a BFA in Illustration from the California College of Arts and Crafts, Susan Krinard became a writer in 1992 when a friend read a short story she'd written and suggested she try writing a romance novel. A long-time fan of science fiction and fantasy, Susan began reading romance -- and realized what she wanted to do was combine the two genres. Prince of Wolves, her first romance novel and one of the earliest to feature a werewolf hero, was the result. Within a year Susan had sold the manuscript to Bantam as part of a three-book contract, and the novel went on to make several bestseller lists.

Since then, she's written and published over fourteen paranormal and fantasy novels, and written stories for a number of anthologies, both fantasy and romance. Both the anthology Out of This World (which included Susan's "Kinsman") and the novel Lord of the Beasts appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List.

Susan makes her home in New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment", with her husband Serge, their dogs Freya, Nahla and Cagney, and their cat Jefferson. In addition to writing, Susan's interests include music of almost every kind, old movies, reading, nature, baking, and collecting unique handmade jewelry and decorative crafts.

Reviews

[Liz F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley

Wow, I really wanted to like this book way more than I did. The blurb sounds really great but in actuality, it fell well below my expectations. Now, I have to admit that I have not read Book 1 in this series so I went into the book pretty much blind, having only read the blurb. I really don't think it made a big difference though. I don't think that anyone would necessarily need to read Book 1 in order to be able to understand what's going on in this story.

And it's the story that I had a hard time with here. I think anyone who enjoys political fiction might like this. Now, who those people might be, I have no idea. The machinations in this book were pretty complex but still understandable. It's just that this is supposed to be a romance and there is SO MUCH emphasis placed on the political aspects of the story that it felt, to me, like the romance was pushed to the side. Trinity, the heroine, is undercover, trying to get more information on a possible upcoming war. Halfway through the book, I couldn't remember why she was undercover to begin with! It's like, The Underground this and The Resistance that and who is who in each of The Households and who is working with The Underground and who is working against them. Ugh! This was almost a DNF for me, I was so bored.

Trinity is a decent character but by the middle of the book, I started to like her less and less. She starts having feelings for Ares, the hero and whose Household she is sold into slavery. But she still continues on with her mission, which in part, includes using Ares and lying to him at every turn. I understand that Trinity's whole purpose was to play both sides of the fence but it felt like it went too long after she claimed to have feelings for him. I guess I just wanted the romance to be, well, more romantic. And it wasn't. Neither Trinity nor Ares wanted to fall in love and watching them do so was an exercise in self-flagellation.

I would love to have had more background information on Ares. I felt like we only scratched the surface of who Ares was and it was not good for the story. Of course, Ares was already sympathetic since Trinity was playing him so maybe it WAS better to get more information on Trinity and less on Ares. Although, its debatable whether or not there was enough background information on Trinity as well.

However, I think that fans of historical romance might enjoy this story. Vampire society is very strict and every movement means something and they way people dress can make or break a Household. I was constantly reminded of some of the historical romances I've read because appearances were EVERYTHING! There were servants (serfs) and there was the aristocracy, but in this book, the aristocracy was called Bloodmaster or Bloodlord. I would highly recommend historical romance fans who were interested in paranormal romance to give this book a shot.

Overall, this book was just okay. The romance wasn't very romantic at all and there wasn't much romance in it anyway. The Sexy Times were okay but not very plentiful, but that was fine for a paranormal romance novel. I mean, this wasn't an erotic romance. I think fans of this author would probably enjoy this entry in her Nightsiders series but for an outsider, I didn't really love it.

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This romance was way, way better than the first installment. But a lot of times I really need to put down this book and just... do something different. Me being a bookaholic, it was a strange reaction.
I really disliked the heroine. I just wasn't able to empathise with her.
So, all in all, an enjoyable book but not more.
Vote: 3 stars

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry. I tried to like this novel, but with the amount of mind games involved I couldn't find/understand where the romance was between Ares & Trinity. Therefore, by 68% of the novel was through (kindle standards) I skipped to the end to find out what happens, as I gave up on believing I could like this novel.

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy received by Harlequin Nocturne
3 1/2 stars.

All 4 stars except final chapters and end!
Review coming on later date

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Info
Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: December 3rd 2013 by Harlequin (first published December 1st 2013)
ISBN 0373885849 (ISBN13: 9780373885848)
series Nightsiders #2, Harlequin Nocturne #174
other editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

In the Nightsiders miniseries, New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard delves into two very different worlds, each filled with lust and power

Rumors of war are rumbling in the vampire city of Erebus. Undercover agent Trinity Ward must pose as a blood slave to unearth the truth and keep the peace between vampires and humans. Acting now as a serf to Ares, a powerful Bloodmaster Trinity must give herself to him.

Yet one look into his striking eyes turns submission into burning desire. The fiery beauty has the same effect on Ares, but as their passion grows so do the risks. Now Trinity's betrayal could cost her the mission and the man she loves.

My Thoughts

Like Daysider before it Nightmaster left me with mixed feelings.

This is another story that had so many characters to keep track of that it at times became a bit overwhelming, as did the rigid rules that the Opir culture enforced very strictly.

Once again the world building was excellent though, the sights, sounds, surroundings and the different members of the Opir culture were painted very well and became familiar fairly quickly once the story progressed.

Ares proved to be a very unique Bloodmaster and Trinity grew to understand that as one of the Nightsider race he was one who wielded his power with a “velvet fist” rather than an “iron glove” as a harmonious household was his main goal.

The premise of this book was pretty simple, send in an undercover agent to find out if war was imminent between vampires and humans. The actual execution of the mission became a lot more complicated very soon after Trinity arrived. Her actual desire to attract the strongest Bloodmaster almost backfired when the sadistic Palemon decided to claim her for his serf, luckily Ares stepped in and challenged the other vampire for the right to add her to his own household.

This is a paranormal romance that rivals the idea of Romeo and Juliet as star crossed lovers, while I agree that it works out in the end the convoluted lies and evasions by both Ares and Trinity almost proved to be too much to overcome. To be honest watching the relationship unfold between the pair was at times a chore, they just had too much baggage between them that made it hard to really care if they ever admitted their true feelings.

I am not going to pursue this series further, while it has it’s merits for the paranormal lover in me the love that I have for earlier works of the the author is not happening and rather than going forward if more books are written in this world am better off spending my time on something that I do not struggle quite so hard to finish.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: Aegis; Opir city of Erebus – vampire city, black crystal spires and obsidian facets, a vast hive surrounded by pastures and fields (housing 5,000 Opiri and 3x as many humans);

Theme: power; right; equality; love;

Characters:
Trinity Ward: dhampir; soldier of Aegis – sent as undercover human convict; at Claiming (where chosen by Bloodmaster or??? She catches eye of both Palemon and Ares; manipulates things a bit to go with Ares – who Challenges for her; though supposed to be a cowed human, her intelligence and strength is not hidden; and she is attracted to Ares; she verbally submits to him and is physically attracted, but he reacts to her reluctance; she is actively looking for ways to move around the city and to locate any of the human resistence;

Ares: Bloodmaster; walked earth for centuries before the Awakening; not a typical Bloodmaster; interested in humans; keeps himself separate from Bloodmaster’s politics; proven himself to be undefeatable in Challenges; spends a lot of time forcing Trinity to accept he does not have human feelings, and yet he is more lenient with her than he should be… and even when she betrays his trust repeatedly (mostly by withholding the truth of herself from him), he accepts it;

Daniel: Ares’ human assistant/butler; mostly treats him kindly/respectfully but expects total obedience; saved/bought him from Palemon; at end find out he is Ares’ son (from a human mating) and abused by Palemon, forced into breeding by Palemon;

Lady Roxana / Garrett: Ares’ friend; she is bonded to the human Garrett; she encourages Ares to take in Trinity – suspecting she is the undercover spy; encourages Ares to accept feelings for her; at end joins Ares in freeing her humans, asking them to freely stay in her household;

Lord Palemon, Bloodmaster; walked earth for centuries before the Awakening; opposite end of spectrum of Bloodmasters than Ares; wants Bloodmaster conquest of the whole world, and the subjugation of inferior humans; political;

Summary:
Trinity and Ares grow in their feelings for one another; Ares cannot pigeonhole her into human role… and they come to trust one another…
We get a glimpse into the Bloodmaster systems and politics and lifestyle… we see a possibly optimistic future for vampires and humans on another front…

Memorable scenes:
“she intended to trust what her half-vampire nature told her. Even if it toldher that she was feeling things she had no right or reason to feel. That suddenly she didn’t look upon surrendering her body and blood to a Nightsider as a terrible sacrifice.”

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted At: Riverina Romantics
My Rating: 3 out of 5 *
Hotness Rating: 3 out of 5 <3

I guess my absolute love of the first book gave me high expectations because I was a bit disappointed in this one. The story was fine. The characters were great. I just felt that when put together, it wasn’t a match. The entire time I felt like it was disconnected and just overall not right. I didn’t believe that Ares and Trinity were supposed to be in that storyline. It honestly felt like it wasn’t meant to be. But when separated, they were amazing together and the story was interesting.

I liked Trinity, but I didn’t love her. She honestly seemed to have split personalities to me, even though that wasn’t the case at all. How she acted normally compared to how she had to act were so completely different, they really should have been separate people. However, she was incredibly strong, intelligent, and skilled. She thought well on her toes and reacted just as quickly. She was loyal to her people, but equally as loyal to Ares. She had a hard time suppressing whom she really was, and that caused some nice tension, but she learned fast and figured out how to disguise it to help herself and Ares.

Ares was definitely an interesting character. Getting a giant taste of the way things run in the vampire city, he was just as intriguing as the world he lived in. He tried to make the vampire way of a life more bearable both for himself and his serfs. He was very compassionate, but absolutely feral when he had to be. He hated being lied to and got incredibly angry when betrayed. He’s very upfront about everything, and passionate on a level that would scorch even the iciest of hearts. He was very intelligent and determined to help and save those in need. His love for Trinity was rocky, being tested quite a bit, but ultimately he found the perfect companion to help him and made him happy for the rest of eternity.

I wish I had felt like the characters and the story matched. I really did. But I just couldn’t get behind it. I still enjoyed the book, just nowhere near as much as the first. This huge taste of vampire life was very interesting and at times, very rough. I wonder where Krinard is going to go from here.

[Karine Darnessy · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’est ma première incursion dans la collection Nocturne de l’éditeur et j’avoue avoir été agréablement surprise par ma lecture.

Trinity est une dhampir et ancien soldat envoyer à la Citadelle pour récolter des informations susceptibles de renseigner l’Enclave sur la possibilité qu’une autre guerre se déclenche entre humains et opirs. Arès est un maître opirs qui se différencie de ses congénères aussi bien physiquement que moralement. Il côtoie peu les autres opirs et éprouve un intérêt pour les comportements humains que les opirs sont censés ne pas éprouver.

Tout d’abord, on peut croire à une énième histoire de vampires comme les autres. Or, j’ai été curieusement et agréablement surprise par l’univers dépeint dans cette histoire. Le livre est certes assez court, mais au fil de celui-ci j’en ai appris un peu plus sur le fonctionnement de la hiérarchie et les lois d’Erebus, la citadelle des opirs plongée dans une nuit éternelle. Une politique complexe que l’on effleure à peine mais qui semble intéressante.

Les personnages ne sont pas caricaturaux, Trinity a son caractère qui lui vaudra de se faire taper sur les doigts car une esclave est censée être docile et obéissante, et ne parler que si le maître lui en donne l’autorisation. Quant à Arès, il est attachant à sa manière même si je lui ai trouvé un manque d’autorité à certains moments. On aurait plutôt dit un gros nounours se mettant en colère. Les personnages secondaires sont sympathiques et une partie d’entre eux restent dans l’ombre tout en intervenant à leur façon. Ce qui à mon sens donne à l’histoire des éléments qui pourrait être crédibles si les opirs existaient vraiment.

J’aurais juste une petite déception concernant la fin du roman. J’ai trouvé dommage une fin comme ça et aurais aimé un épilogue car l’auteur nous laisse en plan. Moi qui n’aime pas les fins ouvertes, j’aurais voulu savoir ce qui se passait après tous les événements survenus, savoir les changements qui allaient s’opérer dans le futur.

http://songedunenuitdete.com/2015/07/...

[Shai Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lately I have been running into some great books that just happen to be part of a series yet they stand alone beautifully. This always brings a smile to my face and encourages me to search out the backlist and to watch for further releases. NIGHTMASTER happens to be one of these books.



I found both Trinity and Ares to be very interesting characters. One feels that she has no emotions and the other was raised to believe that his race has none of the softer emotions such as love. The world in which they exist differs from our own in that the humans have been in a war with the Opir for years and there are lies existing on both sides that these two must overcome.



I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any of my readers who enjoy hot paranormal romances. NIGHTMASTER is sure to hold your interest in all ways.



*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellently written book about a twisted world of vampirism.

Vampires have their own domain where the human population outside send criminals to be auctioned as serfs to the vampires.

Trinity is sent as a spy for the Underground (humans), because she is 1/2 human & 1/2 vampire in total disguise. She catches the eye of two rivaling high ranking male vampires. One wins out... Ares. Now this causes a stir among all the vampires, and they are interested in the one woman who could cause all the uproar. This is a political book about a pending war between Vampires & humans.

I liked this book, all through until the end... It was intense until then...Then it wasn't great anymore. Still, Susan Krinard is a good author & I would read any book she writes. I think this publisher needs to amp up it's covers too. This one looks cheesy.

[Tasneem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting concept but I thought the author overplayed Trinity's power and abilities. She was like a super woman, and Ares, because he was so completely in love with her lost his power in my eyes. He was supposedly so strong, but was not really in control of him self. I didn't like that. And although I've given it a 3 star rating, I think it deserves a 2.5. The plot is good, the world is interesting, but they are over-done.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful idea, that is futuristic while delved in fantasy. The concept of human criminals being sent to an extravagant vampire city was refreshing; as was the detail put into showing the ranks among the vampire lords and ladies. This is a vampire romance novel with action and deception woven into the plot. The characters feel developed and are given their own part to play in the story. A great read all around.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Nightsiders series. I didn't read book one but I had no trouble with this story. In a world where humans provide "criminals" to the vampires for their blood, there is still an fighting underground trying to make life better for the human serfs. I've read a lot of Susan Krinard's books and this is a nice series. A love story set in an alternative type world.

[Kesha]

This book feels like its going nowhere very slowly. He has already figured out she is trying to use sex to control him, but he only wants to have sex with her if she is willing to give him everything. The weird thing is her blood is kinda of addictive for vampires but she is cloaking who she is, a dhampir. If you are willing to die for the cause, then you should use everything at your disposal.

[Harlequin Books]

"The mythology of the war between humans and the Opir race and their bloodslaves makes for an interesting storyline. Nightmaster combines great sexual tension and almost non-stop action." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars at RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Nightsiders

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series! The perfect mix of a little futuristic Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy feel (not arc) and paranormal romance.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a world where vampires rule and the slightest infraction of the laws gets humans sent to be blood slaves the author creates a new look on vampire society.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was fast paced and exciting. I hadn't read the first book in the series but now I really want to

[Alia Makki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it so wrong to show instead of tell-elaborately-in-very-long-dialogue-scenes in a romance? Really?