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Gaslamp Gothic #3
A Bad Breed
Pricolici.
A creature out of folklore. And nightmare.
January 1889. When a Romanian village suffers a series of brutal attacks, occult investigator Anne Lawrence is dispatched to the forests of the Old Country to hunt the killer – only to vanish without a trace.
The trail leads her mentor Vivienne Cumberland deep into the Carpathians to a remote monastery. As a blizzard rages outside, trapping them all with the pricolici, Vivienne risks sharing the fate of the woman she came to find. But is the culprit truly a werewolf … or something even more dangerous?
A man bent on revenge. And a love that was never meant to be.
Imprisoned in a decaying castle, Anne finds herself ensnared in a web of dark enchantment, at the mercy of a mysterious captor with a beast inside – and a memory as old as the ancient legends.
As the weeks pass, Anne learns his real identity, and slowly uncovers a complex and deeply passionate man. But is she willing to pay the price for falling under his spell?
Note: This darkly magical reimagining of Beauty and the Beast is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, but can be read as a standalone with no need to start with Book #1, The Daemoniac.
A creature out of folklore. And nightmare.
January 1889. When a Romanian village suffers a series of brutal attacks, occult investigator Anne Lawrence is dispatched to the forests of the Old Country to hunt the killer – only to vanish without a trace.
The trail leads her mentor Vivienne Cumberland deep into the Carpathians to a remote monastery. As a blizzard rages outside, trapping them all with the pricolici, Vivienne risks sharing the fate of the woman she came to find. But is the culprit truly a werewolf … or something even more dangerous?
A man bent on revenge. And a love that was never meant to be.
Imprisoned in a decaying castle, Anne finds herself ensnared in a web of dark enchantment, at the mercy of a mysterious captor with a beast inside – and a memory as old as the ancient legends.
As the weeks pass, Anne learns his real identity, and slowly uncovers a complex and deeply passionate man. But is she willing to pay the price for falling under his spell?
Note: This darkly magical reimagining of Beauty and the Beast is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, but can be read as a standalone with no need to start with Book #1, The Daemoniac.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2019
95 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Kat Ross
60 books806 followersKat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 21, 2020
This series gets better and better.
July 10, 2019
THIS BOOK IS SOMETHING ELSE WITH A PERFECT MIXED OF FANTASY, MYSTERY, AND ROMANCE. IT'S EVERYTHING I WANT FOR IN A BOOK AND MORE.
You can also read my review here
When I saw the cover and read the word 'gothic' on it, this book intrigued me instantly. It gives off the vibe that if you read it, you're in for a wild ride. And when I read the synopsis then found out that A Bad Breed is kind of a retelling of Beauty and The Beast, I knew that I had to read this book. Just FYI, this is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series. You don't need to read the first two books to read this book but you can understand the story and the characters better if you start from the first book, The Daemoniac.
(I haven't yet read the other two books but after reading A Bad Breed, I wanted to know the characters's pasts and how they met)
I loved how Ross used the superstitions and mindset of the people who live in that era to give the readers a full experience of visiting the 19th century in Romania and London. Ross successfully described the 'vintage' vibes. Aside from that, I also really felt the mystery, especially at the beginning. The buildings where the characters visited, how certain characters behave, and the undiscovered secrets made me gritted my teeth because I'm scared of what will happen next. I really enjoyed it though, it was really fun having goosebumps all over your skin 😆
The characters were also interesting. They felt alive and each of their personality was strong. Aside from that, none of them was annoying or stupid that makes you want to go into the story and hit their head yourself. They're all clever and strong, they could stand for themselves and made good decisions. I followed the story through 3 different POVs; Vivienne, Anne, and Alec. The three of them is a daēva; they have magic, immortal, and can bond with the other to strengthen their power.
Vivienne is a caring, strong, and lovely woman. I love her relationship and fake marriage with Nathaniel. They have good chemistry and compliment each other well. She's also smart and probably my favorite character so far.
Alec is a bit mysterious but actually a kind person. He bonded with Vivienne. Though he might not really show it, he really cares for her and his sister, Anne. He's also very determined and powerful.
Anne is an independent woman. Like her brother, she's also strong-willed. When she has a purpose, she will achieve it no matter what. She enjoyed being alone and according to her, could go for days without hearing a human voice.
Unfortunately, I don't really like how the events nearing the end happened. Up to the first half, everything was going perfectly, I got the suspense and the mystery. But then, IMO, the romance went downhill and that made me a little disappointed. I'm okay with all the things that going on between the Beauty and the Beast. But I guess it didn't end with how I wanted it to be. Sorry if I'm being vague but I want my review to be spoiler-free. You could try to read the book to understand and maybe we could discuss it together, whether we have the same or different opinion!
Overall, I enjoyed A Bad Breed. When it stated that it's a retelling of Beauty and The Beast and you're not into retellings, don't let it fool you because this book is so much more than that. This is the third book in the series, so there is a whole story different from Beauty and The Beast and let me tell you, I'm amazed by it. The magic system is unique and the writing, oh my, the writing is fantastic. I was transfixed from the first page, swept into the past where there were magic and secret society operating. If you enjoy reading fantasy with a full spoon of mystery, awesome characters, and visiting the past, I recommend you to read this book.
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You can also read my review here
"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."
When I saw the cover and read the word 'gothic' on it, this book intrigued me instantly. It gives off the vibe that if you read it, you're in for a wild ride. And when I read the synopsis then found out that A Bad Breed is kind of a retelling of Beauty and The Beast, I knew that I had to read this book. Just FYI, this is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series. You don't need to read the first two books to read this book but you can understand the story and the characters better if you start from the first book, The Daemoniac.
(I haven't yet read the other two books but after reading A Bad Breed, I wanted to know the characters's pasts and how they met)
I loved how Ross used the superstitions and mindset of the people who live in that era to give the readers a full experience of visiting the 19th century in Romania and London. Ross successfully described the 'vintage' vibes. Aside from that, I also really felt the mystery, especially at the beginning. The buildings where the characters visited, how certain characters behave, and the undiscovered secrets made me gritted my teeth because I'm scared of what will happen next. I really enjoyed it though, it was really fun having goosebumps all over your skin 😆
"That which is done out of love always occurs beyond good and evil."
The characters were also interesting. They felt alive and each of their personality was strong. Aside from that, none of them was annoying or stupid that makes you want to go into the story and hit their head yourself. They're all clever and strong, they could stand for themselves and made good decisions. I followed the story through 3 different POVs; Vivienne, Anne, and Alec. The three of them is a daēva; they have magic, immortal, and can bond with the other to strengthen their power.
Vivienne is a caring, strong, and lovely woman. I love her relationship and fake marriage with Nathaniel. They have good chemistry and compliment each other well. She's also smart and probably my favorite character so far.
Alec is a bit mysterious but actually a kind person. He bonded with Vivienne. Though he might not really show it, he really cares for her and his sister, Anne. He's also very determined and powerful.
Anne is an independent woman. Like her brother, she's also strong-willed. When she has a purpose, she will achieve it no matter what. She enjoyed being alone and according to her, could go for days without hearing a human voice.
Unfortunately, I don't really like how the events nearing the end happened. Up to the first half, everything was going perfectly, I got the suspense and the mystery. But then, IMO, the romance went downhill and that made me a little disappointed. I'm okay with all the things that going on between the Beauty and the Beast. But I guess it didn't end with how I wanted it to be. Sorry if I'm being vague but I want my review to be spoiler-free. You could try to read the book to understand and maybe we could discuss it together, whether we have the same or different opinion!
"But don't get too comfortable, love. No rest for the wicked. Not just yet."
Overall, I enjoyed A Bad Breed. When it stated that it's a retelling of Beauty and The Beast and you're not into retellings, don't let it fool you because this book is so much more than that. This is the third book in the series, so there is a whole story different from Beauty and The Beast and let me tell you, I'm amazed by it. The magic system is unique and the writing, oh my, the writing is fantastic. I was transfixed from the first page, swept into the past where there were magic and secret society operating. If you enjoy reading fantasy with a full spoon of mystery, awesome characters, and visiting the past, I recommend you to read this book.
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July 4, 2019
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
Let’s see if I can articulate words for how much I loved this. I’ll be honest I thought I was looking at a 3, maybe 4, cups of coffee read, it sounded entertaining and I knew I would like it, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. I love Victorian era books, whether they’re written in modern times or in Victorian times, they’re some of my favorite books but this also means I can be picky about them as I want something that really feels Victorian if they’re modern books.
This nailed it. Or rather, Ross nailed it. This instantly transported you to a feel of Victorian that felt as if you had leapt back in time. Her writing style though isn’t dry as some people might find Victorian books, she keeps you completely engaged from page one. This doesn’t just stay in London either, we get to travel around, and there’s so much beauty and darkness. ‘Gaslamp Gothic’ stays true, think of Penny Dreadfuls and all the dark things we love about Victorian era gothic and Ross obliges by giving us those things. There’s the occult, secret societies, necromancer, ancient magic, and the hint of supernatural in a small Romanian village. Not to mention she makes everything she writes her own, this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast without making you feel that its sole purpose is just to retell a beloved tale. [Full review on blog]
Let’s see if I can articulate words for how much I loved this. I’ll be honest I thought I was looking at a 3, maybe 4, cups of coffee read, it sounded entertaining and I knew I would like it, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. I love Victorian era books, whether they’re written in modern times or in Victorian times, they’re some of my favorite books but this also means I can be picky about them as I want something that really feels Victorian if they’re modern books.
This nailed it. Or rather, Ross nailed it. This instantly transported you to a feel of Victorian that felt as if you had leapt back in time. Her writing style though isn’t dry as some people might find Victorian books, she keeps you completely engaged from page one. This doesn’t just stay in London either, we get to travel around, and there’s so much beauty and darkness. ‘Gaslamp Gothic’ stays true, think of Penny Dreadfuls and all the dark things we love about Victorian era gothic and Ross obliges by giving us those things. There’s the occult, secret societies, necromancer, ancient magic, and the hint of supernatural in a small Romanian village. Not to mention she makes everything she writes her own, this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast without making you feel that its sole purpose is just to retell a beloved tale. [Full review on blog]
July 3, 2019
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Bad Breed is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series by author Kat Ross. The gaslamp Gothic series, was previously known as the Dominion Mystery series, which includes The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate. I love Kat Ross' books. Her writing is always so on point and engaging, which these days is one of the most important aspects I look for when I picking what books I want to read. And I think Bad Breed might be my favorite Kat Ross novel yet! I am such a big fan of reimaginings, and lately I have been loving darker reads, so a dark reimagining of Beauty and the Beast is right up my alley! I loved this book!
Though Bad Breed is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone, so if you really don't want to, you do not have to reads the first two books. However, I really enjoyed both The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate, so if you love a good dark series, I would read them all in order. Bad Breed works well as a standalone book. You get to know the characters just fine without the backstories from the other books in the series. The only new concept to you is something that is introduced in Kat Ross' other crossover series- The Fourth Element Series,where you learn all about the history of the Deavas and their bonds. That is another great series, and I totally recommend it, but you don't need to read it in order to fall in love with Bad Breed.
In Bad Breed, we meet Ann, who is an occult investigator and is such an awesome character! Our story here is set in the late 1800s in Texas, but we get to travel over to Europe in the course of the story. We also meet the slightly dramatic but definitely intriguing Gabriel. And fans of the series get to see older characters like Vivienne and Nathaniel, which was a big treat for me. This story is completely magical and enthralling. I loved the romance, I loved the intrigue, and I loved that it has all kinds of my favorite elements- the paranormal, secret societies, secrets galore, and a gothic atmosphere. Kat Ross, you wrote this book specifically for me!
Bottom line: Bad Breed is my favorite Kat Ross book to date! Perfect for fans of the Jackaby series and of the Netflix tv show Penny Dreadful, and fairy tale reimaginings with a dark feel. I really enjoyed the ride this mystery took me on. Read it in the fall for a great atmospheric mystery.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Bad Breed is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series by author Kat Ross. The gaslamp Gothic series, was previously known as the Dominion Mystery series, which includes The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate. I love Kat Ross' books. Her writing is always so on point and engaging, which these days is one of the most important aspects I look for when I picking what books I want to read. And I think Bad Breed might be my favorite Kat Ross novel yet! I am such a big fan of reimaginings, and lately I have been loving darker reads, so a dark reimagining of Beauty and the Beast is right up my alley! I loved this book!
Though Bad Breed is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone, so if you really don't want to, you do not have to reads the first two books. However, I really enjoyed both The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate, so if you love a good dark series, I would read them all in order. Bad Breed works well as a standalone book. You get to know the characters just fine without the backstories from the other books in the series. The only new concept to you is something that is introduced in Kat Ross' other crossover series- The Fourth Element Series,where you learn all about the history of the Deavas and their bonds. That is another great series, and I totally recommend it, but you don't need to read it in order to fall in love with Bad Breed.
In Bad Breed, we meet Ann, who is an occult investigator and is such an awesome character! Our story here is set in the late 1800s in Texas, but we get to travel over to Europe in the course of the story. We also meet the slightly dramatic but definitely intriguing Gabriel. And fans of the series get to see older characters like Vivienne and Nathaniel, which was a big treat for me. This story is completely magical and enthralling. I loved the romance, I loved the intrigue, and I loved that it has all kinds of my favorite elements- the paranormal, secret societies, secrets galore, and a gothic atmosphere. Kat Ross, you wrote this book specifically for me!
Bottom line: Bad Breed is my favorite Kat Ross book to date! Perfect for fans of the Jackaby series and of the Netflix tv show Penny Dreadful, and fairy tale reimaginings with a dark feel. I really enjoyed the ride this mystery took me on. Read it in the fall for a great atmospheric mystery.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
July 17, 2019
~*Check out all my reviews over on The Bent Bookworm!*~
A Bad Breed is a hugely atmospheric read, dropping you into a gothic Victorian world from the first page. I really wished it was longer, to delve more into the background of Anne and Vivienne – but I guess that’s what the other books are for! This is the first book I’ve read by Kat Ross, so I took the description at its word, that A Bad Breed could be read as a standalone despite being the third novel in the series. It worked out just fine, and I’ve already downloaded The Daemoniac to read soon as well. 😉
Favorite Things
- Vivienne and her fake marriage. It was fun and lighthearted, if sad that it was necessary for both the parties involved. Accurate to the time though, I think.
- The way the paranormal was brought into the story. I wanted more details, but I think (hope) that all that is delved into more in the other books of the series.
- Anne using her small stature and feminine wiles to get what she wants – hurrah for our girl not being afraid to use what nature gave her!
- The dark, sinister atmosphere. This was done so, so well and just sucked me in completely!
Less Favorite Things
- To be honest, the romance between Anne and the “beast.” It felt kind of contrived, and due to the whole captivity thing, I found it hard not to be a little uncomfortable. He never outright abuses her (is quite the gentleman, outside of the whole OH HEY YOU CAN’T LEAVE thing), and she is clearly a woman experienced and in full control of her own desires…just, Stockholm syndrome? I did THOROUGHLY approve of the way it ended, and I’m glad to see that the fourth book will continue Anne’s story!
4/5 stars overall, and I’ll definitely be reading more by Kat Ross!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram |
A Bad Breed is a hugely atmospheric read, dropping you into a gothic Victorian world from the first page. I really wished it was longer, to delve more into the background of Anne and Vivienne – but I guess that’s what the other books are for! This is the first book I’ve read by Kat Ross, so I took the description at its word, that A Bad Breed could be read as a standalone despite being the third novel in the series. It worked out just fine, and I’ve already downloaded The Daemoniac to read soon as well. 😉
Favorite Things
- Vivienne and her fake marriage. It was fun and lighthearted, if sad that it was necessary for both the parties involved. Accurate to the time though, I think.
- The way the paranormal was brought into the story. I wanted more details, but I think (hope) that all that is delved into more in the other books of the series.
- Anne using her small stature and feminine wiles to get what she wants – hurrah for our girl not being afraid to use what nature gave her!
- The dark, sinister atmosphere. This was done so, so well and just sucked me in completely!
Less Favorite Things
- To be honest, the romance between Anne and the “beast.” It felt kind of contrived, and due to the whole captivity thing, I found it hard not to be a little uncomfortable. He never outright abuses her (is quite the gentleman, outside of the whole OH HEY YOU CAN’T LEAVE thing), and she is clearly a woman experienced and in full control of her own desires…just, Stockholm syndrome? I did THOROUGHLY approve of the way it ended, and I’m glad to see that the fourth book will continue Anne’s story!
4/5 stars overall, and I’ll definitely be reading more by Kat Ross!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram |
July 14, 2019
You can also find my review here.
This book is everything I needed in my life. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense. And don’t let the fact that it’s a retelling worry you because I know many people can be skeptical of books that say they’re a retelling. There are definitely elements of Beauty and the Beast, but A Bad Breed is so much more than that.
This is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There are course some references to things that I’m assuming happened in the previous novels (I haven’t read them… yet), but there won’t be anything that leaves you confused or has you feeling like you’re out of the loop.
I can’t even begin to tell you guys how incredible this book was. It was a ride in the best way possible and I wish I could read it for the first time again. I flew through it because the entire thing was captivating. It had me on the edge of my seat.
One of the best things about this novel, besides the romance aspect that relates to Beauty and the Beast, nothing was predictable. There were so many things that would happen that would shock me. It’s been a while since I’ve stayed up because I can’t put a book down to props to you Kat Ross.
Kat Ross’ writing was incredible. The settings she created in each country were so vivid. It was easy to picture all of these beautiful places that were home to such haunted characters. The characters and the romance as well were fantastic. I find in fantasy, I tend to ship characters less than usual because I’m so focused on the fantastical world, but oh my god. Kat Ross hit it out of the park with every single aspect of this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
I’m so happy this book came into my life because it was perfect. And if you’re looking for a gothic fantasy novel with a touch of romance and suspense, then please pick this up. It will definitely make your reading life better.
This book is everything I needed in my life. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense. And don’t let the fact that it’s a retelling worry you because I know many people can be skeptical of books that say they’re a retelling. There are definitely elements of Beauty and the Beast, but A Bad Breed is so much more than that.
This is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There are course some references to things that I’m assuming happened in the previous novels (I haven’t read them… yet), but there won’t be anything that leaves you confused or has you feeling like you’re out of the loop.
I can’t even begin to tell you guys how incredible this book was. It was a ride in the best way possible and I wish I could read it for the first time again. I flew through it because the entire thing was captivating. It had me on the edge of my seat.
One of the best things about this novel, besides the romance aspect that relates to Beauty and the Beast, nothing was predictable. There were so many things that would happen that would shock me. It’s been a while since I’ve stayed up because I can’t put a book down to props to you Kat Ross.
Kat Ross’ writing was incredible. The settings she created in each country were so vivid. It was easy to picture all of these beautiful places that were home to such haunted characters. The characters and the romance as well were fantastic. I find in fantasy, I tend to ship characters less than usual because I’m so focused on the fantastical world, but oh my god. Kat Ross hit it out of the park with every single aspect of this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
I’m so happy this book came into my life because it was perfect. And if you’re looking for a gothic fantasy novel with a touch of romance and suspense, then please pick this up. It will definitely make your reading life better.
July 4, 2019
**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Keep in mind that while this is the third book in the series, I feel like it could be read on it's own. There are characters that have previously been featured in this world, but the mystery elements were brand new and this was the first time that we have had Anne as a main character.
It was as if this was book was split into two different stories put together with one common end game. On one path, we have Vivienne, Alec, Nathaniel and crew who are trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Anne and where is she now. Add in the fact there was a paranormal mystery (aka a potential werewolf killing machine) and a personal vendetta and we have the makings of a great Victorian style paranormal mystery.
But then we get to my favorite part of the book- the Beauty and the Beast retelling! I will be perfectly honest, I probably would have read this book any way since I have read the previous two books in the series, but I came for the Beauty and the Beast action. Kat was able to create something that was very much her own while at the same time playing true to the original fairytale. And I loved every minute of the slowly developed forbidden romance. I was sad when the story would switch gears back to the other group trying to find Anne- I just wanted to steal away and watch Anne inadvertently fall for her beastly capture. Yep, I am a sucker for the Stockholm Syndrome.
Each of the books in the Gaslamp Gothic series have been interesting, full of creepy paranormal mysteries with different kinds of twists on the stories we thought we knew and A Bad Breed is a great installment. The ending to this book had a lot of open ends that I must have answered so I will attempt to patiently wait until August when the sequel The Necromancer's Bride comes out in September!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title.
Keep in mind that while this is the third book in the series, I feel like it could be read on it's own. There are characters that have previously been featured in this world, but the mystery elements were brand new and this was the first time that we have had Anne as a main character.
“The werewolf may have become extinct in our age, yet he has left his stamp on classic antiquity, he has trodden deep in Northern snows, has ridden rough-shod over the medievals, and has howled amongst Oriental sepulchres. He belonged to a bad breed, and we are quite content to be freed from him and his kindred, the vampire and the ghoul.”
It was as if this was book was split into two different stories put together with one common end game. On one path, we have Vivienne, Alec, Nathaniel and crew who are trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Anne and where is she now. Add in the fact there was a paranormal mystery (aka a potential werewolf killing machine) and a personal vendetta and we have the makings of a great Victorian style paranormal mystery.
But then we get to my favorite part of the book- the Beauty and the Beast retelling! I will be perfectly honest, I probably would have read this book any way since I have read the previous two books in the series, but I came for the Beauty and the Beast action. Kat was able to create something that was very much her own while at the same time playing true to the original fairytale. And I loved every minute of the slowly developed forbidden romance. I was sad when the story would switch gears back to the other group trying to find Anne- I just wanted to steal away and watch Anne inadvertently fall for her beastly capture. Yep, I am a sucker for the Stockholm Syndrome.
Each of the books in the Gaslamp Gothic series have been interesting, full of creepy paranormal mysteries with different kinds of twists on the stories we thought we knew and A Bad Breed is a great installment. The ending to this book had a lot of open ends that I must have answered so I will attempt to patiently wait until August when the sequel The Necromancer's Bride comes out in September!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title.
June 26, 2019
This book… wow it oozes mood. Right from the first page you know you are in a Victorian Gothic novel. The world building just pulls you in, especially if you are a big fan of Victorian era pieces like I am.
This book has it all – Necromancers ✔ Secret Societies ✔ Paranormal Investigations ✔ Long Burning Revenge ✔ Old Empty Castles ✔ Fantastic Heroines and more ✔ ✔ ✔.
I love Kat Ross’s writing style and world-building and well just about everything else.
This is the third book in the series, (you can find links to my reviews of the other titles above) but I think this book does well as a stand alone. I don’t even really feel like you’d miss much in the way of character back stories, the characters and plot carry enough emotion without the backstory. The only thing you might miss out on is the history of the Deavas and the bond, and for that you need to go back to the Forth Element series (my review of the first two books.)
The depth of the characters keep this book moving through one twist after another. It keeps you hooked and entertained through out.
The only thing that keeps this book from begin a five-star, I Loved It rated book is the really explicit sex scene. I just don’t find those tasteful or enjoyable. It’s enough for me (and in my option the story) just to know that character has consummated their relationship. I really don’t want the details.
Bottom Line: Another great book from Kat Ross, although I really would have preferred it if the sexual content had been more PG-13 instead of X-rated.
I received this book though Xpresso Book Tours.
This book has it all – Necromancers ✔ Secret Societies ✔ Paranormal Investigations ✔ Long Burning Revenge ✔ Old Empty Castles ✔ Fantastic Heroines and more ✔ ✔ ✔.
I love Kat Ross’s writing style and world-building and well just about everything else.
This is the third book in the series, (you can find links to my reviews of the other titles above) but I think this book does well as a stand alone. I don’t even really feel like you’d miss much in the way of character back stories, the characters and plot carry enough emotion without the backstory. The only thing you might miss out on is the history of the Deavas and the bond, and for that you need to go back to the Forth Element series (my review of the first two books.)
The depth of the characters keep this book moving through one twist after another. It keeps you hooked and entertained through out.
The only thing that keeps this book from begin a five-star, I Loved It rated book is the really explicit sex scene. I just don’t find those tasteful or enjoyable. It’s enough for me (and in my option the story) just to know that character has consummated their relationship. I really don’t want the details.
Bottom Line: Another great book from Kat Ross, although I really would have preferred it if the sexual content had been more PG-13 instead of X-rated.
I received this book though Xpresso Book Tours.
May 22, 2022
I was able to read “A Bad Breed” in just two days’ time; it’s a super easy read that’s brimming with a delightful gothic atmosphere. This book takes an interesting twist to the Beauty and the Beast stories, and while the author says this can be read as a standalone, I’d almost recommend against that. I’ve read one of Ross’ books so I had a brief idea of what Anne was and how her powers functioned, but without that… I think you’d be pretty lost, or feel like the book was lacking in some way. But, ultimately, the book is more than just a Beauty and Beast story, but also part mystery over what happened to Anne, and who is behind the attacks in a remote village. In fact, you don’t even really meet Anne until almost 40% of the book, which I have mixed feelings about…
I really wanted more of Anne. I wanted to see more of her and the “beast” and get a better understanding of him and the society he’s a part of. His reasons for taking Anne were so flimsy that I really felt like there needed to be more of his tortured backstory, or what have you, in order to really sell him as someone Anne would fall for, because by the end, I can’t say I cared much for his character. I really liked Anne and Vivienne though, and I greatly enjoyed Alec, too! For such a short book, there were a lot of characters that I wanted more of, whose plot lines in the story could have used a little more page time, as well. So, while I generally like Ross’ writing style, this is one of those instances where the story itself needed to be a bit longer in order for the plot and characters to get the weight and justice I felt they all deserved.
Ultimately, “A Bad Breed” reads more like a prequel to what’s to come in the fourth book in this series. The steam and sex scenes were done well in this book, even if they were very brief, but because of how the characters behaved and what they did at the end, I can’t really say I have much of an interest in continuing if they are the central couple again, however, I am really motivated to go back and finish Ross’ “Fourth Element Series”! Which is why this gets a solid 3 stars from me, it was fine, but there needed to be a bit more in order to give this story the substance I felt it needed, and I didn't like the "beast" at the end at all, either.
I really wanted more of Anne. I wanted to see more of her and the “beast” and get a better understanding of him and the society he’s a part of. His reasons for taking Anne were so flimsy that I really felt like there needed to be more of his tortured backstory, or what have you, in order to really sell him as someone Anne would fall for, because by the end, I can’t say I cared much for his character. I really liked Anne and Vivienne though, and I greatly enjoyed Alec, too! For such a short book, there were a lot of characters that I wanted more of, whose plot lines in the story could have used a little more page time, as well. So, while I generally like Ross’ writing style, this is one of those instances where the story itself needed to be a bit longer in order for the plot and characters to get the weight and justice I felt they all deserved.
Ultimately, “A Bad Breed” reads more like a prequel to what’s to come in the fourth book in this series. The steam and sex scenes were done well in this book, even if they were very brief, but because of how the characters behaved and what they did at the end, I can’t really say I have much of an interest in continuing if they are the central couple again, however, I am really motivated to go back and finish Ross’ “Fourth Element Series”! Which is why this gets a solid 3 stars from me, it was fine, but there needed to be a bit more in order to give this story the substance I felt it needed, and I didn't like the "beast" at the end at all, either.
July 17, 2019
A Bad Breed by Kat Ross is third in the Gothic Gaslamp series. Deep in the Carpathians, the village of Mara Vardac has been beset by a series of vicious attacks. At first thought to be animal attacks, it becomes clear something far more sinister is afoot. Anne, an SPR agent, goes to investigate and ends up disappearing. Her guardian, Vivienne, goes to search for Anne, and continue the investigation into the attacks. What she finds is far more sinister than mere rogue wolves or bears.
I absolutely loved this book! I was first introduced to Kat Ross' wonderful writing with her Fourth Talisman series, and she's now an author I actively stalk for new books. The Gothic Gaslamp series takes place in the same universe as the other two series, so we get to see the daevas, though not so much their magic. A Bad Breed is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, yes, but in a more original way than I've read before. I liked the inclusion of the Order of the Rosy Cross, but more than that, I loved the inclusion of the French legend of the Beast of Gevaudan. It takes it beyond being a werewolf legend, into something far more fascinating. We don't learn the full truth of the Beast, or Gabriel's unique ability, but the story continues in the next book and I'm very excited to read it!
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Book Tours.
I absolutely loved this book! I was first introduced to Kat Ross' wonderful writing with her Fourth Talisman series, and she's now an author I actively stalk for new books. The Gothic Gaslamp series takes place in the same universe as the other two series, so we get to see the daevas, though not so much their magic. A Bad Breed is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, yes, but in a more original way than I've read before. I liked the inclusion of the Order of the Rosy Cross, but more than that, I loved the inclusion of the French legend of the Beast of Gevaudan. It takes it beyond being a werewolf legend, into something far more fascinating. We don't learn the full truth of the Beast, or Gabriel's unique ability, but the story continues in the next book and I'm very excited to read it!
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Book Tours.
January 19, 2025
I loved Anne so much.
Every new installation I read of this book, I think there’s no way that Kat Ross could create a better character, and then she does. I swooned over Anne constantly throughout this book. I loved her quick wit and her “street” smarts.
I also appreciated seeing more of Nathaniel as more than just Vivienne’s husband, his character always makes me smile and is such a nice lighthearted addition in the collection of characters.
The romance in this one was wonderfully done, considering up to this point in the series, there really hasn’t been much of it I was a little surprised to see it pop up here. Gabe and Anne are to die for and I feel like this book could have gone on for another 200 pages and I still couldn't get bored of them.
This was my favorite in the series so far. The double twist kept me on my toes and I am just over the moon in love with all these characters.
Every new installation I read of this book, I think there’s no way that Kat Ross could create a better character, and then she does. I swooned over Anne constantly throughout this book. I loved her quick wit and her “street” smarts.
I also appreciated seeing more of Nathaniel as more than just Vivienne’s husband, his character always makes me smile and is such a nice lighthearted addition in the collection of characters.
The romance in this one was wonderfully done, considering up to this point in the series, there really hasn’t been much of it I was a little surprised to see it pop up here. Gabe and Anne are to die for and I feel like this book could have gone on for another 200 pages and I still couldn't get bored of them.
This was my favorite in the series so far. The double twist kept me on my toes and I am just over the moon in love with all these characters.
August 23, 2019
I cant agree with the authors claim that this book can be read as a standalone as the purported main character doesnt appear herself until about 37% into the book.
When we finally get to her part of the story it did get a bit more interesting but I soon got very tired of Annes character,she just came across as very arrogant. Now dont get me wrong a flawed character can still be a good character but as a reader I didnt really understand her motivations or get an explanation about her past shaped her personality.
When we finally get to her part of the story it did get a bit more interesting but I soon got very tired of Annes character,she just came across as very arrogant. Now dont get me wrong a flawed character can still be a good character but as a reader I didnt really understand her motivations or get an explanation about her past shaped her personality.
November 8, 2025
Usually secondary characters are my favorite and I adore them getting their own book - not this time. It was a struggle of boredom to the finish. Give me Harrison Fearing Pell or give me nothing Kat Ross!
August 4, 2019
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and author Kat Ross for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
A Bad Breed is the third novel in Kat Ross’s Gaslamp Gothic series and is a passionate and whimsical tale of murder, mayhem and magic with a Beauty and the Beast underlay that sweeps readers up into a delectable Victorian world full of adventure.
After a Romanian village suffers a series of brutal attacks, occult investigator Anne Lawrence is sent to investigate the deaths. When Anne soon disappears herself, her mentor Vivienne Cumberland follows her footsteps to the Carpathian mountains in search of her missing ward and to a remote monastery. Tales of Pricolici abound, a creature of folklore more beast than man and as a blizzard traps Vivienne in the monastery, she faces the same fate as those unlucky enough to come across the creature. Is the perpetrator truly the creature of legend or is he something else entirely? Imprisoned in a rotting and decaying castle, Anne finds herself victim of a magical enchantment. Held prisoner by a man whose drive for revenge sees him determined to use her, Anne is determined to escape but as the weeks pass and Anne comes to learn more of her captor, will her heart leave her unable to do what must be done? Or will she find a way to reach a man whose inner beast is set to destroy everything Anne loves?
I’ve always loved Kat Ross’s novels and A Bad Breed is definitely no exception. Having read both her Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman series’, I was somewhat perplexed to see that A Bad Breed was advertised as being a retelling of Beauty and the Beast given the Gaslamp Gothic’s ties to Ross’s ancient Persian tales. And yet I should have known Kat Ross would do the impossible and weave threads of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale into her Victorian era world of necromancers, daeva’s and magic effortlessly.
A Bad Breed unfolds in the third person and follows a number of characters including Vivienne, Alec, Anne and Balthazar. I’m really enjoying following Vivienne and Alec in this series having known them since the beginning when they still went by the names of Tijah and Achaemenes. It feels like being reunited with old friends and I’m finding it highly entertaining seeing how they’ve changed and evolved over their centuries together. They’re very much different individuals than when I knew them in the Fourth Element novels and are more products of their current Victorian times, but at their base and in their essence they’re still the Tijah and Achaemenes I’ve always loved.
A Bad Breed sees a Beauty and the Beast element interwoven into the series in the form of Anne and Gabriel who are prisoner and captor respectively in an old dilapidated castle. Anne’s story of imprisonment takes place over a manner of months and Ross stays true to much of the classic timeline but also adds her own flavour to the story. I liked both Anne and Gabriel; daeva and necromancer together is the kind of forbidden romance that I enjoy seeing. Anne is very capable and worldly while Gabriel tormented and like many Ross heroes layered and complex. Gabriel is portrayed as somewhat of a villain but he has human emotions behind his tortured and tormented role.
This novel is more visually explicit than other Kat Ross novels I have read. Though Nazafareen and Darius were intimate during their relationship, Ross didn’t their sexual exploits with the same depth and description she does with the few shown in A Bad Breed. Younger readers may want to be aware of the sex scenes that are adult in nature, although they definitely serve a purpose and reason within the novel.
Fast paced, well written and very enjoyable reading, A Bad Breed is a luscious and vivid tale that ends too soon for my liking. I love Kat Ross’s storytelling and her characters who are multilayered and intricate personalities and who often blur the line between good and evil. A great read, A Bad Breed can definitely be read as a stand alone but leaves me very keen for more!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
A Bad Breed is the third novel in Kat Ross’s Gaslamp Gothic series and is a passionate and whimsical tale of murder, mayhem and magic with a Beauty and the Beast underlay that sweeps readers up into a delectable Victorian world full of adventure.
After a Romanian village suffers a series of brutal attacks, occult investigator Anne Lawrence is sent to investigate the deaths. When Anne soon disappears herself, her mentor Vivienne Cumberland follows her footsteps to the Carpathian mountains in search of her missing ward and to a remote monastery. Tales of Pricolici abound, a creature of folklore more beast than man and as a blizzard traps Vivienne in the monastery, she faces the same fate as those unlucky enough to come across the creature. Is the perpetrator truly the creature of legend or is he something else entirely? Imprisoned in a rotting and decaying castle, Anne finds herself victim of a magical enchantment. Held prisoner by a man whose drive for revenge sees him determined to use her, Anne is determined to escape but as the weeks pass and Anne comes to learn more of her captor, will her heart leave her unable to do what must be done? Or will she find a way to reach a man whose inner beast is set to destroy everything Anne loves?
I’ve always loved Kat Ross’s novels and A Bad Breed is definitely no exception. Having read both her Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman series’, I was somewhat perplexed to see that A Bad Breed was advertised as being a retelling of Beauty and the Beast given the Gaslamp Gothic’s ties to Ross’s ancient Persian tales. And yet I should have known Kat Ross would do the impossible and weave threads of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale into her Victorian era world of necromancers, daeva’s and magic effortlessly.
A Bad Breed unfolds in the third person and follows a number of characters including Vivienne, Alec, Anne and Balthazar. I’m really enjoying following Vivienne and Alec in this series having known them since the beginning when they still went by the names of Tijah and Achaemenes. It feels like being reunited with old friends and I’m finding it highly entertaining seeing how they’ve changed and evolved over their centuries together. They’re very much different individuals than when I knew them in the Fourth Element novels and are more products of their current Victorian times, but at their base and in their essence they’re still the Tijah and Achaemenes I’ve always loved.
A Bad Breed sees a Beauty and the Beast element interwoven into the series in the form of Anne and Gabriel who are prisoner and captor respectively in an old dilapidated castle. Anne’s story of imprisonment takes place over a manner of months and Ross stays true to much of the classic timeline but also adds her own flavour to the story. I liked both Anne and Gabriel; daeva and necromancer together is the kind of forbidden romance that I enjoy seeing. Anne is very capable and worldly while Gabriel tormented and like many Ross heroes layered and complex. Gabriel is portrayed as somewhat of a villain but he has human emotions behind his tortured and tormented role.
This novel is more visually explicit than other Kat Ross novels I have read. Though Nazafareen and Darius were intimate during their relationship, Ross didn’t their sexual exploits with the same depth and description she does with the few shown in A Bad Breed. Younger readers may want to be aware of the sex scenes that are adult in nature, although they definitely serve a purpose and reason within the novel.
Fast paced, well written and very enjoyable reading, A Bad Breed is a luscious and vivid tale that ends too soon for my liking. I love Kat Ross’s storytelling and her characters who are multilayered and intricate personalities and who often blur the line between good and evil. A great read, A Bad Breed can definitely be read as a stand alone but leaves me very keen for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
Anne is a daeva- one of a few magical and ancient beings left who now use their powers to hunt down any evil beings left in the world. Anne is on assignment in a small Romanian village in 1889, she is on the hunt for a pricolici- a creature of folklore, a werewolf that killed several children in the small village. Anne has uncharacteristically gone missing from a nearby monastery on her assignment prompting friends Vivienne, Alec and Nathaniel to come looking for her. Unbeknownst to Anna or Alec, Anne is being held as collateral by the very beast she was after in order for the beast to settle a grudge a few hundred years old. However, as Anne begins to study her captor, she learns much more about him than she expected.
Bad Breed is a Gothic fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast and is the third in the Gaslamp Gothic series. This can be read as a stand-alone, but now I definitely want to read the first two books. The Romanian folklore of the pricolici intrigued me at the very beginning as Anne tries to outrun the vampire-werewolf hybrid that doesn't seem to particularly want to hurt her. Furthermore, I was very interested in the origins of the daeva, I'll have to go back and read the other books to find out about that. The action and pacing of the story was very tight and kept everything moving quickly. The writing was a good mix of fantasy, fairy tale retelling, mystery and romance. I especially liked the details that tied the story to Beauty and the Beast, but didn't make it a direct reproduction. I especially loved the fierce female characters. Anne was anything but a damsel in distress, even when her magic was disabled and Vivienne seems a loyal protector. The mystery of the pricolici and what exactly he wanted with Anne and Alec kept the mystery going. The ending left room for more of the story to be told as well, so I will be looking forward to the next book as well.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Bad Breed is a Gothic fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast and is the third in the Gaslamp Gothic series. This can be read as a stand-alone, but now I definitely want to read the first two books. The Romanian folklore of the pricolici intrigued me at the very beginning as Anne tries to outrun the vampire-werewolf hybrid that doesn't seem to particularly want to hurt her. Furthermore, I was very interested in the origins of the daeva, I'll have to go back and read the other books to find out about that. The action and pacing of the story was very tight and kept everything moving quickly. The writing was a good mix of fantasy, fairy tale retelling, mystery and romance. I especially liked the details that tied the story to Beauty and the Beast, but didn't make it a direct reproduction. I especially loved the fierce female characters. Anne was anything but a damsel in distress, even when her magic was disabled and Vivienne seems a loyal protector. The mystery of the pricolici and what exactly he wanted with Anne and Alec kept the mystery going. The ending left room for more of the story to be told as well, so I will be looking forward to the next book as well.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
July 8, 2019
5 Cranky Stars
I loved this book and I shall be reading all the other books in the series. I'm normally not a big fan of "period pieces", at least not in book form. But this book was so original and well written. I love the attention to detail and historical accuracy.
This book assumes the reader is intelligent enough to keep up with historical references. It respects it's readers, which I appreciate. I don't like things dumbed down. I like feeling like the material is meant for adults, not children that need their hands held.
Also, I would very much like to say that there is more than just one badass female protagonist in this story which is so refreshing. I can't think of any other book, set in the 1800's, that has a strong, BLACK, female heroine. And she's so well written that it never comes off as novelty. Kat Ross respects her own creations and I love it.
This is a new twist on magic, paranormal, fairytale fantasy. It's completely unique and refreshing. One of a kind. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this book and I shall be reading all the other books in the series. I'm normally not a big fan of "period pieces", at least not in book form. But this book was so original and well written. I love the attention to detail and historical accuracy.
This book assumes the reader is intelligent enough to keep up with historical references. It respects it's readers, which I appreciate. I don't like things dumbed down. I like feeling like the material is meant for adults, not children that need their hands held.
Also, I would very much like to say that there is more than just one badass female protagonist in this story which is so refreshing. I can't think of any other book, set in the 1800's, that has a strong, BLACK, female heroine. And she's so well written that it never comes off as novelty. Kat Ross respects her own creations and I love it.
This is a new twist on magic, paranormal, fairytale fantasy. It's completely unique and refreshing. One of a kind. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
August 18, 2019
I was really looking forward to this baby as I felt that it has been a while since the last book in this series which is The Thirteenth Gate. To be fair to Kat, she was busy releasing the remaining books for the Fourth Talisman Series and we all know that I would never be complaining about that!
I do recommend reading the Fourth Talisman Series and of course the series that started it all The Fourth Element Series. You are not required to do so to enjoy the Gaslamp Gothic series, but between us, it helps and takes it to the next level.
Though bear in mind, that you do not need to start (though I do personally recommend it) with book 1 of this series The Daemoniac and of course The Thirteenth Gate. The series name has changed from Dominion Mysteries to Gaslamp Gothic, I do need to make the changes on the previous posts, I am mentioning it now just in case the post is up before I had the chance to make the change for those 2 previous reviews.
In this one, we focus more on Vivienne and Alec. If you have read the first 2 books then I am sad to tell you that Harry is not playing a role here, though she was mentioned. Are we going to see Harry back anytime soon? I really do love her a lot and I would be sad to leave her behind.
But other than Vivienne and Alec, the other pairing is of Anne and Gabriel. I will be honest, I did not like Gabriel at first, however, oddly enough I started to like him. That reminded me of my sheer dislike of Jamie Lannister in the first couple of books and how I ended up really rooting for him as he grew. I am not going to go into too many details, but I found him to be fascinating and I cannot wait to see him what he does next.
A Bad Breed was not particularly action-packed which we all know is my favorite, but it was wonderfully well written and then I just loved where the story was going. It always brings a smile to my face to spend time with beloved characters and I can assure you that I was so happy nose deep into these pages.
However, there was one particular moment when my heart pretty much stopped, when there was mention of only 2 known bonded pairs known to currently exist. So, Kat where are Darius and Nazafareen? I realise that here we are over 2000 years after the last events of The Fourth Talisman, but … but… how is it possible that their whereabouts are unknown!???
How?
I am in dire need of some reassurance here!
But this heart-stopping moment aside, A Bad Breed was beautifully written and just plain outstanding. The follow-up book called The Necromancer’s Bride is coming near (in Sept I think!) and I am so looking forward to it.
If you have read any of Kat’s books before, then you are certainly not going to be disappointed here and you are going to love every page of A Bad Breed, however if this is your first time discovering Kat, then I would recommend you go from that first book that I mentioned earlier and go from there. Trust me you are going to love it!
To no surprise to anyone I am going to VERY HIGHLY recommend A Bad Breed to you all, and I do wish you LOVE it as much as I did. Luckily the next one is around the corner and I just need to count the days!
oh and before I forget, I am loving this cover!!!
I do recommend reading the Fourth Talisman Series and of course the series that started it all The Fourth Element Series. You are not required to do so to enjoy the Gaslamp Gothic series, but between us, it helps and takes it to the next level.
Though bear in mind, that you do not need to start (though I do personally recommend it) with book 1 of this series The Daemoniac and of course The Thirteenth Gate. The series name has changed from Dominion Mysteries to Gaslamp Gothic, I do need to make the changes on the previous posts, I am mentioning it now just in case the post is up before I had the chance to make the change for those 2 previous reviews.
In this one, we focus more on Vivienne and Alec. If you have read the first 2 books then I am sad to tell you that Harry is not playing a role here, though she was mentioned. Are we going to see Harry back anytime soon? I really do love her a lot and I would be sad to leave her behind.
But other than Vivienne and Alec, the other pairing is of Anne and Gabriel. I will be honest, I did not like Gabriel at first, however, oddly enough I started to like him. That reminded me of my sheer dislike of Jamie Lannister in the first couple of books and how I ended up really rooting for him as he grew. I am not going to go into too many details, but I found him to be fascinating and I cannot wait to see him what he does next.
A Bad Breed was not particularly action-packed which we all know is my favorite, but it was wonderfully well written and then I just loved where the story was going. It always brings a smile to my face to spend time with beloved characters and I can assure you that I was so happy nose deep into these pages.
However, there was one particular moment when my heart pretty much stopped, when there was mention of only 2 known bonded pairs known to currently exist. So, Kat where are Darius and Nazafareen? I realise that here we are over 2000 years after the last events of The Fourth Talisman, but … but… how is it possible that their whereabouts are unknown!???
How?
I am in dire need of some reassurance here!
But this heart-stopping moment aside, A Bad Breed was beautifully written and just plain outstanding. The follow-up book called The Necromancer’s Bride is coming near (in Sept I think!) and I am so looking forward to it.
If you have read any of Kat’s books before, then you are certainly not going to be disappointed here and you are going to love every page of A Bad Breed, however if this is your first time discovering Kat, then I would recommend you go from that first book that I mentioned earlier and go from there. Trust me you are going to love it!
To no surprise to anyone I am going to VERY HIGHLY recommend A Bad Breed to you all, and I do wish you LOVE it as much as I did. Luckily the next one is around the corner and I just need to count the days!
oh and before I forget, I am loving this cover!!!
July 6, 2019
A Bad Breed is the third book in the Gaslamp Gothic series by Kat Ross. However, it can be read as a standalone, which was a good thing for me, as I haven't had the chance to read the first two books yet.
The story follows Vivienne, a woman who happens to know a lot about the strange and mysterious creatures that lurk in the shadows. In A Bad Breed, Vivienne is on a mission to discover what happened to her ward, Anne. Anne went to a small Romanian village, only to disappear without a trace.
What Vivienne discovers when she arrives in the village is more than she bargained for. She may not have found Anne, but she may have uncovered something more sinister.
Who is attacking the villagers? Why was Anne taken? And what, exactly, is the strange man who has her locked up in his castle?
I have to say, this was a strange, fascinating book. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I am all for that. I do love a unique retelling, and A Bad Breed definitely delivered.
I found Vivienne to be a fun character. She's relentless, determined, and kind of awesome. I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the other books so I can get a better feel for her. But just from this book, I really liked her.
I also felt kind of bad for Anne. But not necessarily for the reasons one may think. But that would spoil things, so I won't say anything else. ;)
The story is engaging and well-paced. I found myself intrigued immediately, being sucked into this strange, new world. And even though I didn't get a chance to read the Fourth Element series (yet!), I liked that it was also connected to this series in a way.
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed A Bad Breed, although I do wish the ending had been different. I suppose that's the hopeless romantic in me, though.
If you enjoy retellings, Gothic novels, romance, books set in historical times, and/or strange & mythical creatures, definitely give A Bad Breed a whirl. You won't regret it!
4.5 stars from me.
The story follows Vivienne, a woman who happens to know a lot about the strange and mysterious creatures that lurk in the shadows. In A Bad Breed, Vivienne is on a mission to discover what happened to her ward, Anne. Anne went to a small Romanian village, only to disappear without a trace.
What Vivienne discovers when she arrives in the village is more than she bargained for. She may not have found Anne, but she may have uncovered something more sinister.
Who is attacking the villagers? Why was Anne taken? And what, exactly, is the strange man who has her locked up in his castle?
I have to say, this was a strange, fascinating book. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I am all for that. I do love a unique retelling, and A Bad Breed definitely delivered.
I found Vivienne to be a fun character. She's relentless, determined, and kind of awesome. I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the other books so I can get a better feel for her. But just from this book, I really liked her.
I also felt kind of bad for Anne. But not necessarily for the reasons one may think. But that would spoil things, so I won't say anything else. ;)
The story is engaging and well-paced. I found myself intrigued immediately, being sucked into this strange, new world. And even though I didn't get a chance to read the Fourth Element series (yet!), I liked that it was also connected to this series in a way.
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed A Bad Breed, although I do wish the ending had been different. I suppose that's the hopeless romantic in me, though.
If you enjoy retellings, Gothic novels, romance, books set in historical times, and/or strange & mythical creatures, definitely give A Bad Breed a whirl. You won't regret it!
4.5 stars from me.
June 2, 2019
I'd read Kat Ross's The Fourth Element and The Fourth Talisman series, and enjoyed them tremendously, so I was curious to read "A Bad Breed," which features some of the same worldbuilding but is a different subgenre, set in a different time period. And it *is* different from the epic fantasy books, but highly enjoyable if you like Gothic, gaslamp, urban fantasy, or reimagined fairy tales.
It's set in an alternative Victorian-era Europe, with most of the action either in London or the Carpathians. Something that may be a werewolf is terrorizing a remote Carpathian village, and the characters go out to investigate.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but if you enjoy "Dracula," there's a lot here that's reminiscent of it, without being derivative. Fans of the genre will recognize the tropes, but they're worked into the story in a way that seems natural--and very creepy! I was reading this during a power outage, which may have been a mistake, because sitting around in the dark was not something I wanted to be doing during the tensest moments.
The worldbuilding is well-done without slowing down the plot, and the plot moves forward swiftly, making it hard to put the book down. Definitely an entertaining read. Recommended for fans of the Gothic, or anyone who likes a good spooky story with a side of romance and intrigue.
My thanks to the author for providing a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
It's set in an alternative Victorian-era Europe, with most of the action either in London or the Carpathians. Something that may be a werewolf is terrorizing a remote Carpathian village, and the characters go out to investigate.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but if you enjoy "Dracula," there's a lot here that's reminiscent of it, without being derivative. Fans of the genre will recognize the tropes, but they're worked into the story in a way that seems natural--and very creepy! I was reading this during a power outage, which may have been a mistake, because sitting around in the dark was not something I wanted to be doing during the tensest moments.
The worldbuilding is well-done without slowing down the plot, and the plot moves forward swiftly, making it hard to put the book down. Definitely an entertaining read. Recommended for fans of the Gothic, or anyone who likes a good spooky story with a side of romance and intrigue.
My thanks to the author for providing a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2020
I finally caught up with the series and had all my books in order. This 3rd book picks up with Vivienne and Nathaniel going to Romania to look for Anne. Anne has disappeared and everyone is looking. You get a classic "were-wolf" story, with a monastery that has secrets, with death and terror in a small village. Anne is being held captive in France but we don't know by whom. The book pretty much tells you up front - think Beauty and the Beast and go from there. We are introduced to Gabriel D'Ange (If you know French then you'll understand the name) Everyone has secrets. There is mayhem, monsters, betrayal and love. Now that I am all caught up and know who is who, I have really found these book interesting and fun to read. Since I finished it early enough it;s on to book 4. Ms. Ross is costing me money since the library doesn't carry her books. But that's OK - I really have enjoyed the stories in the gaslamp gothic series. But remember you should read the 4th elements first so that you know who the characters that appear are. Makes your life so much easier.
September 17, 2019
Frankly I am exhausted. I just completed reading this book and I feel like I have been on a cross country trek on foot. In the best possible way of course. The way she brings the past, the characters, so many fascinating historical facts and locations all alive, combining nearly every aspect of fiction possible. There is history, there is folklore, the old country, cathedrals and castles, all woven together with human strengths and weaknesses, with hatred and love, duty and honor, betrayal and pain. Extremely impressed with this book and the amount of research the author must have done. I was so impressed I fully intend to read the prior books. The author said this could be read as standalone. But would like to know more about Viv and Alec and others after this wild journey. Dont pass this book up because its definitely one you want to experience. One you wont want to stop until the end and even then will be anxious to dive into the next one.
September 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel - the third in the series. (I have not read the initial installment, but I did read The Thirteenth Gate).
The pacing was well-done, with vivid description worked seamlessly into action sequences.
The character development was also skillfully handled. We learn more about characters from the previous installment, and new characters are introduced and developed. I particularly appreciated how the familiar characters took on new dimensions - it seemed organic and very natural in the way we learned more about them.
I suspect that, in not having read the initial entry in the series, I did miss out on some important foundational elements as it pertains to the mythology being used. However, I was still able to pick up enough between the two books I have read to have a fair idea of what was afoot.
I will definitely be following this author's work in the future.
The pacing was well-done, with vivid description worked seamlessly into action sequences.
The character development was also skillfully handled. We learn more about characters from the previous installment, and new characters are introduced and developed. I particularly appreciated how the familiar characters took on new dimensions - it seemed organic and very natural in the way we learned more about them.
I suspect that, in not having read the initial entry in the series, I did miss out on some important foundational elements as it pertains to the mythology being used. However, I was still able to pick up enough between the two books I have read to have a fair idea of what was afoot.
I will definitely be following this author's work in the future.
October 20, 2019
A Bad Breed is Book 3 in the Gaslamp Gothic series by Kat Ross. This is the first book by Ms. Ross that I've read and I will definitely be reading more. This is a dark retelling of Beauty and The Beast. The setting is a castle in Romania. Vivienne travels to Romania to find her ward Anne (an occult investigator) who disappeared while on an investigation. What Vivienne finds when she arrives at the Romanian village is more sinister than Anne disappearing without a trace. Kat Ross has created such wonderful, interesting and well developed characters. This is a very strange and fascinating story that is perfectly paced and keeps you turning pages to the end. Kat Ross' writing has me intrigued and I plan on reading the first two books in this series as well as her other books. Highly recommend this book. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 22, 2023
This is the third book in a series, but can be read just fine as a standalone. It includes a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, though there is some confusion as to which party is the beauty and which is the beast. The action is set in the late 1880s, as Viviane and Nathaniel go to Romania, where there has been talk of a Pricolici (a werewolf/vampire fusion in the Romanian folklore... the bad breed of the title). Anne, an agent of Scotland Yard's Dominion Branch has gone missing, the trail leads to a snowbound monastery, where the monks have conveniently or inconveniently, depending on your perspective, taken a vow of silence so can't answer the questions of the investigators. The book has necromancers, daevas and other supernatural beings and was an enjoyable and fast paced read, although I felt the story got a little convoluted in the latter half of the novel.
May 31, 2019
ONE INCREDIBLE READ!!!
OMG! All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, angst, danger and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. A twirling multitude of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy roaring to life brilliantly. The characters are original and on point realism it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. With scenes so graphic and detailed it makes for one awesome backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Kat, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
OMG! All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, angst, danger and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. A twirling multitude of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy roaring to life brilliantly. The characters are original and on point realism it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. With scenes so graphic and detailed it makes for one awesome backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Kat, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
June 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book for free from the author as an ARC and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
It has been a long time since I read a good good gothic novel and I enjoyed this one.It is the third in the series, but can be read and understood without having read the first two. It met all the requirements for a really good read to capture and keep your attention. There was the paranormal, men who felt they must protect the women, very strong women that could that could protect themselves and the men, and, of coarse, romance. I did wonder about Stockholm syndrome, but discounted it by the end of the story. I tried to dislike the villain, buI couldn't. He was a bad guy with morals. If you like gothic novels, you really should give it a try
It has been a long time since I read a good good gothic novel and I enjoyed this one.It is the third in the series, but can be read and understood without having read the first two. It met all the requirements for a really good read to capture and keep your attention. There was the paranormal, men who felt they must protect the women, very strong women that could that could protect themselves and the men, and, of coarse, romance. I did wonder about Stockholm syndrome, but discounted it by the end of the story. I tried to dislike the villain, buI couldn't. He was a bad guy with morals. If you like gothic novels, you really should give it a try
June 18, 2019
I love to get back to the universe / world Kat Ross created and again. This book didn't let me down.
What started as a fantasy world is now getting a more gothic feel, but the story itself is more important than the setting.
The storyline is good and gripping. The characters have depth where needed and really develop over the series. This story starts out as a bit of a whodunit, but will have a lot of romance tones in it which give it more live without turning into a bodice-ripper (did I write that correctly?). Enough references to past (past books), but I think it will be perfectly readable as a standalone novel (and might hook you to previous books!0
I love the interplay between Gabriel and Anne and hope to see them again in future books!
What started as a fantasy world is now getting a more gothic feel, but the story itself is more important than the setting.
The storyline is good and gripping. The characters have depth where needed and really develop over the series. This story starts out as a bit of a whodunit, but will have a lot of romance tones in it which give it more live without turning into a bodice-ripper (did I write that correctly?). Enough references to past (past books), but I think it will be perfectly readable as a standalone novel (and might hook you to previous books!0
I love the interplay between Gabriel and Anne and hope to see them again in future books!
June 30, 2019
I am a HUGE fan of Beauty and the Beast, and I LOVE reading retellings/re-imaginings of the story. I am also a HUGE fan of Kat Ross' works. Her writings are always so unique and leaving you on the edge of your seat. "A Bad Breed" is no exception. I love that the book is set in 1889. This is the prime gothic era and there is definitely that sort of vibe in this book.
This is NOT your typical "Beauty and the Beast" tale. Oh no. It is so much more than that. You fall in love with Anne and the mysteriously charming "beast". It's definitely darker than the original tale, with Kat's amazing spin and her own twist. But I loved it all the same.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my participation in a blog tour. This is my honest, voluntary review.
This is NOT your typical "Beauty and the Beast" tale. Oh no. It is so much more than that. You fall in love with Anne and the mysteriously charming "beast". It's definitely darker than the original tale, with Kat's amazing spin and her own twist. But I loved it all the same.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my participation in a blog tour. This is my honest, voluntary review.
July 5, 2019
If you've learned anything about me, it's that I will not pass up a dark fairytale reimagining. I don't know why I love them so much. Probably because I cut my teeth on Grimm fairytales. I find that reimaginings can be really good, or really, really bad. There's really not much in between, at least for me.
So what's so great about this one?
A Bad Breed brings us to the Carpathian mountains where gruesome killings have occurred near a Romanian village. Is it a beast? Is it a man? Both? What starts out as a mystery quickly morphs into something else —a Beauty and the Beast scenario with a twist set in Victorian times.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
So what's so great about this one?
A Bad Breed brings us to the Carpathian mountains where gruesome killings have occurred near a Romanian village. Is it a beast? Is it a man? Both? What starts out as a mystery quickly morphs into something else —a Beauty and the Beast scenario with a twist set in Victorian times.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
July 3, 2019
If you love 1800s Gothic-inspired fairy tales, this is the book for you!
AND what makes this story even better is that it's a dark BEAUTY AND THE BEAST retelling! AKA, all the things I love to read!!
When it comes to the actual retelling, you can immediately tell the similarities BUT with a darker twist. I loved the characters who are stuck in the perfect rustic, gothic world, and you just can't help but fall for the male interest. Everything about this book just screams darkness.
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. If you want a page-turning, plot-twisting, soul-burning story, this is it!
AND what makes this story even better is that it's a dark BEAUTY AND THE BEAST retelling! AKA, all the things I love to read!!
When it comes to the actual retelling, you can immediately tell the similarities BUT with a darker twist. I loved the characters who are stuck in the perfect rustic, gothic world, and you just can't help but fall for the male interest. Everything about this book just screams darkness.
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. If you want a page-turning, plot-twisting, soul-burning story, this is it!
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