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Dorina Basarab #3.5
Lover's Knot
One of the most powerful vampires alive has gone missing, which is fine with Dorina Basarab. As a dhampir, a half human, half vampire hybrid, her job is killing vampires, not saving them. But then the man sent to find the missing vampire also goes missing, and he happens to be her lover, Louis-Cesare. She therefore finds herself on a rescue mission with an old enemy, while forgotten memories from deep in her past play out in her head. What are they trying to tell her? And can she figure it out before it's too late?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2017
297 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
62 books5,248 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 6, 2017
I can honestly say that I don't remember anything from the Karen Chance series. You can blame the author on that, its been FOREVER since a Dory book, and we get a novella. Not to same I'm not happy, but I wanted more. I think everyone who will read this short would agree with me. I feel like she's disappointing a core group of her fans, because lets be real everyone doesn't read the Cassie Palmer books. My hand is raised high because I'm one of those folks. I don't read it, tried and failed big time.
I do know how much I loved this series and can't for the life of me figure out where in the hell was MIRCEA at? Like why?? I'm not going to go into the plot because then I'll be all ragey mad at some things. I did enjoy it overall and laughed quite a few times. This just makes me want to go back and re-read the series again.
I do know how much I loved this series and can't for the life of me figure out where in the hell was MIRCEA at? Like why?? I'm not going to go into the plot because then I'll be all ragey mad at some things. I did enjoy it overall and laughed quite a few times. This just makes me want to go back and re-read the series again.
October 3, 2022
Louis-Cesare is missing , and the senator Anthony. Marlowe is more a pain and hindrance, and Radu is helpful.
Is interesting the P.O.V. of Mircea trying to survive a war between vampires and mages in Venice via Dorina's memories, but really annoying in the middle of what is happening in the present with Dory, it's really a mess with the changes in action but especially because seems like a explotion of action and gore like a demented Tarantino film. Too many corpses flying around and fighting and hitting each other.
Is interesting the P.O.V. of Mircea trying to survive a war between vampires and mages in Venice via Dorina's memories, but really annoying in the middle of what is happening in the present with Dory, it's really a mess with the changes in action but especially because seems like a explotion of action and gore like a demented Tarantino film. Too many corpses flying around and fighting and hitting each other.
August 15, 2017
Oh the joy that is a story by Karen Chance can never be overstated. I have enjoyed her Cassie the Pythia stories but the Dory books that connect usually have a completely different feel. Well not this time as it's an immediate action fest at break neck speed that sees Dory well and truly at the not so tender mercies of her inner Dhampir and it really opens up the history of not just Dorina but her powerful Vampire father Mircea. Dory might not care for Vampire politics but she understands the way the Senates work so when Anthony disappears closely followed by Dorys main squeeze Louis-Cesare there's no power on earth to stop her tracing her man but just what is Dorina trying to show her?
Action, humour and magic all combine here to tell another exciting edge of the seat story. If you enjoy the crazy world that Cassie experiences in Las Vegas then this short story sneaks a little bit of that in with the oh so fastidious Radu and his flamboyant style but my lips are sealed as to just how it impacts the ride although I can say the true fashion fans might be a touch boggle eyed ! Words cannot express how much I love these books so if like me you suffer from withdrawal whilst waiting for the next book in either series I strongly recommend reading the novellas available. Plus the author posts short stories on her website ( where I first read this ) so stalking her oops I meant following obviously is always a good way to stay up to date.
Action, humour and magic all combine here to tell another exciting edge of the seat story. If you enjoy the crazy world that Cassie experiences in Las Vegas then this short story sneaks a little bit of that in with the oh so fastidious Radu and his flamboyant style but my lips are sealed as to just how it impacts the ride although I can say the true fashion fans might be a touch boggle eyed ! Words cannot express how much I love these books so if like me you suffer from withdrawal whilst waiting for the next book in either series I strongly recommend reading the novellas available. Plus the author posts short stories on her website ( where I first read this ) so stalking her oops I meant following obviously is always a good way to stay up to date.
June 16, 2017
UPDATE 16 June 2017
Somebody is on the roll! I definitely owe the author my firstborn now. We've had all these massive chapter updates this week and honestly i'm more than just overjoyed. And is that approval i see, Marlowe? Towards Dory?
Is the world coming to an end? Are pigs flying yet? Is hell seeing the light of dawn while covered in snow with roses blooming all over Abaddon?
Because i cannot understand how on Earth and other planes of existence did Kit approve of something Dory did. And he even smiled while doing so. And he praised her!
Dory should have filmed that moment and then used it as blackmail because, damn that would have been effective.
UPDATE 14 June 2017
*Breathes in, breathes out* We got 3 chapters today. My body was not ready for this. My body was very much ready for Dory pummelling Marlowe, tho. My body is always ready for anything concerning beating Kit to a pulp and then kicking him when he's down for good measure.
And then dressing him up in fishnets.
Torn fishnets, mind you.
*snort*... *chortle*
God, that was so worth it. Pity he refused the high heels tho. That mental imagine was so worth it.
UPDATE: 27 April 2017
3rd chapter omg! Be still, my heart. Little Dory and Mircea worried for her. Damn you, ninjas cutting onions. hYou guys really have to read this awesomeness: www.karenchance.com/knot.html
UPDATE: April 13, 2017
The FREEBIE is here!!!
Well, sort of. Karen Chance decided to post a chapter every week on Thursday on her blog (she mentioned that she has the novella mostly finished so she decided not to let us, avid fans, tolerate the wait any longer). And the first chapter is already up! So, we all know what we need to do now. I even updated the book url for you, folks. Binge reading time!
UPDATE: December 5, 2015
Must...resist.
OK. Our wonderful author Karen Chance is a bit behind with the novella *weeps in a corner* but she did promise us, avid fans, to post it sometime this month (this month being May). We all have to console ourselves somehow. I for one will reread for the 14th time (on my last count) the entire Dorina series. It might help. Here's me awaiting this awesomeness in June.
Somebody is on the roll! I definitely owe the author my firstborn now. We've had all these massive chapter updates this week and honestly i'm more than just overjoyed. And is that approval i see, Marlowe? Towards Dory?
Is the world coming to an end? Are pigs flying yet? Is hell seeing the light of dawn while covered in snow with roses blooming all over Abaddon?
Because i cannot understand how on Earth and other planes of existence did Kit approve of something Dory did. And he even smiled while doing so. And he praised her!
Dory should have filmed that moment and then used it as blackmail because, damn that would have been effective.
UPDATE 14 June 2017
*Breathes in, breathes out* We got 3 chapters today. My body was not ready for this. My body was very much ready for Dory pummelling Marlowe, tho. My body is always ready for anything concerning beating Kit to a pulp and then kicking him when he's down for good measure.
And then dressing him up in fishnets.
Torn fishnets, mind you.
*snort*... *chortle*
God, that was so worth it. Pity he refused the high heels tho. That mental imagine was so worth it.
UPDATE: 27 April 2017
3rd chapter omg! Be still, my heart. Little Dory and Mircea worried for her. Damn you, ninjas cutting onions. hYou guys really have to read this awesomeness: www.karenchance.com/knot.html
UPDATE: April 13, 2017
The FREEBIE is here!!!
Well, sort of. Karen Chance decided to post a chapter every week on Thursday on her blog (she mentioned that she has the novella mostly finished so she decided not to let us, avid fans, tolerate the wait any longer). And the first chapter is already up! So, we all know what we need to do now. I even updated the book url for you, folks. Binge reading time!UPDATE: December 5, 2015
Must...resist.
OK. Our wonderful author Karen Chance is a bit behind with the novella *weeps in a corner* but she did promise us, avid fans, to post it sometime this month (this month being May). We all have to console ourselves somehow. I for one will reread for the 14th time (on my last count) the entire Dorina series. It might help. Here's me awaiting this awesomeness in June.
July 24, 2019
First thing to note is Lover's Knot isn't for people who haven't read the series. You can't appreciate all the little things here.
In short, Dorina is hired to find a missing master. She is constantly being hit by her other half's memories, so you get a chapter of Dory in the present and a chapter from the past, but from Mircea's POV. I loved getting into Mircea's head and his attitude towards everyone when it comes to his tiny daughter.
In short, Dorina is hired to find a missing master. She is constantly being hit by her other half's memories, so you get a chapter of Dory in the present and a chapter from the past, but from Mircea's POV. I loved getting into Mircea's head and his attitude towards everyone when it comes to his tiny daughter.
July 2, 2017
Finally another Dorina story!
This is honestly one of my favourite series!
I was pleasantly surprised that this one focused quite a bit on my absolute favourite thing about these books: Dorina's relationship with her father Mircea.
There is so much to explore there and it's so nice to see how devoted Mircea was/is to his daughter, and Dorina finally regaining some of her memories.
I wish they'd interacted in the present day as well.
Other things I loved:
- Horatiu. He was just so great! I love his constant admonitions to keep the family acting properly, and turning Dorina into a young lady. And I'd love to see him in the present time thinking about how he failed on that.
- Anthony. Honestly he's probably the best character, I guess it helps that I imagine him as James Purfoy in Rome. But he's such a fun character, and I want to see more of him!
- Radu. He's been acting more uncle-like and I love it!
All this being said I can't wait for a proper full book in this series.
July 17, 2017
I can't get enough of Dory/Dorina Basra, her vampire-hottie lover Louis-Cesare, or her fascinating dad Mircea. All my favorites from the Chance-verse in one action packed novella. 5-stars.
November 4, 2023
Entertaining vampire listening 🎶🔰
This was a free novella e-book from Amazon leading to a series at my local library.
Her job is to kill vampires but it all changes when two vampires go missing. In her dreams she goes back in time to Italy to rescue vampires.
I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy haunting vampire supernatural mystery novels 👍🔰.
This was my first book by this author but not my last. Happy reading 📚 and have fun 🌙😀
This was a free novella e-book from Amazon leading to a series at my local library.
Her job is to kill vampires but it all changes when two vampires go missing. In her dreams she goes back in time to Italy to rescue vampires.
I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy haunting vampire supernatural mystery novels 👍🔰.
This was my first book by this author but not my last. Happy reading 📚 and have fun 🌙😀
March 23, 2024
Interesante. Verdaderamente, si lo lees en el orden adecuado, estas 2 sagas encajan tan bien, que casi podrían ser una sóla. A pesar de que aquí la protagonista es Dorina, casi parece una novela de Cassie y todo.
Entretenida. Entiendo que al final el entuerto se deshizo lo suficiente para seguir pero no del todo, no?. No lo irán a dejar así! Pobre Jean Louise!. Autores en GL Bis
Entretenida. Entiendo que al final el entuerto se deshizo lo suficiente para seguir pero no del todo, no?. No lo irán a dejar así! Pobre Jean Louise!. Autores en GL Bis
July 1, 2017
Yeah, I loved reading this book! Dorina is in Ride the Storm, but this is the first story in a while where Dory is the star! I loved it, and I can't wait for more!
July 2, 2017
You can hear me chanting "Dorina, Dorina" in the background. Let's hope her next book will come out sooner or later.
June 26, 2017
I loved it.
January 31, 2018
I enjoyed this novella! Action packed with most of the gang present. I actually enjoyed it more than her other books
November 9, 2018
I waited to read this novella until I had the new Dorina Basarab book at hand and I am glad that I did… because while this was a fun ride, it never would have satisfied my craving after so long away from the series.
This story is told in alternating timelines and points of view. Half of it is present day Dory, while the other is told by the Mircea of the past. I have to say, I did not like this storytelling device. Yes, I like Mircea quite a lot in this series, far more than I do in the Cassie Palmer books. But, every time we switched to his point of view, it took me away with what was happening with Dorina and that was the part of the book that I really enjoyed.
Our heroine is still trying to come to terms with the fact that the other half of her personality can communicate with her and the Micea flashbacks are somehow courtesy of her dhamphir nature. Honestly, I did not entirely understand how she had access to her father’s memories, but I just had to go with it. Anyway, Louis-Cesare is missing and Dory teams up with Marlowe and Radu to search him out overseas and bring him home.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but suffice it to say that the Mircea scenes were relevant to the current story; it just takes a long time to put the pieces together.
As always, I enjoyed spending time with Dorina. She didn’t get much romance in this novella, but rather, plenty of action. As is the author’s trademark, there were times there was so much happening, it was hard to follow. And the changing points of view only made that worse. However, I adore this character and her interactions with her uncle and sort of nemesis, made it all worthwhile. It also made me excited to be back in this world.
So I am really looking forward to Shadow’s Bane. I’m hoping it won’t be quite so manic, but who am I kidding? At least I’ll get more time with Louis-Cesare— and if I am lucky, we will unravel a little more of the mystery of Dorina’s dual personalities and powers.
Rating: B
This story is told in alternating timelines and points of view. Half of it is present day Dory, while the other is told by the Mircea of the past. I have to say, I did not like this storytelling device. Yes, I like Mircea quite a lot in this series, far more than I do in the Cassie Palmer books. But, every time we switched to his point of view, it took me away with what was happening with Dorina and that was the part of the book that I really enjoyed.
Our heroine is still trying to come to terms with the fact that the other half of her personality can communicate with her and the Micea flashbacks are somehow courtesy of her dhamphir nature. Honestly, I did not entirely understand how she had access to her father’s memories, but I just had to go with it. Anyway, Louis-Cesare is missing and Dory teams up with Marlowe and Radu to search him out overseas and bring him home.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but suffice it to say that the Mircea scenes were relevant to the current story; it just takes a long time to put the pieces together.
As always, I enjoyed spending time with Dorina. She didn’t get much romance in this novella, but rather, plenty of action. As is the author’s trademark, there were times there was so much happening, it was hard to follow. And the changing points of view only made that worse. However, I adore this character and her interactions with her uncle and sort of nemesis, made it all worthwhile. It also made me excited to be back in this world.
So I am really looking forward to Shadow’s Bane. I’m hoping it won’t be quite so manic, but who am I kidding? At least I’ll get more time with Louis-Cesare— and if I am lucky, we will unravel a little more of the mystery of Dorina’s dual personalities and powers.
Rating: B
June 25, 2017
3/5 (C)
Finally! Been waiting to have more Dorina Basarab material to read for a long time!
Lover's Knot was fun, but confusing. It didn't help it's online and could not get comfortable reading it. My grade might change once it comes out as a book or ebook and I can re-read it.
I always like to revisit the past to see Mircea and Dory's relationship. Mircea's love for Dory is undeniable and she loved her father as well. Must have broken Mircea's heart that she couldn't remember... even if it was to save her life.
For this story, I found it took a really long time to set up and get somewhere where readers understood what was happening. It was fun to see Radu and Kit. The political intrigue was actually quite interesting. As always, I enjoyed seeing Marlowe and Dory, but just hard to follow at times. Really liked the ending and the boyfriend admission. Love how Radu is paternal. Can't wait for next book - I hope we see more of the Dory/Dorina dilemma.
Finally! Been waiting to have more Dorina Basarab material to read for a long time!
Lover's Knot was fun, but confusing. It didn't help it's online and could not get comfortable reading it. My grade might change once it comes out as a book or ebook and I can re-read it.
I always like to revisit the past to see Mircea and Dory's relationship. Mircea's love for Dory is undeniable and she loved her father as well. Must have broken Mircea's heart that she couldn't remember... even if it was to save her life.
For this story, I found it took a really long time to set up and get somewhere where readers understood what was happening. It was fun to see Radu and Kit. The political intrigue was actually quite interesting. As always, I enjoyed seeing Marlowe and Dory, but just hard to follow at times. Really liked the ending and the boyfriend admission. Love how Radu is paternal. Can't wait for next book - I hope we see more of the Dory/Dorina dilemma.
Want to read
December 22, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
One of the most powerful vampires alive has gone missing, which is fine with Dorina Basarab. As a dhampir, a half human, half vampire hybrid, her job is killing vampires, not saving them. But then the man sent to find the missing vampire also goes missing, and he happens to be her lover, Louis-Cesare. She therefore finds herself on a rescue mission with an old enemy, while forgotten memories from deep in her past play out in her head. What are they trying to tell her? And can she figure it out before it's too late?
Blurb:
One of the most powerful vampires alive has gone missing, which is fine with Dorina Basarab. As a dhampir, a half human, half vampire hybrid, her job is killing vampires, not saving them. But then the man sent to find the missing vampire also goes missing, and he happens to be her lover, Louis-Cesare. She therefore finds herself on a rescue mission with an old enemy, while forgotten memories from deep in her past play out in her head. What are they trying to tell her? And can she figure it out before it's too late?
June 25, 2017
This was a great short story. Mircea, my favorite character was in it. It was fun and full of action.
October 28, 2018
Not a bad bash, a good short. In standard Karen Chance form it jumps from action to action with almost a Hey Dude, Where's My Car atmosphere of "and then...". A good fast read with Dory in fine form. 4 stars.
July 27, 2017
Wonderful story! Action packed! Takes place after Fury's Kiss! Anthony and Louis-Cesare are missing so Dory, Marlowe and Radu are looking for them!
August 9, 2017
I wanted more Dory and Louis-Cesare. But I am glad to have something about her after so long without.
July 17, 2017
Ah, the joy and excitement of a new Dory story! The petite dhampir packs a punch and takes a beating, but gets right back up to fight her way out of some really tight spots in a world full of supernatural creatures that are powerful and lethal.
Lover's Knot is a long-novella that falls after the third book in the series and picks up where that one left off. It's an urban fantasy series that shares the Cassie Palmer world. I began with the prequel story in the On the Prowl anthology and then began the Dory series only to go back for the Cassie Palmers while waiting for the release of book two. The two series interlock and share a parallel time line and crossover characters with a few minor mentions of each other.
The author gifted Lover's Knot to her fans in serial form and then put it up free. Muah right back, Karen Chance! An opportunity to get tough and gritty Dory in action along with the addition of Radu and Marlowe out on an adventure to find a European vampire senator and Louis-Cesare. They are all the strange-bedfellow type allies and its all thrill a minute stuff.
But, there's more...
This story is split-time line. There is a past time line when Dory is a little girl and its her devilishly handsome father, Mircea's story as a young vampire trying to protect Dory as a little girl because she is considered an abomination and not allowed to exist while vampire civil wars are raging in a more dangerous wilder time.
Loved getting Dory's modern story in her wry endearing perspective and a narrative from Mircea's perspective before he becomes the powerful senator and master vampire, polished and cunning as he is in the present day. His love and protectiveness for Dory comes out and she gets to see this side of a father who has been ruthless and seemingly cold for centuries.
All in all, this was a treat for me as I crave more Dory stories with her exciting deadly adventures. Urban Fantasy lovers who like their heroines sensible, cunning, gritty, and tough should definitely reach for the series.
Lover's Knot is a long-novella that falls after the third book in the series and picks up where that one left off. It's an urban fantasy series that shares the Cassie Palmer world. I began with the prequel story in the On the Prowl anthology and then began the Dory series only to go back for the Cassie Palmers while waiting for the release of book two. The two series interlock and share a parallel time line and crossover characters with a few minor mentions of each other.
The author gifted Lover's Knot to her fans in serial form and then put it up free. Muah right back, Karen Chance! An opportunity to get tough and gritty Dory in action along with the addition of Radu and Marlowe out on an adventure to find a European vampire senator and Louis-Cesare. They are all the strange-bedfellow type allies and its all thrill a minute stuff.
But, there's more...
This story is split-time line. There is a past time line when Dory is a little girl and its her devilishly handsome father, Mircea's story as a young vampire trying to protect Dory as a little girl because she is considered an abomination and not allowed to exist while vampire civil wars are raging in a more dangerous wilder time.
Loved getting Dory's modern story in her wry endearing perspective and a narrative from Mircea's perspective before he becomes the powerful senator and master vampire, polished and cunning as he is in the present day. His love and protectiveness for Dory comes out and she gets to see this side of a father who has been ruthless and seemingly cold for centuries.
All in all, this was a treat for me as I crave more Dory stories with her exciting deadly adventures. Urban Fantasy lovers who like their heroines sensible, cunning, gritty, and tough should definitely reach for the series.
June 24, 2020
Dory and Dorina still haven't figured out to communicate with each other, the result is Dorina showing snippets of their past to Dory when she is asleep/unconscious. This results in Dory fall asleep at inopportune times to memories of Mireca in Venice (several years after Masks).
Dory is on a rescue mission to save Louis Ceasar and the European Consul, Anthony who have both gone missing. Together with Radu and Marlowe, Dory travels to Europe to track down Louis Ceasare, her only hope in doing so is to decipher the messages that Dorina is sending her.
Dory is on a rescue mission to save Louis Ceasar and the European Consul, Anthony who have both gone missing. Together with Radu and Marlowe, Dory travels to Europe to track down Louis Ceasare, her only hope in doing so is to decipher the messages that Dorina is sending her.
June 30, 2017
Lover's Knot is a great 'double threat' urban fantasy novella that not only delivers exciting action and high-stakes intrigue, but also fleshes out the backstory of crucial characters and adds to the series' world through inventive expansions of the boundaries of its magic.
The story's structure did feel less coherent and its conclusion more rushed than the other great Dory novella (Zombie's Bite), but Lover's Knot is an excellent chapter of Dory's/Dorina's story overall and an entertaining must-read for all fans of the series! (For people new to the world of Karen Chance, I recommend starting with Midnight's Daughter or Zombie's Bite.)
Pros:
- The heroine: Dory is given several scenes to showcase her character's strengths, and just enough personal conflict/development to add a layer of mystery and make us excited for what the future has in store for Dory/Dorina.
- The side characters: Marlowe shines as the frenemy co-adventurer (no, not sidekick) in a combustible-yet-highly-productive dynamic with Dory, we gain some jaded/amusing insight into Antony and his Senate, Radu and Mircea both show some truly profound expressions of their emotional depth, while all the characters' moments of trademark snarky humour add a fun edge to pretty much every chapter.
- The plot: Convincing and interesting on both a personal and political level, each character's individual motivation to embark on their adventure is a unique facet to this complex historical-mental-romantic-political tour de force that has so much potential it could have easily merited a full-fledged novel.
- The action: Featuring great new master powers, ingenious infiltration, Marlovian resourcefulness and 'Basarab ruthlessness', the action in the novella is meaninful, in motion, and just the right length.
- The 'aha' moment: The resolution of the two somewhat interfering stories came together in a satisfying act of problem-solving on Dory's part, piecing not just the puzzle of their current predicament, but also Dory and Dorina closer together.
- The e-book: Another major advantage is that the novella is free of charge to pick up for any reader!
Cons:
-Structure: While the story of Dory's early life is one that desperately needs telling and was a treat to read about, the periodic fade-outs and past-present Dory/Mircea-POV switching did make the story somewhat jarring.
- Climax: After the present plotline featured several chapters of built-up tension and a dangled-in antagonist, while the past scenes had huge implications about Dory's fate, Mircea's actions and the Senate's history, the story concluded somewhat abruptly.
4/5 Great read!
The story's structure did feel less coherent and its conclusion more rushed than the other great Dory novella (Zombie's Bite), but Lover's Knot is an excellent chapter of Dory's/Dorina's story overall and an entertaining must-read for all fans of the series! (For people new to the world of Karen Chance, I recommend starting with Midnight's Daughter or Zombie's Bite.)
Pros:
- The heroine: Dory is given several scenes to showcase her character's strengths, and just enough personal conflict/development to add a layer of mystery and make us excited for what the future has in store for Dory/Dorina.
- The side characters: Marlowe shines as the frenemy co-adventurer (no, not sidekick) in a combustible-yet-highly-productive dynamic with Dory, we gain some jaded/amusing insight into Antony and his Senate, Radu and Mircea both show some truly profound expressions of their emotional depth, while all the characters' moments of trademark snarky humour add a fun edge to pretty much every chapter.
- The plot: Convincing and interesting on both a personal and political level, each character's individual motivation to embark on their adventure is a unique facet to this complex historical-mental-romantic-political tour de force that has so much potential it could have easily merited a full-fledged novel.
- The action: Featuring great new master powers, ingenious infiltration, Marlovian resourcefulness and 'Basarab ruthlessness', the action in the novella is meaninful, in motion, and just the right length.
- The 'aha' moment: The resolution of the two somewhat interfering stories came together in a satisfying act of problem-solving on Dory's part, piecing not just the puzzle of their current predicament, but also Dory and Dorina closer together.
- The e-book: Another major advantage is that the novella is free of charge to pick up for any reader!
Cons:
-Structure: While the story of Dory's early life is one that desperately needs telling and was a treat to read about, the periodic fade-outs and past-present Dory/Mircea-POV switching did make the story somewhat jarring.
- Climax: After the present plotline featured several chapters of built-up tension and a dangled-in antagonist, while the past scenes had huge implications about Dory's fate, Mircea's actions and the Senate's history, the story concluded somewhat abruptly.
4/5 Great read!
July 11, 2017
It has been a very long time since last enjoyed a Dorina Basarab story and though this one was only a short novella in length it had the impact that fans look for when revisiting a familiar group of characters.
As expected Radu was in fine form, Marlowe was his usual surly self and Dory came through with flying colors as she unraveled the mystery behind all Dorina's flashbacks in the nick of time to help them save her lover Louis Cesare.
The flashback/flash forward style of storyline is not my favorite but it served it's purpose in tying together the present dilemma with clues from the past.
As expected Radu was in fine form, Marlowe was his usual surly self and Dory came through with flying colors as she unraveled the mystery behind all Dorina's flashbacks in the nick of time to help them save her lover Louis Cesare.
The flashback/flash forward style of storyline is not my favorite but it served it's purpose in tying together the present dilemma with clues from the past.
July 17, 2017
Enjoyed it
I really enjoy reading the Dorina Basarab series. I found it's easier to read Karen Chance's books in mostly one sitting. This one is no different. There is a lot of jumping from a past event to the present and it can be confusing but stick with because it's all mostly explained in the end. This is not a stand alone story, you need to read the other books in the series to understand character connections. I wish it had been a little longer and a little better and deeper explanation given on how Dory was able to know about the events of the past. But aside from that I enjoyed it.
I really enjoy reading the Dorina Basarab series. I found it's easier to read Karen Chance's books in mostly one sitting. This one is no different. There is a lot of jumping from a past event to the present and it can be confusing but stick with because it's all mostly explained in the end. This is not a stand alone story, you need to read the other books in the series to understand character connections. I wish it had been a little longer and a little better and deeper explanation given on how Dory was able to know about the events of the past. But aside from that I enjoyed it.
July 15, 2017
DORY! DORY! DORY!
Jonesing for a full length Dory book.
December 2, 2018
too many jumping from one scene to another
July 6, 2019
The style of writing wasn't my cup of tea, but the story itself was decent.
July 18, 2017
This book gave me a Dory fix, but it also left me wanting so much more. The story flow was a bit choppy with the flashes to the past, but the end made up for it.
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