Blood Kin

Blood Lines #3

by Maria Lima

Blood calls to blood and brings revelation…when nothing is as it seems can even magic untangle the mysteries of a supernatural clan?

The perils of power…

Keira Kelly has come into her full powers, and they are frighteningly strong, creating a distance between her and her human friends in her beloved Rio Seco. It is time to obey her great-grandmother Gigi’s orders, and rejoin her family in northwest Canada, where Keira can learn to handle her dangerous new skills. She’ll have friends with her every step of the way—her shapeshifter brother Tucker, his beloved Niko, and, to Keira’s dismay, her cousin on her mother’s side, Daffyd ap Geraint, the Sidhe prince who suddenly appeared in her life and now refuses to leave—but her vampire lover Adam has insisted on staying in Texas. And while there are certainly perks to being Family, such as a private Lear jet for the flight to Canada, and a fabulous penthouse condo overlooking Vancouver, there are threats looming that nobody, not even Gigi, has anticipated. Keira’s Sidhe inheritance from her mother is far more important than anyone ever realized, and the fate of the Clan may depend upon what she does….

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2009

About the author

I write dead people...no really.

I'm a writing geek with one foot in the real world and the other in the make-believe.

Sometime before the Revolution, I was born in Matanzas, Cuba, to a family of voracious readers and would-be writers.

In 1961, when it was clear that the situation wasn't going to change, my family emigrated to the United States, where I then discovered the magic of books...loads of books. Starting with the public library, followed by the Scholastic book sales in elementary school, then on from there.

As a child, storytelling was part of our family dinner hour, when my father, who dreamt of becoming a writer, spoke of heroes, heroines and battles royale. In this was mixed a love of both fictional and non-fictional worlds, of history and splendor, dragons and them that slayed 'em. It's no wonder that I grew up composing stories.

The writing bug didn't get much of a workout in real life, however, as the corporate life only drew on my journalism degree as I cranked out marketing copy, feature stories and book reviews.

The fiction muse kept calling and in the spring of 2005, was finally fed as my first published short story, "The Butler Didn't Do It" was published in Chesapeake Crimes I and garnered an Agatha Award nomination for Best Short Story.

In 2007, my first novel, Matters of the Blood, debuted from Juno Books, then, an imprint of Wildside Press. Blood Bargain, 2nd in the Blood Lines series came out November, 2008.

In January 2009, Juno Books became an imprint of Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. The Blood Lines series is reborn again as Pocket re-releases the first two books in September & October 2009, followed by Blood Kin in November.

In my day job, I work for an interactive Web agency in the DC area. In the rest of my life, I'm a writer, a fangrrl and as always, a voracious reader.

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Keira Kelly has come into her full powers, and they are frighteningly strong, creating a distance between her and her human friends in her beloved Rio Seco. It is time to obey her great-great-grandmother Gigi's orders and rejoin her family in northwest Canada, where Keira can learn to handle her dangerous new skills. She'll have friends with her every step of the way -- her shapeshifter brother Tucker, his beloved Niko, and, to Keira's dismay, her cousin on her mother's side, Daffyd ap Geraint, the Sidhe prince who suddenly appeared in her life and now refuses to leave -- but her vampire lover Adam has insisted on staying in Texas. And while there are certainly perks to being Family, such as a private Learjet for the flight to Canada and a fabulous penthouse condo overlooking Vancouver, there are threats looming that nobody, not even Gigi, anticipated. Keira's Sidhe inheritance from her mother is far more important than anyone ever realized, and the fate of the Family may depend upon what she does next.


Summary of book events: 37 year old Keira Kelly has "Changed" and become one of the so called Kelly Heirs to replace Minvera (GIGI) Kelly, the family matriach/tyrant. Her brother has since taught her how to shape shift, and they end up running on Adam Walkers Wild Moon Ranch together.

Previously, we also learned that Keira is half-Seelie Sidhe, on her mother Branwen's side of the family. We learned that at age 7, Keira was sent to live with her father, and her six brothers, who we have only met Tucker, Rhys and Ianto. This was due to the fact that she showed no magic and her mothers court didn't much care for Keira.

Keira and her ex-best friend Bea are still not talking, nor is she taking any of her phone calls. She needs her "space" after witnessing the true nature of the Kelly clan in the last installment.

Keira and Tucker run across "cousin" and fae Daffyd ap Gerrant, who calls Keira his "leige." He also inquires about hitching a ride to Vancouver with Keira and Tucker.

Keira has been "recalled" to Vancouver, and the Kelly Clan homestead where her cousin, and ex lover Gideon presumably lies dying. Kiera is also an escort for the Kelly Clan into the next realm. She was supposed to go to British Columbia to be trained with her new powers. Uhm, sure. We'll call most of this book ring around the posies, and keep Keira frustrated on edge 85 percent of the book.

Adam decides to stay behind since he has the ranch to run, and obligations to maintain. Niko, Tuckers consort of sorts, goes along with Tucker, Keira, and Daffyd to Vancouver.

Upon arriving in Vancounver, Daffyd disappears, and there is a all hands search to find out where he disappeared to.

Later, Adam joins the group at the Kelly condo, and stuns everyone with news that he's known the Kelly Clan since before Keira was born. Furthermore, we learn that Adam is Unseelie Sidhe, and heir to the throne. It was his fathers decision to make Adam a vampire, who is now King of his own clan. Niko, doesn't much care for this information, as he was stalked and watched his roommate get taking by the Unseelie. Adams real name is Aeddan ap Tallwch.

***Complaint*** Why, oh why does someone who is supposed to be so powerful, act so stupid? Really Keira, the guy flat out lied to you, and make Niko crazier than a wild banshee, and you make things like, OH well, I forgive you! Really!?!?!?! What the hell is wrong with you?

OK, so, if you are Canadian, you will enjoy the references to Tim Horton's Restaurants made throughout the book. I've put that on my must try before I die list.

We meet several new Kelly clan members along the way. Liz Norton Kelly, who also works as a stunt pilot for movies. She's a Onyx Shapeshifter part border collie and part golden retriever. We get a mention of older brother Ciprian as being a financial genius, but he plays no other part in the book. Next we have Gareth, who is Rhys's son and works for the RCMP. Lastly, we have cousin Raine, who is Asian and also a Lamia/Witch. When she touches Keira, she ends up as Kiera's sworn vessel. She's a pilot as well.

We learn that Gideon is also Changed, and second heir to the Kelly Clan. He's Adam's brother and son to Drystan, the King of the Unseelie Fey. Gideon, being Kiara's ex, tries to use his sexual perversion against her. Gideon himself forced the change by playing with black magick.

Gigi breaks down and tells Kiera the whole truth about her cross breeding between the Other races. She later agrees that Keira can go back to Texas with her consort Adam, and her two protectors, her brother Tucker, and his vampire lover Niko.

Didn't really enjoy this book as much as the first two. Too mucn convoluted nonsense throughout the book, and nothing was settled. What was the point of having Keira going to BC and train, if she didn't get trained? Another stunner was that Gigi claims that Marty, who everyone thought was human, actually was just like Gideon and Keira, but for some reason, his talents never manifested.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another great book in the series. I would have bumped it up another star if it wasn't for the fact that I seemed to get lost in part of the story.

Keira is back and struggling with the knowledge that she is the clan heir, something she never wanted. It does have some perks as she is finding out as she changes to wolf and runs with Tucker. She is just coming to terms with the knowledge that instead of just having one talent, she will be able to access them all.

Keira is summoned to the clan home by Gigi, which is akin to facing the principal in her book, something she is dreading. While stuck in Vancouver due to bad weather she stumbles upon some rather interesting facts facing her future. With the help of those she trusts she digs deeper, the only problem is that the more she digs the more she finds out and it is not all good. In the end all is revealed to her stunning her.

One aspect that I really enjoyed while reading this book is Keira's more immediate family. More family members were introduced and the interaction between them was great fun to see. It looks like more and more of them will be coming Keira's way and she has to step up to her duties as heir.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series so far as easy reading. Lima has created a very interesting supernatural world surrounding the Fae courts and her own brand of paranormal beings, which are clans of paranormals with different abilities from necromancy to weather wardens and everything in between.

The characters are likable, if at times predictable. Keira, the main character in this book and other books in this series, tends to go run with her emotions before she thinks things through so at times I wanted to smack the book on her head and say "Can't you see the obvious? It's right in front of you!"

Also this one of the first books I've read where I enjoyed the interactions between two same sex lovers and really was glad to see them together. I felt it was very endearing to read and not uncomfortable in anyway.

Although, most of this book's setting is in Vancouver, the majority setting for this series is close to home for me, literally. The small town Keira lives is based on one just south of me, in Texas Hill Country. I feel Lima created a very believable and realistic atmosphere in the podunk town of Rio Seco. Very true to life, outside of the paranormal attributes.

I'll probably pick up the next book in the series because I'm curious about where it's heading.

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was ok but the main character, Kiera Kelly, has become really annoying so it made me consider not finishing the book. I did, but just skimmed the last 100 or so pages. She became a character so filled with indignation and impatience that she never let another person speak without a bunch of blustering and interruptions. Not an easy character to 'bond' with.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been intrigued by the weird plot lines in this series, although I find the heroine Keira, to be frequently annoyed and self absorbed. She can't seem to see the big picture and is always trying to not give in to her inclinations to indulge in temper tantrums. The other characters, her love interest, Adam; her brothers Tucker and Rhys; Niko (Adam's second) are much more compelling as I don't expect them to act against their own self interest. Keira is apparently the heir to her clan's leadership, yet all she does is complain about it, rather than considering the well being of her clan. The plot twists are entertaining so I will stick with the next one. Writing is good.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently received a review copy of the fourth Blood Lines book, Blood Heat. I realized then that I hadn’t yet read the third installment, Blood Kin, and decided to remedy that before starting Blood Heat. I’m glad I read it — there are a couple of revelations that will no doubt be important to the series — but as an individual novel, Blood Kin is disappointing.

The main plot here is that Keira has been summoned by the family matriarch, Minerva “Gigi” Kelly, to the family compound in Canada. She brings her brother Tucker, Tucker’s boyfriend Niko, and her Sidhe cousin Daffyd along with her. Due to weather and other complications, the group is stuck in Vancouver spinning their wheels for a while. They learn that mysterious deaths are occurring in the vicinity of a folk music festival, and take it upon themselves to do a little investigating. Several “interludes” are told from the point of view of characters affected by the events at the festival. These chapters evoke an older style of urban fantasy, reminding me of Charles de Lint’s tales of music-loving misfits on the streets of Canadian cities, but unfortunately Maria Lima doesn’t do as much with this plot thread as I might have hoped.

The interaction between Keira and her various friends and family members is sometimes entertaining and leads to a few amusing zingers, such as when Keira asks Adam if his initial attraction to her was based on a supernatural “imprinting” and he replies: “This isn’t some badly written young adult stalker romance, Keira.” (The comment loses a little of its oomph, though, when Adam fesses up to some stalker behavior of his own not long after.) Unfortunately, most of the family-chat scenes are a little flat. The dialogue is often stilted (does anyone really address their siblings as “brother” or “sister” constantly?) and the characters spend much of their time discussing political machinations from decades past. This leads to a few big bombshells, but overall, the political rehashing takes up far too much of the book.

The mystery plot has issues as well. It takes a long time for this plot to intersect with Keira’s arc. When it does, Keira misses obvious clues too often in her investigation. Then, the final resolution of the mystery is anticlimactic. This whole plotline feels like a pretext to get Keira and her friends to go to a particular supernatural location.

Blood Kin ends with the characters in much the same positions they were at the beginning of the book. A few crucial secrets have been revealed, but a reader could glean the same information by browsing a review more spoilery than mine. Almost nothing actually happens in this book, and I hope Blood Heat is a return to the elements that have made this series fun.

Review originally published at Fantasy Literature

[Lokki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lima's Blood Lines series continues with Blood Kin, the third book in the series (and I have to say after reading this one, the title of the series makes A LOT more sense). I really enjoyed this installment. I think it is the best book in the series so far.

Kiera Kelly has undergone the Change - she has come into her family's power, only she hasn't just acquired one particular talent, she's hit the power-lotto and has them all, thus making her the Kelly Heir. Having just rescued her vampire lover, Adam, from true death, Kiera wants nothing more than to hunker down at home in Texas and recuperate and adjust to her new found powers. Unfortunately, Minerva Kelly, or GiGi as she is called, the current Matriarch of the Clan, has other plans. She summons Keira to British Columbia where the Clan now makes it's home, in order to make the recognition of Keira as her heir official. Disappointed that Adam feels he must stay in Texas and tend to matters at home with his vampire Tribe, at least Keira is not having to travel alone. Her brother Tucker and his lover, who is also a vampire and Adam's second, Niko, are accompanying her. More surprisingly, her cousin on her Sidhe side, Daffyd ap Gereint, announces that he would like to travel with them as well. Before reaching the Clan homestead, the group are stopped in Vancouver because of bad weather, when Daffyd disappears mysteriously. When it begins to look like someone is killing Vancouver's homeless and stealing their essence in a rather Sidhe-like manner, Keira and her entourage find themselves on the trail of a killer only to learn more about her heritage and Gigi’s long-reaching machinations than she ever wanted to know.

This series keeps getting better and more intriguing. As this book reveals, there is much more going on than Keira ever suspected, and Lima has managed to set the ball rolling for what will hopefully continue to be a very interesting series. I really enjoy Keira's character. She's independent and a natural leader, without being too overbearing. She manages to feel real, despite the fact that she can shapeshift into a wolf or use the mage voice of command. The supporting characters round out the cast nicely. I especially like Keira's brother Tucker and his lover Niko. Niko has really changed over the course of the series into a much more likeable character (he was kind of an arrogant jerk in the first book). While we don't get to see GiGi until the end, her presence is felt throughout the book as her scheming and plotting becomes more apparent. While this book's immediate story is wrapped up as a stand alone mystery, the who-dunnit is rather anti-climatic because it's really just a means to an end in order to move Keira along in terms of learning more about her heritage. I would recommend that this series be read in order otherwise you will miss out on what is really a character driven series.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiera and gang head to Canada at Gigi orders to help Gideon and try to find out what’s happening to to herself. They discovers more that they thought possible. Gigi and her fellow rulers have been manipulating things for a long time and Kiera and brothers have a lot of catching up to do.

I love how her brothers and Niko form ranks around her, though I think Adam could have been a little more supportive. But the Sidhe story line is very confusing. I had a hard time remembering who was doing what. But then all of Gigi’s machinations are confusing. I’m surprised she kept up with it all.

I don’t think I would have forgiven Adam so easily and he would have to do a lot to regain my trust. I definitely wouldn't have got to bed with him that night. The whole situation felt wrong. Adam says that if Kiera had never become the Kelly heir that he wouldn't have told her, that she wouldn't have need to know about his Sidhe connection, but even then he still should tell for honesty’s sake. Keeping secrets like that is not the way to a good relationship.

The next book is going to be interesting as they all head back to Texas. I hope the Bea thing gets settled.

Quick Thoughts: 1)I've always had a problem with interludes especially when you have no clue as to their POV and how they fit into the story. This one’s interesting, but why not just have a regular second POV like some stories. And since this is also a different writing style from the previous two that it throws you a bit.

2)There are several awkward conversation sentences in here where the remarks are run together in the same ‘paragraph’ so it’s not real clear who said what.

Fave Scenes: Adam’s revelations, the bathtub commitment, meeting Raine, Kiera and Gideon’s power battle and creating the music rescue.

[Anika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the least favorite of the previous two that i have read. This book was different a little bit weird in the sense that Keira is learning more about her talents. Her brother showed her about being a shapeshifter "wolf" and she loved it. Keira seemed more head strong i do not know more but in this book she's confused and winney.

But we find out that Adam has some secrets that he did not tell Keira again because if he came clean he was afraid that she would leave him. Lima makes Adam out as this strong, focus, thinker, smooth, actor kind of man yet in book 2 we see him not having the self confidence in himself to believe he can control is blood thirsty and also and did allow himself to get sick before trying and now in this book he hides the truth which you could say Keira forgive him in a blink of an eye. There was no arguing or walking out/need time to think but i let you read what his secrets were.

Meantime, her Sidhe cousin goes missing which they think has tie to why homeless people are dying but that problem sort of sorts itself out in the end which in comparison was quick and basically came out and told us the solution it was not like the PI stuff Keira with the help of her brother helps to find out like in the first two.

Also we see Gideon her former lover appear on the screen and he makes trouble for.........

Read to find out cause my in opinion my could be different from yours. I would give it maybe 2.5 stars it was more that ok but i would say i liked it.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently received a review copy of the fourth BLOOD LINES book, Blood Heat. I realized then that I hadn’t yet read the third installment, Blood Kin, and decided to remedy that before starting Blood Heat. I’m glad I read it — there are a couple of revelations that will no doubt be important to the series — but as an individual novel, Blood Kin is disappointing.

The main plot here is that Keira has been summoned by the family matriarch, Minerva “Gigi” Kelly, to the family compound in Canada. She brings her brother Tucker, Tucker’s boyfriend Niko, and her Sidhe cousin Daffyd along with her. Due to weather and other complications, the group is stuck in Vancouver spinning their wheels for a while. They learn that mysterious deaths are occurring in the vicinity... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[Tay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I gave this series a chance. I mean I read through the first two books because the plot was engaging enough and the ending of book 2 made me curious as to how would Keira deal with confronting her family especially her grandmother Gigi.

However, book 3 just didn't do it for me, 3/4 of the way in Adam drops the bomb that he is heir to the Unseelie court . I was expecting angst, tears, things thrown and Keira unleashing powers that she doesn't know to control, a major meltdown anything but nope there was nothing. There was less than nothing she forgives him, Niko forgives him, it's all sunshine and rainbows . Me at that moment (-____-)

For this reason, I have dropped the book and the series altogether.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

toujours aussi bien ! dans ce tome on en apprend vraiment beaucoup plus sur la famille sidhe de Kiera, sur ses nouveaux pouvoirs et ce que cela fait d'elle. Egalement de grande revelation sur Adam et son ex Gideon.
ce tome suit directement au deuxieme, il se passe enormement de choses et il n'y a pas le temps de souffler. On fait connaissance avec de nombreux membres de la famille de Kiera pour notre grand plaisir. L'histoire se complique quelque peu et on se demande vraiment quel sera le dénouement.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book harder too finish than the first two - which I thought would be impossible. It's just that the main character has so little to like. She insanely wealthy, has a cool family, a hot boyfriend and never works. She's totally ungrateful and whiny through out. Plus I really read it because it was partially based in Canada, but there were lots of little mistakes when describing Canada that could have been solved with just a little research.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dragged a bit. It really seemed like nothing much happened, sort like a filler book.

What I enjoyed:
* Keira and her family.
* Adam's surprise info.
* No love triangle.
* Finally getting some answers from Gigi.

What could have been better:
* Not much action.
* Too many characters.
* No real interest in the homeless plot line.

[Yvonne Boag · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blood Kin by Maria Lima is the third book in the series. Keira Kelly has Changed and with big power comes big responsibility. When she is called home to Canada she finds herself embroiled in a murder scene or three. It seems someone is killing off homeless people. Can't say I'm a big fan of this series. I haven't empathised with anyone and there is a whole lot of talking with very little action.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in a series of really fine paranormal chick-lit. Well-written, original and gripping, this series beats most of what's out there. They should be read in sequence. They may be tough to find in the library; my large multi-branch library had only one copy of each one in the whole system. I hope another is forthcoming.

[Yveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end results of this novel were very predictable from early on, but I enjoyed reading it and it sets the foundation well for the next book. Though this isn't my favourite as a stand-alone novel, it hints at a lot of potential for the future of the series. A good day's reading!

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated and rich with backstory as Keira's Talents awaken, Blood Kin is loaded with revalations about people she loves, people she once loved and people that have become family. This is a wonderful addition to this series. I can't wait to catch up with Maria Lima's most recent release.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The infamous Gigi--the leader of Keira's Clan--makes her appearance for the first ime, and the discovery at the beginning of the book that Keira is the "heir" is definitely a new twist. Clearly the attitude of the author about Canadians is much more generous than abotu Texans.

[Corryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I really did like this book, the beginning was a bit slow and confusing. There were "Interludes" which were confusing. They didn't make much sense and were more of a distraction until the middle of the book. Once the story started moving along, I did enjoy it. 3.5

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The interludes were a little confusing and at first I was skeptical of their relevancy but they ended up being tied into the story well. This was a good read about characters that I like.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't realize this was the third in a series but the author did a good job of back-referencing enough so that the story line made sense. Enjoyed the first person narrative!

[Gem · Rating 1 out of 5]

uninteresting

[Denise Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best book of the series so far.

[Larry Kollar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blood Lines series is well worth reading!

[Karen Desmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Boneist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable enough, but nothing really seemed to happen much. The series doesn't seem to be improving, hmm.

[☀Rachael☀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another 2* read I just don't care about any of the characters at all! But the author is becoming a better narrator in this one!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book but I'm not sure I like the turn of events. And I wish Gigi were in it more.

[Jeannie Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love this series..