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Brotherhood of Blood #1
Mía para siempre
Durante siglos, Chapel ha servido como guerrero, rehuyendo el contacto humano. Ahora se ve obligado a viajar a Inglaterra donde un antiguo mal puede ser despertado.
Prudence Ryland casi ha perdido la esperanza. Necesita desesperadamente un milagro y cree que puede haberlo encontrado. Pero está a punto de descubrir que el mayor milagro de todos le aguarda en los brazos de Chapel. Lo único que debe hacer es lograr que su reticente vampiro crea en el poder del verdadero amor.
Me llaman Chapel...
Durante casi seis siglos he vagado en la noche, sin ser un hombre mortal. Si pudiera deshacer el pasado... cuando entré en el santuario de los caballeros de la orden del Temple para arrebatarles el Santo Grial, sólo para descubrir que el cáliz que me llevé a los labios no era la reliquia sagrada sino una infernal copa de condenación. Ahora, rehuyo del día y de todo lo que sea humano, gobernado por una sed impía. Y sin embargo...
Jamás he conocido una doncella como Prudence Ryland, cuya belleza y espíritu despierta el corazón que creía frío y muerto mucho tiempo atrás. Pero su joven vida se apaga, y también ella busca la liberación del Grial... ignorando que el precio de su búsqueda podría ser su alma.
Debo ayudar a Prudence, pues, desde hace seiscientos años, ninguna otra mujer ha logrado avivar mis pasiones como ella lo hace. Pero ¿me atreveré a tenderle a mi amada aquello que más desea... el sensual <> de la eternidad que es puro éxtasis y perversa maldición a un mismo tiempo: mi beso inmortal?
Prudence Ryland casi ha perdido la esperanza. Necesita desesperadamente un milagro y cree que puede haberlo encontrado. Pero está a punto de descubrir que el mayor milagro de todos le aguarda en los brazos de Chapel. Lo único que debe hacer es lograr que su reticente vampiro crea en el poder del verdadero amor.
Me llaman Chapel...
Durante casi seis siglos he vagado en la noche, sin ser un hombre mortal. Si pudiera deshacer el pasado... cuando entré en el santuario de los caballeros de la orden del Temple para arrebatarles el Santo Grial, sólo para descubrir que el cáliz que me llevé a los labios no era la reliquia sagrada sino una infernal copa de condenación. Ahora, rehuyo del día y de todo lo que sea humano, gobernado por una sed impía. Y sin embargo...
Jamás he conocido una doncella como Prudence Ryland, cuya belleza y espíritu despierta el corazón que creía frío y muerto mucho tiempo atrás. Pero su joven vida se apaga, y también ella busca la liberación del Grial... ignorando que el precio de su búsqueda podría ser su alma.
Debo ayudar a Prudence, pues, desde hace seiscientos años, ninguna otra mujer ha logrado avivar mis pasiones como ella lo hace. Pero ¿me atreveré a tenderle a mi amada aquello que más desea... el sensual <> de la eternidad que es puro éxtasis y perversa maldición a un mismo tiempo: mi beso inmortal?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 26, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
October 2, 2009
This book made me cry like a baby towards the end. It reminded me of what it was like to lose my father to cancer. It reminded me of the vicious hatred I have for that disease, and the message of this book hit home with increased potency because of seeing my father succumb to this disease, and how Pru suffered in this way.
Yet it was a wonderful book to read. It had the elements of a traditional vampire story that I love. Good versus evil is a part of this story, but Ms. Smith poses a question that gave me food for thought. Was Chapel evil merely because he was a vampire? Was he a monster and an abomination just because he had to take the blood of humans to live? Or, like Professor Broome asks in Hellboy, 'What is the measure of a man?' Like Hellboy, Chapel is a creature of the night, born from what is considered evil. But fundamentally, like Hellboy, he makes a choice not to be evil. And this defines who he is ultimately.
This story has a lot of lessons for me. It also speaks of living one's life to the fullest, a lesson I still need to work on. Through the eyes of Pru, a woman doomed to die young by her disease, I was shown to see that life is so precious that it is important to grab at every experience of value to us with both hands.
She was tough on Chapel for what she considered him wasting hundreds of years brooding and feeling sorry for himself. It seemed harsh, but she was right. He was tormenting himself for his part in his love Marie's suicide. Tormenting himself wrongly, I believe. His past love had made a choice. We all make choices. And it's not fair for us to hold ourselves accontable for the choices that others make. I love the scene where she calls Marie, Chapel's long deceased love, a 'cow.' That was classic and really true. Pru knew that a woman in love should look past the surface and to the man beneath, although Marie could only see the beast. Granted Marie lived in a time where the church had a stranglehold over reason and a strict and narrow view of black and white. Yet, Marie didn't try at all to see what Chapel was, her beloved.
Chapel could not see the goodness inside of himself, and from the beginning, it is clear that Chapel is a very good man. I am a lover of antiheroes and dark heroes, and there is no darkness in this hero. He might be a vampire. He might have killed in the past. He might have a raving thirst that he has to control, but in his heart, this man made a choice to do right, and he didn't stray from that path. Simply put, I loved Chapel. He frustrated me in his insistence not to change Pru into a vampire, but I could understand from his frame of reference (of many years indoctrinated by the church) that he was an abomination likely damned to hell. He loved Pru far too much to allow that to happen to her. I never, ever doubted his love for Pru.
Chapel had to go on a journey of enlightment and although Pru, his friend and companion priest Molyneux, Marcus, the young archaeologist looking for the Holy Grail to save Pru's life, and her father Thomas, urged him along to see himself clearly, he had to learn to look inside his heart and see the truth for himself. I liked the message about faith, and how what we believe personally, and how we know God intimately is much more important than what a group or a church might have us believe. And lastly, the messages about forgiving oneself and accepting that God's gifts may come in a different form than what we are expecting.
This book broke my heart reading about Pru's progression in her cancer, but I truly enjoyed the beautiful relationship between her and Chapel. There is a little bit of adventure, but the true joy of this story is the blossoming love between Pru and Chapel, and its power to save them both.
This is going in my top favorites from the delightful Kathryn Smith. She is an authoress who knows how to write a beautiful and poignant love story. I really appreciate how she took the vampire myth and gave it so much life and skillfully interwined it with a moving and delectable romance.
Yet it was a wonderful book to read. It had the elements of a traditional vampire story that I love. Good versus evil is a part of this story, but Ms. Smith poses a question that gave me food for thought. Was Chapel evil merely because he was a vampire? Was he a monster and an abomination just because he had to take the blood of humans to live? Or, like Professor Broome asks in Hellboy, 'What is the measure of a man?' Like Hellboy, Chapel is a creature of the night, born from what is considered evil. But fundamentally, like Hellboy, he makes a choice not to be evil. And this defines who he is ultimately.
This story has a lot of lessons for me. It also speaks of living one's life to the fullest, a lesson I still need to work on. Through the eyes of Pru, a woman doomed to die young by her disease, I was shown to see that life is so precious that it is important to grab at every experience of value to us with both hands.
She was tough on Chapel for what she considered him wasting hundreds of years brooding and feeling sorry for himself. It seemed harsh, but she was right. He was tormenting himself for his part in his love Marie's suicide. Tormenting himself wrongly, I believe. His past love had made a choice. We all make choices. And it's not fair for us to hold ourselves accontable for the choices that others make. I love the scene where she calls Marie, Chapel's long deceased love, a 'cow.' That was classic and really true. Pru knew that a woman in love should look past the surface and to the man beneath, although Marie could only see the beast. Granted Marie lived in a time where the church had a stranglehold over reason and a strict and narrow view of black and white. Yet, Marie didn't try at all to see what Chapel was, her beloved.
Chapel could not see the goodness inside of himself, and from the beginning, it is clear that Chapel is a very good man. I am a lover of antiheroes and dark heroes, and there is no darkness in this hero. He might be a vampire. He might have killed in the past. He might have a raving thirst that he has to control, but in his heart, this man made a choice to do right, and he didn't stray from that path. Simply put, I loved Chapel. He frustrated me in his insistence not to change Pru into a vampire, but I could understand from his frame of reference (of many years indoctrinated by the church) that he was an abomination likely damned to hell. He loved Pru far too much to allow that to happen to her. I never, ever doubted his love for Pru.
Chapel had to go on a journey of enlightment and although Pru, his friend and companion priest Molyneux, Marcus, the young archaeologist looking for the Holy Grail to save Pru's life, and her father Thomas, urged him along to see himself clearly, he had to learn to look inside his heart and see the truth for himself. I liked the message about faith, and how what we believe personally, and how we know God intimately is much more important than what a group or a church might have us believe. And lastly, the messages about forgiving oneself and accepting that God's gifts may come in a different form than what we are expecting.
This book broke my heart reading about Pru's progression in her cancer, but I truly enjoyed the beautiful relationship between her and Chapel. There is a little bit of adventure, but the true joy of this story is the blossoming love between Pru and Chapel, and its power to save them both.
This is going in my top favorites from the delightful Kathryn Smith. She is an authoress who knows how to write a beautiful and poignant love story. I really appreciate how she took the vampire myth and gave it so much life and skillfully interwined it with a moving and delectable romance.
March 29, 2021
Cornwall 1899: Prudence ist eine junge Frau aus reichem Elternhaus, die eigentlich glücklich sein müßte. Doch sie hat Krebs und wird bald sterben. Ihre einzige Hoffnung ist der Heilige Gral. Es heißt, daß der Heilige Gral Leben schenken kann, und so widmet sie all ihre Zeit der Suche danach. Ihr Vater kauft ihr das Grundstück mit den Ruinen, in denen der Gral vermutet wird. Marcus Grey hilft bei den Ausgrabungen und wird schnell ihr guter Freund. Als sie kurz davor stehen, den Gral zu finden, kommen der Priester Molyneux und sein Gehilfe Chapel aus Frankreich zu ihnen. Sie wollen sichergehen, daß es sich bei dem Gral nicht um den Blutgral handelt. Wer aus dem Blutgral trinkt, wird ein Vampir, so wie einst vor über sechshundert Jahren Chapel zum Vampir wurde. Prudence fühlt sich magisch von Chapel angezogen, und auch Chapel erliegt den Reizen der jungen Prudence…
Die Idee dieses Buches ist eigentlich gar nicht so schlecht, aber ich habe mir beim Lesen oft ein wenig mehr Handlung und Action gewünscht. Die einzelnen Szenen sind manchmal zu langatmig; es passiert einfach nichts, außer daß Prudence und Chapel sich zueinander hingezogen fühlen und sich anschmachten. Die Handlung wird dabei zu sehr in den Hintergrund gedrängt. Auch sind einige Begebenheiten irgendwie unlogisch bzw. werden zu wenig erklärt. Ich hätte mir ein paar mehr Hintergrundinformationen gewünscht. Was ist zum Beispiel mit Prudence Mutter? Der Leser erfährt nur von ihrem Vater und den Schwestern, aber die Mutter wird – soweit ich mich erinnern kann – gar nicht erwähnt. Trotzdem habe ich aber das Buch doch gerne gelesen. Wenn man mal über die kleinen Ecken und Kanten hinwegsieht, ist es ein schöner Liebesroman. Um noch kurz das Cover zu erwähnen: Hätte ich dieses Buch im Laden gesehen, hätte ich nicht danach gegriffen. Das Cover hätte mich eher abgeschreckt. Die Schrift ist zwar sehr schön und auch durchaus ansprechend, aber von dem Bild fühle ich mich gar nicht angesprochen. Es hätte mich nicht neugierig auf den Inhalt des Buches gemacht.
Die Idee dieses Buches ist eigentlich gar nicht so schlecht, aber ich habe mir beim Lesen oft ein wenig mehr Handlung und Action gewünscht. Die einzelnen Szenen sind manchmal zu langatmig; es passiert einfach nichts, außer daß Prudence und Chapel sich zueinander hingezogen fühlen und sich anschmachten. Die Handlung wird dabei zu sehr in den Hintergrund gedrängt. Auch sind einige Begebenheiten irgendwie unlogisch bzw. werden zu wenig erklärt. Ich hätte mir ein paar mehr Hintergrundinformationen gewünscht. Was ist zum Beispiel mit Prudence Mutter? Der Leser erfährt nur von ihrem Vater und den Schwestern, aber die Mutter wird – soweit ich mich erinnern kann – gar nicht erwähnt. Trotzdem habe ich aber das Buch doch gerne gelesen. Wenn man mal über die kleinen Ecken und Kanten hinwegsieht, ist es ein schöner Liebesroman. Um noch kurz das Cover zu erwähnen: Hätte ich dieses Buch im Laden gesehen, hätte ich nicht danach gegriffen. Das Cover hätte mich eher abgeschreckt. Die Schrift ist zwar sehr schön und auch durchaus ansprechend, aber von dem Bild fühle ich mich gar nicht angesprochen. Es hätte mich nicht neugierig auf den Inhalt des Buches gemacht.
May 16, 2012
Opening Line:" It was obvious the door was not meant to be opened."
This is one of those books that you either love or hate and while I didn’t love this it did manage to redeem itself enough so that in the end I didn’t hate it either. Set in 1899 (which for some reason I didn’t know until I started reading) Kathryn Smith knows her stuff when it comes to writing a historical. The attention given here to the clothing, home trappings, servants and ones status all make for a rich and well written novel. However my mind wandered… a lot, as I grew bored with a story that took forever to get going and conversations that had as much internal dialogue as spoken word. I also felt that Smith was unsure of where to take her story; giving us hints of a great protagonist but never utilizing him, removing central characters for no apparent reason and throwing in several erotic sex scenes which were appreciated but felt gratuitous.
The story begins in 1307 with a group of King Philips soldiers locating what they believe to be the Holy Grail and drinking from it. In actuality they have stumbled across something truly evil and its contents have now transformed them into blood lusting, sun sensitive immortals or Smith's version of Vampires. Travelling forward we enter England in 1899 and are introduced to Prudence who along with her friend Marcus is on a hunt for the lost Holy Grail. Pru’s quest is somewhat personal for she hopes that the Grail will prolong her life and cure her inoperable cancer.
Prudence lives with her family in the English countryside and it’s at the family manor that the entire book takes place. Starting at a dinner party Pru is introduced to Chapel who works for the church and has come to visit out of interest for the Grail. Chapel although charming is your typical self loathing Vampire, thinking he’s a monster and certain he’s going to hell (yawn) I did however like him because he’s sexy and also just tortured enough to capture my attention. Of course our couple are immediately besotted, spending their evenings together and falling in love, although because Chapel considers himself a monster he refuses to ‘change’ Pru and a moral battle ensues as Pru grows sicker and after 600 years Chapel finally learns to live.
If you like historical romances and vampires then you’ll probably enjoy this one which is very popular and has since become a series (The Brotherhood Of Blood) Cheers
This is one of those books that you either love or hate and while I didn’t love this it did manage to redeem itself enough so that in the end I didn’t hate it either. Set in 1899 (which for some reason I didn’t know until I started reading) Kathryn Smith knows her stuff when it comes to writing a historical. The attention given here to the clothing, home trappings, servants and ones status all make for a rich and well written novel. However my mind wandered… a lot, as I grew bored with a story that took forever to get going and conversations that had as much internal dialogue as spoken word. I also felt that Smith was unsure of where to take her story; giving us hints of a great protagonist but never utilizing him, removing central characters for no apparent reason and throwing in several erotic sex scenes which were appreciated but felt gratuitous.
The story begins in 1307 with a group of King Philips soldiers locating what they believe to be the Holy Grail and drinking from it. In actuality they have stumbled across something truly evil and its contents have now transformed them into blood lusting, sun sensitive immortals or Smith's version of Vampires. Travelling forward we enter England in 1899 and are introduced to Prudence who along with her friend Marcus is on a hunt for the lost Holy Grail. Pru’s quest is somewhat personal for she hopes that the Grail will prolong her life and cure her inoperable cancer.
Prudence lives with her family in the English countryside and it’s at the family manor that the entire book takes place. Starting at a dinner party Pru is introduced to Chapel who works for the church and has come to visit out of interest for the Grail. Chapel although charming is your typical self loathing Vampire, thinking he’s a monster and certain he’s going to hell (yawn) I did however like him because he’s sexy and also just tortured enough to capture my attention. Of course our couple are immediately besotted, spending their evenings together and falling in love, although because Chapel considers himself a monster he refuses to ‘change’ Pru and a moral battle ensues as Pru grows sicker and after 600 years Chapel finally learns to live.
If you like historical romances and vampires then you’ll probably enjoy this one which is very popular and has since become a series (The Brotherhood Of Blood) Cheers
February 26, 2009
5 stars – Vampire/Historical Romance
This is a great start to a fantastic vampire historical romance series. The Brotherhood of the Blood series is a unique take on vampire mythology, centering on six soldiers who became vampires by drinking from an ancient chalice infused with the essence of Lilith. Be Mine Tonight, set in 1899, focuses on the brooding vampire Chapel and feisty heroine Prudence “Pru”. I found author Smith’s vampire lore intriguing, the plot well developed, and the romance believable and sweet. An enjoyable, romantic read and a great start in an exciting series!
This is a great start to a fantastic vampire historical romance series. The Brotherhood of the Blood series is a unique take on vampire mythology, centering on six soldiers who became vampires by drinking from an ancient chalice infused with the essence of Lilith. Be Mine Tonight, set in 1899, focuses on the brooding vampire Chapel and feisty heroine Prudence “Pru”. I found author Smith’s vampire lore intriguing, the plot well developed, and the romance believable and sweet. An enjoyable, romantic read and a great start in an exciting series!
October 8, 2018
I read this for the Relics and Curiosities square for Halloween Bingo
Just as they all knew the legend of the Holy Grail, so had they heard of the Unholy Grail.
Pru has cancer and is looking for any way to negate her grim diagnosis, when she starts up a friendship with Marcus, they begin in earnest a search for the Holy Grail. Our hero is a 600yr old vampire who was once a knight of King Phillips of France who was also on the search for the Holy Grail. What Chapel and his group of mercenaries found instead was the Unholy Grail.
"You do not frighten me."
"I think I do, but not in the way I should."
This started off darkly intriguing with the French band of mercenaries and grail that turned them all into vampires. I read this with the anticipation of a danger filled dark and stormy search and chase, filled with villains coming out of the woodwork. Instead this turned out to be a character driven story with a slow burning romance between Pru and Chapel; read this for the romance, not the adventure.
The Silver Palm. Chapel had heard of them before in whispers and old texts. They named themselves for the silver that crossed the palm of Judas Iscariot— coin imbued with the essence of Lilith, mother of all vampires. The same silver that had been melted down to make the chalice from which he and the others had drunk.
The first half was all about the romance while the second gave us a peek into, what I imagine is the set-up between the villains and future heroes of the series. I was vastly curious about the Silver Palm villains but they only make a very brief appearance and other than their name, not much else is learned about them.
The Brotherhood of Blood.
Even though I was a little disappointed in the balance of romance and action in this one, the set-up of Chapel's friends, The Brotherhood of the Blood, being pitted against the Silver Palms is darkly intriguing. Don't get me wrong, I thought the vast majority of the romance was done well here, Pru is a tough, daring woman willing to fight for what she wants, while Chapel was a more lost in his self-loathing for what he was, but they did have a connection that was felt. I thought the ending was needlessly dragged out angst as a sudden change of heart by Chapel gave us a quick perfect bow ending. I'm going to read the next in the series because, like I said, I'm intrigued by the set-up but I'm going to hope the continuing plot thread plays more heavily.
He smiled— just for her. Every woman should know the joy of having a man be joyful just for her presence.
Just as they all knew the legend of the Holy Grail, so had they heard of the Unholy Grail.
Pru has cancer and is looking for any way to negate her grim diagnosis, when she starts up a friendship with Marcus, they begin in earnest a search for the Holy Grail. Our hero is a 600yr old vampire who was once a knight of King Phillips of France who was also on the search for the Holy Grail. What Chapel and his group of mercenaries found instead was the Unholy Grail.
"You do not frighten me."
"I think I do, but not in the way I should."
This started off darkly intriguing with the French band of mercenaries and grail that turned them all into vampires. I read this with the anticipation of a danger filled dark and stormy search and chase, filled with villains coming out of the woodwork. Instead this turned out to be a character driven story with a slow burning romance between Pru and Chapel; read this for the romance, not the adventure.
The Silver Palm. Chapel had heard of them before in whispers and old texts. They named themselves for the silver that crossed the palm of Judas Iscariot— coin imbued with the essence of Lilith, mother of all vampires. The same silver that had been melted down to make the chalice from which he and the others had drunk.
The first half was all about the romance while the second gave us a peek into, what I imagine is the set-up between the villains and future heroes of the series. I was vastly curious about the Silver Palm villains but they only make a very brief appearance and other than their name, not much else is learned about them.
The Brotherhood of Blood.
Even though I was a little disappointed in the balance of romance and action in this one, the set-up of Chapel's friends, The Brotherhood of the Blood, being pitted against the Silver Palms is darkly intriguing. Don't get me wrong, I thought the vast majority of the romance was done well here, Pru is a tough, daring woman willing to fight for what she wants, while Chapel was a more lost in his self-loathing for what he was, but they did have a connection that was felt. I thought the ending was needlessly dragged out angst as a sudden change of heart by Chapel gave us a quick perfect bow ending. I'm going to read the next in the series because, like I said, I'm intrigued by the set-up but I'm going to hope the continuing plot thread plays more heavily.
He smiled— just for her. Every woman should know the joy of having a man be joyful just for her presence.
March 23, 2010
Excelent!!! I could not put this book down. I read this in one day.
I have to let you know that this book brought tears to my eyes at the end.
Chapel and Prudence's romance wrapped me into the story. Prudence's determination to find the Holy Grail not for wealth but for healing really touched me. She was dieing at a young age and she only wanted to live and she did for a short time when Chapel came into her life.
Chapel who has lived for 6 centuries now was immortal from drinking from the Holy Grail/Bloody Grail. It turned him into a vampire but he did not like the idea of being considered a evil Monster so he vowed to the church to protect anyone from ever drinking from the grail again. Only problem was that it was taken and hiden and only a few knew where it was.
Eventually after Chapel first meets Prudence because of her quest to find the Holy Grail, he falls in love with her and she with him. When Chapel finds out her illness he only loves her more and when she finds out about what he is she wasn't scared and only loved him more. However when she figures out that he can save her and give her immortality, she longs for it but Chapel refuses to give it to her because he doesn't want to give her a curse that he believes he's been given and because of his vow with the church to protect every one from the Holy GRail and to redeem his soul so he may go to heaven one day.
But on Prudence's last breath, she tells him that she loves him and he can barley stand it and finally realizes he can't live with out her and finally she is saved.
I have to let you know that this book brought tears to my eyes at the end.
Chapel and Prudence's romance wrapped me into the story. Prudence's determination to find the Holy Grail not for wealth but for healing really touched me. She was dieing at a young age and she only wanted to live and she did for a short time when Chapel came into her life.
Chapel who has lived for 6 centuries now was immortal from drinking from the Holy Grail/Bloody Grail. It turned him into a vampire but he did not like the idea of being considered a evil Monster so he vowed to the church to protect anyone from ever drinking from the grail again. Only problem was that it was taken and hiden and only a few knew where it was.
Eventually after Chapel first meets Prudence because of her quest to find the Holy Grail, he falls in love with her and she with him. When Chapel finds out her illness he only loves her more and when she finds out about what he is she wasn't scared and only loved him more. However when she figures out that he can save her and give her immortality, she longs for it but Chapel refuses to give it to her because he doesn't want to give her a curse that he believes he's been given and because of his vow with the church to protect every one from the Holy GRail and to redeem his soul so he may go to heaven one day.
But on Prudence's last breath, she tells him that she loves him and he can barley stand it and finally realizes he can't live with out her and finally she is saved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2012
This book read much more like a typical regency historical romance, even though it was written in Victorian times (1899) and had a vampire. The book was good, but if you are looking for a dark, edgy, sensual story about an underworld of vampires and creatures that go bump in the night, then pass on this book. What this book delivers is a tender romance between a man and a woman, whereas the man is cursed with immortality, drinks human blood and has lived in solitude for the last 600 years unsure if he is a monstor or creation of God. We learn about his background, how he became a vampire by drinking from Unholy Grail, but this isn't a story about vampires and an underworld of good vs. evil. That may evolve in later books in this series, but you don't see much here. It's a typical 'Bob meets Jane' love story, whereas he likes her, she likes him, but he has a secret which means he doesn't think he is good enough for her. She works to convince him he is a good man, and presto they are in love. there is also the issue with her dying and his decision to help her or not. (sorry, that ending was too predictable, but it added some needed emotion to the love story.) I can certainly see why there are fans of this book and series, as it was well written and the base plot good. For me it was just OK as a romance, and a small let down for a paranormal.
April 19, 2009
Another pretty original take on vampires, this one includes Arthurian legend, Knights of the Templar, and some biblical lore. I don't believe I've ever read anything by this author, but I was impressed enough to seek out more by her.
Chapel aka Severian de Fonce was a 14th century mercenary until he was sent on a mission with a group of men to obtain treasures of the Knights of Templar for King Philip. Then, in an effort to save his own life after he is poisoned, he mistakenly drinks from what he believs is the Holy Grail. It's actually the Blood Grail, made from the silver that Adam's first wife Lilith was turned to when she betrayed God by succumbing to the fallen angel Sammael. And although Chapel is given the immortality he sought, he is also turned into a vampire, along with the other men who drank after him. In the Victorian age, at the turn of the 20th century, he works for the church, and he is sent to protect people from the Blood Grail.
Prudence is dying, and therefore she is grasping at straws, hoping to find the Holy Grail. When the church sends two men to oversee the search for the Grail, she expects to meet two kindly priests. Instead, one of the two men is a handsome and mysterious man, and Prudence begins to long for some of the things that have so far eluded her before her time runs out.
This book, honestly, moved me so much that I was sobbing in the end. The first half is an adventurous and interesting look into the lore that makes up this series, but the ending when Prudence and Chapel fall in love is so heartbreaking. Pru's calm acceptance of her fate, and Chapel's agony over either losing Prudence or betraying his beliefs is agonizing. I can't wait to read the next in the series. B+
ETA: I realized I have read one of this author's books before (In Your Arms Again) but I'm glad I forgot because this paranormal is much better.
Chapel aka Severian de Fonce was a 14th century mercenary until he was sent on a mission with a group of men to obtain treasures of the Knights of Templar for King Philip. Then, in an effort to save his own life after he is poisoned, he mistakenly drinks from what he believs is the Holy Grail. It's actually the Blood Grail, made from the silver that Adam's first wife Lilith was turned to when she betrayed God by succumbing to the fallen angel Sammael. And although Chapel is given the immortality he sought, he is also turned into a vampire, along with the other men who drank after him. In the Victorian age, at the turn of the 20th century, he works for the church, and he is sent to protect people from the Blood Grail.
Prudence is dying, and therefore she is grasping at straws, hoping to find the Holy Grail. When the church sends two men to oversee the search for the Grail, she expects to meet two kindly priests. Instead, one of the two men is a handsome and mysterious man, and Prudence begins to long for some of the things that have so far eluded her before her time runs out.
This book, honestly, moved me so much that I was sobbing in the end. The first half is an adventurous and interesting look into the lore that makes up this series, but the ending when Prudence and Chapel fall in love is so heartbreaking. Pru's calm acceptance of her fate, and Chapel's agony over either losing Prudence or betraying his beliefs is agonizing. I can't wait to read the next in the series. B+
ETA: I realized I have read one of this author's books before (In Your Arms Again) but I'm glad I forgot because this paranormal is much better.
October 21, 2021
Que esplendida sorpresa, lo he disfrutado un montón sobre todo por la época en la que esta ambientada en 1899 pocas libros de novela erótica de vampiros he leído en esta época y me ha parecido soberbio. También me han gustado mucho los personajes lleno de personajes fuertes y aunque en este caso la damisela estaba un poco en apuros, se entiende ya que la pobre sufre un cáncer terminal que la tiene destrozada pero aun así es una mujer que sabe lo que quiere y luchara por ello. Por supuesto el coprotagonista no queda atrás vampiro desde hace siglos demasiado solo y le encanta menospreciarse, un clásico 🤣🤣. Hacen muy buena pareja y tienen un buen juego ellos dos. Además la trama me ha encantado todo rodia a una excavación que esta realizando nuestra prota para encontrar el santo grial que se cuenta que si bebes de el recibirás la juventud eterna, claro a el lo mandaran para que no encuentre nada, pero la cosa se complicara bastante, y me ha dejado con ganas de seguir la saga.
Aunque si es verdad que tiene una cosa que no me ha gustado y son las ultimas 70 paginas aproximadamente porque se veía que estaba todo el pescado vendido y siento que alargo mucho su final. Pero aun así me ha gustado mucho.
Aunque si es verdad que tiene una cosa que no me ha gustado y son las ultimas 70 paginas aproximadamente porque se veía que estaba todo el pescado vendido y siento que alargo mucho su final. Pero aun así me ha gustado mucho.
May 11, 2009
This was such a great book. Chapel is just so sweet and it just kills me that Pru is dieing. The time her and Chapel spend together is so great. And they are just perfect together. Of course, what author is going to write about a couple that isn't perfect together, but still. And when she was just about to die and the way he just knew he couldn't live without her...ooo...I loved it!
September 13, 2015
Only 2 stars won't be reading anymore from this series
February 16, 2020
It's total, unrepentant cheese...& that's just dandy when you're in the mood. :D
This series has been on/off my radar for years, but recently I was craving an unabashed vampire romance -- a mood that hasn't struck me for a long time. And...presto. I heartily enjoyed the Holy/Blood Grails, immortal mercenaries, & Templar connection,** & it shows definite potential as an overall series. But I rounded down because of the heavy maudlin angle to this particular couple. There just wasn't enough action, & pace of plot is a huge component in my ratings. *shrug*
That said, I did like both Prudence & Chapel -- she was feisty, feminine, & playful despite her illness (not to mention aroused by his dangerous side), while he was tolerant & angsty & badass when necessary. Still, I imagine Pru won't have any qualms about defending herself, her family, or her man when the time comes. They're a well-matched pair, undead or not. (Sidenote: This book was littered with typos. I don't count poor editing against an author unless it's self-published, but I'm mentioning it here because this is AVON, ffs. 🙄 Get off your asses & review your product properly.)
3.5 stars. I also got Saint's novel, so hopefully the action picks up as the villainous plot thickens.
**Yeah, I know. I'm predictable. Dangle a romance involving Templars or Conquistadors & watch me leap like a killer whale at SeaWorld. 🐙
This series has been on/off my radar for years, but recently I was craving an unabashed vampire romance -- a mood that hasn't struck me for a long time. And...presto. I heartily enjoyed the Holy/Blood Grails, immortal mercenaries, & Templar connection,** & it shows definite potential as an overall series. But I rounded down because of the heavy maudlin angle to this particular couple. There just wasn't enough action, & pace of plot is a huge component in my ratings. *shrug*
That said, I did like both Prudence & Chapel -- she was feisty, feminine, & playful despite her illness (not to mention aroused by his dangerous side), while he was tolerant & angsty & badass when necessary. Still, I imagine Pru won't have any qualms about defending herself, her family, or her man when the time comes. They're a well-matched pair, undead or not. (Sidenote: This book was littered with typos. I don't count poor editing against an author unless it's self-published, but I'm mentioning it here because this is AVON, ffs. 🙄 Get off your asses & review your product properly.)
3.5 stars. I also got Saint's novel, so hopefully the action picks up as the villainous plot thickens.
**Yeah, I know. I'm predictable. Dangle a romance involving Templars or Conquistadors & watch me leap like a killer whale at SeaWorld. 🐙
January 26, 2016
This is a story of Prudence and Chapel. I was pleasantly suprised by this book. I have issues with books in this time era. It takes place in 1899 and although it is from that era it did not bother me in the least. I loved how she decribed her Vampires and yes there was a lot of religious talk revolving around the Vampires. But it was refreshing. Talking about the Templar Knights and the Holy Grail was very cool as well.
This book was very hot when it came to the lovin. I mean seriously in public? Wow! I have to say that by the end of the book I cried. It was so touching and I found myself crying with Chapel.The action was minimal for me that that was ok.I don't think that the story needed a lot of violence. The author has a wonderful way of writing and I look forward to reading about the other men. Check out their names... Bishop, Saint, Temple, Reign and Chapel. Love it.
This book was very hot when it came to the lovin. I mean seriously in public? Wow! I have to say that by the end of the book I cried. It was so touching and I found myself crying with Chapel.The action was minimal for me that that was ok.I don't think that the story needed a lot of violence. The author has a wonderful way of writing and I look forward to reading about the other men. Check out their names... Bishop, Saint, Temple, Reign and Chapel. Love it.
July 29, 2017
Me gustó esta historia. El elemento fantástico fue bien combinado con la costumbre de la sociedad del siglo XIX. Los protagonistas, en especial Prudence, me gusto por su fortaleza de carácter al enfrentarse ante las diferentes adversidades y por su capacidad de amar. Me gustó la adición de los templarios y el santo grial junto con la creación de los vampiros.
Chapel me pareció un poco cliché, el tipico tipo malo torturado por el pasado, aunque me gustó su evolución a lo largo de la novela.
Chapel me pareció un poco cliché, el tipico tipo malo torturado por el pasado, aunque me gustó su evolución a lo largo de la novela.
January 21, 2009
I came to the conclusion that my favorite kind of vampire is the one who has an existential crisis of some sort. Chapel definitely meets the bill.
Not only we got to see how the ‘originals’ vampire were created thanks for Lilith’s chalice. But the love story is compelling and alluring. It has passion, and mystery.
Once again my love for the supernatural is once again reaffirmed.
Not only we got to see how the ‘originals’ vampire were created thanks for Lilith’s chalice. But the love story is compelling and alluring. It has passion, and mystery.
Once again my love for the supernatural is once again reaffirmed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2013
I'll try again later. Another Bloody Vampire Brotherhood series. I don't know if I can take it.
Boring. Failure to engage. Works better than NyQuil as a sleep aid. Ditching.
Boring. Failure to engage. Works better than NyQuil as a sleep aid. Ditching.
December 15, 2020
Be Mine Tonight
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
In 1307, six knights break into a Templar stronghold in search of the Holy Grail only to be turned into vampires when they inadvertently drink from the Blood Grail. 700 years later, the Blood Grail is in danger of being unearthed once again and the warrior known as Chapel must travel to Tintagel England to thwart the attempt. Once there, he encounters Prudence Ryland, a feisty young woman desperate to obtain the grail for her own reasons, and is torn between saving the woman he has come to love or allowing her to be cursed as he once was.
Review
An original mix of Arthurian and biblical motifs but there are also some predictable moments.
The writing flows but lacks that immersing quality that would make it excellent. The story gets off to an exciting start but slows down and takes a while to get back on track toward the end.
The romance is the focus of the book and it is sweet and tender with some spicy moments that contribute to the natural progression of Chapel and Pru's relationship. Pru is witty, sarcastic and direct and is a good contrast with the dark, brooding and sexy Chapel, who is an endearing character although he does have a tendency to wallow in self pity too often.
The thing that irritated me the most was the portrayal of Pru's illness. She is supposedly dying of cancer, but except for one or two incidents, carries on regardless. While this may be explained by her desire to live life to the fullest, it is unrealistic. Moreover, even though the descriptions of Pru's sense of loss and sadness at missing out on life, love and family are touching, there is no sense of urgency regarding her impending death and dire need to be saved.
The conspiracy plot is weak and underdeveloped as there is no real quest or sense of adventure, excitement or danger. The origins and agenda of the mysterious Order of the Silver Palm are never described or explained.
The secondary characters are superficial - Pru's sisters are interchangeable and while Marcus and Molyneux are interesting, it is obvious that their role will remain small. The other Knights (love their names - Bishop, Saint, Reign and Temple) are compelling even though they don't actually make an appearance in the book and I am interested enough to read their stories.
Despite its shortcomings, this is a good introduction to a series that has definite potential and I will be continuing on to the next installment, which is Bishop's book.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
In 1307, six knights break into a Templar stronghold in search of the Holy Grail only to be turned into vampires when they inadvertently drink from the Blood Grail. 700 years later, the Blood Grail is in danger of being unearthed once again and the warrior known as Chapel must travel to Tintagel England to thwart the attempt. Once there, he encounters Prudence Ryland, a feisty young woman desperate to obtain the grail for her own reasons, and is torn between saving the woman he has come to love or allowing her to be cursed as he once was.
Review
An original mix of Arthurian and biblical motifs but there are also some predictable moments.
The writing flows but lacks that immersing quality that would make it excellent. The story gets off to an exciting start but slows down and takes a while to get back on track toward the end.
The romance is the focus of the book and it is sweet and tender with some spicy moments that contribute to the natural progression of Chapel and Pru's relationship. Pru is witty, sarcastic and direct and is a good contrast with the dark, brooding and sexy Chapel, who is an endearing character although he does have a tendency to wallow in self pity too often.
The thing that irritated me the most was the portrayal of Pru's illness. She is supposedly dying of cancer, but except for one or two incidents, carries on regardless. While this may be explained by her desire to live life to the fullest, it is unrealistic. Moreover, even though the descriptions of Pru's sense of loss and sadness at missing out on life, love and family are touching, there is no sense of urgency regarding her impending death and dire need to be saved.
The conspiracy plot is weak and underdeveloped as there is no real quest or sense of adventure, excitement or danger. The origins and agenda of the mysterious Order of the Silver Palm are never described or explained.
The secondary characters are superficial - Pru's sisters are interchangeable and while Marcus and Molyneux are interesting, it is obvious that their role will remain small. The other Knights (love their names - Bishop, Saint, Reign and Temple) are compelling even though they don't actually make an appearance in the book and I am interested enough to read their stories.
Despite its shortcomings, this is a good introduction to a series that has definite potential and I will be continuing on to the next installment, which is Bishop's book.
October 28, 2020
This Edwardian vampire romance has fun mythology, great costuming, and some unique characters. Chapel is a vampire and Prudence is a terminally ill young lady who is looking for a miracle cure to her condition.
We were pleasantly surprised by the story, which involves the search for the Holy Grail, Knights Templar and medieval French mercenaries, and the sexiest scene you'll ever read on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
That said, there is a huge emphasis on our heroine's illness which was a major downer in an otherwise super-fun book. If we say that Meg was brought to tears, you might be willing to take the plunge. But when we add that Laine (who never cries at books) also cried, you might get a sense of the gravity of the situation.
20-Word Summaries:
Laine: A tortured knight-turned-vampire working for the church oversees a Grail Quest led by a woman with cancer. Sexy?
Meg: Prudence wants the Holy Grail to cure her cancer. Alternately she’s willing to become a vampire. Chapel’s foiling both plans.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
We were pleasantly surprised by the story, which involves the search for the Holy Grail, Knights Templar and medieval French mercenaries, and the sexiest scene you'll ever read on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
That said, there is a huge emphasis on our heroine's illness which was a major downer in an otherwise super-fun book. If we say that Meg was brought to tears, you might be willing to take the plunge. But when we add that Laine (who never cries at books) also cried, you might get a sense of the gravity of the situation.
20-Word Summaries:
Laine: A tortured knight-turned-vampire working for the church oversees a Grail Quest led by a woman with cancer. Sexy?
Meg: Prudence wants the Holy Grail to cure her cancer. Alternately she’s willing to become a vampire. Chapel’s foiling both plans.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
September 2, 2009
Oh man, when I read the blurb I really thought that this could finally be a new series I like. I was so wrong. :(
The idea behind it was really good and new to me so that was something. But Kathryn Smith's writing style was aweful! It felt like she had no idea how to write a good book, how to develop her characters, and so on...
Especially the characters were both stupid. Pru talked and behaved like someone from the 21st century (and the story is set 1899!) and Chapel was a whiney vampire who did nothing else than whine. Seriously, if you are such a whiney bastard, why don't you have a date with the sun? Gawd! *rolleyes*
There was NO chemistry at all. And those parts which could have been interesting were boring. No wonder that I skipped most of the book. *sigh*
Like I said, the idea with vampirism starting with the templars was good but the rest? Not so much!
The idea behind it was really good and new to me so that was something. But Kathryn Smith's writing style was aweful! It felt like she had no idea how to write a good book, how to develop her characters, and so on...
Especially the characters were both stupid. Pru talked and behaved like someone from the 21st century (and the story is set 1899!) and Chapel was a whiney vampire who did nothing else than whine. Seriously, if you are such a whiney bastard, why don't you have a date with the sun? Gawd! *rolleyes*
There was NO chemistry at all. And those parts which could have been interesting were boring. No wonder that I skipped most of the book. *sigh*
Like I said, the idea with vampirism starting with the templars was good but the rest? Not so much!
January 7, 2012
I cryed. I'm neither a crybaby nor the kind of woman who weeps every other minute, but I swear I cried a river. I couldn't stop. My dad was hovering around me, afraid something really bad happened, I don't know what to say. Just this, if Kathryn Smith made an half as good job on her other novels I'm going to the library right now.
I did not love Chapel, but I could FEEL Prudence's love for him, could almost touch his growing love for her, his pain at discovering she was dying, their heartbreak at knowing death was coming and while he could save her he feared cursing her as he was cursed.
Now I'm going to wipe away the tears, and make myself presentable before going out... I loved this novel.
Kisses all around
I did not love Chapel, but I could FEEL Prudence's love for him, could almost touch his growing love for her, his pain at discovering she was dying, their heartbreak at knowing death was coming and while he could save her he feared cursing her as he was cursed.
Now I'm going to wipe away the tears, and make myself presentable before going out... I loved this novel.
Kisses all around
February 9, 2010
This is my favorite book of the series it is not a Vampire "hunter" book... Not the main focus anyway. It was a terrific powerful llove story between CHAPEL the Vampire hero And PRUDENCE the young virgin heroine who we find is dying of stomach cancer! I cried and cried and bawled my eyes out as I watched her dying and Chapel loving her through it. With the ending of the book not many pages Away I didn't even think I could handle what was to happen. Pru was in such pain... Oh.. Just thinking of it now brings tears to my eyes!
You can't go wrong with this intense and sincere love story with a few twists!
You can't go wrong with this intense and sincere love story with a few twists!
February 22, 2011
Really terrific book, thank you Shawna for the recommendation! :)
May 24, 2024
La única manera que yo salga de un bloqueo lector autoimpuesto es seguir extrañas reglas:
1- No puedo leer algo demasiado extenso, o increíblemente complicado.
2- Debe ser algo ligero, que no me genere una crisis existencial ni altere mi química cerebral por semanas.
3- Tiene que tener mis temas de interés.
Lo que siempre me lleva al mismo punto: leer una historia sobre vampiros. En algún momento voy a estudiar porqué esos seres me llaman tanto la atención pero de momento aún no puedo pagar un psicoanalista.
Pero heme aquí, topándome con una trama que me prometía un romance paranormal con "novela histórica". Chapel vive hasta 1307, considerado un caballero y el rey Felipe lo embarca en la travesía de encontrar el Grial junto con seis compañeros suyos. Me encantan las leyendas Artúricas así que me sentí interesada. Pero luego su personaje se fue deformando hasta volverse en un intento fallido de Louis de Point du Lac. A mí no me quieran intentar disfrazar que no se inspiró en Anne Rice, pero lo hizo soso, mediocre y hasta cursi. No digo que esté mal, pero pensé que no iban a darme un instalove o si había uno (que lo hay) iban a prometerme una razón válida que no involucrara almas gemelas. No conocía a esta autora, no se sale del género que escribe pero no creo volver. Su vampiro no pudo vivir cerca de 600 años para no hacer nada solo porque se creía inmerecedor de la gracia de Dios y se haya autocondenado por seis siglos, me siento totalmente decepcionada. Es que no tiene ni pies ni cabeza, si yo viviera tanto tiempo no tomaría por ciertas las palabras de una religión de hombres. ¿Dónde está el Lestat de Chapel? Prudence hace demasiado honor a su nombre como para imitarlo y es hasta irónico.
Pero no todo es tan malo. El cáncer que posee ella le dio cierta profundidad, aunque odio las tramas que utilizan una enfermedad como recurso narrativo. Al final se volvió ciertamente íntimo pero no había una causa justificable. ¿Espero demasiado de una novela romántica? Sí, porque me dijeron que tendría contenido histórico. ¿Me vendieron humo? Efectivamente.
1- No puedo leer algo demasiado extenso, o increíblemente complicado.
2- Debe ser algo ligero, que no me genere una crisis existencial ni altere mi química cerebral por semanas.
3- Tiene que tener mis temas de interés.
Lo que siempre me lleva al mismo punto: leer una historia sobre vampiros. En algún momento voy a estudiar porqué esos seres me llaman tanto la atención pero de momento aún no puedo pagar un psicoanalista.
Pero heme aquí, topándome con una trama que me prometía un romance paranormal con "novela histórica". Chapel vive hasta 1307, considerado un caballero y el rey Felipe lo embarca en la travesía de encontrar el Grial junto con seis compañeros suyos. Me encantan las leyendas Artúricas así que me sentí interesada. Pero luego su personaje se fue deformando hasta volverse en un intento fallido de Louis de Point du Lac. A mí no me quieran intentar disfrazar que no se inspiró en Anne Rice, pero lo hizo soso, mediocre y hasta cursi. No digo que esté mal, pero pensé que no iban a darme un instalove o si había uno (que lo hay) iban a prometerme una razón válida que no involucrara almas gemelas. No conocía a esta autora, no se sale del género que escribe pero no creo volver. Su vampiro no pudo vivir cerca de 600 años para no hacer nada solo porque se creía inmerecedor de la gracia de Dios y se haya autocondenado por seis siglos, me siento totalmente decepcionada. Es que no tiene ni pies ni cabeza, si yo viviera tanto tiempo no tomaría por ciertas las palabras de una religión de hombres. ¿Dónde está el Lestat de Chapel? Prudence hace demasiado honor a su nombre como para imitarlo y es hasta irónico.
Pero no todo es tan malo. El cáncer que posee ella le dio cierta profundidad, aunque odio las tramas que utilizan una enfermedad como recurso narrativo. Al final se volvió ciertamente íntimo pero no había una causa justificable. ¿Espero demasiado de una novela romántica? Sí, porque me dijeron que tendría contenido histórico. ¿Me vendieron humo? Efectivamente.
February 3, 2015
Let this review begin!!!!!
first of all let me start by saying that this book is awesome it held my attention till the end.
second this is the first time i enjoyed a book from historical fiction thought the were boring.
third this book was amazing.
the way that the story developed was great i understood it and loved it.. Kathryn Smith did an amazing job and i really love this book..
ANYWAYS...
i fell in love with Chapel and Pru's relationship..it was perfect and real.
Chapel was falling in love with her before he discovered her illness and even more after..i love the fact that he did not treat her different and that he made her live her life the way she wanted..he was always at her side..
Pru feel in love with him before she realized that he was a vampire and before she learn that the story he told about the knight was real and that it was him and feel even harder for him after she found out about him..i loved when she called Marie a wench and practically and idiot for leaving him and i totally agree...
there were points that gripped me so hard that i forgot that it was fictional...there were points that brought me to tears really .... the end took me my shock i never saw it coming
but all in all it was an amazing book and i really really really enjoy and loved it....♥♥♥♥♥♥
first of all let me start by saying that this book is awesome it held my attention till the end.
second this is the first time i enjoyed a book from historical fiction thought the were boring.
third this book was amazing.
the way that the story developed was great i understood it and loved it.. Kathryn Smith did an amazing job and i really love this book..
ANYWAYS...
i fell in love with Chapel and Pru's relationship..it was perfect and real.
Chapel was falling in love with her before he discovered her illness and even more after..i love the fact that he did not treat her different and that he made her live her life the way she wanted..he was always at her side..
Pru feel in love with him before she realized that he was a vampire and before she learn that the story he told about the knight was real and that it was him and feel even harder for him after she found out about him..i loved when she called Marie a wench and practically and idiot for leaving him and i totally agree...
there were points that gripped me so hard that i forgot that it was fictional...there were points that brought me to tears really .... the end took me my shock i never saw it coming
but all in all it was an amazing book and i really really really enjoy and loved it....♥♥♥♥♥♥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2009
2.5 stars. Where to begin - Smith does manage to introduces an original concept to explain the origin of vampires. Those who walk the night are the descendants of Lilith, Adam's first and forsaken wife who was cursed by God. Our hero, Chapel, after being turned into what he considers an abomination, has chosen to live his life in service to the Church in hopes he will perform enough good works to earn his redemption and entry into heaven.
And it all goes downhill from there. The problem with this book is the it employs every cliche of modern romance. The heroine is small, weak, virginal, and dying (literally). Her only hope is an ill-fated search for the Holy Grail which she hopes can restore her to health or Chapel, who can turn her into what he is, a vampire doomed to walk only at night and watch everyone he cares for die. The end is clear, which would be okay if how we got there wasn't so dull and predictable.
Overall, a lackluster entry to a series that appeared to have a lot more promise.
And it all goes downhill from there. The problem with this book is the it employs every cliche of modern romance. The heroine is small, weak, virginal, and dying (literally). Her only hope is an ill-fated search for the Holy Grail which she hopes can restore her to health or Chapel, who can turn her into what he is, a vampire doomed to walk only at night and watch everyone he cares for die. The end is clear, which would be okay if how we got there wasn't so dull and predictable.
Overall, a lackluster entry to a series that appeared to have a lot more promise.
February 7, 2010
A historical adventure series where 5 friends try to make right the wrong of thier youth committed 600 years earlier. With romance along the way, tears and laughter, this story by an author unfamiliar to me took be by surprise. This is the first book in the series.
Although it is rumored that the holy grail can provide immortality, there is another grail that provides damnation as well.. Drink from it and you become a vampire. Mistake one for the other and you end up like Chapel and his friends- doomed to the night.
For 600 years Chapel has repented for his sin trying to serve the church to absolve himself. Having been tortured, tested and even branded he is now sent to insure that Prudence Ryland doesn't lead a team to discover either grail, and if they do happen upon one, that it is swiftly returned to the church. A request Prudence plans to honor after using the grail one single time-to save her own very short life.
Although it is rumored that the holy grail can provide immortality, there is another grail that provides damnation as well.. Drink from it and you become a vampire. Mistake one for the other and you end up like Chapel and his friends- doomed to the night.
For 600 years Chapel has repented for his sin trying to serve the church to absolve himself. Having been tortured, tested and even branded he is now sent to insure that Prudence Ryland doesn't lead a team to discover either grail, and if they do happen upon one, that it is swiftly returned to the church. A request Prudence plans to honor after using the grail one single time-to save her own very short life.
June 19, 2012
I listened to this because I was looking for an audio book I didn't know yet in my collection and this was a gift from a friend (who hadn't read the book herself, so I don't blame her ;)).
To be fair I was pretty fed up with the whole vampire theme before, but this book takes it to a new low. I think if I have to read about another poor girl who falls in love with the bad, bad vampire then begs him to turn her into one, which of course he at first refuses, I'll need the sick bucket! Also, whatever happened to "show, don't tell"? His beautiful/stunning/handsome face/eyes/big toe and the fake historical touch started to annoy me pretty quickly. If you can think of a clichee this book doesn't include - congratulations!
I read this book in German so the language may partly be the translator's, that could explain why the original gets surprisingly high ratings.
Do not recommend. Nuh-uh.
To be fair I was pretty fed up with the whole vampire theme before, but this book takes it to a new low. I think if I have to read about another poor girl who falls in love with the bad, bad vampire then begs him to turn her into one, which of course he at first refuses, I'll need the sick bucket! Also, whatever happened to "show, don't tell"? His beautiful/stunning/handsome face/eyes/big toe and the fake historical touch started to annoy me pretty quickly. If you can think of a clichee this book doesn't include - congratulations!
I read this book in German so the language may partly be the translator's, that could explain why the original gets surprisingly high ratings.
Do not recommend. Nuh-uh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2014
Not exactly your typical 'girl meets vampire' story. Overall, 3/5 stars.
dnf
March 28, 2015I'm dnfing this solely because of the narrator - Vanessa Hart - who I didn't like at all.
First, she sounded OLD, which wouldn't be a problem if she was portraying an older person, but she wasn't. Second, her voice sounded too masculine as if she had smoked too many cigarettes (maybe that's why she sounded so old.) Third, her accents were DREADFUL! Her English accent wasn't even close and one of the men sounded like Elmer Fudd - I don't know if that was her attempt to make him sound French or if she just gave him a speech impediment so he sounded distinctive.
If I get my hands on the print version, I may read it but I don't think I'll bother.
First, she sounded OLD, which wouldn't be a problem if she was portraying an older person, but she wasn't. Second, her voice sounded too masculine as if she had smoked too many cigarettes (maybe that's why she sounded so old.) Third, her accents were DREADFUL! Her English accent wasn't even close and one of the men sounded like Elmer Fudd - I don't know if that was her attempt to make him sound French or if she just gave him a speech impediment so he sounded distinctive.
If I get my hands on the print version, I may read it but I don't think I'll bother.
April 27, 2010
I have seldom encountered a book, particularly a series, in the historical/vampire genre. First book that comes to mind is the Cin Craven Series and it's one of my favorites. The first book of the series of The Brotherhood of the Blood, was surprisingly good. ..
See link below for my complete review..
http://bookladysbookshelf.blogspot.co...
See link below for my complete review..
http://bookladysbookshelf.blogspot.co...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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