What do you think?
Rate this book
Crimson Moon #1
Bad Blood
Sasha Trudeau knows all about working beneath the shadows, back-alley deals, and things that go bump in the night. She also knows that the world is unaware of the existence of the paranormal—and that the government would like to keep it that way.
As a highly trained Special Ops soldier, Sasha and her team are an elite group of individuals who are survivors of werewolf attacks, now trained to be loyal to only to each other and their government. But when she returns from a solo mission, she finds that her team has mysteriously gone missing. Shocking government conspiracies, double-dealing vampires, and a host of stunning revelations about who—and what—she really is are only just the beginning…
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
88 people are currently reading
4103 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Banks
59 books1,262 followersA pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
January 23, 2010
Bad Blood is the first installment in the Crimson Moon series by L.A Banks. This was actually my first L.A Banks book and I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew her Vampire Huntress legend is very popular, but I wasn't sure about this series. Once I started this book I could see why she's so popular. If her Vampire Huntress legend series is even half as good as this series, I'll be reading it asap. I've read both good and bad review for this, but honestly, I really enjoyed this book. I love werewolves to start and this book had everything you can think of about wolves. Now, add in the action, romance and suspense.. Whats not to love?
Sasha Trudeau is the main protagonist of this story, but we also get a glimpse into Max Hunters head and also some of her fellow team members. Sasha is a part of a very unique group of beings who are soldiers for the U.S government in this fictional world. They are have something in common that makes them team members... They were all infected with a werewolf virus. Bad Blood is science fiction meets paranormal and it fits together perfectly. I love the new introduction of the shadow wolf/demon wolves for the werewolf society. This new spin on the lore for wolves is a nice freshness to the plot. I really enjoyed the other characters that make appearances in the story as well.
Shotgun isn't as big a part as I thought he'd be, but it's obvious he'll make another appearance in the next books. But I'm not sure Max is going to be very welcoming to him. He doesn't seem the sharing type. And it's clear Shotgun has feelings for Sasha. I really liked Shotguns character, but since we seen more of Max, he's who I'm for as of now. As for the general story,the interplay between the different species are a big plus. The tention between werewolves and vampires is different from most books I've read. I like it, it's actually sort of funny.
I have a feeling the second story will fill in the blanks that were in this story. There wasn't much, but just random thoughts I was like.. hmm? L.A Banks is now a new favorite of mine. She's a very talented writer with a beautiful, amazing imagination. I can't believe I took so long to find this series. I picked up book 2(BITE THE BULLET) yesterday and I'm very exacted to get started tonight. I highly recommend this series. It's worth the read for sure.
SYNOPSIS:
Sasha Trudeau knows all about working beneath the shadows, back-alley deals, and things that go bump in the night. She also knows that the world is unaware of the existence of the paranormal and that the government would like to keep it that way.
As a highly trained Special Ops soldier, Sasha and her team are an elite group of individuals who are survivors of werewolf attacks, now trained to be loyal to only to each other and their government. But when she returns from a solo mission, she finds that her team has mysteriously gone missing. Shocking government conspiracies, double-dealing vampires, and a host of stunning revelations about who and what she really is are only just the beginning
Sasha Trudeau is the main protagonist of this story, but we also get a glimpse into Max Hunters head and also some of her fellow team members. Sasha is a part of a very unique group of beings who are soldiers for the U.S government in this fictional world. They are have something in common that makes them team members... They were all infected with a werewolf virus. Bad Blood is science fiction meets paranormal and it fits together perfectly. I love the new introduction of the shadow wolf/demon wolves for the werewolf society. This new spin on the lore for wolves is a nice freshness to the plot. I really enjoyed the other characters that make appearances in the story as well.
Shotgun isn't as big a part as I thought he'd be, but it's obvious he'll make another appearance in the next books. But I'm not sure Max is going to be very welcoming to him. He doesn't seem the sharing type. And it's clear Shotgun has feelings for Sasha. I really liked Shotguns character, but since we seen more of Max, he's who I'm for as of now. As for the general story,the interplay between the different species are a big plus. The tention between werewolves and vampires is different from most books I've read. I like it, it's actually sort of funny.
I have a feeling the second story will fill in the blanks that were in this story. There wasn't much, but just random thoughts I was like.. hmm? L.A Banks is now a new favorite of mine. She's a very talented writer with a beautiful, amazing imagination. I can't believe I took so long to find this series. I picked up book 2(BITE THE BULLET) yesterday and I'm very exacted to get started tonight. I highly recommend this series. It's worth the read for sure.
SYNOPSIS:
Sasha Trudeau knows all about working beneath the shadows, back-alley deals, and things that go bump in the night. She also knows that the world is unaware of the existence of the paranormal and that the government would like to keep it that way.
As a highly trained Special Ops soldier, Sasha and her team are an elite group of individuals who are survivors of werewolf attacks, now trained to be loyal to only to each other and their government. But when she returns from a solo mission, she finds that her team has mysteriously gone missing. Shocking government conspiracies, double-dealing vampires, and a host of stunning revelations about who and what she really is are only just the beginning
January 25, 2010
LA Banks succeeded in restoring my faith in her as an urban fantasy writer with this book. I read the first two Vampire Huntress Legends books, and I was very disappointed with the execution. I didn't feel that the first outing of an African American lead vampire hunter went very well. Thankfully, I had different thoughts about the first in the Crimson Moon series.
There were times where I wasn't sure I would like the direction that Banks took with this story. But then, her writing (which is very polished and without flaw) diverted me into paths that made me fascinated and almost excited to keep reading. My fear of being let down hung in a pall over me as I read this book. I was almost determined not to like it, afraid to have myself be disappointed again. That's why this book earning a four star rating is significant.
I like a lot of books, but at the same time, I'm rather demanding on what I read. I don't like certain elements thrown into a book without rhyme or reason. I want things to make sense. I want my time spent reading to be of value. I want to feel that the writer took the time to write a story that she or he cared about. If she or he does not care about the story, why should I? It's clear that Ms. Banks really did invest herself in this series. And the results turned out very well.
Bad Blood has a strong lead in Sasha Trudeau. She is a competent soldier, who is very good at taking care of herself and solving problems. That's what I look for in an urban fantasy heroine. I liked that she's just one of the guys, but feminine at the same time. She is devoted to her team, they are her friends and family. Events in this book unfold to destroy her unit, and her grief is palpable to the reader. Her path in the world has not been easy, and she goes through even more heartbreak in this book. She earned my admiration for her strength and for her humanity. I thought Sasha's origins were quite interesting, giving this story a high tech/almost futuristic vibe in that sense.
The plot of this story centers heavily on the aspect of lycanthropy being in part a viral disease that turns humans into rampaging beasts, completely out of control, and hungry for human flesh. As the story continues, it becomes clear that this not representative of all werewolves. There are natural werewolves, who are in control of their wolves, and who are good, and hunt the demon-infected werewolves. That's where Max Hunter and Shogun come in. Max Hunter is the alpha of the Shadow Wolves, part of the Ute Native American tribe. They are werewolves who can hide in shadow and use shadows to travel. I found this to be a very fascinating element (and something new for me as a werewolf fiction fan). Shogun is the alpha of another tribe of wolves, who makes contact with Sasha on a mission in North Korea, revealing that what she knows about wolves is all wrong.
From their very first scenes together, it's clear that Max Hunter is destined to have a very strong connection with Sasha, and this is revealed in a very steamy, erotically intense way. Their scenes together make you want to reach for a large glass of something cold. There was some serious chemistry between Sasha and Max, making this story read more like a paranormal romance, in certain scenes. I think that their relationship will make this series even more worth continuing.
On the negative side, I do have to say that Sasha came off as being a little hard-shelled in her behavior towards Max Hunter. It was clear from the begining that their attraction was extremely intense and hard to resist, and going with it, went against the grain for Sasha. However, this is a woman who herself said she was used to be a sex buddy, booty call, casual friend that you take to bed, and it felt good to be someone of value, someone treasured by another person. Max cherished, respected and valued her. He saw her as an equal from the beginning. He didn't treat her merely as a possession or sex object, disposable or otherwise. But when Max got possessive with her, she threw a fit. Come on! This is an alpha wolf--that's how they are. He made it very clear that she was his mate in his mind. Max was a man who was rejected by women because of the taint of his heritage. For him to find a woman of his own was a tremendous thing. Even still, when he wanted to bond with her fully as a mate, he didn't try force her, or press her for a commitment. It hurt him deeply that she couldn't give the same for him, but he was willing to give her time. Despite that, he couldn't help feeing possessive, especially if she was treating him as her mate in all but name. She took it as a personal affront, like he was saying she would sleep with any random guy to get info. It wasn't like that at all. It was about his primal feelings towards her. Just like the attraction between them was primal, and she was more than willing to go with that. That annoyed me about her. I will freely admit, I am not fond of hardened heroines. Something just rubs me the wrong way with them. Nothing wrong with being tough and in charge, having self-control, and being no one's pushover. But when they get where they are so callous about emotions, that's a pet peeve to me. I admired her honesty with Max, but I think she needed to really get where he was coming from a little more, since he was doing the same for her.
This was really the only issue I had with Sasha. But I'm a little worried what's going to happen in the next book. A clear that there's an attraction to Shogun as well. She's more or less 'lightly committed' to Max. Is she going to get with this other guy too? If so, I will be very disappointed, especially in the light of how much ground was laid building the relationship with Max. I really dislike when the heroine is going between two men. I don't mind if there's a flirtation, but since it's very clear that Max is deeply in love with Sasha, I will not be a happy camper if Sasha 'cheats' with Shogun.
The military vibe was working for me, mostly. I love characters who are soliders, warriors, or military. I especially like when the heroine is a badass warrior. Sasha's definitely that. It looks like she'll be running her own unit, so that's going to be really cool to see where her mission takes her yet.
I hope the storyline expands past the search for the demon-infected werewolves. Ms. Banks already introduced other creatures into this book, and very well, in fact. I look forward to seeing the vampires, werewolves, faery, wizards, etc. The vamps that show up, do a good job at trying to steal the show. They are seductive, sexual, and devious, with their own agenda. They have presence. I think it will be interesting to see more of the vampires as this series progresses. I can't wait to see what Ms. Banks does with the fae.
As you can see, I got involved with this story. Even though I was a reluctant reader, afraid of being hurt again. I have to give Ms. Banks kudos for that. I was glad that she left out a lot of the urban vibe that she used in the Huntress books (it does nothing for me), and told a story I could get involved in. The action scenes were intense, and the magical elements were very vivid. I loved the parts when Sasha and Max called their wolf. Very well done. It's icing on the cake to see the main characters of African-American/Native American ethnicity. We could use some ethnic diversity in the urban fantasy.
If you're like me, and felt let down with the Vampire Huntress books, give Bad Blood a try. I think you might like it. I'm happy to say that I believe this series has a lot of potential, and I hope I continue to enjoy it.
There were times where I wasn't sure I would like the direction that Banks took with this story. But then, her writing (which is very polished and without flaw) diverted me into paths that made me fascinated and almost excited to keep reading. My fear of being let down hung in a pall over me as I read this book. I was almost determined not to like it, afraid to have myself be disappointed again. That's why this book earning a four star rating is significant.
I like a lot of books, but at the same time, I'm rather demanding on what I read. I don't like certain elements thrown into a book without rhyme or reason. I want things to make sense. I want my time spent reading to be of value. I want to feel that the writer took the time to write a story that she or he cared about. If she or he does not care about the story, why should I? It's clear that Ms. Banks really did invest herself in this series. And the results turned out very well.
Bad Blood has a strong lead in Sasha Trudeau. She is a competent soldier, who is very good at taking care of herself and solving problems. That's what I look for in an urban fantasy heroine. I liked that she's just one of the guys, but feminine at the same time. She is devoted to her team, they are her friends and family. Events in this book unfold to destroy her unit, and her grief is palpable to the reader. Her path in the world has not been easy, and she goes through even more heartbreak in this book. She earned my admiration for her strength and for her humanity. I thought Sasha's origins were quite interesting, giving this story a high tech/almost futuristic vibe in that sense.
The plot of this story centers heavily on the aspect of lycanthropy being in part a viral disease that turns humans into rampaging beasts, completely out of control, and hungry for human flesh. As the story continues, it becomes clear that this not representative of all werewolves. There are natural werewolves, who are in control of their wolves, and who are good, and hunt the demon-infected werewolves. That's where Max Hunter and Shogun come in. Max Hunter is the alpha of the Shadow Wolves, part of the Ute Native American tribe. They are werewolves who can hide in shadow and use shadows to travel. I found this to be a very fascinating element (and something new for me as a werewolf fiction fan). Shogun is the alpha of another tribe of wolves, who makes contact with Sasha on a mission in North Korea, revealing that what she knows about wolves is all wrong.
From their very first scenes together, it's clear that Max Hunter is destined to have a very strong connection with Sasha, and this is revealed in a very steamy, erotically intense way. Their scenes together make you want to reach for a large glass of something cold. There was some serious chemistry between Sasha and Max, making this story read more like a paranormal romance, in certain scenes. I think that their relationship will make this series even more worth continuing.
On the negative side, I do have to say that Sasha came off as being a little hard-shelled in her behavior towards Max Hunter. It was clear from the begining that their attraction was extremely intense and hard to resist, and going with it, went against the grain for Sasha. However, this is a woman who herself said she was used to be a sex buddy, booty call, casual friend that you take to bed, and it felt good to be someone of value, someone treasured by another person. Max cherished, respected and valued her. He saw her as an equal from the beginning. He didn't treat her merely as a possession or sex object, disposable or otherwise. But when Max got possessive with her, she threw a fit. Come on! This is an alpha wolf--that's how they are. He made it very clear that she was his mate in his mind. Max was a man who was rejected by women because of the taint of his heritage. For him to find a woman of his own was a tremendous thing. Even still, when he wanted to bond with her fully as a mate, he didn't try force her, or press her for a commitment. It hurt him deeply that she couldn't give the same for him, but he was willing to give her time. Despite that, he couldn't help feeing possessive, especially if she was treating him as her mate in all but name. She took it as a personal affront, like he was saying she would sleep with any random guy to get info. It wasn't like that at all. It was about his primal feelings towards her. Just like the attraction between them was primal, and she was more than willing to go with that. That annoyed me about her. I will freely admit, I am not fond of hardened heroines. Something just rubs me the wrong way with them. Nothing wrong with being tough and in charge, having self-control, and being no one's pushover. But when they get where they are so callous about emotions, that's a pet peeve to me. I admired her honesty with Max, but I think she needed to really get where he was coming from a little more, since he was doing the same for her.
This was really the only issue I had with Sasha. But I'm a little worried what's going to happen in the next book. A clear that there's an attraction to Shogun as well. She's more or less 'lightly committed' to Max. Is she going to get with this other guy too? If so, I will be very disappointed, especially in the light of how much ground was laid building the relationship with Max. I really dislike when the heroine is going between two men. I don't mind if there's a flirtation, but since it's very clear that Max is deeply in love with Sasha, I will not be a happy camper if Sasha 'cheats' with Shogun.
The military vibe was working for me, mostly. I love characters who are soliders, warriors, or military. I especially like when the heroine is a badass warrior. Sasha's definitely that. It looks like she'll be running her own unit, so that's going to be really cool to see where her mission takes her yet.
I hope the storyline expands past the search for the demon-infected werewolves. Ms. Banks already introduced other creatures into this book, and very well, in fact. I look forward to seeing the vampires, werewolves, faery, wizards, etc. The vamps that show up, do a good job at trying to steal the show. They are seductive, sexual, and devious, with their own agenda. They have presence. I think it will be interesting to see more of the vampires as this series progresses. I can't wait to see what Ms. Banks does with the fae.
As you can see, I got involved with this story. Even though I was a reluctant reader, afraid of being hurt again. I have to give Ms. Banks kudos for that. I was glad that she left out a lot of the urban vibe that she used in the Huntress books (it does nothing for me), and told a story I could get involved in. The action scenes were intense, and the magical elements were very vivid. I loved the parts when Sasha and Max called their wolf. Very well done. It's icing on the cake to see the main characters of African-American/Native American ethnicity. We could use some ethnic diversity in the urban fantasy.
If you're like me, and felt let down with the Vampire Huntress books, give Bad Blood a try. I think you might like it. I'm happy to say that I believe this series has a lot of potential, and I hope I continue to enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2013
I am a paranormal, preternatural, supernatural fan of the utmost level. One of the things that's lacking about the genre is the infusion of more characters and writers of color. I read many books where there are supporting characters of color but most often than not, the main character isn't. So I was thrilled when I discovered L.A. Banks vampire novels that were written around a main character that was a woman of color. (GO DAMALI) When I went to the store to buy the book, I was surprised to see that the author was African-American, so that just did it for me. I made up my mind then and there that I was going to read anything Mrs. Banks wrote...it didn't work out that way.
I tried so hard to LOVE the Vampire Huntress books, but something about them just didnt set off that spark in me that other books did. Don't get me wrong, they are excellent books; well written, and the characters are very complex and developed. The storyline is also great, I love her take on vampires. She tackles the whole 'Cain was the first vampire' myth head on and weaves mythos for her world. I think my problem was the fact that I read the books out of order. I'm going to try again.
So with that said, I was a little hesitant to read Bad Blood, her foray into werewolf territory. I am so GLAD that I did. In Bad Blood, I'd found the paranormal book, written by a woman of color that I could fall in love with the characters and totally root for.
I love the main character Sasha (I love strong women and this military girl is so that). The journey Sasha takes as she finds out who and what she is, is so well thought out, I couldnt put the book down. on L.A. Banks take werewolves is unique and refreshing.
This book is well work the read.
I tried so hard to LOVE the Vampire Huntress books, but something about them just didnt set off that spark in me that other books did. Don't get me wrong, they are excellent books; well written, and the characters are very complex and developed. The storyline is also great, I love her take on vampires. She tackles the whole 'Cain was the first vampire' myth head on and weaves mythos for her world. I think my problem was the fact that I read the books out of order. I'm going to try again.
So with that said, I was a little hesitant to read Bad Blood, her foray into werewolf territory. I am so GLAD that I did. In Bad Blood, I'd found the paranormal book, written by a woman of color that I could fall in love with the characters and totally root for.
I love the main character Sasha (I love strong women and this military girl is so that). The journey Sasha takes as she finds out who and what she is, is so well thought out, I couldnt put the book down. on L.A. Banks take werewolves is unique and refreshing.
This book is well work the read.
October 4, 2009
Great start to Banks' new Werewolf series
Combine special ops warriors and werewolves in a story sprinkled with far-ranging plots and conspiracies, then stir in a healthy dose of steamy romance and you get Bad Blood, an enjoyable action packed read and a very promising start to the new Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks.
There is a fair amount of complexity to the plot and the world with four different kinds of wolf-shifter/werewolf species. The type that draws the government's interest is a demon infected strain. The victims of this virus eventually Turn becoming something in form that is between man and wolf but insane, powerful, vicious and deadly. The government is covertly running experiments to try and use the virus to make super soldiers and while trying to keep Turned wolves out of the hands of the various factions seeking to capitialize on the werewolf virus in some form or fashion. The heroine Sasha Trudeau and her team -- who all carry some type of werewolf virus, but are taking drugs to suppress the Turn -- are unwittingly part of the experiment.
I liked Sasha who is second in command to paranormal special ops unit tasked with hunting down Turned wolves to protect the public. Sasha is independant, capable and smart - she has always been the strategist for her unit. I also really liked the male lead 'shadow wolf' Max Hunter who is a non-demon infected kind of wolf shifter and I liked the Native American elements that his wolf clans' culture brings to the story. Sasha and Max have great chemistry and Max is an appealing mixture of wise, strong and vulnerable. They make a good team but the story is more urban fantasy than paranormal romance in that there is no happily ever after ending for the pair in this book.
I am not familiar with Banks writing or her vampire huntress series, so I can't speak to the comments about this being a repackaging of Banks' same old stuff - though it did reminded me a bit of Christine Feehan's Shadowalker books. I personally found it quite entertaining, and look forward to learning more about the werewolves and the wolf familiars and watching Sasha to continue to explore her shadow wolf heritage as the story continues in Bite the Bullet: A Crimson Moon novel (Crimson Moon Novels).
Combine special ops warriors and werewolves in a story sprinkled with far-ranging plots and conspiracies, then stir in a healthy dose of steamy romance and you get Bad Blood, an enjoyable action packed read and a very promising start to the new Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks.
There is a fair amount of complexity to the plot and the world with four different kinds of wolf-shifter/werewolf species. The type that draws the government's interest is a demon infected strain. The victims of this virus eventually Turn becoming something in form that is between man and wolf but insane, powerful, vicious and deadly. The government is covertly running experiments to try and use the virus to make super soldiers and while trying to keep Turned wolves out of the hands of the various factions seeking to capitialize on the werewolf virus in some form or fashion. The heroine Sasha Trudeau and her team -- who all carry some type of werewolf virus, but are taking drugs to suppress the Turn -- are unwittingly part of the experiment.
I liked Sasha who is second in command to paranormal special ops unit tasked with hunting down Turned wolves to protect the public. Sasha is independant, capable and smart - she has always been the strategist for her unit. I also really liked the male lead 'shadow wolf' Max Hunter who is a non-demon infected kind of wolf shifter and I liked the Native American elements that his wolf clans' culture brings to the story. Sasha and Max have great chemistry and Max is an appealing mixture of wise, strong and vulnerable. They make a good team but the story is more urban fantasy than paranormal romance in that there is no happily ever after ending for the pair in this book.
I am not familiar with Banks writing or her vampire huntress series, so I can't speak to the comments about this being a repackaging of Banks' same old stuff - though it did reminded me a bit of Christine Feehan's Shadowalker books. I personally found it quite entertaining, and look forward to learning more about the werewolves and the wolf familiars and watching Sasha to continue to explore her shadow wolf heritage as the story continues in Bite the Bullet: A Crimson Moon novel (Crimson Moon Novels).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2009
This book sadly is extremely terrible book by L.A. Banks. She makes too many references to sex. She uses too much cussing in her books. This book gave me a wrenching headache. L.A. Banks is one of the worst authors out there. This series is just like the rest of her. It makes me sick. The whole book is crap. The characters are crazy. The characters are terrible vampires that don't impress me. There is just one side to them. The language in this book is crude. Her writing style sucks. It amazes me these books are published. This is simply one of the worst books in history. I couldn't even finish it. I read one chapter and put it down. Yeah-it was that bad. Any vampire book is better than something written L.A. Banks. Another problem is her word choice isn't very good. She always uses the same words. The vampires in this book remind of hoodlums. Every one in the book is too juvenile. Come on I don't want to hear a cuss word every 2 or 3 pages or more. The woman doesn't know where to drop the bombs. It's way too out of the place. Take all of that and the book wouldn't be so bad. The storyline is okay, but I can't get over this other stuff that is in there. This worse than the books you have to read in school.
May 27, 2010
Altho I try to reserve 5 stars for life-changing books, I had to give Bad Blood top scores just because I was so enchanted by a book again.
First, let me say I've not ever gotten into Banks' Vampire Huntress series and have only read a few books by her. This new series is totally different; new theme, characters and worldbuilding. The unique thing about L.A. Banks is her multiracial characters, I understand, and the Crimson Moon characters are no different. They are also wolves.
I really enjoyed the focus on wolves - in this new world are werewolves, demon wolves, shadow wolves ... all new stuff! The suspense aspecct of the story is also very involved. There is romance, sorta; well, there is a lot of sex between Alpha wolf leader Max Hunter and Delta Ops soldier Sasha Trudeau. For Max, it is love as he recognizes his mate. For Sasha, it could be love, if Max will give her some time and respect her independence. But most importantly, Max needs to teach Sasha about her wolf and together they must solve the mystery of the government leak in her division before it changes the world.
This is not a perfect book, of course. There is a lot of worldbuilding necessary to launch this new series, and it is a complicated world with complicated politics. I think I must have missed a step at the end because I didn't get what triggered solving the case. But overall, this one book has created an urge to read more, reassured me that great writing and a great concept really are that much better than just average.
First, let me say I've not ever gotten into Banks' Vampire Huntress series and have only read a few books by her. This new series is totally different; new theme, characters and worldbuilding. The unique thing about L.A. Banks is her multiracial characters, I understand, and the Crimson Moon characters are no different. They are also wolves.
I really enjoyed the focus on wolves - in this new world are werewolves, demon wolves, shadow wolves ... all new stuff! The suspense aspecct of the story is also very involved. There is romance, sorta; well, there is a lot of sex between Alpha wolf leader Max Hunter and Delta Ops soldier Sasha Trudeau. For Max, it is love as he recognizes his mate. For Sasha, it could be love, if Max will give her some time and respect her independence. But most importantly, Max needs to teach Sasha about her wolf and together they must solve the mystery of the government leak in her division before it changes the world.
This is not a perfect book, of course. There is a lot of worldbuilding necessary to launch this new series, and it is a complicated world with complicated politics. I think I must have missed a step at the end because I didn't get what triggered solving the case. But overall, this one book has created an urge to read more, reassured me that great writing and a great concept really are that much better than just average.
October 19, 2011
Sasha and her black ops team are infected with the werewolf disease but a wonder drug prevents them from wolfing out. Their job is to hunt down dangerous werewolves who are fully changed and infecting others. Sasha is on a solo mission to Korea to kill one when she meets a werewolf who tells her that the truth is not so simple and that she does not know the full story. There are good and bad kinds of werewolves out there and he wants an alliance with Sasha to track down the bad. Meanwhile the rest of her team hit trouble when the pack leader fully turns during their mission.
Ok I thought this book was pretty bad. I thought we were going to get a story about Sasha getting help from this new werewolf to locate her missing team-the impression the cover was giving me-but that wasn't the case. It started out ok as we get to know her team but when she goes to her mission in Korea, we start getting huge info dumps page after page which was starting to annoy me. We were hit with a complete werewolf history, vampire v werewolf wars and enough military detail to spin your head like Linda Blair in The Exorcist! I don't care about all the military hardware and tactics and I don't want pages of dull story which brought the current plot to a sudden halt, and judging by some reviews I read, this becomes a pattern in the book.
This strikes me as another series that had massive potential but was spoiled by bad writing and not planned out well enough. This is not an author that I'm interested in reading more of I'm afraid.
Ok I thought this book was pretty bad. I thought we were going to get a story about Sasha getting help from this new werewolf to locate her missing team-the impression the cover was giving me-but that wasn't the case. It started out ok as we get to know her team but when she goes to her mission in Korea, we start getting huge info dumps page after page which was starting to annoy me. We were hit with a complete werewolf history, vampire v werewolf wars and enough military detail to spin your head like Linda Blair in The Exorcist! I don't care about all the military hardware and tactics and I don't want pages of dull story which brought the current plot to a sudden halt, and judging by some reviews I read, this becomes a pattern in the book.
This strikes me as another series that had massive potential but was spoiled by bad writing and not planned out well enough. This is not an author that I'm interested in reading more of I'm afraid.
July 9, 2012
Originally posted at Find the Time to Read
I’ve heard many good things about L.A Banks and the various series that she has written. Reading the first few chapters I wanted to know what everyone was raving about. I found the characters to be flat, and the writing to be confusing. There was SO much information piled onto the reader that it was overwhelming. As the story progressed I started to like Sasha a little bit more, but for the life of me I couldn’t identify with her at all.
Towards the end of the book you get the romance that I personally was looking for. Hunter was a shady character from the start. I didn’t trust him and it kind of squicked me out how quickly it seemed that Sasha seemed to trust him, even though her inner dialogue kept saying that she didn’t, her actions totally betrayed her on that one. And then again you get an information overload. I think had the history of the Shadowwolves or whatever they were called been explained a little slower and not just dumped onto the reader it would have went over better. I also found it too continent that the one person Sasha does trust without any issue is involved with them. Like … I don’t know, it just didn’t make any sense to me.
Do I Recommend: If you’re into werewolves with attitudes than yes I do recommend. Other than that I can’t recommend this with a clear conscious. I will most likely read the rest of the series because I am curious about what is going to happen, but I most likely won’t push myself to finish if I get bored.
I’ve heard many good things about L.A Banks and the various series that she has written. Reading the first few chapters I wanted to know what everyone was raving about. I found the characters to be flat, and the writing to be confusing. There was SO much information piled onto the reader that it was overwhelming. As the story progressed I started to like Sasha a little bit more, but for the life of me I couldn’t identify with her at all.
Towards the end of the book you get the romance that I personally was looking for. Hunter was a shady character from the start. I didn’t trust him and it kind of squicked me out how quickly it seemed that Sasha seemed to trust him, even though her inner dialogue kept saying that she didn’t, her actions totally betrayed her on that one. And then again you get an information overload. I think had the history of the Shadowwolves or whatever they were called been explained a little slower and not just dumped onto the reader it would have went over better. I also found it too continent that the one person Sasha does trust without any issue is involved with them. Like … I don’t know, it just didn’t make any sense to me.
Do I Recommend: If you’re into werewolves with attitudes than yes I do recommend. Other than that I can’t recommend this with a clear conscious. I will most likely read the rest of the series because I am curious about what is going to happen, but I most likely won’t push myself to finish if I get bored.
January 4, 2010
I purchased the entire series with an optimistic attitude. I was not terribly familiar with the author but had read one of her short stories and was willing to take the plunge.
I usually purchase an entire series because when I enjoy them I prefer to consume them quickly (and not wait to find the next book).
I started reading this with hopeful expectations but had trouble with it. There was too much information being given. I am honestly not a military fiction (or nonfiction) fan and this book is more fictional military than paranormal or romance or any other genre.
After the first chapter I decided to check the reviews of the book. There were a mix of reviews; it was a love it or hate it type of mix. Unfortunately I lean with the 'hate it' side.
I am unwilling to finish this book, much less this series. I can only hope(for the sake of the author and series) that the series improves with the second book. Sometimes the first book is overwhelming in terms of TMI. Unfortunately I will not find out how the second book (or 3rd or 4th) rates.
I usually purchase an entire series because when I enjoy them I prefer to consume them quickly (and not wait to find the next book).
I started reading this with hopeful expectations but had trouble with it. There was too much information being given. I am honestly not a military fiction (or nonfiction) fan and this book is more fictional military than paranormal or romance or any other genre.
After the first chapter I decided to check the reviews of the book. There were a mix of reviews; it was a love it or hate it type of mix. Unfortunately I lean with the 'hate it' side.
I am unwilling to finish this book, much less this series. I can only hope(for the sake of the author and series) that the series improves with the second book. Sometimes the first book is overwhelming in terms of TMI. Unfortunately I will not find out how the second book (or 3rd or 4th) rates.
January 17, 2014
Well, this is clearly a first. A book that I will just drop, because it's just terrible.
The entire book was a chaos. There were perspective, place and time changes without any indication or warning, which made it difficult to keep track of the story.
Nothing was ever properly explained either. Attempts at explanations always ended with sex.
The first 20% of the book was promising, if chaotic - but I was hoping it would be all cleared up when there was some good explanation of the different kinds of wolves. Unfortunately, after the first 20%, the book turned into the worst paranormal romance I've ever read and the two main characters have literally screwed the book.
Seriously, don't waste your time with this. There are far better urban fantasy (and even paranormal romance) books out there.
The entire book was a chaos. There were perspective, place and time changes without any indication or warning, which made it difficult to keep track of the story.
Nothing was ever properly explained either. Attempts at explanations always ended with sex.
The first 20% of the book was promising, if chaotic - but I was hoping it would be all cleared up when there was some good explanation of the different kinds of wolves. Unfortunately, after the first 20%, the book turned into the worst paranormal romance I've ever read and the two main characters have literally screwed the book.
Seriously, don't waste your time with this. There are far better urban fantasy (and even paranormal romance) books out there.
October 17, 2015
So bad! I read about half the book, and that was pushing it to try to keep my interest. No character development. Muddled plot that was not fleshed out. Slow pace. I hate not finishing books, but I just could not waste more time on this one!
May 4, 2016
I got to page 75.
I mean it annoyed me early on, but figured I'd give it a chance.
I feel like I'm missing something in every conversation.
On top of that, Banks just poures information and big words on me that I'm left confused and irritated.
I mean it annoyed me early on, but figured I'd give it a chance.
I feel like I'm missing something in every conversation.
On top of that, Banks just poures information and big words on me that I'm left confused and irritated.
January 23, 2013
I picked up and put this down SEVERAL times and every time I read the synopsis I think how awesome it will be... Then I start reading and I can't get into it. This time I sat down determined to get past the slow start... And I realized that the start defines the ending.
September 13, 2019
Okay. So, this one was messy. I really appreciated the effort that the author put into world-building because it showed. But -- and this is a big one -- if you ask me what the difference was between a Shadow Wolf, a Were Wolf, and a Wolf, I'd be able to tell you nothing. Moreover, there was a lot of telling and flashbacks and both came across as info dumps.
What I did like was how the main characters realized their attraction to each other seconds after a meeting wasn't really practical. I also found the male lead refreshing since he didn't demand the woman mate with him or not trust her to handle herself while literally in the enemy camp.
I do have reservations about a love triangle that seems to be brewing. But I'll read the second book until I let myself be put off by it. The title also made me imagine Aunt Marge waggling a sausage finger at Harry and saying, Bad blood will out. But that is a minor quibble.
So yeah, like an idiot, I went and started off another new series. Now that I have though, I'm going to see it through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
A different twist to a typical werewolf story.
The story is action packed but the plot did not appeal to me. I liked the twist of perspective; however, I did not like how the military and paranormal aspects came together.
This book is worth the read but it was not for me!
The story is action packed but the plot did not appeal to me. I liked the twist of perspective; however, I did not like how the military and paranormal aspects came together.
This book is worth the read but it was not for me!
April 22, 2021
loved the book, love Sasha and cant wait to read the second one
October 31, 2009
Sasha Trudeau (I'm so curious as to how correctly pronounce her last name) and her teammates have a unique bond that holds them together and keeps them loyal to each other and the government they work for; they are all survivors of werewolf attacks. As long as they take the medicine provided by Dr. Xavier Holland they will be safe from turning, or so they thought. When Sasha is sent on a solo mission in Korea she briefly worries about being separated from her team but follows through with the orders without question. The rest of her team is sent on a separate mission that results in a terrible tragedy and few survivors. Government secrets and betrayals weigh heavily on Sasha and the dwindling number of her team as they find out who they really are and how they came to be.
I love the characters. It was great getting to know Sasha and getting introduced to Max Hunter was fun. Silver Hawk, Max's grandfather was also a strong character that provides a lot of background information on the Shadow wolves. And the mysterious Shogun was an interesting character. Something I really loved about the book and continue to love about L.A. Banks' writing is the earth-shattering attraction and passion of her couples. Max and Sasha have such a strong connection that I instantly became jealous. But I must add that the two don't get along all the time. But no matter how often they bicker and argue they are continually pulled to each other with such a great force.
I had a really hard time visualizing the "shadow-jumping" that the couple does along with all other Shadow wolves. Basically they can disappear in whatever casts shadows both in daylight and at night. And in one scene Max and Sasha are shadow jumping very quickly through the forest and onto the highway. I just didn't really grasp the concept well.
I have to admit I was terribly confused while reading the book. While the concepts were original and exciting, I felt that most of the storytelling and information was rushed through too quickly. Pretty much every paranormal anomaly exists in this book and they were tossed into it very haphazardly; from dragons and psychics to vampires and fae entities, with a number of different councils that governed all that is paranormal. It didn't sit well with me. And it wasn't until the very end of the book (and with a visit to the book's website) that I sort of understood the differences between a Shadow wolf, a werewolf, and a demon-infected werewolf. I still don't have a firm grip on it yet. But the second book is helping.
The characters really made me enjoy the book enough to overlook the (way too) fast paced action scenes and the back story that was sort of jammed together. I'd say give this book a try, maybe by borrowing at the library.
I love the characters. It was great getting to know Sasha and getting introduced to Max Hunter was fun. Silver Hawk, Max's grandfather was also a strong character that provides a lot of background information on the Shadow wolves. And the mysterious Shogun was an interesting character. Something I really loved about the book and continue to love about L.A. Banks' writing is the earth-shattering attraction and passion of her couples. Max and Sasha have such a strong connection that I instantly became jealous. But I must add that the two don't get along all the time. But no matter how often they bicker and argue they are continually pulled to each other with such a great force.
I had a really hard time visualizing the "shadow-jumping" that the couple does along with all other Shadow wolves. Basically they can disappear in whatever casts shadows both in daylight and at night. And in one scene Max and Sasha are shadow jumping very quickly through the forest and onto the highway. I just didn't really grasp the concept well.
I have to admit I was terribly confused while reading the book. While the concepts were original and exciting, I felt that most of the storytelling and information was rushed through too quickly. Pretty much every paranormal anomaly exists in this book and they were tossed into it very haphazardly; from dragons and psychics to vampires and fae entities, with a number of different councils that governed all that is paranormal. It didn't sit well with me. And it wasn't until the very end of the book (and with a visit to the book's website) that I sort of understood the differences between a Shadow wolf, a werewolf, and a demon-infected werewolf. I still don't have a firm grip on it yet. But the second book is helping.
The characters really made me enjoy the book enough to overlook the (way too) fast paced action scenes and the back story that was sort of jammed together. I'd say give this book a try, maybe by borrowing at the library.
April 21, 2012
Mon avis en Français
My English review
J’étais très curieuse de me lancer dans cette nouvelle série et je pense que j’en attendais beaucoup dès le départ. Peut-être un peu trop… Il faut dire que j’ai tout de suite été attirée par la couverture française que j’ai adorée.
Sasha fait partie d’une unité très spéciale, contrôlant l’activité des loups garous. Elle-même porte le virus mais ses médicaments lui permettent de rester telle qu’elle est et de ne pas se transformer. Ses supérieurs l’envoient régler des problèmes partout dans le monde. Ces missions l’emmènent toujours dans des lieux atypiques et mettent bien sûr sa vie en danger à chaque fois. Mais quand, un jour, elle rentre d’une de ses missions en solo et qu’elle découvre que son Alpha et mentor Rod est devenu lui-même rogue, elle n’a qu’un seul choix, s’occuper de lui. Elle rencontrera ainsi Max Hunter, cet alpha si énigmatique mais qui ne se ferait pas prier pour être avec notre héroïne. Il lui fera découvrir le monde des ombres, son monde. Il nous fera comprendre l’univers dans lequel tous nos personnages évoluent. C’était fascinant de découvrir cet environnement, L.A Banks a eu de très bonnes idées et c’était un plaisir d’en découvrir plus.
Max est un personnage pour lequel on est très curieux au départ, du fait de ses facultés hors du commun. Mais plus l’histoire avance et plus on comprend que la seule chose qui l’importe est de faire de Sasha sa femelle. Notre héroïne elle est plus indépendante, et tout se passe vraiment trop vite pour elle. Ce que je comprends tout à fait, mais il faut dire qu’on ne sent pas vraiment une grande résistance de sa part non plus.
Je pense que je n’ai pas vraiment accroché à ces personnages. Bien sûr ils sont intrigants, mais je dois dire que je les ai aussi trouvés assez plats. Certaines parties du roman m’ont aussi un peu ennuyé. Ce n’était pas bien grave, non, mais par conséquent je ne l’ai pas apprécié autant que je l’aurais pensé.
J’ai trouvé Shogun, ce personnage que l’on rencontre au début du livre plus intéressant que Max et j’espère qu’il sera plus approfondi dans le second tome. Nous n’apprenons que si peu à son sujet et je suis sûre qu’un plus grand développement serait parfait. Je n’ai pas trouvé qu’il se passait tant de choses que cela dans le roman, bien sûr il y a beaucoup de découvertes qui compensent ce fait. Après vous me direz, c’est le premier roman de la série donc il sert aussi à poser les bases et présenter les personnages. Je pense qu’il me faudra lire le second tome pour vraiment savoir quoi en penser.
My English review
J’étais très curieuse de me lancer dans cette nouvelle série et je pense que j’en attendais beaucoup dès le départ. Peut-être un peu trop… Il faut dire que j’ai tout de suite été attirée par la couverture française que j’ai adorée.
Sasha fait partie d’une unité très spéciale, contrôlant l’activité des loups garous. Elle-même porte le virus mais ses médicaments lui permettent de rester telle qu’elle est et de ne pas se transformer. Ses supérieurs l’envoient régler des problèmes partout dans le monde. Ces missions l’emmènent toujours dans des lieux atypiques et mettent bien sûr sa vie en danger à chaque fois. Mais quand, un jour, elle rentre d’une de ses missions en solo et qu’elle découvre que son Alpha et mentor Rod est devenu lui-même rogue, elle n’a qu’un seul choix, s’occuper de lui. Elle rencontrera ainsi Max Hunter, cet alpha si énigmatique mais qui ne se ferait pas prier pour être avec notre héroïne. Il lui fera découvrir le monde des ombres, son monde. Il nous fera comprendre l’univers dans lequel tous nos personnages évoluent. C’était fascinant de découvrir cet environnement, L.A Banks a eu de très bonnes idées et c’était un plaisir d’en découvrir plus.
Max est un personnage pour lequel on est très curieux au départ, du fait de ses facultés hors du commun. Mais plus l’histoire avance et plus on comprend que la seule chose qui l’importe est de faire de Sasha sa femelle. Notre héroïne elle est plus indépendante, et tout se passe vraiment trop vite pour elle. Ce que je comprends tout à fait, mais il faut dire qu’on ne sent pas vraiment une grande résistance de sa part non plus.
Je pense que je n’ai pas vraiment accroché à ces personnages. Bien sûr ils sont intrigants, mais je dois dire que je les ai aussi trouvés assez plats. Certaines parties du roman m’ont aussi un peu ennuyé. Ce n’était pas bien grave, non, mais par conséquent je ne l’ai pas apprécié autant que je l’aurais pensé.
J’ai trouvé Shogun, ce personnage que l’on rencontre au début du livre plus intéressant que Max et j’espère qu’il sera plus approfondi dans le second tome. Nous n’apprenons que si peu à son sujet et je suis sûre qu’un plus grand développement serait parfait. Je n’ai pas trouvé qu’il se passait tant de choses que cela dans le roman, bien sûr il y a beaucoup de découvertes qui compensent ce fait. Après vous me direz, c’est le premier roman de la série donc il sert aussi à poser les bases et présenter les personnages. Je pense qu’il me faudra lire le second tome pour vraiment savoir quoi en penser.
August 18, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I will be getting the next book in the series. Sasha is a bad mamma jamma who’s loyal and has longed to belong. Hunter is a alpha with a similar backstory. Perfect match right? We’ll see.
December 20, 2010
Sasha Trudeau is part of a Unique Special Ops team that is charged with keeping humans away for the paranormal community. This special team takes down the demon-infected wolves that threaten humanity. When Sasha is send on a mission without the back-up of her team, she is confused because of the werewolf virus in their blood they stay together and see it through that the other members take their meds.
But her mission in Korea will change thing forever, especially when Sasha discovers she cannot trust all the people around her. But that is not all, she also discovers that all of her team members are dead or missing and Sasha is determined to find out why.
Bad Blood by L.A. Banks is the first book in her Crimson Moon series. I have to say I really thought this story was interesting. I’ve heard of this author before, but never had the opportunity to read anything by her. But now I’m definitely going to check out her other books in this series.
I love Sasha; she is a strong kick ass lady, who knows what she wants in life. She isn’t afraid to get it and I have to say she is dealing quite well with what she discovers about her being one of the shadow wolves and how she was created in the first place.
Her attraction to Max Hunter, her shadow wolf guide is strong and handsome. The attraction between them is so huge that Max claims her as his mate, even if she isn’t sure that she wants that spot, because she is also attracted to Shogun, who she met on her mission in Korea.
I’m curious to see who Sasha will end up with….okay she and Max Hunter already have something going on, but I know Shogun is a powerful shifter too.
Well let’s say I’m looking forward to read the following novel, just to see what will happen next.
But her mission in Korea will change thing forever, especially when Sasha discovers she cannot trust all the people around her. But that is not all, she also discovers that all of her team members are dead or missing and Sasha is determined to find out why.
Bad Blood by L.A. Banks is the first book in her Crimson Moon series. I have to say I really thought this story was interesting. I’ve heard of this author before, but never had the opportunity to read anything by her. But now I’m definitely going to check out her other books in this series.
I love Sasha; she is a strong kick ass lady, who knows what she wants in life. She isn’t afraid to get it and I have to say she is dealing quite well with what she discovers about her being one of the shadow wolves and how she was created in the first place.
Her attraction to Max Hunter, her shadow wolf guide is strong and handsome. The attraction between them is so huge that Max claims her as his mate, even if she isn’t sure that she wants that spot, because she is also attracted to Shogun, who she met on her mission in Korea.
I’m curious to see who Sasha will end up with….okay she and Max Hunter already have something going on, but I know Shogun is a powerful shifter too.
Well let’s say I’m looking forward to read the following novel, just to see what will happen next.
June 22, 2011
Werewolves, vampires and special ops warriors are some of the characters in the first book of the Crimson Moon series, “Bad Blood” by L.A Banks. A very good and fast paced plot which includes a lot of adventure and conspiracy theories. And of course, the book has its share of romance!
The general idea in the book is about the difference between various werewolves species and specifically about a demon infected kind. The government is trying to create soldiers infected with the demon virus but it’s not possible because the virus makes people extremely dangerous.
Sasha Trudeau is one of the government’s soldier but she takes medicine so she can be normal and not be Turned by the virus. She is a part of a team in the same condition and this team is like a family for her. Sasha is strong and a survivor in a cruel life. She always was the outcast, a girl nobody wanted and with no real family, except Xavier Holland, a man who was like a father for her, but one who has a lot of secrets.
The male lead is Max Hunter. He’s wolf shifter but with a weird heritage of his own. He is strong, capable, smart and sexy. My opinion is that they’re a great couple together, because Sasha can learn a lot of things from him. I also found very interesting the secondary characters, especially Shogun and I’m looking forward for his next appearance because I think that we’ll see him many times in the series!
I liked the book because it’s not a typical fantasy book with werewolves. It’s a mix of science fiction, urban fantasy and paranormal romance and the result is pretty good. The plot is a little complicated but I think that things will become more clear in the next books of the series.
It was a very good read and I recommend it to those who like science fiction / urban fantasy books!
The general idea in the book is about the difference between various werewolves species and specifically about a demon infected kind. The government is trying to create soldiers infected with the demon virus but it’s not possible because the virus makes people extremely dangerous.
Sasha Trudeau is one of the government’s soldier but she takes medicine so she can be normal and not be Turned by the virus. She is a part of a team in the same condition and this team is like a family for her. Sasha is strong and a survivor in a cruel life. She always was the outcast, a girl nobody wanted and with no real family, except Xavier Holland, a man who was like a father for her, but one who has a lot of secrets.
The male lead is Max Hunter. He’s wolf shifter but with a weird heritage of his own. He is strong, capable, smart and sexy. My opinion is that they’re a great couple together, because Sasha can learn a lot of things from him. I also found very interesting the secondary characters, especially Shogun and I’m looking forward for his next appearance because I think that we’ll see him many times in the series!
I liked the book because it’s not a typical fantasy book with werewolves. It’s a mix of science fiction, urban fantasy and paranormal romance and the result is pretty good. The plot is a little complicated but I think that things will become more clear in the next books of the series.
It was a very good read and I recommend it to those who like science fiction / urban fantasy books!
January 25, 2011
Sasha Trudeau is a Special Ops soldier. She and her elite team of soldiers are highly trained and unique to their unit because they are sole survivors of past werewolf attacks.
While on a solo mission Sasha receives important Intel relevant to their war on infected werewolves. Upon her return home and subsequent interview with her commanding officer, Sasha discovers that her team members haven't reported in from their mission and are MIA.
Max Hunter is a shadow clan wolf who is also tracking infected werewolves for another undercover group. While hunting an infected wolf Max meets soldier Trudeau under very intense circumstances. Max finds Sasha both feisty and attractive, its love at first sight.
Now Max and Sasha along with other select members from both sides must work together to end this senseless war on their kind. Government political plots, conspiracy, double deals, betrayal murder and mayhem, are only the beginning to Bad Blood.
This book is a fast-paced, action packed series, with so many new plot twists and turns you will need to buckle up for the ride.
L.A. Banks hits us with another awesome paranormal series. Banks introduces her fans to a new group of kick butt soldiers, in a new style battle of good vs. evil. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
While on a solo mission Sasha receives important Intel relevant to their war on infected werewolves. Upon her return home and subsequent interview with her commanding officer, Sasha discovers that her team members haven't reported in from their mission and are MIA.
Max Hunter is a shadow clan wolf who is also tracking infected werewolves for another undercover group. While hunting an infected wolf Max meets soldier Trudeau under very intense circumstances. Max finds Sasha both feisty and attractive, its love at first sight.
Now Max and Sasha along with other select members from both sides must work together to end this senseless war on their kind. Government political plots, conspiracy, double deals, betrayal murder and mayhem, are only the beginning to Bad Blood.
This book is a fast-paced, action packed series, with so many new plot twists and turns you will need to buckle up for the ride.
L.A. Banks hits us with another awesome paranormal series. Banks introduces her fans to a new group of kick butt soldiers, in a new style battle of good vs. evil. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Read
July 31, 2008The Good: Interesting premise, fascinating set up of supernatural worlds, the shadow wolf concept, a love interest whose alpha male posturing was kept to a minimum and didn't get on my nerves. I also liked Sasha's reaction and understandable caution when Hunter declared they were mates after only knowing each other for a couple of days.
The Bad: Info dumping, info dumping, and more interminable dialogue with info dumping. Half way through the book, I was trying to figure out how to restructure the book to get more action and less exposition. The opening with the missing team members was also a plot McGuffin, which threw me. The real plot of the book seems to be about Sasha discovering more about the supernatural world (through interminable exposition), and Sasha's developing romance with Hunter. I came in expecting one type of story, and got another.
The Bad: Info dumping, info dumping, and more interminable dialogue with info dumping. Half way through the book, I was trying to figure out how to restructure the book to get more action and less exposition. The opening with the missing team members was also a plot McGuffin, which threw me. The real plot of the book seems to be about Sasha discovering more about the supernatural world (through interminable exposition), and Sasha's developing romance with Hunter. I came in expecting one type of story, and got another.
July 4, 2014
I only got about 50-60 pages in before I put this book down. I didn't feel any connection to the main character and I certainly didn't care about any of the rest of her pack that had disappeared.
However, the main reason I stopped reading were the info dumps. They were long, boring and confusing. I think the confusing was mostly because we were in the POV of the main character and the people giving her the info dumps assumed she had a much different background and set of starting data than she did. So the info they gave her was just confusing instead of enlightening. If it had been given in smaller bites, spaced out with story to help me get to care about the main character and her friends, or given by people who knew where she was coming from, it might have been easier to digest.
However, the main reason I stopped reading were the info dumps. They were long, boring and confusing. I think the confusing was mostly because we were in the POV of the main character and the people giving her the info dumps assumed she had a much different background and set of starting data than she did. So the info they gave her was just confusing instead of enlightening. If it had been given in smaller bites, spaced out with story to help me get to care about the main character and her friends, or given by people who knew where she was coming from, it might have been easier to digest.
July 29, 2014
I was given this series to read by a fellow paranormal fan. Unfortunately I was dragging myself through it. I normally cannot put a book down with with this one I had to force myself to pick it up. I wasn't enchanted, enthralled, or even curious of what would happen next. I did keep telling myself it'll get better, it has to get better. I was so very wrong. Time lapses are frequent, the sex scenes were abysmal, there was little to no explanation in the beginning and just tosses you into the middle of a explosion of crap gone wrong.
I've since returned the whole series to my friend.
I've since returned the whole series to my friend.
October 27, 2012
If I ruled the world, authors would be forced to attend Grammar Boot Camp, where they would learn that just because spell-check doesn't flag a word, that doesn't mean it works in that sentence.
Publishers who scant on proofreaders would be shot on sight.
Publishers who scant on proofreaders would be shot on sight.
June 20, 2009
silly and overwrought
June 2, 2019
Great start to a new series...Love L.A. Banks writing style and this book doesn't disappoint
August 12, 2024
Not sure why all the hate...
I mean, it's not an offensive book. And while it's not really my cup of tea, even though it dabbles in a lot of my favorite elements, I just fail to see what made so many people angry about it...
So, anyway, this book has a lot going on. Maybe too much going on because it failed to hold my attention. I put it down a lot.
There's at least three different kinds of werewolves, vampires, a crazy conspiracy, military elements, a whole host of other creatures you don't meet yet, and then a prophecy incase that wasn't enough for you.
The issue was the way information was disseminated. This was a very choppy book, and Banks often lost the plot, though she did try to come back to it. She just couldn't stay there long enough to capture you.
I will give her some props on how she handled her instalove scenario. That was different.
However, that whole situation lost me as far as Sasha is concerned. She's cruel. It's cool if she's not ready, no problem there, but she keeps Hunter on the edge and dangles him along deliberately. That's just not cool.
The good thing is he does kinda take her to task for it rather than just plod along silently, but that's not really good enough since she repeatedly does it after that.
Then there's the setup for a love triangle, and you've lost me. I'm already attached to Hunter, and I didn't spend more than a blink with Shogun, who I had initially thought was going to be the love interest. So yeah, bringing him back into play turns me off reading any further.
I mean, it's not an offensive book. And while it's not really my cup of tea, even though it dabbles in a lot of my favorite elements, I just fail to see what made so many people angry about it...
So, anyway, this book has a lot going on. Maybe too much going on because it failed to hold my attention. I put it down a lot.
There's at least three different kinds of werewolves, vampires, a crazy conspiracy, military elements, a whole host of other creatures you don't meet yet, and then a prophecy incase that wasn't enough for you.
The issue was the way information was disseminated. This was a very choppy book, and Banks often lost the plot, though she did try to come back to it. She just couldn't stay there long enough to capture you.
I will give her some props on how she handled her instalove scenario. That was different.
However, that whole situation lost me as far as Sasha is concerned. She's cruel. It's cool if she's not ready, no problem there, but she keeps Hunter on the edge and dangles him along deliberately. That's just not cool.
The good thing is he does kinda take her to task for it rather than just plod along silently, but that's not really good enough since she repeatedly does it after that.
Then there's the setup for a love triangle, and you've lost me. I'm already attached to Hunter, and I didn't spend more than a blink with Shogun, who I had initially thought was going to be the love interest. So yeah, bringing him back into play turns me off reading any further.
June 28, 2021
Picked this up at a used bookstore at the owner's recommendation. Note that this bookstore does not have a typical fantasy section - I found Lord of the Rings shelved in the science fiction section - but it DOES have an extensive Romantic Fantasy section. The owner highly recommended L.A. Banks to me so I grabbed this, since the other books available were all sequels from various series.
Urban fantasy is not my normal genre but this was not bad! I liked a lot of the concepts - different types of wolves, not just your standard "werewolves" and things like that. Maybe if I read more urban fantasy it wouldn't be new to me, I suppose. But whether it's truly original or just new to me, I thought it was fun. The sex scenes were overblown, as was some of the romance, but overall I liked this book.
Urban fantasy is not my normal genre but this was not bad! I liked a lot of the concepts - different types of wolves, not just your standard "werewolves" and things like that. Maybe if I read more urban fantasy it wouldn't be new to me, I suppose. But whether it's truly original or just new to me, I thought it was fun. The sex scenes were overblown, as was some of the romance, but overall I liked this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews