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The Demon Accords #17
Blood Drawn
Demon Accords number 17. Chris Gordon and Tanya Demidova are the world's top close quarters battle experts. As fast and powerful as elder vampires, with supernatural weapons that match their supernatural speed, strength and senses. But how does a close quarters warrior fight an enemy that is literally light years away -- 25,000 light years away?
It would take one hell of a ranged weapon, something that can cross unimaginable distances with unfathomable power. Something... or... someone. Hmm, but witch is best?
It would take one hell of a ranged weapon, something that can cross unimaginable distances with unfathomable power. Something... or... someone. Hmm, but witch is best?
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 2, 2021
227 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,704 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
August 15, 2025
My God, I’m tired. I saw the announcement for this book’s release before I went to bed last night and downloaded it to read a couple of chapters before closing my eyes... Big mistake. I didn’t get to actually close my eyes until I turned the final digital page about 4 hours later.
The Demon Accords has been my favourite series for a long time now, to where I re-read/listen to them multiple times a year. They started out as a mix of easy reading fun, but over the course of the series, an epic story has been unfolding that really kicks into high gear in this book.
Blood drawn starts strong and is non-stop from there on out. All the world-building and character development over the last 16 books (+ compendiums) have all been leading towards the events that kick off in this book, and it was truly satisfying to read. There were multiple times where I had goosebumps reading this and I loved every minute.
So much happens in this book that it’s hard to single out any one event, but I will comment on one element of the Demon Accords that I love the most. This series is proof that you can make overpowered characters work with good storytelling. The so-called ‘superman problem’ where a character is so overpowered that they can’t be interesting is just an excuse for lazy writing. Whether it’s Chris, Declan, Tanya, Omega, or any of the elders, none of them suffer from the Superman Problem because this series has taken the time to set up a conflict that can truly challenge them, and also set stakes that are proportional to their power level. Not only does it work with them being so powerful, it actually wouldn’t work in any other way.
As I have a love for OP characters done well, I keep coming back to this series over and over because this is one of the best examples of this type of storytelling. It has made this series one of my all-time favourites, and though it's early days yet, I can comfortably say that this book is one of my favourites in this series that I love so much.
It’s an easy 5-stars, and once again I can’t wait for the next instalment.
The Demon Accords has been my favourite series for a long time now, to where I re-read/listen to them multiple times a year. They started out as a mix of easy reading fun, but over the course of the series, an epic story has been unfolding that really kicks into high gear in this book.
Blood drawn starts strong and is non-stop from there on out. All the world-building and character development over the last 16 books (+ compendiums) have all been leading towards the events that kick off in this book, and it was truly satisfying to read. There were multiple times where I had goosebumps reading this and I loved every minute.
So much happens in this book that it’s hard to single out any one event, but I will comment on one element of the Demon Accords that I love the most. This series is proof that you can make overpowered characters work with good storytelling. The so-called ‘superman problem’ where a character is so overpowered that they can’t be interesting is just an excuse for lazy writing. Whether it’s Chris, Declan, Tanya, Omega, or any of the elders, none of them suffer from the Superman Problem because this series has taken the time to set up a conflict that can truly challenge them, and also set stakes that are proportional to their power level. Not only does it work with them being so powerful, it actually wouldn’t work in any other way.
As I have a love for OP characters done well, I keep coming back to this series over and over because this is one of the best examples of this type of storytelling. It has made this series one of my all-time favourites, and though it's early days yet, I can comfortably say that this book is one of my favourites in this series that I love so much.
It’s an easy 5-stars, and once again I can’t wait for the next instalment.
March 26, 2022
Always a favorite author!
John Conroe and his character’s keep me awake way too long into many, many nights.
Thank God!
I look forward to the next book with anticipation and perhaps a bit of impatience.
Michael
John Conroe and his character’s keep me awake way too long into many, many nights.
Thank God!
I look forward to the next book with anticipation and perhaps a bit of impatience.
Michael
October 11, 2021
This series is starting to disappear into its own navel. The beginning is exposition-heavy; using a TV interview and then Gabriel's chat to remind the reader where they are in the story. I'd prefer a recap section that I can skip.
Almost a third of the book consists of our beloved characters discussing each other, particularly Declan, so that the reader knows how special they are. I want the story to take center stage. The attributes of the characters should become evident as a result of their behavior and thus not need to be explicitly stated. I've seen this before. I've a theory that the author gets fan-mail about their readers' favorite characters to the exclusion of almost everything else, and thus he falls into the trap of believing the book must serve these characters; put them on pedestals and make them flawless.
I love the characters as well. But I want to read a story. A story with ups and downs; risk and failure. Without the chance of failure, there's no heroism. This book felt more like a series of opportunities for Declan to show how god-like he has become. It's just not balanced.
Almost a third of the book consists of our beloved characters discussing each other, particularly Declan, so that the reader knows how special they are. I want the story to take center stage. The attributes of the characters should become evident as a result of their behavior and thus not need to be explicitly stated. I've seen this before. I've a theory that the author gets fan-mail about their readers' favorite characters to the exclusion of almost everything else, and thus he falls into the trap of believing the book must serve these characters; put them on pedestals and make them flawless.
I love the characters as well. But I want to read a story. A story with ups and downs; risk and failure. Without the chance of failure, there's no heroism. This book felt more like a series of opportunities for Declan to show how god-like he has become. It's just not balanced.
December 23, 2021
3.5
I enjoy this series. Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm getting more of a peek at the author's politics than I want to see but it's not glaring. Same for his religion. This was one of the latter. I think the nature of the story draws heavily from Abrahamic descended dogma; and is, unfortunately, a bit predictable in it's Satanic Panic-esque approach to villainy. Since the two MCs are fallen angels, one being a "God Hammer," it's fair to say this sort of approach to world building and lore wasn't unexpected. A bit on the nose and disappointingly predictable, but I find that I enjoy the rest of this series, the characters, their repartee, the magic systems, the action, the higher purpose altruism, the personal struggles to live up to personal expectations, the way Conroe manages to make an entire pack of Gary Stus and Mary Sues likable. The humanity of the un-human.
So I tend to lean to forgiving Conroe when he leans on inane tropes. Who knows? He's a creative guy. Maybe he'll find a way to make characters from Hell that don't fit the mold, too, eventually.
Happy Sol Invictus \m/
I enjoy this series. Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm getting more of a peek at the author's politics than I want to see but it's not glaring. Same for his religion. This was one of the latter. I think the nature of the story draws heavily from Abrahamic descended dogma; and is, unfortunately, a bit predictable in it's Satanic Panic-esque approach to villainy. Since the two MCs are fallen angels, one being a "God Hammer," it's fair to say this sort of approach to world building and lore wasn't unexpected. A bit on the nose and disappointingly predictable, but I find that I enjoy the rest of this series, the characters, their repartee, the magic systems, the action, the higher purpose altruism, the personal struggles to live up to personal expectations, the way Conroe manages to make an entire pack of Gary Stus and Mary Sues likable. The humanity of the un-human.
So I tend to lean to forgiving Conroe when he leans on inane tropes. Who knows? He's a creative guy. Maybe he'll find a way to make characters from Hell that don't fit the mold, too, eventually.
Happy Sol Invictus \m/
July 31, 2023
This 16th instalment of the Demons Accords series was a solid entry to the series. It was mainly from the POV of Chris and had him and all the team fending off the first major attacks on Earth from the Vorsook.
It was solid enough even if the Vorsook are a little dull as enemies.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin did fine with the audio.
It was solid enough even if the Vorsook are a little dull as enemies.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: James Patrick Cronin did fine with the audio.
September 13, 2021
Rating 5.0 stars
This series is five stars. I don't rate specific books in the series anymore. Don't try to make sense of it but some five star books are better than other 5 star books. The war with the Vorsok is beginning. They will use anything in their power to win and that includes demons. Declan is the key to everything. It does seem like Chris has been relegated to a side character in his own series because everything is about keeping Declan safe so that he can do the things only he can. I did get some of the things that I asked for in previous reviews. Overall this is an amazing series and has been on my favorites list for a long time. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
This series is five stars. I don't rate specific books in the series anymore. Don't try to make sense of it but some five star books are better than other 5 star books. The war with the Vorsok is beginning. They will use anything in their power to win and that includes demons. Declan is the key to everything. It does seem like Chris has been relegated to a side character in his own series because everything is about keeping Declan safe so that he can do the things only he can. I did get some of the things that I asked for in previous reviews. Overall this is an amazing series and has been on my favorites list for a long time. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
April 6, 2024
Fun, engrossing, and all over the place
I couldn't put it down, now I can't remember exactly what happened.
Reread 3 years later:
Finished this book yesterday and I've once again blanked on what I'd read. I remember it was fun...
Something about a house coming apart... there were guns?
I couldn't put it down, now I can't remember exactly what happened.
Reread 3 years later:
Finished this book yesterday and I've once again blanked on what I'd read. I remember it was fun...
Something about a house coming apart... there were guns?
May 26, 2025
This book is one of my favorites in the series for its re-readability. It's packed with action, features numerous subplots, and includes one of the most interesting displays of magic by Declan so far: his use of sympathetic magic to "root out" Vorsook human sympathizers. The narrative's global and inter-dimensional travel, all accomplished within what I believe is a few weeks, highlights the advancements in Omega's technology and Declan's elemental magic. Chris also demonstrates that he remains in a class of his own in one-on-one situations. However, while the book is told from Chris's point of view, die-hard Chris fans might not be thrilled that Declan often takes on the most impactful roles, with Chris and the Demidova crew primarily serving as strong support.
There are a few scenes in this book that I found cringeworthy and made me question the author's choices. The primary example is the interview of Declan and Stacia by Bristol Chattergy. Aside from Stacia's interesting description of a bird show she witnessed, the rest of the scene is awkward and portrays Declan as somewhat dim-witted or unsettling. The author sometimes has Declan behave strangely when he's under pressure or unwilling to answer a question, such as fidgeting with his fingers or staring at his hands. Frankly, this comes across as odd. It's not typical behavior for an intelligent, normally articulate adult; it’s more reminiscent of a young child with ADHD. This portrayal feels forced and, instead of conveying Declan's anger or that he's near his breaking point, it just made me uncomfortable while reading.
My last critique of this otherwise beloved book concerns the scene where they meet Jessica. She's depicted as the exceptionally pretty girl who was always unattainable for the "weird" Declan during their school years, though she occasionally interacted with him, usually to ask for favors. The author consistently places Jessica on a pedestal whenever she is mentioned. The justification seems to be that because this "super beauty," a cheerleader and school "queen bee," deigned to speak to Declan (though every depicted interaction involves her asking him to fix her tech), she is somehow a modern-day Mother Teresa. The narrative suggests that her attention prevented Declan from turning to a darker path, an idea I find unlikely, as Declan is portrayed as an inveterate do-gooder. Consequently, the scene where Chris goes out of his way to thank Jessica, telling her she's probably the reason Declan didn't go bad and therefore essentially saved the world, is incredibly eye-roll-inducing. I find it difficult to see Jessica in such a positive light. Beyond not completely shunning Declan, she appears to be a typical "prom queen." She dates a piece of shit guy, knowing his character (as does the entire school), simply because he's a football player with a wealthy father, making him her "prom king." Her choice of partner, and the fact that every interaction with Declan from childhood to the present involves her asking for favors, undermines the highly intelligent and empathetic persona the author tries to impose on her. In my opinion, she's not special; she's a typical teenager. I question why the author insists on portraying her as something she isn't, seemingly to reinforce the idea that Declan is perpetually one step away from darkness, a trait he has never genuinely exhibited.
Okay, rant complete. Despite these criticisms, please know they stem from a place of passion due to my immense enjoyment of this series. "Blood Drawn" is a solid 4/5 for me.
There are a few scenes in this book that I found cringeworthy and made me question the author's choices. The primary example is the interview of Declan and Stacia by Bristol Chattergy. Aside from Stacia's interesting description of a bird show she witnessed, the rest of the scene is awkward and portrays Declan as somewhat dim-witted or unsettling. The author sometimes has Declan behave strangely when he's under pressure or unwilling to answer a question, such as fidgeting with his fingers or staring at his hands. Frankly, this comes across as odd. It's not typical behavior for an intelligent, normally articulate adult; it’s more reminiscent of a young child with ADHD. This portrayal feels forced and, instead of conveying Declan's anger or that he's near his breaking point, it just made me uncomfortable while reading.
My last critique of this otherwise beloved book concerns the scene where they meet Jessica. She's depicted as the exceptionally pretty girl who was always unattainable for the "weird" Declan during their school years, though she occasionally interacted with him, usually to ask for favors. The author consistently places Jessica on a pedestal whenever she is mentioned. The justification seems to be that because this "super beauty," a cheerleader and school "queen bee," deigned to speak to Declan (though every depicted interaction involves her asking him to fix her tech), she is somehow a modern-day Mother Teresa. The narrative suggests that her attention prevented Declan from turning to a darker path, an idea I find unlikely, as Declan is portrayed as an inveterate do-gooder. Consequently, the scene where Chris goes out of his way to thank Jessica, telling her she's probably the reason Declan didn't go bad and therefore essentially saved the world, is incredibly eye-roll-inducing. I find it difficult to see Jessica in such a positive light. Beyond not completely shunning Declan, she appears to be a typical "prom queen." She dates a piece of shit guy, knowing his character (as does the entire school), simply because he's a football player with a wealthy father, making him her "prom king." Her choice of partner, and the fact that every interaction with Declan from childhood to the present involves her asking for favors, undermines the highly intelligent and empathetic persona the author tries to impose on her. In my opinion, she's not special; she's a typical teenager. I question why the author insists on portraying her as something she isn't, seemingly to reinforce the idea that Declan is perpetually one step away from darkness, a trait he has never genuinely exhibited.
Okay, rant complete. Despite these criticisms, please know they stem from a place of passion due to my immense enjoyment of this series. "Blood Drawn" is a solid 4/5 for me.
February 16, 2022
I generally love the demon accords novels and John Conroe's books, however every since the introduction of Declan the books have dwindled and are slowly fading. This last one is perhaps the worst of the lot.
The author has created a character so powerful that nothing is a threat anymore, there is no weakness, no fear factor and frankly this last book offered nothing exciting.
Declans powers need to be reigned in or this series will end here and now, the same applies to Omega. I miss the days of the simplicity of two fallen angels, and their struggles. Angels that have to struggle because they're not all powerful.
Bottom line, John Conroe I feel has lost his way. Wether the series is at it's end and has nothing more to offer or maybe it's salvageable I don't know but the simple truth is the aliens introduction was a mistake. Omega as much as I love the concept is another mistake, and initial Declan was great, current one is pointless.
I hope Conroe recaptures the initial charm of the series, otherwise he should put it to rest.
The author has created a character so powerful that nothing is a threat anymore, there is no weakness, no fear factor and frankly this last book offered nothing exciting.
Declans powers need to be reigned in or this series will end here and now, the same applies to Omega. I miss the days of the simplicity of two fallen angels, and their struggles. Angels that have to struggle because they're not all powerful.
Bottom line, John Conroe I feel has lost his way. Wether the series is at it's end and has nothing more to offer or maybe it's salvageable I don't know but the simple truth is the aliens introduction was a mistake. Omega as much as I love the concept is another mistake, and initial Declan was great, current one is pointless.
I hope Conroe recaptures the initial charm of the series, otherwise he should put it to rest.
September 24, 2021
Much of this series has been fast-paced and enjoyable. A lot of that is predicated on the growing bonds and emotions of the characters as well as the discovery of their powers. This book went off of that path a bit and basically had every interaction be the same. "Wow! He is so powerful! How?!" Even though this is book 17 in the series. Plus additional short stories! People should stop being so surprised all the time, especially the characters who spend their entire lives together.
September 5, 2021
Moar power!!!
Battle with the aliens is heating up. Our favorite Warlock keeps busting the power curve. And things never really slow down.
Clean prose and a well paced narrative.
The existential conversations around coincidence add an extra flavor to the mix.
Heck, yeah, I will continue to read this series!!
Battle with the aliens is heating up. Our favorite Warlock keeps busting the power curve. And things never really slow down.
Clean prose and a well paced narrative.
The existential conversations around coincidence add an extra flavor to the mix.
Heck, yeah, I will continue to read this series!!
September 23, 2021
Another Great Entry To The Series!
These books always feel too short. If you've made it this far into the series, you probably know what I mean. I think that, because of details at the end, this book feels like something is missing, but really that's because of how "In The Middle" we are in the story arc. Plus I was spoiled by having every book until this one available for me to binge on, so no waiting for the next. So, if you're reading this and have no clue what I'm talking about proceed to Book One and start the journey. If this is the next one on your list, get to it my friend; good stuff awaits!
I highly anticipate the next entry!
These books always feel too short. If you've made it this far into the series, you probably know what I mean. I think that, because of details at the end, this book feels like something is missing, but really that's because of how "In The Middle" we are in the story arc. Plus I was spoiled by having every book until this one available for me to binge on, so no waiting for the next. So, if you're reading this and have no clue what I'm talking about proceed to Book One and start the journey. If this is the next one on your list, get to it my friend; good stuff awaits!
I highly anticipate the next entry!
September 25, 2021
I didnt think John had anywhere good to go, boy was I wrong.
This is not only the best book John has written, it might be one of the best I've ever read. This author has really hit his stride. Each book better than the last. Unique in the challenges the protagonists face. I think John is overtaking the Dresden File and Larey Correias MHI. Incredible and I can't wait for the next. My only wish is to write faster. Bravo. Bravoooooo!
This is not only the best book John has written, it might be one of the best I've ever read. This author has really hit his stride. Each book better than the last. Unique in the challenges the protagonists face. I think John is overtaking the Dresden File and Larey Correias MHI. Incredible and I can't wait for the next. My only wish is to write faster. Bravo. Bravoooooo!
September 10, 2021
Boring start. I skimmed a bit at around 22 percent. Last three quarters was 4 stars.
December 28, 2021
Another epic continuation of the tale 5 stars all the way
September 22, 2021
Another Winner in this series
Have read each book in this series multiple times and enjoy each rereading like the first. Superior plot,extremely complex characters. A joy to read.
Have read each book in this series multiple times and enjoy each rereading like the first. Superior plot,extremely complex characters. A joy to read.
September 4, 2021
Too short, but that’s me being greedy….
Highly anticipated opening act of the intergalactic war, and overall it did not disappoint. But it was not without issues, which are likely the product of a rushed execution. But we the fans share as much, if not more, blame for that as Mr. Conroe. Our “howling” for the next installment needs to be tamped down a bit. Let the author take a bit more time to tease out more of the many threads he’s lain as groundwork in preparation for the final set of books in the series.
Highly anticipated opening act of the intergalactic war, and overall it did not disappoint. But it was not without issues, which are likely the product of a rushed execution. But we the fans share as much, if not more, blame for that as Mr. Conroe. Our “howling” for the next installment needs to be tamped down a bit. Let the author take a bit more time to tease out more of the many threads he’s lain as groundwork in preparation for the final set of books in the series.
September 12, 2021
The first of the last three books of the demon accords series:
Blood Drawn
Blood Culled
Blood Lines
The team around Chris has quite some puzzles to solve and it is, like always, a great joy to find out. When will be a warlock to powerful or when will the Vorsook start their invasion of Earth?
There are losses and some victories to but what will bring the end!
Blood Drawn
Blood Culled
Blood Lines
The team around Chris has quite some puzzles to solve and it is, like always, a great joy to find out. When will be a warlock to powerful or when will the Vorsook start their invasion of Earth?
There are losses and some victories to but what will bring the end!
July 21, 2025
We get a full book of Chris doing the narration. It has been a long while for that. There were books that split the focus. Others did third person (those are my favorite). Both Caeco and Tanya had books where they were the voice. We also had the three Compendiums that were a mix of everything. Per usual there was parts I really enjoyed. Barbiel is always a delight. The new reality that will lead into the last books should be interesting. There are several books that are back stories for many of the side characters (Katrina’s being my favorite with Lydia’s a close runner-up). We also get to see Stacia’s side of the events. This book had a lot it needed to set up. Most of it worked. I like a spell that Declan cast to expose some things. I wish he had gone a bit further though. Of course, Ashling would frown at that, and rightly so. As we have been told repeatedly Declan is almost too powerful. They even have another powwow about it. I think the author might have caught on the we are tired of every book going over the same fears. Very slight spoiler here, Declan walks in and know they had all been talking about him...again. He handled it well. I wish I could say I was looking forward to rereading the next book, but it was the first one I ever rated three stars. Thankfully those side books are great.
October 12, 2021
I was so excited to read this next installment that I reread all 16 previous volumes to prepare, and so I was a little disappointed to discover that the story does not move forward very much. Yes, the tension with the Vorsook takes a few steps forward, but Chris, Omega, Declan and partners intervene once more. It made me wonder whether any of the main characters will grow that much from this point forward or if we are just waiting for everything to play out that was already set up. We will see.
October 9, 2022
It's all leading to this. The Vorsook are upping their game. They are now sending creatures and agents to Earth to undermine our defense of the planet.
Amazing character driven book with monsters, aliens, Fae and magic. This series has succeeded and thrived for so long because the reader gets invested in the characters and their lives.
Amazing character driven book with monsters, aliens, Fae and magic. This series has succeeded and thrived for so long because the reader gets invested in the characters and their lives.
November 25, 2021
I'm glad that the author has returned to the Demon Accords series and that it doesn't seem like he's lost his love for the characters. Ironically, I'm also happy to hear that there are only two more books left before the series wraps up.
While I still enjoyed this book, I didn't feel too invested in much that happened since Chris has almost become a side character in the Declan Show. The power creep has also gotten so off the charts that nothing with emotional impact really happens like it did earlier in the series. The story now is more like reaction porn - a single page will have an event and then twenty pages detail all the other characters reacting to and discussing the event.
I'm eager to see the end of the plot, though I also worry about how the author will pull it off. Usually, an interesting villain is necessary to elevate a Good story to a Great one. The lack of this element is a cause for concern since the Vorsook are just a faceless threat and there aren't really any specific named Demons running around at the moment either. I almost feel like the true resolution to this series lies in Faerie with the two Queens rather than with the aliens.
I'm here for the ride, though, and I'd recommend this series to pretty much anyone.
While I still enjoyed this book, I didn't feel too invested in much that happened since Chris has almost become a side character in the Declan Show. The power creep has also gotten so off the charts that nothing with emotional impact really happens like it did earlier in the series. The story now is more like reaction porn - a single page will have an event and then twenty pages detail all the other characters reacting to and discussing the event.
I'm eager to see the end of the plot, though I also worry about how the author will pull it off. Usually, an interesting villain is necessary to elevate a Good story to a Great one. The lack of this element is a cause for concern since the Vorsook are just a faceless threat and there aren't really any specific named Demons running around at the moment either. I almost feel like the true resolution to this series lies in Faerie with the two Queens rather than with the aliens.
I'm here for the ride, though, and I'd recommend this series to pretty much anyone.
December 22, 2024
I have been a John Conroe fan for longer than I can now remember.
I also love cheesecake. What do those two things have in common?
I learned the hard way that if you consume too much of what you love, burn out (or emesis) can occur. :-)
As a result, I am just now catching up on books #17 through #20 (and spin offs, too). I had to go cold turkey for a while from reading Conroe. I think that Covid-19 also interrupted my reading streak.
I will simply say that John Conroe could write a Phone Book and make it sound damn good!
The most amazing thing about this book (and his other works) is how expansive his "what if" out of the box thinking is. His books don't just describe say, a rock. He steps back and extrapolates said rock's existence in city, county, state, nation, planet, solar system, galaxy, dimension, etc.
How the 'friggin hell can one human writer conceive of "the big picture" of any story line to that degree? Yikes!
Author John Conroe = The Albert Einstein of modern-urban fantasy/sci-fi fiction. Heh! :-)
ADDENDUM: The author finding a way to bring Gramps more fully into the story was AWESOME!
I also love cheesecake. What do those two things have in common?
I learned the hard way that if you consume too much of what you love, burn out (or emesis) can occur. :-)
As a result, I am just now catching up on books #17 through #20 (and spin offs, too). I had to go cold turkey for a while from reading Conroe. I think that Covid-19 also interrupted my reading streak.
I will simply say that John Conroe could write a Phone Book and make it sound damn good!
The most amazing thing about this book (and his other works) is how expansive his "what if" out of the box thinking is. His books don't just describe say, a rock. He steps back and extrapolates said rock's existence in city, county, state, nation, planet, solar system, galaxy, dimension, etc.
How the 'friggin hell can one human writer conceive of "the big picture" of any story line to that degree? Yikes!
Author John Conroe = The Albert Einstein of modern-urban fantasy/sci-fi fiction. Heh! :-)
ADDENDUM: The author finding a way to bring Gramps more fully into the story was AWESOME!
September 18, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series and I like everything John Conroe writes but these last two books in this series have fell short for me a bit. It took me a while to put my finger on it but I think what is missing is emotion. I can't speak as much for the last book since I read it a while ago but this book, while it is fresh, it's definitely a lack of emotional interaction between characters and emotion just in general. The writing feels a little formulaic as well. I get that the main characters are all OP and therefore have to be careful to not let emotions get away from them and cause them to misuse their powers or make poor decisions ect however, there just isn't hardly any interaction that made the earlier books appealing. It's mostly one character or another explaining things to others (which feels very dry) interspersed with small amounts of acting (which is mostly just Declan doing astounding feats which then have to be explained). So yes, I still like it but it's definitely not as good. I hope Mr Conroe can find his way back.
September 18, 2021
Great as usual.
I have come to expect a certain level of intrigue, world-building, character development, and flat out amazing storytelling from this series. I am glad that I wasn’t disappointed. 4.5/5
There may be some spoilers ahead.
I love how Declan’s powers have grown exponentially from when he was freshly introduced to us readers; however, I don’t appreciate the constant caution and overreactions from the other main cast. I get it he’s a teenager with way too much power on his hands, but the constant stepping on eggs shells around him is becoming too overblown. This book didn’t really showcase his crowning relationship with Stacia but I’m sure we’ll get more of that in the next book.
Personally, I think Chris’s and his grandfather’s reaction to Len’s death was very much subdued. I mean, he was an anchor in both their lives and yet there were only a few scant sentences showing their grief.
Apart from that, I really enjoyed this book. And I can’t wait for the instalment.
I have come to expect a certain level of intrigue, world-building, character development, and flat out amazing storytelling from this series. I am glad that I wasn’t disappointed. 4.5/5
There may be some spoilers ahead.
I love how Declan’s powers have grown exponentially from when he was freshly introduced to us readers; however, I don’t appreciate the constant caution and overreactions from the other main cast. I get it he’s a teenager with way too much power on his hands, but the constant stepping on eggs shells around him is becoming too overblown. This book didn’t really showcase his crowning relationship with Stacia but I’m sure we’ll get more of that in the next book.
Personally, I think Chris’s and his grandfather’s reaction to Len’s death was very much subdued. I mean, he was an anchor in both their lives and yet there were only a few scant sentences showing their grief.
Apart from that, I really enjoyed this book. And I can’t wait for the instalment.
May 4, 2022
The world is trying to believe that aliens will attack and destroy everyone and everything. The Vorsook are intelligent beings who conquer worlds for their resources and have amped up their strategy to avoid being stopped by Chris, Tanya, Declan, and the rest of the team.
Declan’s power has grown exponentially and even Chris and Tanya are shocked at some of the things he can do. Governments are afraid of him, but can the world be saved without him and his elementals? Declan is the type of person you would want your kids to grow up to be. He is quiet, thoughtful, respectful, and doesn’t let power go to his head. It doesn’t hurt that Stacia; his werewolf mate keeps him in check if things seem to be going out of control.
Chris and Tanya are front in center with aliens, people, and governments still trying to use their family members against them. One thing that they forget is that Chris and Tanya are very powerful all on their own but that their team is the best ever seen to thwart these kinds of attacks but the team can’t be everywhere at the same time.
Declan’s power has grown exponentially and even Chris and Tanya are shocked at some of the things he can do. Governments are afraid of him, but can the world be saved without him and his elementals? Declan is the type of person you would want your kids to grow up to be. He is quiet, thoughtful, respectful, and doesn’t let power go to his head. It doesn’t hurt that Stacia; his werewolf mate keeps him in check if things seem to be going out of control.
Chris and Tanya are front in center with aliens, people, and governments still trying to use their family members against them. One thing that they forget is that Chris and Tanya are very powerful all on their own but that their team is the best ever seen to thwart these kinds of attacks but the team can’t be everywhere at the same time.
July 13, 2025
continuing to be outstanding urban fantasy!
This far into the series, the writing and story are just as superb as book 1. I read tons of Urban Fantasy, and one of my favorite elements is how the author decides on the interaction of modern people and technology with the supernatural. This series brings the relationship of supernaturals and modern tech to a whole new level! How deep the story goes with science, government, and real human emotions and interaction with the supernatural world. By far, John Conroe relates the most realistic approach of any author I've read! And, the plot lines are so superb, I can't put this book down! Amazingly real characters, nonstop unpredictable plot twists, emotional growth, superbly written dialogue, and a fallible MC you want to route for! In fact, the only negative of this series is how it has affected my sleep! I;m up all night reading these nonstop pager turners! Thank you John, you master word-smith!
This far into the series, the writing and story are just as superb as book 1. I read tons of Urban Fantasy, and one of my favorite elements is how the author decides on the interaction of modern people and technology with the supernatural. This series brings the relationship of supernaturals and modern tech to a whole new level! How deep the story goes with science, government, and real human emotions and interaction with the supernatural world. By far, John Conroe relates the most realistic approach of any author I've read! And, the plot lines are so superb, I can't put this book down! Amazingly real characters, nonstop unpredictable plot twists, emotional growth, superbly written dialogue, and a fallible MC you want to route for! In fact, the only negative of this series is how it has affected my sleep! I;m up all night reading these nonstop pager turners! Thank you John, you master word-smith!
September 13, 2021
Great addition to the series
I couldn’t ask for any more then this well written book that continues the series. I had assumed there would be 20 books - I mean makes sense with this many so far. I never dreamed this series would take off after reading the first book. Really shows the quality of the author, editor and those he surrounds himself. I am glad in the afterword he gives credit to his wife and daughters for the help inspiration and ideas he receives and the push to keep writing. I am looking forward to any books is this series and others you will write. Hopefully will explore some characters from 1st book with Chris’s police friends and Declan’s school friends Rory and Joshua in another Compendium (hint). Worth the time and money if you have been reading this series.
I couldn’t ask for any more then this well written book that continues the series. I had assumed there would be 20 books - I mean makes sense with this many so far. I never dreamed this series would take off after reading the first book. Really shows the quality of the author, editor and those he surrounds himself. I am glad in the afterword he gives credit to his wife and daughters for the help inspiration and ideas he receives and the push to keep writing. I am looking forward to any books is this series and others you will write. Hopefully will explore some characters from 1st book with Chris’s police friends and Declan’s school friends Rory and Joshua in another Compendium (hint). Worth the time and money if you have been reading this series.
September 23, 2022
Blood Drawn is the latest in the Demon Accords series by John Conroe. I enjoy the Demon Accords. They are fun, light reads. A hint of being focused too much on the YA teenage boy audience with a bit too much emphasis on the young and beautiful people for my taste, but the romance and sex scenes are subtle and not overdone. Lots of action and magic. The main characters are likable, and the plot line is interesting. The author has done a great job expanding the core characters to expand and grow the story. These books are enjoyable quick reads, akin to potato chips. They are hard to stop reading after you open the bag. I first picked up the series about 8 years ago, and recently reread and caught up with the series, I look forward to reading more to find out where the author takes this adventure. About a 3.5 on a scale of 5.
September 27, 2021
A good entry
I enjoy this series. It's fun, serious, funny, heartwarming and plenty of other good things. While one or two of the middle books got a bit tedious, I'm glad the series continues.
This entry is a good one. Not as great as the first arc, but still worth reading. I do miss the books that incapsulated more than a few events and more minor, fun side content. But the ramping up of scale is a fair trade-off.
All told, I would recommend this book if you've read the series and the additional conpendiums, which is my only real gripe with this series.
The compendium could be included in the books as interludes or a postscript. Having them separate but essential to funny enjoying the main story just feels like a creative cash grab.
I enjoy this series. It's fun, serious, funny, heartwarming and plenty of other good things. While one or two of the middle books got a bit tedious, I'm glad the series continues.
This entry is a good one. Not as great as the first arc, but still worth reading. I do miss the books that incapsulated more than a few events and more minor, fun side content. But the ramping up of scale is a fair trade-off.
All told, I would recommend this book if you've read the series and the additional conpendiums, which is my only real gripe with this series.
The compendium could be included in the books as interludes or a postscript. Having them separate but essential to funny enjoying the main story just feels like a creative cash grab.
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