Awesome Australian vampire saga begins...
4 and 3/4 stars, 1/4 lost only for typos and not enough ...adult interactions (IMO, of course)
Let me preface this by saying that I finished this awesome story a few days ago, very wound up in excitement for the next book in Mr. Speer's Undeadly Secrets series. I'd wanted to settle myself, and my thoughts, before writing my review. I'd wanted my review to be concise, not overly "fan-girlish", and detailed enough to encourage people to read the book yet not give any spoilers that would ruin the experience. Trouble was, the more I tried to reign myself in, the more I didn't like the way it "sounded" in my head. So, taking my own advice that I give to others, I'm going with my gut, writing my thoughts as they come to get them free of my mind.
I should begin by saying that I am an American, reading my first Australian author, my first book set in Australia. It was incredible! I learned some Australian lingo that I affectionately refer to as "Aussie-isms", easily understood via context. I learned tidbits of Australian history, could easily learn more via the author's links within the story. Another first for this reader, to be given such information, if I want it. Australian history is a part of the refreshingly unique interpretation of the vampires in this story. I've read all sorts of vampire fiction over the years, and this was a believable mix of old and new concepts, cleverly "proven" with historical facts. Mr. Speer's vampires are fascinating to learn about, and he slowly gives more information throughout the story, so you can guess a little, then be proven wrong in the best way. Nothing predictable here, no information-dumping all-at-once, and that's a very good thing. These vamps are a little bit old-school scary, ruthless, inhumane, and yet a little bit intriguing, sensual, and enviable. A must read for fans of vampires, even if romance isn't your thing.
This book is a great mix, I think, of UF and PNR. There's the incredible world-building, mystery and at times violent thriller aspect of UF. We're also given a deliciously sexy, supernatural hero inherent in PNR. No annoying "insta-love" thankfully. Just an expertly-paced build-up that leaves you wanting more , like right now.
I've always been a very critical reader, finding flaws in everything, frustrated when I see what gets published these days. Imagine my surprise when I literally could not put this story down! Interruptions to my reading such as needing to make dinner, wash the laundry, etc were deeply resented as I read about Dante, Alexandra, the people close to them. I honestly haven't felt this way in way too long, and am grateful to this author for bringing the joy of reading back to me. I'd been quite miserable after recently finishing novels, or struggling to finish a few more chapters of some, by "best-selling authors". Then here comes this new guy from Australia with the most well-thought-out tale I've encountered in some time. He kept me reading, kept me guessing, and kept me wanting more. His characters reflect people we've all known or at least met, and some you just love to hate. But for me, it was feeling that anger toward the "villains" , feeling the ability to relate to some of the characters, feeling the eagerness to turn the page that got to me. I hadn't been feeling much of anything in the books I'd read recently, other than groaning irritation, having to literally put them down and walk away. Now, I'm groaning in eager anticipation for the next book in this series!
So, for a synopsis of plot, I recommend reading the description and some of the other reviews, I don't want to ruin the joy of discovery at all Just know this is nowhere near the "typical" anything. This is a brilliant world of modern-day vampires in Australia, told in a gradually unfolding tale of layered details. There's drama, mystery, suspense, love, lust, scares, and thrills. Reading this was one hell of a great ride, and I can't wait to run right back in line for another.