When Vincent sold himself to a vampire, he did not expect to become the slave of Maddox Caine. Now struggling to accept the feelings of passion he’s grown toward his master, he’s agreed to follow Maddox into a war he never knew existed. This is what he's been waiting for: to fight, to avenge, and to win. But what happens when another vampire threatens to put Vincent's heart, not just his loyalties, to the test?
Emory Hudson was never meant to live past childhood. His uncle managed to save his life at every turn, but now Emory finds himself alone, on the desert, with an enemy claiming to be his ally. They both seek the one thing that can be fatal to a First Born vampire. Paired with this unexpected accomplice, Emory scours the Wastelands in search of the poisonous flower. No matter what the sacrifice, he will kill the Governor of Sanctuary Hope and save his uncle. It's the least he can do.
In this depraved and desolate world, can Vincent learn to see that there is more to vampires than an insatiable desire for blood? And will Emory free his uncle before the war divides them forever?
After leaving school and renting a crummy flat at sixteen, bestselling author Katze Snow lives in Scotland with her wolf-dog and furbabies. Don't be fooled by how cute she looks out on the outside. Katze's writing is dark, twisted, and takes depravity to a whole new level.
I liked it up until Vincent got with Cerberus. I shipped him with Maddox and Maddox ONLY. Not Maddox and his fucking brother because they "share their possessions". I don't mind a threesome but give a fucking heads up so we know what we're in for. After not liking book 1 I should've just abandoned this series but I was too curious and now I feel like I wasted my time. The only good thing is that now I know this series isn't for me at all.
The first half of this was so absolutely, dreadfully boring that several times I almost DNF’d it- otherwise it was very much similar to the first installment; just okay. The second half did pick up and get a bit more interesting, which I appreciated. Also I’m slightly irritated because I didn’t realize this was an unfinished trilogy and how am I supposed to wait for the third book after that cliffhanger?? Like damn.
I actually breathed out "No" as Sinister games came to its climax and left me hanging on a cliff with little hope As always No Spoilers I am writing this as I am trying to slow my beating heart ❤and catch my breath Where to start - If you haven't read book one 🛑 this is not a standalone Maddox I really really am disliking him more and more - I thought there was room for redemption but the more his layers are peeled away and his "truths" are exposed the more I wish he would lose his head Vin - I think it's Stockholm syndrome - no spoilers just lots of tears- It is killing me though to watch him sacrifice his soul believing he is doing the right thing only to watch it crumble around him Emory and Nic - not saying!! But I would like to see this plot line developed a bit more I am curious to see what happens here Cerberus - wow I am honestly a bit torn here I do think he is no different than Maddox but maybe I am wrong The reason for the loss of stars - editing - as much as I absolutely loved this read I can't ignore the errors
I thought the first book was good, it had potential to be a gripping series. I really don’t like it when a book in a series sets up a couple but then in a future book a third is added. That’s just my personal pet peeve. If I knew that was going to be the case I never would have read the first book at all. It feel inauthentic to me and that the author was looking for something edgy to grip readers. That’s not even a good way of explaining it. I don’t blame the author at all but it is disappointing for me.
Getting more info with this book, however I still don’t know when vampires were introduced were made known in society. Regardless, I am loving this series, and yes even with the cliffhanger :)
Ok I NEED the next book like yesterday. This just hit all my loves in a story. Ms. Snow never fails to deliver all the devious action, sexy and evil vamps. I'm greedy and need more.
I have to say...other than the constant bringing up of Bella throughout this one and Book 1, this ended up being pretty dang good. I am really invested in the story and can not wait to see where the final book takes us. And...seriously...what a cliffhanger! Totally didn't see that one coming! Now, as long as the Bella talk is gone from Book 3(because let's be honest. I'm a bitch when it comes to a MC relentlessly talking and thinking about an ex or dead wife, especially during intimate scenes with the other MC. I just don't care about Bella. At all.) all will be well. :)
It took me a while to warm up to Maddox and Vin. I think I struggled with them because I didn't really like book 1, it didn't flow well for me. I'm not sure whether it was the writing or the story, but they didn't capture my attention, and I almost dnf'd multiple times. I left the end of book 1 with... "okkkk, I guess".
I almost didn't read 2, but I'm SO GLAD I did!
Vin... you have my heart!!! 💜💜💜💜 I'm so proud of you!!!! Except for that one incident... you know what you did... with a certain someone... but it all worked out in the end...ish. 🙂 justttttt... redeem yourself is all.
Maddox!!! Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks???? You keep that up boo, we'll TOTALLY KEEP YOU white roses, gloves, whips and chains and all!! 💋💋💘🌹🌹 PLUS, Smexy times!!! 😍😍😍😍
Cerberus, I wanted so badly to like you in the beginning, and I did, for a while. THEN, you overstayed your welcome! 👿👿🤬🤬😡 Time for you to go back home to your swampland... it's been fun and whatnot, but ummmm... you're treading on my toes now, bye!!!! (After this incident and doing what needs doing of course...) pleaseandthankyou!!! 🤨
Can't wait for the finalé. I need a release date already!!!! 😱😱
Ohhh right, now I remember why I didn’t start this series earlier - there is no third book. And the second one dropped in 2018. So yeah, hope for a conclusion is basically dead at this point.
And I’m mad mad. Like, what exactly am I supposed to do with that cliffhanger? I guess I’ll just finish the story in my head and pretend it's canon. My brain, my rules.
Now, the book itself. The first 50%? Downright boring. Nothing really happened. Then the author made a couple of bold choices, and you know what? The story went somewhere else, but she gave us something, at least. The last 20%? Absolute chaos in the best way. I was hooked. I was invested.
Still, the book had its clunky moments, some awkward flow, and a few editing hiccups. But whatever.
Final verdict: a solid 3.5 stars... but I’m giving it a 3 because I’m petty, bitter, and holding a grudge.
So book one ended where Vincent had only one choice to protect his family of dusk hunters, to sign away his freedom and become a volunteer of the city of sanctuary hope ran by a Vampire called Maddox Caine. Not so bad you’d think…… Well when we mention the word volunteer, what we really see is the word sex slave.
Maddox is a very manipulative and sadistic. He does not just want Vincent’s submission or body. He wants to break Maddox and control his heart body and soul. Now you would think that there was enough there for a book.
But in Sinister games, we also see the build up to a war between Sanctuary Hope and Montana where Vincent’s Uncle is believed to be building an army of hybrids. Which Maddox believes to be planning an attack which will not only destroy the vampires but also the humans under the protection of Sanctuary hope.
We see Vincent’s life slowly chipped away by Maddox and there is certainly a case of Stockholm syndrome developing along the way.
Cerberus, Maddox’s older brother enters the story midway and I am undecided on his character, For the most part he seems like a genuine friend to Vincent and is seeking redemption himself for his past. But at the end of the day he knows that his brother is mistreating Vincent?
I think with the impending war ahead, Vincent and Maddox’s relationship changes a little, not only does Maddox need Vincent’s help with the war, but I see glimpses of respect and jealousy when he sees the way Vincent and Cerberus get close on a friendship that is nearing lover. (Is Maddox developing real feelings towards Vincent?) This only makes Maddox more determined to show who owns Vincent.
Then there’s Nick (Maddox’s estranged son) who saves Emory whilst he has escaped the city and heading towards Montana. I Hope we get to see more of Nick’s character in book three.
We have a well written novel that delivers on what it promises and then some. The plot is strong, well-paced with many twists and turns, with surprises. The characters are super real, you feel their emotions, their fears and hopes. I found myself routing for the characters to succeed, even dare I say it Maddox, well partly anyway. The story is a dark thrilling paranormal epic.
What can I say, it's hot? Dark and unbelievably good. Omg Vincent Hudson, Dusk hunter now slave to Maddox Caine, serving him at sanctuary Hope his sponsor, Vincent is desired by Maddox who wants to claim more than the hunter's mind, he wants his body. Heart and Soul. Vincent will do just about anything to secure his families safety even when he promises Maddox his submission, he struggles against the vampires he has hated all his life. Maddox wants him to fight alongside him in a war, where its killed or be killed, and with family, on one side and vampires on the other you would think it’s a cut, and dry scenario, Vincent’s nephew, escapes the sanctuary and makes and surprising ally, Cerberus the oldest ever vampire visits the sanctuary and Vincent realises to his disgust he actually likes the vampire. Vincent accepts his new life but fights all the way, even when pleasure is the only feeling he has, he fights with all his has, disgusted with himself. He can't silence the voice that tells him it's his life and thought he hates this side to himself, he realises his bisexuality is not something to be disgusted by as that brings him pleasure. I loved this book so hard, I got an ARC read it and stayed up all night to finish it. It has to be the best vampire story I have read ever. And is sitting at the top of my list. The author, though new to me when I read Sinister games #1, I loved this book so much. I can not wait for the next instalment. I loved Maddox and Cerberus in this book, watching Vincent grow into his own, I feel there will be no happy ending in this series, so it remains to be seen where This story will go. The side characters are well developed, I loved Blaze but felt Vincent should have killed him. I’m am going to re-read this. If more than Five stars where possible I would give them. This Book was my anticipated for the year, I haven't been let down.
So first off I'm super late to the party with my review! Whoops! Life sucks.
Sinister Games picks up directly after the end of the first book Sinster Hunger. It opens with Maddox telling Vincent what he knows about the hybrid vamp creatures, specifically that Vincent's uncle made them. Vincent still is against vamps, Maddox and doesn't/can't believe his uncle would do something to hurt humans.
The plot takes off with a lackluster meeting of Maddox's right hand people, informing them of his intention to use Vincent as his champion, his hunter to save not just vamps but humans. Vincent is 98% sassy and full of spite.
In my last review I mentioned I was missing Maddox interacting with other vamps and more plot forward conversations. Games has remedied some of that for me. Here we're introduced to Maddox's older brother Cerberus who Vincent instantly takes to him and has a instant attraction too.
Here's my big issue with the book. It starts directly after the first one. Vincent is still recovering emotionally and mentally from the attack at the end of the book and SOMEHOW Maddox picks this as the perfect time "court" Vin. And, Cerberus forces Maddox to claim the man as mate so he can have a go at Vincent. I know this isn't a romance but, it's too fast and took me right out of the story because all I could see is someone with issues falling, in different ways, for two different men in some sort of Stockholm Syndrome.
Overall I'm giving this book 4 stars because, I'm INVESTED in know how this ends. Even with a few moments were I went hmmm I'm enjoying this series.
*I plan to do a reread and then fix this review because I've missed a lot I wanted to mention.*
This is book two in the series, and it's definitely better than book one. Putting aside the fact that the story is broken wide open and answers to questions come flying at you, there's more nuance to the scenes. This nuance makes Vincent's feelings for Maddox feel like the normal progression at this point in this epic.
I loved the background on The Collapse that is peppered into the story and it gives a whole new feel to the vampires versus humans. Is it possible that the Dusk Hunters are running without the whole story? The author creates these mini scenes that help you understand the vampires better, creating a sympathy that makes sense without jumping the shark on mythology. The first book was missing that sympathy, and therefore I had a hard time connecting to Maddox. This book avoids cliches and simply states history of their kind to get the reader to rethink how they feel. It's very successful. This line from Maddox's brother Cerberus is very important.
"You offer me something few have ever done, Vin-a chance at redemption. That's why I don't treat you like my enemy. Do you think of me so hideously that I must ignore that redemption and spend my life in darkness?"
It's about Vincent's journey really. Does he give in to vampires that perhaps have his-and mankind's-best interests at heart? Or does he listen to that voice in his head that reminds him he's in the lion's den and vampires need to be killed no matter what?
This is a phenomenal book. It grabbed me from the first line and didn't let go. I remained in shock as I tried to find yet even more words, refusing to believe I had reached the end. As always, Katze Snow weaved her delicious brand of darkness into this book.
The character development is intense with this book. Not only did the author take it to another level with the main characters, but also the secondary characters received the same level of attention. The world building was very intricate and really helped with visualization, especially as I typically avoid dystopian and post-apocalyptic books.
It's the storyline though where Katze Snow really proves her ability. The ability to elicit such strong emotions from a reader is truly a gift. I didn't know what to hope for as the story progressed but her use of twists and turns made it impossible to guess what would happen next. I'm well addicted to this series and can't wait for book 3. I need more of these words and to know what happens next.
I did deduct half a star for some editing issues and a minor continuity issue. If those are resolved, this is absolutely a 5 star book.
4.5 stars for a deliciously dark and twisted read!
I just couldn't get enough of this series and can only hope the author puts me out of my misery and release the third one soon.
There are a few spelling errors in this one, and though it did bug me when I came across them, it's too good to loose any stars for it.
Things did not go as I had anticipated on several occasions, I kept trying to think ahead of the plot and it did a 180 on me. And I loved it.
Vincent have gotten in to his role as Maddox's property, though not without biting back every chance he gets, much like in book one. And I like that though he softens, his edge isn't gone. And with the arrival of someone new, he's just thrown in to further turmoil, all the while clinging on to the memory of Bella and relentlessly beating himself up for being a traitor.
Maddox treasures his pet more, but it doesn't keep him from acting much like himself from the previous book. It's still bloody, it's still steaming and lastly pulling you in and keep you submerged from beginning to end, leaving you little room to breath.
OMG! This book is an absolute must read! Dark and thrilling with a great story line, Katze Snow makes it impossible to put the book down. I loved the progression of Vincent and Maddox relationship and the internal struggle for Vincent between self loathing and acceptance. Also loved loved loved the introduction of Cerberus into the mix! This book had the perfect mix of action and kink with so many different subgenres there's something for everyone! Absolutely loved it and am now on puns and needles for the finnisher! Would totally recommend it 100%. Make sure you have nothing important to do tho cause u wont be able to put it down!
Vincent, formerly a vampire hunter and now property of the mysterious Maddox Caine, doesn’t like the idea of doing a dirty job for his master, even if it means defeating a common foe. But it’s tempting – to be seen as something other than a slave, something more than a plaything. While he’s training to fight a new enemy, he might find that the most difficult thing is to struggle with his own perception of what is right and wrong. When Maddox’s brother Cerberus comes into the picture, things become even more complicated. If one of the two vampires is about to break Vincent, can the other restore him? Or will they both be his damnation?
While I have to say that I thought that the first book in this series was a stronger story, I loved how this one continued the overall story along.
I have to wonder what truly makes either Cadmus or Woolf think that they actually have a chance against any of the First Born. Just because they chose not to indiscriminately use their power to subjugate the world doesn't mean that they don't actually have the power to do so, and for these folks to forget that seems foolish.
I can't wait to see what the final installment brings to Vincent, Maddox and this world.
Katze Snow did not disappoint. We left the Dusk Hunters in a somewhat hopeful situation and Vincent struggling to maintain his honor, pride and loyalty. But above all else trying to protect his family. Well in this installment of the series we got; revelations, mental and emotional conflict, new attractions and friends and let’s not forget betrayal. But on a hotter note those scenes....you know what I’m talking about 😉🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. This keeps you holding your breath, on the edge of your seat/bed and then forgetting how to breathe entirely. And then the cliffhanger....🥺. Damn, Katze just knows how to keep you wanting more. Sinister War? Let’s get it!!!! 😜
Very dark and depraved. I enjoyed the continuation from Sinister Hunger. While I enjoyed it, I felt something was missing. I’m still trying to figure it out. ~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5 Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5 Secondary Characters~ 5/5 The Feels~ 4/5 Pacing~ 4/5 Addictiveness~4/5 Angst~ 5/5 Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5 Theme or Tone~ 5/5 Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5 Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5 Originality~ 3.5/5 Ending~ 3.5/5 ~ cliffhanger Book Cover~ Beautiful Series~ Bloodstream Series Source~ Kindle eBook
Would I read more from the author? Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes
Amazing!! Impossible to put down! Can’t wait for the next one!!!
This was the second book of this series and I gobbled it up as fast as I could read it. Vincent is still figuring out how to live as the vampire mayor’s possession when his entire life has been devoted to slaying vampires, as a Dusk Hunter. Maddox continues to train Vincent in hopes of taking his uncle and the abominations down that are a threat to his city. Vincent finds himself not only receptive of his vampire ‘master’, but also attracted to Cerberus, his older brother. Talk about a super sizzling bathtub scene!!! Cannot wait for book three!! This author is so amazing!!
I'm enjoying the story, however the books don't seem to have their own plot or theme. It's more like it's one long book and is just being broken up at random spots. It's hard to explain, but I've read tons of series, and this one more than any other gives me this sense that they're just incomplete parts of a whole.
I think the writing could be better; it could definitely use another round of edits. Also, it bugs me that the children all talk like Gollum.
I'm going to have to read the next book when it comes out before I decide whether there are plot holes and figure out how I feel about Maddox and Vincent's relationship, as it were. I do love how dark and disturbing it is, though.
No. No. Just no. I liked the beginning of this story, which it seems a few people also agree, but when Vincent met Cerberus, I didn't like the story. I felt that turn in the story was unnecessary. It's funny to me that I enjoyed the first book, and many didn't, and this book has a high percentage, and I didn't care for this book. Also, I doubt we are getting a third book since this was written in 2018. If that's the case, I'll just create book three in my head, where Cerberus disappears.
Snow is Oh My Zebra Gods Hot! AMAZING story line, incredibly hot characters. I saw this story mentioned in a Facebook site I belong to, so I looked it up on KU. Next thing I know, it was 3 a.m. It was fantastic even though I hadn't read the first book. (I'll be remedying that shortly...) The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star review is that there were a lot of editing problems throughout. Can't wait for the sequel!
Very good read I very much enjoyed it! I love how the relationships have progressed in this one. I do admit that I like cerebrus, he sees super hot and sweet but Vincent belongs to Maddox so back off bud lol! I would love to see more about the first borns and meet the others. I would totally be down for more books in this world with the other Caine's in them. They seem like such a sexy,dark naughty bunch. Can't wait to read the next book.
I really liked this book - it built the suspense and tension wonderfully and delved into the predicament that Vincent found himself in. I loved Cerberus and could understand him much more than Vincent who took a bit of a nosedive for me since it seemed he was out of the picture for a fair chunk of the book. He won me over towards the end and I’m eager to see ow things pan out in the next instalment.
This story is mind blowing Im loving the Vamps as Vincent and Maddox battle out every issue, great characters with the intensity of leaving you on the edge of your seat and saying OMG that just happened you hate to love Maddox at least I do and I love Vincents strength and fight you never know whats coming next and leaves a whirlwind of emotions of dark thoughts on every page. The writing is fantastic and I cant wait for more.
Story line was better than the first in the series, but just like in the first book it seems like timelines mean nothing. I think the author needs something to remind her how long certain situations are going on for because it is only a day passing, but wait it's been weeks, but wait, no it's only been a day. Very confusing. Plus the editing of this book detracts from the story with spelling and grammar errors.
Fell in love with the first book and devoured book two in a day. I adore this story and this book does a heck of a job with world building. Maddox’s growth is fascinating to watch and the struggle between him and Vincent while they try to reconcile the separation between master/slave human/vampire is exhilarating, read it review it - let’s get book three people. It’s steamy and action packed and a darn good story
I read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the story. Sinister Games is book two in the series and is best read in order. This horrific tale is spine tingling, edge of your fingertips read worthy. I absolutely can't wait for the finally. This author brings it all to the table; intricately woven characters and wicked desires, vampires, darkness, hunger, and pure lust.