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The Brethren #1
Dark Thirst
When Brandon Noble and Angelina Jones first met, he was an awkward teenager harboring a crush on his tutor's sister. Five years later, Angelina is a streetwise cop who's sure she's seen it all, until Brandon comes back into her life--lean, handsome, possessing a strange, powerful allure. . .and a terrifying secret.
Brandon is one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Like other Brethren families, the Nobles have accumulated great wealth and prestige, never marrying outside of their kin, never leaving the isolated Kentucky farmlands where they live, undetected, among their prey. Horrified by his birthright, Brandon shunned the ritual of the first kill, earning the Brethren's lasting wrath. But the exhilarating passion he and Angelina share rouses the primitive impulses he has tried so hard to deny. And even if Brandon can protect Angelina from his enemies, can he save her from his own dark thirsts?
Brandon is one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Like other Brethren families, the Nobles have accumulated great wealth and prestige, never marrying outside of their kin, never leaving the isolated Kentucky farmlands where they live, undetected, among their prey. Horrified by his birthright, Brandon shunned the ritual of the first kill, earning the Brethren's lasting wrath. But the exhilarating passion he and Angelina share rouses the primitive impulses he has tried so hard to deny. And even if Brandon can protect Angelina from his enemies, can he save her from his own dark thirsts?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2007
26 people are currently reading
964 people want to read
About the author
Sara Reinke
37 books145 followers“Definitely an author to watch.” That’s how Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine describes Sara Reinke. New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards calls Reinke “a new paranormal star” and Love Romances and More hails her as “a fresh new voice to a genre that has grown stale.” Sara writes romance, urban fantasy, horror, and young adult fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 8, 2009
Brandon is a one of a kind hero. His story is heartbreaking. At one point, I almost put the book down, thinking why? How could someone be cruel to their own grandson like this? If you like tortured heroes, you must read this book. I like that Ms. Reinke threw out the rule book when she wrote this book. She was not afraid to make Brandon vulnerable and the opposite of what a lot of romance novel heroes are. That doesn't make him any less appealing. Brandon has been abused and mistreated by his family after he was horribly wounded and almost died during a botched robbery. The scene where we see this happen just broke something inside of me. The aftermath is that he is a deaf-mute. His family is intolerant of his imperfection, yet they won't let him escape to find a better life. They hate that he is different, and want to crush his individuality in every way. Like I said, heartbreaking. Despite this, Brandon shows an inner strength, kind of in a Zen way. He is the tree that doesn't break because it bends. He refuses to give into the bloodthirsty ways of his people. He refuses to let go of the love in his heart for Jackson, the man who taught him how to read and to sign. And for Angelina, and he puts himself in jeopardy to save them, when he family set it up for them to be murdered. Brandon is very young when this book starts, only twenty-one. He's actually several years younger than Angelina, the woman of his dreams. I thought it might be weird that he was so young, and it was certainly different. But again, I like that Reinke wasn't afraid to do this. I also liked that in some ways he is more vulnerable than Angelina. But at the same time, he has an inner strength. Now I did have an issue with Angelina's character. I don't think I truly got to know her. I wish more time had been spent on her backstory, but realizing the shortness of this book, and how compelling Brandon was, I can see why the author chose to focus more on Brandon. I loved the connection between Brandon and Angelina. I do think they were soulmates, complementing each other. Although Angelina was the more experienced, and harder character, Brandon had an inner strength that brought a calm and peace to Angelina. Another pet peeve I had was how beat up Brandon kept getting in this book. He was a really good fighter, but his evil, awful brother was always just that little bit stronger than him. This wasn't really bad in itself, just different. I liked the mythology of this series, although it's a bit different from a lot of the vamp paranormals out right now. That's a good thing. I do feel that there is much more to learn about the Brethren. Right now, they are not really nice vamps in my mind, except for Brandon, Tessa, and Remy. I'm eager to read Remy and Tessa's book, and to find outwhere things unfold after this book was over. Although this wasn't a perfect book, I do love it because of the wonderful character that Reinke has created in Brandon. I just sigh thinking about him.
December 6, 2010
OMG the hero is a mute deaf and so far I am itching for him to kill someone in his family is this a good sign?
Seriously I am having issues with this book and I'm 96 pages in.
1) the heroine is African American (no issue) she is a great person except we keep getting shown she is African American over and over like we are going to be smacked with it just in case we forget.
2) the hero is white and so far the heroine doesn't care for white men. I get that her ex cheated on her with a "White trophy girl" but seriously. Then she has the whole interracial dating issues. OKay I get that this is a major thing very hard to do.
3) The hero is not only white but he's rich heroine is not. SHE MAKES ANOTHER ISSUE OF IT
4) he is from the country which of course equals dumb to heroine b/c she's from the city
5) He's also a deaf mute...
Okay so he's deaf, white, rich and in her eyes stupid. She's black, cop, smart, tough, and was too white for the black kids to black for the white kids attitude. Seriously how's this going to work.
They have so much stacked against them and then the fact that he's a vampire is about to be thrown in the mix. I think I would have liked it better if the author would've stuck with one major issue. A deaf mute relationship or an interracial relationship or a vampire human relationship b/c right now I'm annoyed and not buying it. This is my DNF for the year... Okay really the second Anita's Harquiem was the first. YUCK.
Now if someone will tell me it gets better I would be willing to push thorugh it. Any takers?
Seriously I am having issues with this book and I'm 96 pages in.
1) the heroine is African American (no issue) she is a great person except we keep getting shown she is African American over and over like we are going to be smacked with it just in case we forget.
2) the hero is white and so far the heroine doesn't care for white men. I get that her ex cheated on her with a "White trophy girl" but seriously. Then she has the whole interracial dating issues. OKay I get that this is a major thing very hard to do.
3) The hero is not only white but he's rich heroine is not. SHE MAKES ANOTHER ISSUE OF IT
4) he is from the country which of course equals dumb to heroine b/c she's from the city
5) He's also a deaf mute...
Okay so he's deaf, white, rich and in her eyes stupid. She's black, cop, smart, tough, and was too white for the black kids to black for the white kids attitude. Seriously how's this going to work.
They have so much stacked against them and then the fact that he's a vampire is about to be thrown in the mix. I think I would have liked it better if the author would've stuck with one major issue. A deaf mute relationship or an interracial relationship or a vampire human relationship b/c right now I'm annoyed and not buying it. This is my DNF for the year... Okay really the second Anita's Harquiem was the first. YUCK.
Now if someone will tell me it gets better I would be willing to push thorugh it. Any takers?
February 16, 2009
I purchased this book because it is an IR. I'd grown skeptical of finding good paranormal series books because more and more they are not as unique as they once were. This was a plesant surprise. Sure it had some of the normal elements but there was a sinister feel to it that made it unique. Plus the hero was totally different from others I've read about. The book reads quickly and I was not bogged down with a bunch of fancy made up for shock value terms. I highly recommend this book if you;re look for a good paranormal but not interested in pages and pages of "about the Brethren detail"
September 29, 2008
In the novel Dark Thrist by Sara Reinke Brandon Noble was beaten in a robbery as a child and left deaf and mute. It was labled a weakness among his (vampire) Brethren clan. Lina Jones is a Black female cop who's related to Jackson Jones as siblings. Jackson is also deaf and is Brandon's tutor until one day he is fired as punishment to Brandon.
When Brandon runs away from the Great house he goes to Jackson only to find his house empty. That is when Lina comes in, to water Jackson's plants in his absence and finds a man in his bathroom, naked! After a little tussle and she ends up straddling him on the bed she realizes it's Brandon.
The basis of the story for Brandon is his struggle to not embrace his Brethren and fully except what he is, after seeing the monster he thinks will become the night his father killed the robbers. Lina acts as protector to Brandon because Jackson asks her to watch out for him. She is not aware of his condition.
I learned, from my prespective, that Sara Reinke allowed her vampires many humans traits and feelings (eating foods and walking in daylight) One harbored feelings of racism towards Lina and Jackson. I liked the intentional use of Black and Deaf character because I never have seen much of a deviation from a specific formula in PNR. I am new to this and finding I like reading PNR the more I do. I look foward to the next book in the series Dark Hunger
When Brandon runs away from the Great house he goes to Jackson only to find his house empty. That is when Lina comes in, to water Jackson's plants in his absence and finds a man in his bathroom, naked! After a little tussle and she ends up straddling him on the bed she realizes it's Brandon.
The basis of the story for Brandon is his struggle to not embrace his Brethren and fully except what he is, after seeing the monster he thinks will become the night his father killed the robbers. Lina acts as protector to Brandon because Jackson asks her to watch out for him. She is not aware of his condition.
I learned, from my prespective, that Sara Reinke allowed her vampires many humans traits and feelings (eating foods and walking in daylight) One harbored feelings of racism towards Lina and Jackson. I liked the intentional use of Black and Deaf character because I never have seen much of a deviation from a specific formula in PNR. I am new to this and finding I like reading PNR the more I do. I look foward to the next book in the series Dark Hunger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2009
Two big problems with this book:
First, the main male character (Brandon) starts out as a teen. I could not get him to mature in my mind, even when he's professing undying love (and acting on it) for the older female character (Lina)(five year difference, I think). She was all grown up right away. It just didn't work for me.
Second, author tries *way* too hard to distance her particular vampires from the "legend." Too many instances of "unlike the common belief" or some such nonsense words to drive those differences home again and again. I got it the first time. Heck, you didn't even have to tell me....
I won't be continuing with this particular series.
First, the main male character (Brandon) starts out as a teen. I could not get him to mature in my mind, even when he's professing undying love (and acting on it) for the older female character (Lina)(five year difference, I think). She was all grown up right away. It just didn't work for me.
Second, author tries *way* too hard to distance her particular vampires from the "legend." Too many instances of "unlike the common belief" or some such nonsense words to drive those differences home again and again. I got it the first time. Heck, you didn't even have to tell me....
I won't be continuing with this particular series.
June 1, 2010
I'm going to read Book Two, merely because I'm hoping the author moves away from IR. Not because I don't like paranormal IR, I crave it, especially a BW as heroine who isn't a victim or complete psycob!+*&; it's because this author makes a deal out of it, but doesn't follow it through authentically. Not to mention, the way the heroine kept screaming "I'm a cop!" Blah blah blah, I had to agree with the main villain in a scene leading up to the denouement, she said that all the time. To what end?
One more chance for a very meh first book. The vamps were boring, sex scenes didn't smolder, and I found myself flipping through quickly on my Kindle.
One more chance for a very meh first book. The vamps were boring, sex scenes didn't smolder, and I found myself flipping through quickly on my Kindle.
August 20, 2008
Dark Thirst by Sara Reinke is a hidden jewel in the Paranormal World. This novel should be on every Paranormal Lover's TBR or Wishlist. It is surprisingly different, action packed, cruel, loving and just plain all around fantastic that I for one cannot put this book down.
Angelina (Lina) Jones is beautiful, smart as a whip, stubborn, lithe and a police officer. She is your average unbelieving human until life's reality crashes in on her. Lina is also African American which adds so much character to the storyline.
Brandon Noble is outrageously handsome, smart, strong, deaf and mute. Coming from a prominent Kentucky family that also happen to be vampires carries a lot of danger and risk. Having been cruelly abused sets Brandon on a task of being completely different than the rest of his family.
Our story starts out on a Kentucky Thoroughbred Horse farm with different clans of a prominent family all working together in a compound type setting. Not only do they raise horses but they make the best Whisky anywhere to be found. They are all hardworking and compliant and that is what makes this family who they are.
The Grandfather as he is referred to is the leader of this mighty family and is the most brutal, abusive and lethal of the clans. He is the prominent alpha male vampire in every sense of the word and someone I personally wouldn't even want to be on his good side let alone his bad side. Whew!!!
What I found so intriguing in this storyline is the fact that these vampires live a life in the style of an Amish family. Clans living together on the same land working together for the good of the whole. Some men have only one wife, some have several but what is so critical at the moment is the high infant mortality rate and the low conception rate of the families. This twist on the normal vampire storyline is amazing to say the least.
A chain of events so desperate, heart wrenching, frightening and fanatical start when Brandon escapes from the compound and makes a run for freedom so that his life can be his own and so unlike what he has grown up with. He seeks love, kindness, caring and knowledge, knowing that whatever out there in the unknown world has to be better than what he has been taught to believe. His meeting Lina will set so many emotions in play and challenge everything that he is.
Our author has taken a paranormal species and set them into such a astoundingly different life style than what we have seen and made this an action packed love story with the most profoundly horrific and brutal reality. A story of love, friendship, trust, betrayal, unbridled fury, abuse so horrific that you want to scream out loud with the characters pain. Kudo's Sara for such a beautiful jewel of a story that can only make other's weep with envy. I so cannot wait for Dark Hunger.
Angelina (Lina) Jones is beautiful, smart as a whip, stubborn, lithe and a police officer. She is your average unbelieving human until life's reality crashes in on her. Lina is also African American which adds so much character to the storyline.
Brandon Noble is outrageously handsome, smart, strong, deaf and mute. Coming from a prominent Kentucky family that also happen to be vampires carries a lot of danger and risk. Having been cruelly abused sets Brandon on a task of being completely different than the rest of his family.
Our story starts out on a Kentucky Thoroughbred Horse farm with different clans of a prominent family all working together in a compound type setting. Not only do they raise horses but they make the best Whisky anywhere to be found. They are all hardworking and compliant and that is what makes this family who they are.
The Grandfather as he is referred to is the leader of this mighty family and is the most brutal, abusive and lethal of the clans. He is the prominent alpha male vampire in every sense of the word and someone I personally wouldn't even want to be on his good side let alone his bad side. Whew!!!
What I found so intriguing in this storyline is the fact that these vampires live a life in the style of an Amish family. Clans living together on the same land working together for the good of the whole. Some men have only one wife, some have several but what is so critical at the moment is the high infant mortality rate and the low conception rate of the families. This twist on the normal vampire storyline is amazing to say the least.
A chain of events so desperate, heart wrenching, frightening and fanatical start when Brandon escapes from the compound and makes a run for freedom so that his life can be his own and so unlike what he has grown up with. He seeks love, kindness, caring and knowledge, knowing that whatever out there in the unknown world has to be better than what he has been taught to believe. His meeting Lina will set so many emotions in play and challenge everything that he is.
Our author has taken a paranormal species and set them into such a astoundingly different life style than what we have seen and made this an action packed love story with the most profoundly horrific and brutal reality. A story of love, friendship, trust, betrayal, unbridled fury, abuse so horrific that you want to scream out loud with the characters pain. Kudo's Sara for such a beautiful jewel of a story that can only make other's weep with envy. I so cannot wait for Dark Hunger.
February 19, 2008
Book #1 of the Brethren Series.
This book gives me yet another facet of romance vampire lore to add to my paranormal grimoire - a vampire that has human disabilities. Sexy Brandon Noble is not only a vampire but he is also deaf and mute, with an as-yet untapped advanced telepathic ability. The advanced nature of this ability no doubt brought on by the fact that he has not been able to communicate verbally to others since the age of 5 when he was attacked by burglars in his family home.
I laughed and cried throughout the book on an unending hormonal rollercoaster ride. I most definitely fell in love with the characters of Brandon, Lina (Angelina), and Rene. Brandon was written in such a human context that I often forgot that he was a vampire, which made the book that much more endearing. The author has also written the character of Rene Morin, a Louisiana french-Cajun vampire, with an interesting untold background story that screams to be told in a story of his own.
The story of Brandon Noble was written as a slight cliff-hanger at the end and I’ll be waiting on pins-n-needles for September 2008 for the sequel “Dark Hunger” to hit the shelves. Sara Reinke is definitely going on my short list of top authors to keep.
This book gives me yet another facet of romance vampire lore to add to my paranormal grimoire - a vampire that has human disabilities. Sexy Brandon Noble is not only a vampire but he is also deaf and mute, with an as-yet untapped advanced telepathic ability. The advanced nature of this ability no doubt brought on by the fact that he has not been able to communicate verbally to others since the age of 5 when he was attacked by burglars in his family home.
I laughed and cried throughout the book on an unending hormonal rollercoaster ride. I most definitely fell in love with the characters of Brandon, Lina (Angelina), and Rene. Brandon was written in such a human context that I often forgot that he was a vampire, which made the book that much more endearing. The author has also written the character of Rene Morin, a Louisiana french-Cajun vampire, with an interesting untold background story that screams to be told in a story of his own.
The story of Brandon Noble was written as a slight cliff-hanger at the end and I’ll be waiting on pins-n-needles for September 2008 for the sequel “Dark Hunger” to hit the shelves. Sara Reinke is definitely going on my short list of top authors to keep.
September 3, 2011
I don't normally read paranormal romance, but this book's very close to urban fantasy so I made an exception. I have to say, the author isn't afraid to eff her main character up. Poor Brandon is put through the wringer by his vampire family. Lucky for him he has the beautiful and capable Angelina. Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" puts it best regarding the protagonist in her review: "Brandon shows an inner strength, kind of in a Zen way. He is the tree that doesn't break because it bends. He refuses to give into the bloodthirsty ways of his people."
I couldn't say it any better. Reinke shows she has a true flair for writing powerful, well-rounded characters, brutal villains you love-to-hate, gripping (and brutal) action sequences, and vulnerable, noble heroes. A truly underrated author!
Four stars. Recommended to fans of True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
I couldn't say it any better. Reinke shows she has a true flair for writing powerful, well-rounded characters, brutal villains you love-to-hate, gripping (and brutal) action sequences, and vulnerable, noble heroes. A truly underrated author!
Four stars. Recommended to fans of True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
May 23, 2010
This book was emotionally crippling for me during the 1st few chapters. Things calmed down a bit and then picked back up. I fell in love with Brandon and Lina. I don't want to give anything away with this one since it's part of a 3 book series I've just begun reading, but I think this one is an excellent introduction into this series and the characters involved. I highly recommend this one. Hoping book 2 will be even better!
May 12, 2010
I think I would have liked this book if I hadn't read it on the heels of Lover Mine by JR Ward. That book also features a mute, tortured, vampire protaganist. JR Wards Brotherhood series is one of my, if not my favorite series so this book had a lot to be compared to. I'll have to give it another try sometime to give it a fair shake.
June 1, 2008
More world building. It wasn't bad, but it moved a little bit slow in parts as a lot of books do when they're the first in the series.
I'm excited about the series, though.
I'm excited about the series, though.
October 25, 2015
The twist of the story made it even more interesting. Making the main character a vampire, deaf and mute .
March 31, 2009
Loved it. I really connected with the Brandon character. This was a well written book.
June 15, 2011
As the grandson of a rich and powerful horse breeder/whiskey producer Brandon Noble's life should have been ideal, but a childhood attack that left him deaf and mute turned him into a family embarrassment. To a family like his, vampires who choose to feed off humans and treat them like cattle, weakness is abhorrent and not a moment goes by where they don't mentally and physically show him their disdain. Brandon finally has enough and finds shelter with his former tutor and his cop sister who are both human. Brandon's loved Angelina Jones since he was a teenager and he's now hoping she'll see him as a man since he can't control his feelings for her any longer. But with his vicious family searching for him no one is safe, especially Lina. Will the strength of their love be enough to keep him safe from his family or will the happiness he's finally found be ripped away?
As a disabled person I'm always on the lookout for books with disabled characters, so when I was given the opportunity to read this I definitely wanted to do so. This is a very emotional book where Brandon's disability is accurately portrayed and seamlessly incorporated into the storyline. He reads lips and carries a notepad with him at all times to convey his words. He's also able to speak with his mind to those who allow it. Brandon's an amazingly strong young man who's been mentally and physically tortured by those in his family who are frightened by the abilities they see blossoming in him as he gets older. He's never been allowed off the farm and his desire to go to college is met with even more brutality. I'm amazed and surprised that he had the courage to leave and I couldn't stop cheering when he left the life he knew behind.
The Noble clan can be seen as a cult because of the arranged marriages with young girls who have little education and their separatism from the outside world. The women are relegated to the household with the men making all the decisions. The have bloodletting ceremonies for entertainment and as a rite of passage and use the workers on their farm as prey. It's an intriguing world the author has created and adds an extra dimension to the characters by their responses to this lifestyle. Many relish it with some questioning the rules. Seeing what happens to the people in this oppressive community as the series progresses has me wanting to run out for the next book immediately.
Lina is a strong-willed woman who's very capable of protecting herself. She and Brandon connect immediately and their communication flows naturally. At times you forget Brandon's deaf and mute since it's not dwelled on. Lina is the older woman and the issue of their age difference is touched on, but in a very subtle and realistic way. Any obstacles to their relationship are mostly from the outside. Their bond, though quickly formed, is very strong. Their romantic interludes are sexy and highly romantic due to their communication being visual.
The action in this story gets more intense as the story progresses. Brandon's family are vicious hunters and much blood is spilled during their search for him. The fight scenes are action-packed and emotional since it's family fighting family. Seeing Brandon deal with his family in this situation made me hurt for him even more.
There's some very intriguing secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of. They were intrical to the storyline and their backgrounds are a mystery that I'd love to solve. One of those characters I'm dying to see more of is Rene Morin, Lina's former police partner who lost a leg in the line of duty and who just so happens to be a member of the Brethren. His disability and its aftermath are realistically portrayed and learning about his family tree and its separation from the farm's community is a story I'm dying to read. Luckily, Rene's story is the follow-up to this and is next on my reading list. The fact that this book does end with a bit of a cliffhanger adds to my excitement for the next release.
This is a wonderfully written story where the hero and heroine let nothing stand in the way of their love. The action and romance are perfectly balanced and the strength of Brandon and Lina's relationship is very believable. Disabilities are accurately portrayed and easily incorporated in to the storyline and are not seen as a weakness by the reader. I very much appreciate Ms. Reinke's handling of this issue and how her heroes are still heroic even with their disabilities. I highly recommend this not only to those who are fans of the vampire genre, but to those who like seeing characters not normally seen in the world of romance.
As a disabled person I'm always on the lookout for books with disabled characters, so when I was given the opportunity to read this I definitely wanted to do so. This is a very emotional book where Brandon's disability is accurately portrayed and seamlessly incorporated into the storyline. He reads lips and carries a notepad with him at all times to convey his words. He's also able to speak with his mind to those who allow it. Brandon's an amazingly strong young man who's been mentally and physically tortured by those in his family who are frightened by the abilities they see blossoming in him as he gets older. He's never been allowed off the farm and his desire to go to college is met with even more brutality. I'm amazed and surprised that he had the courage to leave and I couldn't stop cheering when he left the life he knew behind.
The Noble clan can be seen as a cult because of the arranged marriages with young girls who have little education and their separatism from the outside world. The women are relegated to the household with the men making all the decisions. The have bloodletting ceremonies for entertainment and as a rite of passage and use the workers on their farm as prey. It's an intriguing world the author has created and adds an extra dimension to the characters by their responses to this lifestyle. Many relish it with some questioning the rules. Seeing what happens to the people in this oppressive community as the series progresses has me wanting to run out for the next book immediately.
Lina is a strong-willed woman who's very capable of protecting herself. She and Brandon connect immediately and their communication flows naturally. At times you forget Brandon's deaf and mute since it's not dwelled on. Lina is the older woman and the issue of their age difference is touched on, but in a very subtle and realistic way. Any obstacles to their relationship are mostly from the outside. Their bond, though quickly formed, is very strong. Their romantic interludes are sexy and highly romantic due to their communication being visual.
The action in this story gets more intense as the story progresses. Brandon's family are vicious hunters and much blood is spilled during their search for him. The fight scenes are action-packed and emotional since it's family fighting family. Seeing Brandon deal with his family in this situation made me hurt for him even more.
There's some very intriguing secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of. They were intrical to the storyline and their backgrounds are a mystery that I'd love to solve. One of those characters I'm dying to see more of is Rene Morin, Lina's former police partner who lost a leg in the line of duty and who just so happens to be a member of the Brethren. His disability and its aftermath are realistically portrayed and learning about his family tree and its separation from the farm's community is a story I'm dying to read. Luckily, Rene's story is the follow-up to this and is next on my reading list. The fact that this book does end with a bit of a cliffhanger adds to my excitement for the next release.
This is a wonderfully written story where the hero and heroine let nothing stand in the way of their love. The action and romance are perfectly balanced and the strength of Brandon and Lina's relationship is very believable. Disabilities are accurately portrayed and easily incorporated in to the storyline and are not seen as a weakness by the reader. I very much appreciate Ms. Reinke's handling of this issue and how her heroes are still heroic even with their disabilities. I highly recommend this not only to those who are fans of the vampire genre, but to those who like seeing characters not normally seen in the world of romance.
July 29, 2025
The hero as always been the outcast. Considered weak due to the robbery and attempted murder he experienced as a child that stole his speak and hearing, he lives with constant abuse. In the cult that is the brethren, he also refuses to submit to the family ritual of killing for blood. So, he makes his escape. Fleeing with nothing more than $300, he leaves the south to go to the big city-seeking the aid of his old teacher.
There, instead, he finds his old friends sister. He's desired her since the second he laid eyes on her but he's shy and timid and his overwhelming fear of the bloodlust always made him hide his feelings. But spending time in the company of the strong woman makes his crack and soon he can't fight the draw he feels for her.
The heroine is older. She's always considered him a kid, that is until she say him naked. Now she's very much aware that he's all man. Though he's self conscience and timid, he's also a badass in a fight and though he's a virgin, he's the best lover she's ever had. She finds herself falling for him. Then his past catches up to him and his brother has found him and he flees before he becomes the death of her. W
hen he's shot in another robbery he happens upon the heroine's old partner. A vampire himself, the older male teaches him about the true way to handle his cravings. That he doesn't have to kill to feed and use the blood to become stronger. The hero realizes that his entire life has been a lie, that's he strong and capable of defending those he loves.
I enjoyed this story. The hero was unique. He was a complex blend of vulnerable puppy dog and dangerous furious kung fu master. He would go from clumsy to graceful in a heart beat. But you always got the feeling that he was never going to be the macho man this genre is used to presenting. He was low key and even though the whole story is about him and his memories and his flee from the cult, he tended to be reserved and almost childlike sometimes.
The heroine was great. She wasn't the obnoxious badass warrior cop but actually just a standard police officer who suddenly gets caught up in a whole lot of weird shit. But she's deadly with her gun even though the idea of killing makes her sick. Together I though them to be a very odd yet endearing couple.
The heroine really was the Alpha, taking care of the hero and looking out for him. Though the hero is powerful in a fight, he was certainly not in charge in the relationship. I liked that aspect and it made for an interesting read.
There, instead, he finds his old friends sister. He's desired her since the second he laid eyes on her but he's shy and timid and his overwhelming fear of the bloodlust always made him hide his feelings. But spending time in the company of the strong woman makes his crack and soon he can't fight the draw he feels for her.
The heroine is older. She's always considered him a kid, that is until she say him naked. Now she's very much aware that he's all man. Though he's self conscience and timid, he's also a badass in a fight and though he's a virgin, he's the best lover she's ever had. She finds herself falling for him. Then his past catches up to him and his brother has found him and he flees before he becomes the death of her. W
hen he's shot in another robbery he happens upon the heroine's old partner. A vampire himself, the older male teaches him about the true way to handle his cravings. That he doesn't have to kill to feed and use the blood to become stronger. The hero realizes that his entire life has been a lie, that's he strong and capable of defending those he loves.
I enjoyed this story. The hero was unique. He was a complex blend of vulnerable puppy dog and dangerous furious kung fu master. He would go from clumsy to graceful in a heart beat. But you always got the feeling that he was never going to be the macho man this genre is used to presenting. He was low key and even though the whole story is about him and his memories and his flee from the cult, he tended to be reserved and almost childlike sometimes.
The heroine was great. She wasn't the obnoxious badass warrior cop but actually just a standard police officer who suddenly gets caught up in a whole lot of weird shit. But she's deadly with her gun even though the idea of killing makes her sick. Together I though them to be a very odd yet endearing couple.
The heroine really was the Alpha, taking care of the hero and looking out for him. Though the hero is powerful in a fight, he was certainly not in charge in the relationship. I liked that aspect and it made for an interesting read.
February 4, 2012
This has been on my tbr list for a LONG time and I finally got around to reading it.
Initially, when I pick this up, it intrigued me. I was still new to the PNR genre and I had read a few vampire novels, but nothing that had a vampire with disabilities (hadn’t gotten around to reading that other popular series with the blind king yet ☺ ). I was very interested to see how this was going to play out.
During one horrible night in Brandon’s childhood he was beaten and his throat cut by humans breaking in to his families home. This leaves him deaf and mute. He is later taught ASL by an African-American tutor, Jackson, who is also deaf. He meets and befriends Lina, Jackson’s younger sister.
Several years later, Lina and Brandon meet up again by accident. This time Brandon is on the run from the Grandfather and the Brethren. Their attraction to each other is ignited but Brandon knows he cannot be with her because of what he thinks he is, a monster.
Lina is a no-nonsense policewoman and she instinctly knows there is something going on with Brandon. She also notices how much he’s grown up and how sexy he is. Brandon’s dream has always starred Lina, even knowing they can’t be together like he wants.
This is the first PNR story I’ve read where there has been an interracial couple. I was very interested to see how their relationship would unfold. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The story moved forward progressively, and although it did take a bit, the smex happened and it was hot!
But there is one thing I didn’t really like. The author had a character used ‘that word that should never be said’ in conjunction with an African-American person in a couple of places and it just made me cringe. I’m not really sure if that word was needed. But other than that, I really enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2010
This was the first vampire novel I read, so is it any wonder I became almost instantly addicted? I loved the lines Reinke crossed when spinning this tale. I was surprised by many things: the disabilities of an immortal, the varied differences between the two main characters... but I was most surprised by how much I completely HATED Brandon's brother and grandfather. Also, I love a story that has a strong heroine and Angelina certainly was that. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to be pleasantly surprised.
May 31, 2008
It is a well written story about a young man who is deaf, having lost his hearing in a tragic incident when he was but a pup. You can almost feel his pain, confusion, failures and triumphs as he struggles to find his place amid a family that seems to, for the most part, openly despise him for what they perceive as his weakness. Oh, and he happens to be a vampire. When he finally gathers the courage to leave his abusive home, well… that’s when the real adventure begins.
August 1, 2014
3.5. Solid writing with some sexy-cute moments and well-detailed action, but without a real strong, snapping sparkle. The end could've affirmed the connection between them as well, but instead, didnt? I dunno, a pretty good read to pass the time, the middle sagged a bit, but not a terrible book by any means. There's just more interesting ones is all.
November 23, 2008
There's nothing wrong with the writing in this book, but it's much too sadistic and violent for my taste - I stopped reading after a few chapters. If you like Lynn Viehl's Darklyn series, you might like this.
Read
September 9, 2008A quick read about a vampire named Brandon. He was terribly abused by his grandfather. He continues to try and get away from his family. He is in love with Angelina but she is the sister of his former teacher. His interest in her could put her in danger from his family.
April 25, 2009
Not too impressed with this one. Couldn't get into the story of Brandon Noble who is part of the Brethren, and ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Really didn't care what happened to anyone in this boring tale.
June 17, 2015
This is a good book for someone who likes a beta hero. Unfortunately I do not fall into that category.
Read
January 1, 2015Story line is different
Good story line , different take on vamps. Lots of feeling from abuse as a child and was done well. Rated PG13 sex scenes .
Good story line , different take on vamps. Lots of feeling from abuse as a child and was done well. Rated PG13 sex scenes .
March 3, 2015
I am not an enormous fan of supernatural fiction in general, although I am drawn to stories that use the supernatural as a vehicle for exploring other elements that are common struggles for human nature. The reason I love the TV series "Being Human" (especially the UK version), is because of this--the idea that we all struggle, in some ways, to fight our worser nature and fit in with society, find our place.
I was recommended the Brethren series because of Brandon Noble--the main character of the first book (and I would argue, of the series as a whole, although I'm not sure if the author would agree with me)--because he isn't your typical romantic hero--he's definitely not your typical vampire hero. Why? Because Brandon is both deaf and mute, the result of a childhood accident in which his throat was slit and his head was battered when he accidently stumbled on a robbery in progress.
What makes the Brethren series compelling is the lore itself, for one thing, and Brandon, on the other. I'll address the mythos first.
Reinke has tried very hard to create her OWN vampire world, separate from other sources (although you can maybe see some of her influences). The Brethren, as they are called, are a race of vampires, almost another species of beings, separate from humans, who have lived in rural Kentucky isolated for hundreds of years. The Bretheren trace their roots back to Medieval France, and live large houses on a nearly 2000-acre estate in the heart of Kentucky horse country. Here, they have amassed multibilllion dollar fortunes in the horse-breeding/racing and bourbon industries.
Vampirism is not a disease, which I found refreshing; instead, it is genetic--and the Brethren Elders have worked hard to try to maintain the purity of their race by preventing inbreeding amongst themselves as much as possible while avoiding "diluting the blood" with humans. Several families each live in their own large manor houses, with all males and their wives and children living in the house together; once a woman is married off to a man (marriages are arranged carefully by the elders after consulting the Tomes that deliniate the bloodlines), she joins his family and is no longer considered part of her birth family (much the way it was in China, for example). While a woman has only one husband, many men have several wives, partially because over the years Brethren fertility and infant mortality have decreased and increased, respectively.
The Brethren are ruled strictly by tradition and the council, which is made up of all men who have undergone their bloodletting (more on this later); the head members of the council are the elders, the oldest males, and the head of all of them is the most powerful Brethren male; for most of the series, this is Brandon's grandfather, Augustus Noble, also known as "The Grandfather." The leading family is determined based on the number of males (who have undergone their bloodletting), with the leader being the oldest male of the family. Because women have no rights and must do whatever their father (or husband) commands them to do, the desire for and importance of sons is important (again, another similarity to ancient Chinese practice).
Thus, the Brethren society feels very much like a strict religious cult - and at times, Lina, the female protagonist whom Brendon quickly befriends early in the book-- suspects as much. I found this concept very intriguing, fresh, and unique. The Brethren are quick and brutal in their punishment of anyone who seeks to disobey their rules, and someone like Brandon, with his independent and caring personality, quickly comes to clash with the clan's ways.
The story begins harshly and violently. Brandon is already on The Grandfather's bad side; normally when Brethren men and women reach 18 years of age, they undergo the bloodletting--a coming-of-age "celebration" in which the young people kill for the first time and the clans gorge themselves on the slaughter of the illegal immigrants they have on their land to help them manage their farms. Normally, the Brethren don't kill so extravagantly, but the bloodletting is a special rite of passage and an exception. All humans are killed, with the exception of the Kinsfolk, a select group of humans who work for the Brethren loyally and are spared in exchange for their cooperation.
The bloodlust is an interesting concept--a mixture of sexual desire and longing for blood that transforms the otherwise fairly "human" Brethren into primal monsters with super-human strength and speed. When the bloodlust takes over, their eyes fully dilate, making their pupils take over their entire cornea, their fangs discend, and their jaws unhinge. They look and are terrifying.
Brandon refused to undergo his own bloodletting, not wanting to be a monster--in fact; he learned that The Grandfather was going to force him to kill Jackson and Lina (his tutor, who taught him ASL and how to read and write; and his sister, whom Brandon has a crush on). He manages to convince them to leave the farm so they can avoid their fate, and spends the bloodletting hiding from his family so he can avoid having to kill anyone. As a result, his twin sister, Tessa, and his younger sister, Emily, go in his place, much to The Grandfather's displeasure. Jackson was quickly dismissed for his troubles after that, leaving Brandon alone again.
The story picks up several years later--Brandon is now 21, far past his bloodletting; his twin sister has been married off for several years, and The Grandfather is losing patience, especially when he discovers Brandon has applied (and been accepted) to Gauladet University--behind The Grandfather's back. Leaving the farm is forbidden, and, already enraged by Brandon's disobedience, he decides the young man needs to be punished--severely.
Because Brandon is deaf AND mute, his only means of communication is using his hands--ASL (although The Grandfather forbade anyone to learn, so only his twin sister knows it) and writing; while the Brethren have the ability to communicate telepathically, Brandon's abilities are weak, believed to be another side effect of the brain injuries he received as a child. The Grandfather decides the only way to trutly teach Brandon a lesson is to break his hands--so he breaks one of Brandon's hands, destroying all the bones. But he doesn't want to seem unmerciful, so he offers Caine, Brandon's older brother (and who has abused him constantly since he was a child) the opportunity to be lenient to Brandon. Of course, Caine, who is a cruel SOB, breaks Brandon's other hand. Because Brandon refuses to kill and drink blood, his healing isn't as accelerated as his fellows. So while his hands will heal, it will take a year at least of agony, during which time he will have no means to communicate since--to add a further element to his punishment--The Grandfather ahs forbidden him from using psi-speech as well.
Quite an opening, huh? The book then picks up thirteen months later, once Brandon's hands have healed and he's managed to escape the farm. He's on the run, though, because The Grandfather isn't going to stand for that kind of disobedience, not to mention the fact that the Breathren law is very clear: the punishment for anyone who leaves the compound is death.
Thus, the book is largely focused on Brandon, ever the outsider, finding belonging with Lina, struggling against the bloodlust and his inner monster, while running and battling those who would come after him and seek to take him back to Kentucky for punishment.
A lot of people complain because Brandon is so young--only 21. But I think that makes him more interesting in some ways; he's young, he's been sheltered, despite the fact that he's perfectly capable of fighting back (he's a black-belt in aikido, for example, thanks to his tutor Jackson), he's spent most of his life as a doormat. Thus, the story is almost a coming-of-age for him as much as is a romance.
The book is also unique in that it features an interracial romance--Brandon is white and Lina is black--although, as some have pointed out, the author seems to go a little too much out of her way to establish Lina's "blackness." Still, while Lina could have been developed more in this book (you get much more of her in Book #6), it was refreshing to see a strong, confident heroine, as it was to see the older woman with the younger man.
The book is very plot-focused for the most part, with big, bombastic (and shallow) villians, but it's only the first book in a series of six (going on seven) books, and you really need to start with this one in order to understand what happens later. Besides, Brandon is a great character, and I love that the author took the chance by having a deaf and mute vampire as her lead hero.
I was recommended the Brethren series because of Brandon Noble--the main character of the first book (and I would argue, of the series as a whole, although I'm not sure if the author would agree with me)--because he isn't your typical romantic hero--he's definitely not your typical vampire hero. Why? Because Brandon is both deaf and mute, the result of a childhood accident in which his throat was slit and his head was battered when he accidently stumbled on a robbery in progress.
What makes the Brethren series compelling is the lore itself, for one thing, and Brandon, on the other. I'll address the mythos first.
Reinke has tried very hard to create her OWN vampire world, separate from other sources (although you can maybe see some of her influences). The Brethren, as they are called, are a race of vampires, almost another species of beings, separate from humans, who have lived in rural Kentucky isolated for hundreds of years. The Bretheren trace their roots back to Medieval France, and live large houses on a nearly 2000-acre estate in the heart of Kentucky horse country. Here, they have amassed multibilllion dollar fortunes in the horse-breeding/racing and bourbon industries.
Vampirism is not a disease, which I found refreshing; instead, it is genetic--and the Brethren Elders have worked hard to try to maintain the purity of their race by preventing inbreeding amongst themselves as much as possible while avoiding "diluting the blood" with humans. Several families each live in their own large manor houses, with all males and their wives and children living in the house together; once a woman is married off to a man (marriages are arranged carefully by the elders after consulting the Tomes that deliniate the bloodlines), she joins his family and is no longer considered part of her birth family (much the way it was in China, for example). While a woman has only one husband, many men have several wives, partially because over the years Brethren fertility and infant mortality have decreased and increased, respectively.
The Brethren are ruled strictly by tradition and the council, which is made up of all men who have undergone their bloodletting (more on this later); the head members of the council are the elders, the oldest males, and the head of all of them is the most powerful Brethren male; for most of the series, this is Brandon's grandfather, Augustus Noble, also known as "The Grandfather." The leading family is determined based on the number of males (who have undergone their bloodletting), with the leader being the oldest male of the family. Because women have no rights and must do whatever their father (or husband) commands them to do, the desire for and importance of sons is important (again, another similarity to ancient Chinese practice).
Thus, the Brethren society feels very much like a strict religious cult - and at times, Lina, the female protagonist whom Brendon quickly befriends early in the book-- suspects as much. I found this concept very intriguing, fresh, and unique. The Brethren are quick and brutal in their punishment of anyone who seeks to disobey their rules, and someone like Brandon, with his independent and caring personality, quickly comes to clash with the clan's ways.
The story begins harshly and violently. Brandon is already on The Grandfather's bad side; normally when Brethren men and women reach 18 years of age, they undergo the bloodletting--a coming-of-age "celebration" in which the young people kill for the first time and the clans gorge themselves on the slaughter of the illegal immigrants they have on their land to help them manage their farms. Normally, the Brethren don't kill so extravagantly, but the bloodletting is a special rite of passage and an exception. All humans are killed, with the exception of the Kinsfolk, a select group of humans who work for the Brethren loyally and are spared in exchange for their cooperation.
The bloodlust is an interesting concept--a mixture of sexual desire and longing for blood that transforms the otherwise fairly "human" Brethren into primal monsters with super-human strength and speed. When the bloodlust takes over, their eyes fully dilate, making their pupils take over their entire cornea, their fangs discend, and their jaws unhinge. They look and are terrifying.
Brandon refused to undergo his own bloodletting, not wanting to be a monster--in fact; he learned that The Grandfather was going to force him to kill Jackson and Lina (his tutor, who taught him ASL and how to read and write; and his sister, whom Brandon has a crush on). He manages to convince them to leave the farm so they can avoid their fate, and spends the bloodletting hiding from his family so he can avoid having to kill anyone. As a result, his twin sister, Tessa, and his younger sister, Emily, go in his place, much to The Grandfather's displeasure. Jackson was quickly dismissed for his troubles after that, leaving Brandon alone again.
The story picks up several years later--Brandon is now 21, far past his bloodletting; his twin sister has been married off for several years, and The Grandfather is losing patience, especially when he discovers Brandon has applied (and been accepted) to Gauladet University--behind The Grandfather's back. Leaving the farm is forbidden, and, already enraged by Brandon's disobedience, he decides the young man needs to be punished--severely.
Because Brandon is deaf AND mute, his only means of communication is using his hands--ASL (although The Grandfather forbade anyone to learn, so only his twin sister knows it) and writing; while the Brethren have the ability to communicate telepathically, Brandon's abilities are weak, believed to be another side effect of the brain injuries he received as a child. The Grandfather decides the only way to trutly teach Brandon a lesson is to break his hands--so he breaks one of Brandon's hands, destroying all the bones. But he doesn't want to seem unmerciful, so he offers Caine, Brandon's older brother (and who has abused him constantly since he was a child) the opportunity to be lenient to Brandon. Of course, Caine, who is a cruel SOB, breaks Brandon's other hand. Because Brandon refuses to kill and drink blood, his healing isn't as accelerated as his fellows. So while his hands will heal, it will take a year at least of agony, during which time he will have no means to communicate since--to add a further element to his punishment--The Grandfather ahs forbidden him from using psi-speech as well.
Quite an opening, huh? The book then picks up thirteen months later, once Brandon's hands have healed and he's managed to escape the farm. He's on the run, though, because The Grandfather isn't going to stand for that kind of disobedience, not to mention the fact that the Breathren law is very clear: the punishment for anyone who leaves the compound is death.
Thus, the book is largely focused on Brandon, ever the outsider, finding belonging with Lina, struggling against the bloodlust and his inner monster, while running and battling those who would come after him and seek to take him back to Kentucky for punishment.
A lot of people complain because Brandon is so young--only 21. But I think that makes him more interesting in some ways; he's young, he's been sheltered, despite the fact that he's perfectly capable of fighting back (he's a black-belt in aikido, for example, thanks to his tutor Jackson), he's spent most of his life as a doormat. Thus, the story is almost a coming-of-age for him as much as is a romance.
The book is also unique in that it features an interracial romance--Brandon is white and Lina is black--although, as some have pointed out, the author seems to go a little too much out of her way to establish Lina's "blackness." Still, while Lina could have been developed more in this book (you get much more of her in Book #6), it was refreshing to see a strong, confident heroine, as it was to see the older woman with the younger man.
The book is very plot-focused for the most part, with big, bombastic (and shallow) villians, but it's only the first book in a series of six (going on seven) books, and you really need to start with this one in order to understand what happens later. Besides, Brandon is a great character, and I love that the author took the chance by having a deaf and mute vampire as her lead hero.
Read
August 25, 2025I have to say that this reads more like an Urban Fantasy (but with romance) than a straight paranormal romance because of the depth of the storyline and world building.
That said, Dark Thirst was very different from books I've read of late--and in a really good way. The book was dark, gritty, and Ms. Reinke wrote the book her own way... not the same templated style that we see so often, but in a manner that had me applauding her for stepping outside the lines of the "norm".
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Thirst and look forward to Dark Hunger.
That said, Dark Thirst was very different from books I've read of late--and in a really good way. The book was dark, gritty, and Ms. Reinke wrote the book her own way... not the same templated style that we see so often, but in a manner that had me applauding her for stepping outside the lines of the "norm".
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Thirst and look forward to Dark Hunger.
October 18, 2017
A better read than I expected.
Actually, I didn't know what to expect. (Not a romance novel thank goodness.)
Actually, I didn't know what to expect. (Not a romance novel thank goodness.)
December 11, 2023
I like all the representation this book has and I was enjoying it for the most part but definitely drags at the end.
Read
September 22, 2025I have to say that this reads more like an Urban Fantasy (but with romance) than a straight paranormal romance because of the depth of the storyline and world building.
That said, Dark Thirst was very different from books I've read of late--and in a really good way. The book was dark, gritty, and Ms. Reinke wrote the book her own way... not the same templated style that we see so often, but in a manner that had me applauding her for stepping outside the lines of the "norm".
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Thirst and look forward to Dark Hunger.
That said, Dark Thirst was very different from books I've read of late--and in a really good way. The book was dark, gritty, and Ms. Reinke wrote the book her own way... not the same templated style that we see so often, but in a manner that had me applauding her for stepping outside the lines of the "norm".
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Thirst and look forward to Dark Hunger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews