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Blood Destiny #5
Blood Royal
"Rene', what will you do if I kick his ass?" I jerked my head toward Tony.
"Nothing, as long as you do not inflict permanent harm," Rene' smiled slightly. I got up to go after Tony, but Wlodek hauled me back.
"We will not allow a brawl between our two youngest," he declared and settled me back in my seat. "Now, Anthony, where may we find your father and does he have other children?"
Xenides is searching for Lissa and out for blood. Nothing less than total destruction is his ultimate objective, beginning with the Vampire Council. After all, much of his elite fighting force was destroyed by Wlodek and his allies on a single night.
Now, Xenides must regroup and looks to command the dregs of vampire rogues and human criminals to accomplish his goals.
"Nothing, as long as you do not inflict permanent harm," Rene' smiled slightly. I got up to go after Tony, but Wlodek hauled me back.
"We will not allow a brawl between our two youngest," he declared and settled me back in my seat. "Now, Anthony, where may we find your father and does he have other children?"
Xenides is searching for Lissa and out for blood. Nothing less than total destruction is his ultimate objective, beginning with the Vampire Council. After all, much of his elite fighting force was destroyed by Wlodek and his allies on a single night.
Now, Xenides must regroup and looks to command the dregs of vampire rogues and human criminals to accomplish his goals.
ebook
First published November 13, 2011
58 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Connie Suttle
76 books806 followersConnie Suttle lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three cats.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
Connie holds an MFA in Fine Art (film production and animation) and taught courses at the university level before moving on to bookstore management. Nowadays, if she isn't writing or editing, she's dreaming up her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 16, 2013
I read the first 4 books and just finished this one.
OMG.
I give up. What started as a pretty good urban vampire fantasy series has morphed into something so confusing and painful that I am now declaring this train wreck territory.
I kept hoping that Lissa would develop a spine somewhere but nope and her list of lovers is now so long I can't keep them straight.
OMG.
I give up. What started as a pretty good urban vampire fantasy series has morphed into something so confusing and painful that I am now declaring this train wreck territory.
I kept hoping that Lissa would develop a spine somewhere but nope and her list of lovers is now so long I can't keep them straight.
March 2, 2016
Lissa is back trying to stop the evil vampires and their terrorist minions doing nefarious things for reasons (it would be nice if they actually explained a little of why they’re doing this beyond EVIL AND EVIL SPACE ELVES)
She has her bag of tricks and super powers to stop them – but she has to do that with her leash constantly being pulled by the men in her life. Her fathers, her husbands, they all have plans for her, they all have an agenda and they all have uses for her. Whether she wants it or not
Ok, I’m going to write a lot about the toxic trainwreck that is Lissa’s relationships in this book so I’m going to cover everything else briefly before diving into that cess pool
The writing/plot in general –lazy lazy lazy. We have aliens dropping in for no other reason than to be ridiculously powerful and scatter deux ex plot-solvers in their wake. We have alien worlds that are still less alien than Ohio – seriously, Lissa would have more culture shock travelling to China than she would have going to these worlds. We have a species of proto-vampires which in any other book may have been an interesting way to develop an actual culture and a way for vampires to exist as an independent species – but no, this is a useful slave species who are also useful food. This is about it.
Which applies, pretty much, to Lissa’s powers of well. Super misting that lets her kill everyone. The actual power to smell evil to render any kind of tracking, investigation or questioning or any actual work completely moot. Every encounter is just resolved by throwing super powers at it.
We have the same minimal diversity – another world with almost no female supernaturals because REASONS, gay characters who lurk in the background and POC largely being absent (but we have a sinister Middle-Eastern terrorist)
Now the cess pool. This book continues on the series’ habit of having one of the worst relationships I’ve encountered. And, ye gods, that is saying something considering what I have read
Lissa’s history of abuse actually exacerbates everything because all of her reaction to the terrible way everyone – and especially Gavin – inflicts on her is all blames on her past and being such a delicate fragile female, bless her little dainty heart. Him screaming and breaking things in a raging snit because she dares to not obey him causes her to collapse in terror – and it’s because she’s fragile, not because he’s abusive. And everyone’s supposed to accept that his behaviour isn’t abusive because he won’t hit her – that’s the toxic message of this book; if he doesn’t hit her, it’s not abuse. He can scream and yell. He can swear and rage for hours. He can refuse to listen to her and berate her. He can be a constant reminder of the fact he once imprisoned and threatened to have her killed. But it’s not “abuse” if it’s not violent… apparently (and the constant underlying threat of violence doesn’t count?).
And all of this is doubly clear by how AWARE Lissa is of his disapproval, of his emotions – it’s the hyper-aware reaction of an abuse victim constantly worried about his reaction. She’s constantly worried about how Gavin will react – even when defying him and doing her own thing anyway it’s with full acknowledgement of the fact that Gavin will disapprove and there will be consequences.
This doesn’t just apply to Gavin – just about every relationship she has with the men in this book (and they are ALL men. There are two teeny tiny female roles that barely appear otherwise it’s all men men men) is toxic. In fact, except for one FBI agent and some tiny side characters, they all slot into 3 categories:
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She has her bag of tricks and super powers to stop them – but she has to do that with her leash constantly being pulled by the men in her life. Her fathers, her husbands, they all have plans for her, they all have an agenda and they all have uses for her. Whether she wants it or not
Ok, I’m going to write a lot about the toxic trainwreck that is Lissa’s relationships in this book so I’m going to cover everything else briefly before diving into that cess pool
The writing/plot in general –lazy lazy lazy. We have aliens dropping in for no other reason than to be ridiculously powerful and scatter deux ex plot-solvers in their wake. We have alien worlds that are still less alien than Ohio – seriously, Lissa would have more culture shock travelling to China than she would have going to these worlds. We have a species of proto-vampires which in any other book may have been an interesting way to develop an actual culture and a way for vampires to exist as an independent species – but no, this is a useful slave species who are also useful food. This is about it.
Which applies, pretty much, to Lissa’s powers of well. Super misting that lets her kill everyone. The actual power to smell evil to render any kind of tracking, investigation or questioning or any actual work completely moot. Every encounter is just resolved by throwing super powers at it.
We have the same minimal diversity – another world with almost no female supernaturals because REASONS, gay characters who lurk in the background and POC largely being absent (but we have a sinister Middle-Eastern terrorist)
Now the cess pool. This book continues on the series’ habit of having one of the worst relationships I’ve encountered. And, ye gods, that is saying something considering what I have read
Lissa’s history of abuse actually exacerbates everything because all of her reaction to the terrible way everyone – and especially Gavin – inflicts on her is all blames on her past and being such a delicate fragile female, bless her little dainty heart. Him screaming and breaking things in a raging snit because she dares to not obey him causes her to collapse in terror – and it’s because she’s fragile, not because he’s abusive. And everyone’s supposed to accept that his behaviour isn’t abusive because he won’t hit her – that’s the toxic message of this book; if he doesn’t hit her, it’s not abuse. He can scream and yell. He can swear and rage for hours. He can refuse to listen to her and berate her. He can be a constant reminder of the fact he once imprisoned and threatened to have her killed. But it’s not “abuse” if it’s not violent… apparently (and the constant underlying threat of violence doesn’t count?).
And all of this is doubly clear by how AWARE Lissa is of his disapproval, of his emotions – it’s the hyper-aware reaction of an abuse victim constantly worried about his reaction. She’s constantly worried about how Gavin will react – even when defying him and doing her own thing anyway it’s with full acknowledgement of the fact that Gavin will disapprove and there will be consequences.
This doesn’t just apply to Gavin – just about every relationship she has with the men in this book (and they are ALL men. There are two teeny tiny female roles that barely appear otherwise it’s all men men men) is toxic. In fact, except for one FBI agent and some tiny side characters, they all slot into 3 categories:
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December 24, 2011
I keep waiting for Lissa to realize she is stronger then she thinks she is, and tell the council off. they need her more then she needs them.
November 14, 2011
Blood Royal is the fifth book in the Blood Destiny series by Connie Suttle. The story of Lissa, the unintentional (and unconventional!) vampire continues. The character development is rich and satisfying. Lissa becomes acquainted with her real father, who is instrumental in helping her understand her unique abilities and perhaps how she can use them for the betterment of the universe. Lissa's contentious relationship with the vampire aristocracy, and particularly the vampire council, escalates as she grows in her abilities in spite of the constant efforts by the men in her life to control her. Their inability to adapt their relationships with Lissa, considering her increasingly powerful abilities as she develops into a full Vampire Queen, is a constant source of frustration for Lissa. She is faced with perceived physical violence, mental cruelty that evokes disturbing memories and emotions from her past, and efforts at intellectual and emotional control over her by nearly all the men who surround her. But along with her blossoming talents as a Queen, Lissa's enormous ability to forgive those transgressions by the people she loves only expands even further.
The storyline also advances, finding Lissa and crew in a cat and mouse game of chase with the evil vampire Xenides, who is determined to destroy the vampire aristocracy and to possess Lissa, and all of her unique abilities, for himself. The denouement is fast paced and very satisfying, leaving the reader feeling like he just pushed back from a delicious meal! And there's more to come! Lissa is whisked off at the last moment to engage in battle and attempt to save the forces of good ... Well, you'll just have to wait for Blood Queen for that story!
The storyline also advances, finding Lissa and crew in a cat and mouse game of chase with the evil vampire Xenides, who is determined to destroy the vampire aristocracy and to possess Lissa, and all of her unique abilities, for himself. The denouement is fast paced and very satisfying, leaving the reader feeling like he just pushed back from a delicious meal! And there's more to come! Lissa is whisked off at the last moment to engage in battle and attempt to save the forces of good ... Well, you'll just have to wait for Blood Queen for that story!
June 28, 2012
I have to admit, I found this book the most boring out of all the series and yet it was still likable. I did not like the fact that certain people died. I still do not like Gavin, I believe him to be abusive and there are many forms of abuse, I'm not talking about the physical sense. I love Wilkner but he apparently can't be with Lissa. I hope the next novel shapes up.
January 9, 2019
MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I liked this book. While it definitely wasn't my favorite in the series, there were certain elements in it that weren't present before and I really enjoyed those aspects. The book was fast paced for the most part and did have some really heartfelt moments that I enjoyed.
I felt like this book symbolized where Lissa was before (by being a female vampire) to where she has come (by now being a Queen). She has grown a lot throughout the series. Lissa might make some bad decisions when it comes to the controlling men in her life, but she is a strong female character who has had so much character development. Each book brings new obstacles and more hardships her way and she just keeps fighting and fighting. That is strength to me. The ability to keep getting up again every time someone knocks you down. When you feel like the walls are crumbling down and you just want to give up but you keeping fighting. Lissa does that in EVERY installment and it truly amazes me how she has changed and grown so much but is still the same person she was when the series started. There are a few times where she gets on my nerves and I disagree with her decisions (especially where Gavin and the rest of the males are concerned) but I still really love and admire her character.
If you haven't seen my previous reviews, I will say it again... I hate Gavin. I feel like his relationship with Lissa is toxic and unhealthy. I feel like she didn't have a say in starting the relationship and she sure as hell didn't have a say in this "marriage" between them. Gavin is emotionally and mentally abusive and I feel like the characters in the book overlook it because it isn't physically abuse, which is not okay. This book only proved that more. At one point, Gavin gets so angry that he starts clenching his fists like he is going to hit Lissa, which causes her to have a full emotional and mental breakdown. I feel like Gavin does way more harm than good to Lissa and I really dislike their relationship. At this point, I think Gavin is here to stay (at least in Lissa's mind) and I have just accepted it. I know she ends up with more mates and I'm not going to let Gavin ruin the series for me. I don't care about his character at all. I wouldn't bat an eyelash if he died, I just don't think that is going to happen so I'm over it.
The reason this book got a low rating for me was because of the plot. I don't know if it was because I loved the last book so much or if it was just not for me, but I felt like the plot dragged and didn't really pick up until the last 40 pages or so.
While I didn't like the plot of the novel, I did really enjoy the character development and the emotional scenes we got. I cried over René's death which I honestly wasn't expecting. I also cried when Lissa found out about Greg. I definitely felt more connected with Lissa and the other characters by the end of the book.
Honorable Mention: Roff. He was a breath of fresh air and every time he was in a scene, I smiled. He was so devoted to Lissa and I cried when he had to go home. I really hope to see more of him in the future because he was honestly my favorite part of the whole book. That cliff-hanger is killing me and I am itching to start the next book which I will be doing soon.
I liked this book. While it definitely wasn't my favorite in the series, there were certain elements in it that weren't present before and I really enjoyed those aspects. The book was fast paced for the most part and did have some really heartfelt moments that I enjoyed.
I felt like this book symbolized where Lissa was before (by being a female vampire) to where she has come (by now being a Queen). She has grown a lot throughout the series. Lissa might make some bad decisions when it comes to the controlling men in her life, but she is a strong female character who has had so much character development. Each book brings new obstacles and more hardships her way and she just keeps fighting and fighting. That is strength to me. The ability to keep getting up again every time someone knocks you down. When you feel like the walls are crumbling down and you just want to give up but you keeping fighting. Lissa does that in EVERY installment and it truly amazes me how she has changed and grown so much but is still the same person she was when the series started. There are a few times where she gets on my nerves and I disagree with her decisions (especially where Gavin and the rest of the males are concerned) but I still really love and admire her character.
If you haven't seen my previous reviews, I will say it again... I hate Gavin. I feel like his relationship with Lissa is toxic and unhealthy. I feel like she didn't have a say in starting the relationship and she sure as hell didn't have a say in this "marriage" between them. Gavin is emotionally and mentally abusive and I feel like the characters in the book overlook it because it isn't physically abuse, which is not okay. This book only proved that more. At one point, Gavin gets so angry that he starts clenching his fists like he is going to hit Lissa, which causes her to have a full emotional and mental breakdown. I feel like Gavin does way more harm than good to Lissa and I really dislike their relationship. At this point, I think Gavin is here to stay (at least in Lissa's mind) and I have just accepted it. I know she ends up with more mates and I'm not going to let Gavin ruin the series for me. I don't care about his character at all. I wouldn't bat an eyelash if he died, I just don't think that is going to happen so I'm over it.
The reason this book got a low rating for me was because of the plot. I don't know if it was because I loved the last book so much or if it was just not for me, but I felt like the plot dragged and didn't really pick up until the last 40 pages or so.
While I didn't like the plot of the novel, I did really enjoy the character development and the emotional scenes we got. I cried over René's death which I honestly wasn't expecting. I also cried when Lissa found out about Greg. I definitely felt more connected with Lissa and the other characters by the end of the book.
Honorable Mention: Roff. He was a breath of fresh air and every time he was in a scene, I smiled. He was so devoted to Lissa and I cried when he had to go home. I really hope to see more of him in the future because he was honestly my favorite part of the whole book. That cliff-hanger is killing me and I am itching to start the next book which I will be doing soon.
June 5, 2017
This was good, but I see so much that feels like a repeat. I guess if I had read this first I'd have thought it about Reah's books. Lissa is forced to do bidding for the Council and isn't able to make her own choices, much . It's a bit annoying to see this pattern, but I get over it because the story is interesting and I feel like I need to know what happens.
On the flip side, I do not like Gavin. He's kind of an abuser or has abuser looking tendencies. She does something, and he flips out. She gets injured, he flips out. That got old so far, and Lissa allowing Gavin to do that to her made me feel bad about Lissa. See in Reah's book she's a very strong person, so I'm having to reconcile that person with this person who hasn't been through the things of the Lissa I've seen. Basically I'm starting with Lissa not being a strong person because she's having her growth now, and I saw the results first. So while I understand Lissa cries a lot, and has these issues I have to remind myself that she is going through the change of character growth. So no fault to the author on that. So I feel like Lissa is weak. Which in some ways she is, compared to the future. But she is also strong, so I continue to read these stories while the men in these series tromp all over the women "for the greater good". But I can't wait for Lissa to start owning her actions when she finally can make decisions for herself.
Where we leave off sucks though, but I suspect we meet some mates. Hopefully Lissa doesn't feel too badly about it. I honestly have issues with her loyalty to Gavin, I don't feel like he earned it. I long for deeper connection, all I see them do is argue, have sex, talk, argue. Blah. But I'm still invested, I want to see her with the other guys.
On the flip side, I do not like Gavin. He's kind of an abuser or has abuser looking tendencies. She does something, and he flips out. She gets injured, he flips out. That got old so far, and Lissa allowing Gavin to do that to her made me feel bad about Lissa. See in Reah's book she's a very strong person, so I'm having to reconcile that person with this person who hasn't been through the things of the Lissa I've seen. Basically I'm starting with Lissa not being a strong person because she's having her growth now, and I saw the results first. So while I understand Lissa cries a lot, and has these issues I have to remind myself that she is going through the change of character growth. So no fault to the author on that. So I feel like Lissa is weak. Which in some ways she is, compared to the future. But she is also strong, so I continue to read these stories while the men in these series tromp all over the women "for the greater good". But I can't wait for Lissa to start owning her actions when she finally can make decisions for herself.
Where we leave off sucks though, but I suspect we meet some mates. Hopefully Lissa doesn't feel too badly about it. I honestly have issues with her loyalty to Gavin, I don't feel like he earned it. I long for deeper connection, all I see them do is argue, have sex, talk, argue. Blah. But I'm still invested, I want to see her with the other guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2012
I would have read this one 5 minutes after it came out had I know it was on Amazon. I don't know why I love Lissa and her 900 friends so much but I do. Lissa, the reluctant vampire heroine, goes thru more changes with the vampires, werewolves, and off-world weird creatures than should be allowed. I don't know what to make of all the directions other than it keeps me reading. There are enough characters for three books, easily. I don't know how I keep up with them but somehow I do.
To be honest, I don't think anyone but Ms. Suttle could twist me in this many knots and fling me from romance, to UF, then SF multiple times over. I am never bored, I don't want to skip, and I like the messiness that is Lissa's reality. There are several plot directions that made me scratch my head but didn't unhinge me from the Kindle. One minute I love Lissa and the next I want to smack her. The part that scares me is that I get her and I like the fact that I can't guess what's coming next. I also like the SF aspect since I hardly ever get to read the genre. The romance is not as interesting to me as it was in the first couple of books. This is not erotica and I am actually glad about that. It would be too much.
Basically, this series is like my beloved Maryland crabs -- you gotta do some work but it's worth it for the sweet meaty treats. I am so reading the next one although it goes to the future...a plot device I generally hate outside of Highlanders. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a little of everything in the pot. If you like it neat and predictable, don't bother because you will become frustrated. It's perfect for that part of me that fights my OCD reading tendencies.
To be honest, I don't think anyone but Ms. Suttle could twist me in this many knots and fling me from romance, to UF, then SF multiple times over. I am never bored, I don't want to skip, and I like the messiness that is Lissa's reality. There are several plot directions that made me scratch my head but didn't unhinge me from the Kindle. One minute I love Lissa and the next I want to smack her. The part that scares me is that I get her and I like the fact that I can't guess what's coming next. I also like the SF aspect since I hardly ever get to read the genre. The romance is not as interesting to me as it was in the first couple of books. This is not erotica and I am actually glad about that. It would be too much.
Basically, this series is like my beloved Maryland crabs -- you gotta do some work but it's worth it for the sweet meaty treats. I am so reading the next one although it goes to the future...a plot device I generally hate outside of Highlanders. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a little of everything in the pot. If you like it neat and predictable, don't bother because you will become frustrated. It's perfect for that part of me that fights my OCD reading tendencies.
June 17, 2013
Cute! These books are like potato chips.
I can't WAIT for Liss to go somewhere else again! This cast of characters is taxing my mind. I read nothing but these books and I have no clue who half of these people are. Really.
Years ago I barely got through the first Game of Thrones book (hated everyone!!), have never watched the series, and I have a better grip on those character names than the ones in this series that consumes my every free moment.
Ramdomir. Kiarra. Pheligar, Charles, Wlodek, Will, Russell, Brock, Stephan, Martin, Mack, Adam. Griffin, Merrill, Dragon. Roff, Giff, Xenides, Gavin (boo), Tony, Jovana, Franklin, Greg, Saxom, Lena, Darly. Bryan, Rahim, Winkler, Kelly, Kenneth, Sarita, Karzac, Rene, Kifirin, Deryn and Paul.
That's not even a third of the people, and skips 90% of the werewolves. Also missing are all of the vampires on that other planet where she went that time and fought those things. You know what I mean.
Why do people complain about the planet-skipping? At least when Lissa heads to a new planet I have hopes of dealing with a smaller population.
And if I read ONE MORE review complaining about her "turning into Anita Blake" or calling Lissa a "sl*t" I'll flame the lot of you. A Sl*t? really? She's also a TIME (and space) TRAVELING VAMPIRE QUEEN!! That's normal in your world? Same old same old? Suspend your judgement and enjoy the ride or just get off the bus and stop giving 1 and 2 stars. Go read something else.
Events happen hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands of years apart. Things change. Get with the program haters.
I can't WAIT for Liss to go somewhere else again! This cast of characters is taxing my mind. I read nothing but these books and I have no clue who half of these people are. Really.
Years ago I barely got through the first Game of Thrones book (hated everyone!!), have never watched the series, and I have a better grip on those character names than the ones in this series that consumes my every free moment.
Ramdomir. Kiarra. Pheligar, Charles, Wlodek, Will, Russell, Brock, Stephan, Martin, Mack, Adam. Griffin, Merrill, Dragon. Roff, Giff, Xenides, Gavin (boo), Tony, Jovana, Franklin, Greg, Saxom, Lena, Darly. Bryan, Rahim, Winkler, Kelly, Kenneth, Sarita, Karzac, Rene, Kifirin, Deryn and Paul.
That's not even a third of the people, and skips 90% of the werewolves. Also missing are all of the vampires on that other planet where she went that time and fought those things. You know what I mean.
Why do people complain about the planet-skipping? At least when Lissa heads to a new planet I have hopes of dealing with a smaller population.
And if I read ONE MORE review complaining about her "turning into Anita Blake" or calling Lissa a "sl*t" I'll flame the lot of you. A Sl*t? really? She's also a TIME (and space) TRAVELING VAMPIRE QUEEN!! That's normal in your world? Same old same old? Suspend your judgement and enjoy the ride or just get off the bus and stop giving 1 and 2 stars. Go read something else.
Events happen hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands of years apart. Things change. Get with the program haters.
November 22, 2018
Lissa has revealed her secret, and now she must help Tony adjust to his new vampire self. However, Xenies is still out to get her, and thinks that she isn't a vampire Queen.
As more crazy things happen, Lissa is in more danger, and she's having more problems with Gavin than normal as well.
This book was good as well. However, I'm really upset with how the men are treating Lissa. It's so sad at times, I just want to hug her. Lissa handles it really well though, and I'm super proud of how she does things.
This cliffhanger ending killed me! I can't believe it did that, it was crazy. I'm super ready to read more now.
As more crazy things happen, Lissa is in more danger, and she's having more problems with Gavin than normal as well.
This book was good as well. However, I'm really upset with how the men are treating Lissa. It's so sad at times, I just want to hug her. Lissa handles it really well though, and I'm super proud of how she does things.
This cliffhanger ending killed me! I can't believe it did that, it was crazy. I'm super ready to read more now.
March 11, 2018
Loved this rather weird book, with too many characters, too many worlds and the h races back and forth, being treated like a pet, and too often kept ignorant, by all the men in life. So many men too. . She is so talented, obviously important yet her men lie to her constantly, and keep her like a slave, owned by the vampire council and the aliens. Her vampire husband is just mean and while we see why, he's old and a slave to the council too, I hope he gets what he deserves. I liked the Vampire Council, not sure about the alien worlds, too many at once is confusing.
December 17, 2011
There are so many things that annoy me as I'm reading these books - but they have some kind of un-put-down-able quality that I wish I could bottle.
These are an auto purchase for me but I live in hope that Lissa will kick Gavin to the kerb, stick something wooden and pointy through Tony Hancock's empty heart and stop crying and shaking and stop letting males pick her up and carry her around!
I have a feeling that some of things will be rectified in the next one.
These are an auto purchase for me but I live in hope that Lissa will kick Gavin to the kerb, stick something wooden and pointy through Tony Hancock's empty heart and stop crying and shaking and stop letting males pick her up and carry her around!
I have a feeling that some of things will be rectified in the next one.
December 30, 2020
Oh man this is a hard one. We lose some good characters it breaks my heart the way they don’t think Lissa can handle it. I also wonder sometimes if the author doesn’t really like Gavin he seems to always be angry. Lissa and he are perfect if he wasn’t always yelling. I think the author needs to let up on him.
The ending has me confused an wondering what just in the heck is going to happen to Lissa and the rest of the gang.
I loved the fight scenes.
Again the narration is awesome. :)
The ending has me confused an wondering what just in the heck is going to happen to Lissa and the rest of the gang.
I loved the fight scenes.
Again the narration is awesome. :)
November 7, 2025
Holy cow! I laughed more through this book than the other four combined, while I also cried through parts of it. Amazing story by an amazing author! The ending, once again, was so fantastic that it leaves you wanting more and more and more! An amazing read that everyone should enjoy no matter the genre they usually read.
November 21, 2011
Again I repeat... GET A BACKBONE Lissa!! Ugh. The males in this book are so dominating. And Lissa has terrible things kept from her and said to her, and the way she is treated is totally ridiculous! She forgives Gavin at the drop of a hat even though he treats her like crap. I am finding this series increasingly disappointing.
October 31, 2012
I bought 8 of her Blood Destiny books at once, and I'm sorry I did. I hated books 4 and 5. Choppy and disjointed, and just bad books.
November 29, 2018
i really like the story. but really. does she have to go around kissing everybody? *frustrated*
April 7, 2018
Once again I enjoyed the action, the interactions between Lissa and her friends (and enemies) but I found things to be confusing at times and whilst I understood that Lissa is young in the vampire world, the secrets and the way that people treated her got to me a little. I really hope that is fixed in the future. I also started to really really dislike Gavin. Not enough to put me off the story but I just did not get their relationship. Anyway enough about that. All the politics, intrigue and mayhem were just up my street and it was an immensely tense and action packed ride on the hunt for Xenides. There was loss in this book too, in more than one way, and it broke my heart a little. It certainly packed an emotional punch, and with that ending? I am really glad that the next is available!!
January 16, 2019
I AM D O N E !!! Can't stand Lisa, can't stand her doormat behavior AND what's the worst can't stand her 'relationship' with Gavin!!! My gooooodddd!!! Who writes a book where being forced into marriage, listening to hours of verbal abuse, treating someone like brainless twit ends up with heroine falling in love and making passionate love to aforementioned 'hubby'. I liked the plot and the universe but since Lisa hasn't grown any spine and self respect and every five pages I wan't to kill her myself because she let's EVERYONE walk all over her I AM D O N E !!!
October 23, 2018
Yes finally!
Paranormal. Uf. Vampires. Werewolves. Aliens. This time Lissa and the others are after Xenides this time. It also contains a bunch of heartbreak and more dickishness from the guys all-around.
Paranormal. Uf. Vampires. Werewolves. Aliens. This time Lissa and the others are after Xenides this time. It also contains a bunch of heartbreak and more dickishness from the guys all-around.
November 6, 2017
Fantastic
This is a series that will cause you to lose sleep and then crave more books by this author. I am reading this story for the fifth or sixth time. ENJOY
This is a series that will cause you to lose sleep and then crave more books by this author. I am reading this story for the fifth or sixth time. ENJOY
February 19, 2018
This was another great outing from Connie, there were even some tears
July 18, 2019
Good news: the Bad Guy dies.
Bad news: another crisis.
Getting tired of the cliff hanger endings.
Bad news: another crisis.
Getting tired of the cliff hanger endings.
December 12, 2019
Romance in this series is bad.
June 4, 2020
Notes:
Well poo. The book was not as funny as I thought it would be and there was a lot of the awkward drama based on politics/trauma. Taking a short break before I go back into this series.
Well poo. The book was not as funny as I thought it would be and there was a lot of the awkward drama based on politics/trauma. Taking a short break before I go back into this series.
August 19, 2021
Intense!
Great continuation of Lissa's story! As per usual with Lissa's books, it contains adventure, action, romance, intense emotions, you name it!
Great continuation of Lissa's story! As per usual with Lissa's books, it contains adventure, action, romance, intense emotions, you name it!
July 11, 2020
Book 5 in the series, after book 4 ending in such a cliff hanger I was preparing myself for the worst. Connie has got a way of writing that draws you in and you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. However having said that I am now starting to get annoyed with the storyline. Its just getting overly complicated and Lissa is starting to grate on me.
December 9, 2015
It's tough being a Queen, sigh. It's official, and Wlodek, the jerk in charge, has finally accepted that Lissa is a Queen, and their ain't nutin he can do about it!
Lissa returns from her other-worldly mission, only to be hit head on with a shocking revelation, a newbie vamp, and a psycho killer problem. Just when I thought this story of Lissa's couldn't get any cooler, more complicated, intense or dramatic, it did. I loved every chapter, every paragraph of this book! The new characters that were introduced from Blood Domination have entered Lissa's world with only a raised brow from her fellow vamp family. As Lissa learns more about her heritage and the vampire history, she becomes even more dangerous to the vampire council with her powers. In order to pursue Xenides, the very scary vampire that is after Lissa, the council coordinates with a U.S. Government special task force, the werewolves, and of course Lissa, to take his ass down. Xenides has waged war on Lissa's family until she goes to him willingly. He only wants Lissa for her blood, which allows anyone that drinks it the use of her powers.
Meanwhile on the home front, Merril has taken in a lot of house guests, including a servant that wishes to stay at Lissa's side. Oh my gosh, this little guy is too cute, but when he has to return home, it's so sad because not only has Lissa gotten attached, so have I! The story was intense, but had it's softer moments, with a dash of sexy times included, which made it more real. I felt like although I was taking in a lot of new information, more layers to the existing story, that I never was overwhelmed. The story line was relatively easy to follow, and very action packed! I really appreciated the investigating, and fighting, especially the fighting! I can truly say I can see how *PNR readers can get discouraged by the turn this series has taken, however, the merging of paranormal with science fiction in this case is the most fascinating take on vampirism I have come to read to date. Also, the fact that I love my sexy times included in my stories, and the author fades to black when it comes to sex scenes doesn't take away from the story or disappoint me in any way, shape, or form. I seriously love the direction Lissa is going, and I can't wait to get into Blood Queen, Book 6!!
* PNR= Paranormal Romance
Editor's note; The series is about a vampire, and has werewolves as well but then introduces other planets, where the vampires, and werewolves originated from, which takes on a sci-fi nature with the time travel, and portals.
Narrator Review
Traci Odom returns for the next installment of the Blood Destiny Series, Blood Royal. Now that the story has added new worlds, we have new characters. Traci's job just got harder, and she steps up to the plate like a pro! I can't even count how many different characters are in the book now, but she does an excellent job of differentiating them well enough that I know who is speaking at any given moment. How awesome of a talent is that! On top of the great and wonderful talent of Traci's, the quality of the sound and recording is fantastic as well. Throughout the entire production the sound is seamless. I love Traci Odom, and I love Blood Royal, and I highly recommend this entire series!
Lissa returns from her other-worldly mission, only to be hit head on with a shocking revelation, a newbie vamp, and a psycho killer problem. Just when I thought this story of Lissa's couldn't get any cooler, more complicated, intense or dramatic, it did. I loved every chapter, every paragraph of this book! The new characters that were introduced from Blood Domination have entered Lissa's world with only a raised brow from her fellow vamp family. As Lissa learns more about her heritage and the vampire history, she becomes even more dangerous to the vampire council with her powers. In order to pursue Xenides, the very scary vampire that is after Lissa, the council coordinates with a U.S. Government special task force, the werewolves, and of course Lissa, to take his ass down. Xenides has waged war on Lissa's family until she goes to him willingly. He only wants Lissa for her blood, which allows anyone that drinks it the use of her powers.
Meanwhile on the home front, Merril has taken in a lot of house guests, including a servant that wishes to stay at Lissa's side. Oh my gosh, this little guy is too cute, but when he has to return home, it's so sad because not only has Lissa gotten attached, so have I! The story was intense, but had it's softer moments, with a dash of sexy times included, which made it more real. I felt like although I was taking in a lot of new information, more layers to the existing story, that I never was overwhelmed. The story line was relatively easy to follow, and very action packed! I really appreciated the investigating, and fighting, especially the fighting! I can truly say I can see how *PNR readers can get discouraged by the turn this series has taken, however, the merging of paranormal with science fiction in this case is the most fascinating take on vampirism I have come to read to date. Also, the fact that I love my sexy times included in my stories, and the author fades to black when it comes to sex scenes doesn't take away from the story or disappoint me in any way, shape, or form. I seriously love the direction Lissa is going, and I can't wait to get into Blood Queen, Book 6!!
* PNR= Paranormal Romance
Editor's note; The series is about a vampire, and has werewolves as well but then introduces other planets, where the vampires, and werewolves originated from, which takes on a sci-fi nature with the time travel, and portals.
Narrator Review
Traci Odom returns for the next installment of the Blood Destiny Series, Blood Royal. Now that the story has added new worlds, we have new characters. Traci's job just got harder, and she steps up to the plate like a pro! I can't even count how many different characters are in the book now, but she does an excellent job of differentiating them well enough that I know who is speaking at any given moment. How awesome of a talent is that! On top of the great and wonderful talent of Traci's, the quality of the sound and recording is fantastic as well. Throughout the entire production the sound is seamless. I love Traci Odom, and I love Blood Royal, and I highly recommend this entire series!
March 16, 2019
In this fifth installment in Suttle's Blood Destiny series, we see Lissa coming into her own. In the last novel, she came to a major turning point in her attitude/perspective regarding Wlodek, Merrill and Gavin. In this novel, Lissa goes to work with the new NSA Director, Bill Jennings, to deal with Xenides. That plot line develops and is resolved in this novel. We see Lissa attempting to build relationships with people who have wronged her - Tony, Gavin, Wlodek, etc. We also get some major new insight into Lissa's heritage and abilities. At times, things seems to be going well for Lissa. There is some much needed levity with Wlodek, Flavio and Radomir, and Lissa seems to be receiving respect from those she works with. There is also some major heartache towards the end f the novel. People die, and others have made stupid decisions regarding what information to share with Lissa, which significantly affects the outcome of the novel. In at least one situation, if complete information had been shared, one death could have been avoided.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this novel, but I feel I have to say something about one aspect of Lissa's life. In her relationship with Gavin, there are times when he acts like an abusive spouse, emotionally if not physically. His anger gets out of control, often in ridiculous situations or for stupid reasons, and at one point, Lissa has a breakdown because she thinks Gavin is going to strike her. Later he tries to comfort her by telling her that he'd "never touch her in anger", but that isn't true. There have been innumerable times when he has grabbed her arm or otherwise physically moved her in a controlling way. I'm wary of relationships like this being portrayed as acceptable in our modern day. Yes, everyone has faults, but throughout the series, Gavin doesn't experience much sustained growth in his anger management and relationship skills with Lissa. So it's not as if this point in the series can be used as a contrast for major change later in the series.
Aside from the substantive content, the novel is rife with grammatical errors and a couple bloopers, but overall, the story is still compelling/ intriguing. This novel also ends with a major cliffhanger, which will launch the reader into the next novel in the series with great enthusiasm.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this novel, but I feel I have to say something about one aspect of Lissa's life. In her relationship with Gavin, there are times when he acts like an abusive spouse, emotionally if not physically. His anger gets out of control, often in ridiculous situations or for stupid reasons, and at one point, Lissa has a breakdown because she thinks Gavin is going to strike her. Later he tries to comfort her by telling her that he'd "never touch her in anger", but that isn't true. There have been innumerable times when he has grabbed her arm or otherwise physically moved her in a controlling way. I'm wary of relationships like this being portrayed as acceptable in our modern day. Yes, everyone has faults, but throughout the series, Gavin doesn't experience much sustained growth in his anger management and relationship skills with Lissa. So it's not as if this point in the series can be used as a contrast for major change later in the series.
Aside from the substantive content, the novel is rife with grammatical errors and a couple bloopers, but overall, the story is still compelling/ intriguing. This novel also ends with a major cliffhanger, which will launch the reader into the next novel in the series with great enthusiasm.
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