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Alliance Vampires #3
Deep Midnight
The Hour When Dreams Turn Into Nightmares...
An opulent Carnivale ball in Venice takes a terrifying turn for book critic Jordan Riley. As festivity turns into frenzy, she is rescued by a powerful man disguised as a wolf. But was what she witnessed really just the evening's entertainment--or something far more sinister?
...And Pleasure Beckons From Beyond
From a de-consecrated church in Venice to a secret society in New Orleans, Jordan is led on a nightmare journey to the razor's edge of reality. Her mysterious savior is always a shadow behind her. A man whose closeness will both torment and tantalize her as darkness falls--and an eternal hunger threatens to consume her.
An opulent Carnivale ball in Venice takes a terrifying turn for book critic Jordan Riley. As festivity turns into frenzy, she is rescued by a powerful man disguised as a wolf. But was what she witnessed really just the evening's entertainment--or something far more sinister?
...And Pleasure Beckons From Beyond
From a de-consecrated church in Venice to a secret society in New Orleans, Jordan is led on a nightmare journey to the razor's edge of reality. Her mysterious savior is always a shadow behind her. A man whose closeness will both torment and tantalize her as darkness falls--and an eternal hunger threatens to consume her.
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
24 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Drake
52 books572 followersHeather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 18, 2018
Like in the previous book, the romance is underdeveloped and there is too much focus on the vilains.
I found the heroine borderline TSTL, thanks god Ragnor made up for her lacking. Here too, I give this book 3 stars instead of 2 because of Ragnor background.
I found the heroine borderline TSTL, thanks god Ragnor made up for her lacking. Here too, I give this book 3 stars instead of 2 because of Ragnor background.
September 22, 2012
I read the second on in this series not too long ago. I remember having the same gripe with it as I did with this one. This book was absorbing, but it was too long. The author could have shaved off a hundred and fifty pages without doing any damage to the story.
Jordon is on a vaction with her cousin Jared and his wife Cindy. Jordon's fiance was killed in the line of duty a year previously and she is still tender. But, she vows to have a good time in Venice. They have all been invited to a ball by a very influential Contessa. The ball is costume of course since they are visiting during the Carnivale. At the ball, Jordon gets swept into an area she wasn't supposed to have. She witnesses terrible crimes, but everyone thinks she is just over reacting to an obvious performance. Jordon's cousin, Jared is furious with Jordon for involving the police. But, no matter what, Jordan can't shake the feeling something is very wrong.
The descriptions of Venice are fun, but there are too many party scenes and too many over long descriptions of streets and costumes, sometimes going on for pages at a time. There was a connection with characters from the previous novel and they make an appearance toward the end of the book. There is a stunner at the end that I didnt' see coming. Overall, I give a C.
Jordon is on a vaction with her cousin Jared and his wife Cindy. Jordon's fiance was killed in the line of duty a year previously and she is still tender. But, she vows to have a good time in Venice. They have all been invited to a ball by a very influential Contessa. The ball is costume of course since they are visiting during the Carnivale. At the ball, Jordon gets swept into an area she wasn't supposed to have. She witnesses terrible crimes, but everyone thinks she is just over reacting to an obvious performance. Jordon's cousin, Jared is furious with Jordon for involving the police. But, no matter what, Jordan can't shake the feeling something is very wrong.
The descriptions of Venice are fun, but there are too many party scenes and too many over long descriptions of streets and costumes, sometimes going on for pages at a time. There was a connection with characters from the previous novel and they make an appearance toward the end of the book. There is a stunner at the end that I didnt' see coming. Overall, I give a C.
April 5, 2016
Jordan Reily along with her cousin, Jared and his wife Cindy are in Venice to attend Carnevale. While there they attend the Carnevale ball host by the Contessa della Trieste. Jordan becomes witness to some strange happenings, was there blood, fangs, screams and she is recused from the ball by a man that is dressed like a wolf.
What secrets does the Contessa hold, is the more to her life than what people know. Meet Ragnor, who tries to tell Jordan that she is in danger and needs to leave Venice. Finally Jordan leaves Venice, she goes to New Orleans to meet up with Sean and Maggie Corday and Lucian.
Find out about Ragnor's past, does he know that Contessa, what kind of past does these two have. Find out what secret Jared has that Jordan will not believe. Is there even some one from Jordan's past that has come back from the dead, who follows her through Venice in a dottore costume.
I enjoyed this book, for me it was another one that I just could not put down. All the other characters that come in to play are great addition to the plot of the story. For me, it was well written and I'm going to complete the series of books, Alliance Vampires by Heather Graham.
What secrets does the Contessa hold, is the more to her life than what people know. Meet Ragnor, who tries to tell Jordan that she is in danger and needs to leave Venice. Finally Jordan leaves Venice, she goes to New Orleans to meet up with Sean and Maggie Corday and Lucian.
Find out about Ragnor's past, does he know that Contessa, what kind of past does these two have. Find out what secret Jared has that Jordan will not believe. Is there even some one from Jordan's past that has come back from the dead, who follows her through Venice in a dottore costume.
I enjoyed this book, for me it was another one that I just could not put down. All the other characters that come in to play are great addition to the plot of the story. For me, it was well written and I'm going to complete the series of books, Alliance Vampires by Heather Graham.
June 14, 2010
Probably the best of the series so far.
A couple of rants:
The story would have been, in my opinion, so much better if Drake had written it just about Rangor and Nari. Jordan's character, the heroine in distress, was so boring and so...blah.
Sometimes, authors try so hard to write their female characters as strong and independent, that they only manage to make them look like total imbeciles. I mean, really. If you're warned three times to stay away from a spooky, abandonded church, stay the heck away from that spooky, abandonded church, you moron.
A couple of rants:
The story would have been, in my opinion, so much better if Drake had written it just about Rangor and Nari. Jordan's character, the heroine in distress, was so boring and so...blah.
Sometimes, authors try so hard to write their female characters as strong and independent, that they only manage to make them look like total imbeciles. I mean, really. If you're warned three times to stay away from a spooky, abandonded church, stay the heck away from that spooky, abandonded church, you moron.
March 25, 2024
It's not a bad horror/suspense novel with a gothic twist. I think it could have stood for some more character development (they were a little forgettable). It also seemed to want to be a romantic suspense novel, but it never really settled into a cohesive plan.
July 17, 2016
Same as the previous book, I had a difficult time getting into this one.
I love Venice but I have to admit all that descriptive prose for most of the book got a bit too much. Can't really emphasize with Jordan either, all that running around in the calles of Venice BY HERSELF just seems so stupid, especially given she's been told multiple times of the dangers!!!! Made me want to whack her myself at times!
Again, there's a lot of confusing time-shifting back and forth with Ragnor's backstory, same as with Lucian, probably not the best way to read this in audio format.
So far with this series, I remain ambivalent. Let's see what the next book brings.
P.S. The Smashwords edition has the ugliest cover!!!
I love Venice but I have to admit all that descriptive prose for most of the book got a bit too much. Can't really emphasize with Jordan either, all that running around in the calles of Venice BY HERSELF just seems so stupid, especially given she's been told multiple times of the dangers!!!! Made me want to whack her myself at times!
Again, there's a lot of confusing time-shifting back and forth with Ragnor's backstory, same as with Lucian, probably not the best way to read this in audio format.
So far with this series, I remain ambivalent. Let's see what the next book brings.
P.S. The Smashwords edition has the ugliest cover!!!
Read
March 28, 2013Another crazy story with Vampires, love, Vikings...and Carnevale! This one takes place in Venice. This serious is just plain fun, and I love that I get to do a variety of accents. The only problem is now I want to go to Venice. Just without the threat of being put on an altar and removed of my blood. Yes. Without that.
May 10, 2017
In all of my years of reading, this is only the second book I was unable to finish. I honestly tried, got as far as page 406, and then just couldn't go any further.
I am quite surprised, as this book got lots of high star reviews. But yeah, what can I say. This is the third book in the series, but I don't think I'm missing any of the story line by not having read any of the previous two books. I'm guessing that Jade, Maggie, Lucien etc must be the characters from the first two books as they jumped into the story pretty fully formed. That being said, there have been other characters in the book who get a disproportionate level of background info (for want of a better term) for relatively inconsequential roles in the plot/story line.
As for the plot. The first half wasn't too bad. It was a bit irritating that Jordan would keep chasing after a mysterious masked figure, thinking it was her cousin. We can maybe forgive her the first time (even if is idiotic, given the number of characters in the same costume. A fact she is repeatedly made aware of), but then she keeps on doing it... And then she keeps running off by herself, each time being chased/frightened/scared out of her fantastic sounding attire. Enough already!
Not every character I read is going to be perfect. In fact, some of the most enjoyably memorable characters are those who act in a totally different way than I would if I was in the same situation. The escapism is part of the reason why I love to read! But in this case it was just irritating. The character did not evolve, and just came across as flat. Given her career, I would have expected some spark. The supporting characters just felt tacked on, and didn't really add any voice. Admittedly things may all come together in the conclusion of the book, but if so nuts to that. Give me interesting characters with personalities throughout the whole book.
By the time I got to the second half of the book I found that the story loses all cohesion. We have these random info-dumps, primarily in the form of historical flashbacks. These were, quite frankly, confusing as all heck. They were these massive sections of text apparently randomly inserted in the book. And in at least one case it appeared that we were reading historical bit A, then historical bit B, then back to historical bit A. All of this with no warning. Now I'm all for interesting back story, but it need to be done in such a way that it fits IN with the current story line, not takes over. And it needs to be done so that we, the reader, knows what's happening. Give us small tidbits, not an entirely new storyline. And yes, there are a lot of successful stories which have alternating timelines/plot lines, but this isn't, and shouldn't be, one of those novels.
Now this could be a editing fail, and the punctuation and grammatical errors would certainly support this, but it still leaves me with a story I just could not finish.
So yes, this is a scathing (for me) review. Part of it is because this is written in anger after putting this book down unfinished. I don't like leaving things unfinished. But I also know that time is short, I don't get as much time to read these days as I used to, so the little time I have free to read will be better served being given to books that bring me enjoyment when I read. Raaah!
I am quite surprised, as this book got lots of high star reviews. But yeah, what can I say. This is the third book in the series, but I don't think I'm missing any of the story line by not having read any of the previous two books. I'm guessing that Jade, Maggie, Lucien etc must be the characters from the first two books as they jumped into the story pretty fully formed. That being said, there have been other characters in the book who get a disproportionate level of background info (for want of a better term) for relatively inconsequential roles in the plot/story line.
As for the plot. The first half wasn't too bad. It was a bit irritating that Jordan would keep chasing after a mysterious masked figure, thinking it was her cousin. We can maybe forgive her the first time (even if is idiotic, given the number of characters in the same costume. A fact she is repeatedly made aware of), but then she keeps on doing it... And then she keeps running off by herself, each time being chased/frightened/scared out of her fantastic sounding attire. Enough already!
Not every character I read is going to be perfect. In fact, some of the most enjoyably memorable characters are those who act in a totally different way than I would if I was in the same situation. The escapism is part of the reason why I love to read! But in this case it was just irritating. The character did not evolve, and just came across as flat. Given her career, I would have expected some spark. The supporting characters just felt tacked on, and didn't really add any voice. Admittedly things may all come together in the conclusion of the book, but if so nuts to that. Give me interesting characters with personalities throughout the whole book.
By the time I got to the second half of the book I found that the story loses all cohesion. We have these random info-dumps, primarily in the form of historical flashbacks. These were, quite frankly, confusing as all heck. They were these massive sections of text apparently randomly inserted in the book. And in at least one case it appeared that we were reading historical bit A, then historical bit B, then back to historical bit A. All of this with no warning. Now I'm all for interesting back story, but it need to be done in such a way that it fits IN with the current story line, not takes over. And it needs to be done so that we, the reader, knows what's happening. Give us small tidbits, not an entirely new storyline. And yes, there are a lot of successful stories which have alternating timelines/plot lines, but this isn't, and shouldn't be, one of those novels.
Now this could be a editing fail, and the punctuation and grammatical errors would certainly support this, but it still leaves me with a story I just could not finish.
So yes, this is a scathing (for me) review. Part of it is because this is written in anger after putting this book down unfinished. I don't like leaving things unfinished. But I also know that time is short, I don't get as much time to read these days as I used to, so the little time I have free to read will be better served being given to books that bring me enjoyment when I read. Raaah!
February 27, 2025
Man, I really struggled with this book. One of the major problems was that it started out so similarly to book two that I had to check several times to make sure I hadn't already read it.
Jordan is in Venice to attend Carnivale with her cousin Jared and his wife Cindy. One night they attend an elite party at the home of an infamous Contessa. Jordan ends up on the wrong floor of the villa and witnesses a horrific scene of blood and death. She ends up being saved by a mysterious man but no one believes her and everyone claims it was an elaborate staged act. Strange things continue to happen and Jordan keeps being haunted by her dead fiancé, a cop in the States that was killed while investigating a local cult. Jordan continues to experience strange things and is soon being followed by a mysterious man named Ragnor. Is inviting Ragnor into her life inviting something more than she bargained for?
This book really dragged for me. I found Jordan to be an annoying character as she knew situations were dangerous and she kept doing stupid things. Oh, there is a head in the canal. Let's go investigate after dark. Oh, I don't trust this man and believe he is behind the murders no one believed I saw so let's sleep with him. I will say there was a twist at the end which totally caught me off guard and that is the only thing which brought the rating up a point. Also, it took over 300 pages for the connection to the first two books in the series to be made.
I think this book could have been about 100 pages shorter or maybe not added to series at all. I am interested to see where book 4 leads but honestly, after this one, and not in too much of a hurry to find out.
Jordan is in Venice to attend Carnivale with her cousin Jared and his wife Cindy. One night they attend an elite party at the home of an infamous Contessa. Jordan ends up on the wrong floor of the villa and witnesses a horrific scene of blood and death. She ends up being saved by a mysterious man but no one believes her and everyone claims it was an elaborate staged act. Strange things continue to happen and Jordan keeps being haunted by her dead fiancé, a cop in the States that was killed while investigating a local cult. Jordan continues to experience strange things and is soon being followed by a mysterious man named Ragnor. Is inviting Ragnor into her life inviting something more than she bargained for?
This book really dragged for me. I found Jordan to be an annoying character as she knew situations were dangerous and she kept doing stupid things. Oh, there is a head in the canal. Let's go investigate after dark. Oh, I don't trust this man and believe he is behind the murders no one believed I saw so let's sleep with him. I will say there was a twist at the end which totally caught me off guard and that is the only thing which brought the rating up a point. Also, it took over 300 pages for the connection to the first two books in the series to be made.
I think this book could have been about 100 pages shorter or maybe not added to series at all. I am interested to see where book 4 leads but honestly, after this one, and not in too much of a hurry to find out.
March 29, 2023
Got this as a wrapped mystery book at a local Farmers Market, with the amazon star rating (4.5/5 stars) the first line of the book as a clue to what it was about: "The moon was full."
Realized fairly quick that this likely wasn't a standalone, as it seemed some details were missing that the author assumed you would know from previous volumes. Details were filled in slowly over time, but overall I felt it was lacklustre. A lot of lead in to who the 'big baddie' was (you know who the accomplice is pretty early) and then it was all over in the last 5 pages. And it seemed just anticlimactic-- not that I need graphic, but also immediate dust was a let down. Lame.
From reading summary of the first two, can say that those characters showed up at the end too.
I likely won't be returning to this series.
Realized fairly quick that this likely wasn't a standalone, as it seemed some details were missing that the author assumed you would know from previous volumes. Details were filled in slowly over time, but overall I felt it was lacklustre. A lot of lead in to who the 'big baddie' was (you know who the accomplice is pretty early) and then it was all over in the last 5 pages. And it seemed just anticlimactic-- not that I need graphic, but also immediate dust was a let down. Lame.
From reading summary of the first two, can say that those characters showed up at the end too.
I likely won't be returning to this series.
September 23, 2023
I've read this book before. The first time was about 20 years ago and then again I think 8 years ago.
I like the series and I particularly like this instalment of the series. I've been to Venice and wish I'd seen more of the islands.
I also liked the story. The mystery was good, enough people skeptical while enough people being intrigued.
Why the star off?
The final battle, which was set up to be an epic battle is not so epic. Actually the epic battle in the past was more epic than the one at the end of the book.
Also, another book that shoehorned in the cast of original people into the story and then not making much sense for being there other than they have the library of knowledge. I can forgive that, but I'd've like to see a little more contact between the main characters and the original cast.
I like the series and I particularly like this instalment of the series. I've been to Venice and wish I'd seen more of the islands.
I also liked the story. The mystery was good, enough people skeptical while enough people being intrigued.
Why the star off?
The final battle, which was set up to be an epic battle is not so epic. Actually the epic battle in the past was more epic than the one at the end of the book.
Also, another book that shoehorned in the cast of original people into the story and then not making much sense for being there other than they have the library of knowledge. I can forgive that, but I'd've like to see a little more contact between the main characters and the original cast.
February 11, 2020
Typo city
I think this must’ve been an older print version that was then made digital by OCR or something and was never checked for errors. I’ve seen that with ebooks of older titles. I wish publishers would pay someone (I’ll do the job if I can work from home- $15/hr US) to clean up the missing punctuation and words that merged incorrectly. If you can get past all that, it’s a pretty good ride
I think this must’ve been an older print version that was then made digital by OCR or something and was never checked for errors. I’ve seen that with ebooks of older titles. I wish publishers would pay someone (I’ll do the job if I can work from home- $15/hr US) to clean up the missing punctuation and words that merged incorrectly. If you can get past all that, it’s a pretty good ride
September 26, 2023
Our library had this idea of a "blind date" with a book. The book was wrapped in newspaper and a brief synopsis of what it was about-without giving too much away. I picked this one. Not my preferred genre, but thought I would finish it to try something out of my comfort zone. This was not well written, it was a relief to get to the final page. An interesting idea but not well executed. If a half star could be used I would have given it that- because the cover was well done.
June 6, 2021
I had no sympathy for the female lead. She did stupid things and should have died ten times over. If I can't connect to a character and the story then there's no point continuing with the story. However I had to know how it ended and I already knew I would be disappointed. It's a good thing I got this book at the thrift store.
dnf
August 15, 2024Read the first 150 pages, but really didn't like any of the characters and I didn't care about where the story was going. I have not read any of the other books in the series, I got this from a free book exchange. I think I might have been into this 20 years ago when it was released and I read a lot of books like this, but I don't think this is for me anymore.
August 1, 2020
I really liked MOST of this story
But it felt soo disjointed. Sort of 4 stories in one, which usually would be awesome, but it was bit weird. There wasn't any passion, attraction, yes, but barely. The first 2 books were pretty great, but I didn't really like this one. :(
But it felt soo disjointed. Sort of 4 stories in one, which usually would be awesome, but it was bit weird. There wasn't any passion, attraction, yes, but barely. The first 2 books were pretty great, but I didn't really like this one. :(
May 31, 2018
Could not finish..... so disjointed.... way to many lead ins to the main story which seems to take forever..... just can't.
December 19, 2018
Wordy and sappy
August 31, 2025
I love this series and do enjoy the history that Heather Graham includes. This book had so much history that I found myself lost at times or bored. It was just a little unbalanced between past and present.
November 15, 2015
I liked this book. I read Heather Graham, and others who write like her, because I desire a non-thinking read at that period in my life.
There was a lot of repetitious scenes and happenings throughout this book. I mean how many times does Jordon need to be told to stay OUT of a certain part of Venice. How many times does she need to hear evil wings and shadows to learn not to go out alone. Yet, she does it over and over. Yeah, I know she has to for the story to take place, but I think there would be other ways to write the scene that could put her in those places without her going herself.
The first 3/4 of the book was written in one person, yet suddenly the last 1/4th, every other chapter gives us a past history of how Ragnor came to be. It seems to me that should have begun earlier in the book, those chapters could have been shorter and covered all the history. The reader would be seeing who he is and how he came to be, because we already know due to the story itself. Also, during that part of the book, there were so many sentences and even paragraphs that seem out of place, as if they had been edited out and then forgotten and left in. I'm not sure, but many were just thrown in and made no sense in the story at the time.
Overall, I liked the book for a mindless read but there were so many things that could have been better. Maybe I should find another author for mindless reads.
There was a lot of repetitious scenes and happenings throughout this book. I mean how many times does Jordon need to be told to stay OUT of a certain part of Venice. How many times does she need to hear evil wings and shadows to learn not to go out alone. Yet, she does it over and over. Yeah, I know she has to for the story to take place, but I think there would be other ways to write the scene that could put her in those places without her going herself.
The first 3/4 of the book was written in one person, yet suddenly the last 1/4th, every other chapter gives us a past history of how Ragnor came to be. It seems to me that should have begun earlier in the book, those chapters could have been shorter and covered all the history. The reader would be seeing who he is and how he came to be, because we already know due to the story itself. Also, during that part of the book, there were so many sentences and even paragraphs that seem out of place, as if they had been edited out and then forgotten and left in. I'm not sure, but many were just thrown in and made no sense in the story at the time.
Overall, I liked the book for a mindless read but there were so many things that could have been better. Maybe I should find another author for mindless reads.
March 15, 2008
Not as great as the first two, but good. At first, I found the book to be confusing. Too many things were happening, bang, bang, bang, one right after the other, sometimes more than one thing at a time, and it was difficult to keep everything in order. I didn't find the characters as profound as the first two, which was a switch. Sure, you could understand Jordan's confused panic, but it was like there was no substance... me, as the reader, didn't really feel Jordan's confusion or panic like I did the first two.
It's only until about 3/4's of the way through the book that you finally understand how this book ties in with the first two, and I believe it should have been sooner. I was really starting to worry that this book should have been on it's own instead of part of the series. The climax was good, as was the ending. The action and feelings of desperation you sometimes feel from the characters are what makes you turn the page.
It's difficult to explain, but my feelings didn't quite pick up on the book. Although it was good, it wasn't 5-star great. It's difficult to explain... I did like her descriptions of Venice (I'm Italian - so sue me, lol!) I feel that she got it right-on in that aspect. I just somehow feel the book could have been better.
It's only until about 3/4's of the way through the book that you finally understand how this book ties in with the first two, and I believe it should have been sooner. I was really starting to worry that this book should have been on it's own instead of part of the series. The climax was good, as was the ending. The action and feelings of desperation you sometimes feel from the characters are what makes you turn the page.
It's difficult to explain, but my feelings didn't quite pick up on the book. Although it was good, it wasn't 5-star great. It's difficult to explain... I did like her descriptions of Venice (I'm Italian - so sue me, lol!) I feel that she got it right-on in that aspect. I just somehow feel the book could have been better.
September 3, 2016
Book three in Shannon Drake's Vampire series takes place in Venice during the week of Carnivale. Book critic Jordan Riley is there on vacation visiting her cousin Jared. While attending a masquerade ball, Jordan is shocked when the gruesome "entertainment" appears all too real. She is whisked away from the chaotic scene by someone in a wolf costume, while insisting that what she witnessed were the deaths of real people, not just a play. Not only does Jared become extremely angry when Jordan refuses to change her claims of what happened that night, his entire personality seems to be changing as well. By night, Jordan begins having strange dreams about a wolf sitting at the foot of her bed, by day, she is constantly running into the mysterious Ragnor Wulfsson, who warns her to leave Venice immediately; however, Jordan is determined to find out what is really going on, even though her life is certainly in danger if she stays.
May 9, 2016
Heather Graham's older books are enjoyable to read. I love her books set in New Orleans. This book takes place in Venice during its Carnevale. Her descriptions of Venice and the costumes worn by locals and tourists are breathtaking. The singing gondolier makes me long to visit Venice.
The main character, Jordan, visits her cousin and his wife in Venice. They take her to a Carnevale ball at a Contessa's home. The event is beautiful and the costumes are over the top. Jordan is having a good time until a magician's trick turns deadly. She is saved by a man dressed in a wolf's costume, who disappears once she's safe. She calls the police. The estate is investigated and no evidence is found of the massacre. The police and her cousins believe that Jordan has fallen for a trick. But she is adamant that she has witnessed a murder and a blood bath.
She meets a mysterious man who shows her that Venice might be beautiful on the surface but evil lurks underneath.
The main character, Jordan, visits her cousin and his wife in Venice. They take her to a Carnevale ball at a Contessa's home. The event is beautiful and the costumes are over the top. Jordan is having a good time until a magician's trick turns deadly. She is saved by a man dressed in a wolf's costume, who disappears once she's safe. She calls the police. The estate is investigated and no evidence is found of the massacre. The police and her cousins believe that Jordan has fallen for a trick. But she is adamant that she has witnessed a murder and a blood bath.
She meets a mysterious man who shows her that Venice might be beautiful on the surface but evil lurks underneath.
July 31, 2016
The book started out well, interestingly... had a little back story on a couple different characters and while I could tell that the Contessa was vampyric, I wasn't sure if Ragnor was or if he was a were... and somewhere along the middle of the book it went all to hell.
It ended abruptly. Very abruptly. The last few chapters introduced characters, hinted at their back stories, and then literally said they were too long to divulge... which gives an air of mystery to the series, I'm sure, but how does one claim to be "cured" of vampirism and not tell the tale??
I didn't know the book was in a series; my husband picked it up at a store for me, and about halfway through the book I was considering finding the rest of the books, but after finishing it... I think I'll just try something else.
It ended abruptly. Very abruptly. The last few chapters introduced characters, hinted at their back stories, and then literally said they were too long to divulge... which gives an air of mystery to the series, I'm sure, but how does one claim to be "cured" of vampirism and not tell the tale??
I didn't know the book was in a series; my husband picked it up at a store for me, and about halfway through the book I was considering finding the rest of the books, but after finishing it... I think I'll just try something else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2011
This book cribs from The Highlander in the way that the last volume of the series pulled from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. At least the rules of vampirism didn't change again. Actually, this third book is quite a bit better than the last, but not as good as the first. It started a little slow and I didn't like the heroine at all. In fact, all the characters seemed very changeable and as though they were acting only in ways that advanced the plot, not ways that would be motivated by their intrinsic natures. Also, one of the chapters seemed as though it was split in the middle and switched around.
Other than that, though, the story was pretty entertaining, most of it set in Venice during Carnevale. Drake was able to really bring the celebration to life, and even teach a little Italian.
Other than that, though, the story was pretty entertaining, most of it set in Venice during Carnevale. Drake was able to really bring the celebration to life, and even teach a little Italian.
February 24, 2017
While at Carnevale Jordan witnesses a massacre at a party and no one believes it really happened. Throughout her trip she strives to uncover the truth while meeting an interesting group of people along the way.
I wanted a more detailed description of the costumes nut overall I think the magic of Venice was portrayed. I could guess the outcome but drake still did a great job in the storytelling and characterization.
I would absolutely LOVE to go to Carnevale in Venice one day and OF COURSE dress up in one of the elaborate costumes from the past!
I wanted a more detailed description of the costumes nut overall I think the magic of Venice was portrayed. I could guess the outcome but drake still did a great job in the storytelling and characterization.
I would absolutely LOVE to go to Carnevale in Venice one day and OF COURSE dress up in one of the elaborate costumes from the past!
August 26, 2009
I liked Lucian's story better. Though this story takes place in Venice for the most part, I felt lost throughout the book and the ending did not bring any closure. I was left feeling unsure what the future holds for Jordan and Ragnor. I thought Raphael was a fantastic character and I enjoyed seeing Maggie, Sean, Lucian and Jade again, though the timeline between Lucian's book and this one is not clear. Hopefully, the next book in this series will bring some closure with Ragnor and Jordan.
December 30, 2014
Third in the series. There are cameos from Sean, Maggie, Jade, and Lucian.
Jordan is resistant to the idea of vampires, which sets her apart from Maggie and Jade. Unlike the other books, the majority of the action takes place in Venice, Italy, not in New Orleans.
There's a few twists - some obvious, others not as obvious. Either way it's an interesting novel in the series.
Jordan is resistant to the idea of vampires, which sets her apart from Maggie and Jade. Unlike the other books, the majority of the action takes place in Venice, Italy, not in New Orleans.
There's a few twists - some obvious, others not as obvious. Either way it's an interesting novel in the series.
February 9, 2015
This is the second Drake book I have read. Don’t get me wrong it was not a bad book, but I was just so horribly impressed with the first one I read that I expected way too much from this one. Still a good light read though.
September 17, 2008
I'm reading this book for the second time and I am just as captivated as I was the first time that I read it. It builds your curiosity and then completely sates it in the end...just like a great book should do!
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