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Goddess with a Blade #2
Blade to the Keep
Rowan Summerwaite is no ordinary woman. She’s smart and strong and with the power of an ancient goddess in her belly, she’s the perfect candidate to re-negotiate the fragile Treaty keeping the peace between the Vampire Nation and the last line of defense for humanity, The Hunter Corporation. A meeting of the Joint Tribunal, and Rowan’s new status as Liaison sends her straight to the last place on earth she wants to be—The Keep.
Raised at the knee of The First, honed into a weapon by the Hunter Corporation, wielding ancient knowledge from the Goddess within, Rowan must navigate around bloodthirsty opposition among Vampires and Hunters alike to avoid an all out war that puts humanity in the crosshairs.
And she’s got to do it as she attempts to manage a politically awkward romantic relationship with Scion Clive Stewart during a trip back to a place she escaped nearly fifteen years before. No pressure.
Walking the path between her two lives has already made Rowan a pariah. If she leaves it to become something even more Other, she may lose even the shreds of home she has left.
Raised at the knee of The First, honed into a weapon by the Hunter Corporation, wielding ancient knowledge from the Goddess within, Rowan must navigate around bloodthirsty opposition among Vampires and Hunters alike to avoid an all out war that puts humanity in the crosshairs.
And she’s got to do it as she attempts to manage a politically awkward romantic relationship with Scion Clive Stewart during a trip back to a place she escaped nearly fifteen years before. No pressure.
Walking the path between her two lives has already made Rowan a pariah. If she leaves it to become something even more Other, she may lose even the shreds of home she has left.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2013
About the author
Lauren Dane
110 books4,978 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 24, 2021
I like Urban Fantasy, I like a bad-ass warrior, and I like cheeky banter.
However.
Dane has some authorial tics that drive me bazoo: Firstly, a tendency for different characters to all speak with the same voice, so you get people who are not GenX Americans talking about connecting with their emotions or owning their shit.
Rowan, our heroine, is a speechifier, like a lot of Dane's heroines. And, since Rowan Knows All, her speeches are always brutally pithy, yet she needs to make them over and over again because everyone else in the book is a self-centred moron who doesn't listen.
And! There's this thing where the heroine is a feminist, but there is always this bitchy, territorial antagonism towards other women (although, at least in this book the other women are actively evil). Meanwhile, Rowan's foster father, Theo, is a monstrous fucking psychopath, the little scamp, but she loves him because of reasons.
I could also mention that 60% of the book is essentially a series of meetings, because nothing says Urban Fantasy Badassedness like a PowerPoint presentation and a snack table.
In short: Kind of enjoyable but annoying, probably not re-readable.
However.
Dane has some authorial tics that drive me bazoo: Firstly, a tendency for different characters to all speak with the same voice, so you get people who are not GenX Americans talking about connecting with their emotions or owning their shit.
Rowan, our heroine, is a speechifier, like a lot of Dane's heroines. And, since Rowan Knows All, her speeches are always brutally pithy, yet she needs to make them over and over again because everyone else in the book is a self-centred moron who doesn't listen.
And! There's this thing where the heroine is a feminist, but there is always this bitchy, territorial antagonism towards other women (although, at least in this book the other women are actively evil). Meanwhile, Rowan's foster father, Theo, is a monstrous fucking psychopath, the little scamp, but she loves him because of reasons.
I could also mention that 60% of the book is essentially a series of meetings, because nothing says Urban Fantasy Badassedness like a PowerPoint presentation and a snack table.
In short: Kind of enjoyable but annoying, probably not re-readable.
February 12, 2018
“Your rooms are ready.” David appeared at the foot of her bed. “When you’re ready, we can move you up and get you settled, and then you need to eat and rest.”
“I was unconscious for three days. I’ve been resting.”
“You’re moving your lips, Déesse, but I can’t hear your words.”
“Everyone is talking back now? This is a thing?”
“I was unconscious for three days. I’ve been resting.”
“You’re moving your lips, Déesse, but I can’t hear your words.”
“Everyone is talking back now? This is a thing?”
December 27, 2016
Rowan Summerwaite is actually one of my favorite UF/PNR heroines. She's a bloodthirsty bitch and makes no apologies about it. But she's not hardhearted or unfeeling. Rowan will cut out a vampire's heart and turn around to make out with Clive in the same breath. I'm not sure she actually does that in the book, but she would totally do that.
I enjoyed the political workings in this second book. If Rowan was just running around Vegas killing methed out vamps, I would have still read it. But I was really pleased that we instead went to The Keep in Germany. While Rowan certainly killed some vamps, we also got to meet the other Scions, witness more of Rowan's relationship with The First, and see the slow, but intense development in the budding relationship between her and Clive. Clive and her. Whatever. It opened up the world Lauren Dane built but hasn't really explained.
And that's something I kinda like about this series. The world isn't built up. You just go with it, jump right in. Various species of Others are mentioned once in passing, without an infodump explaining their origins and political standings. Maybe they are mentioned so the author can use them in future story lines, I dunno. But the story isn't bogged down with back story on anything that doesn't actually matter.
The romance is, oddly enough, tender and sweet. Between two bloodthirsty superbeings, that sounds really odd. But it's the icing on the cake. This story would work without the romance, but it would be bland and Rowan's personal growth would be nonexistent. Clive makes her better and visa versa. I adore their scenes together and Lauren Dane really throws down some great verbal sparring between the two of them (including the first book in this series).
So I look forward to the next book in this series, Blade on the Hunt - which I think comes out in November.
I enjoyed the political workings in this second book. If Rowan was just running around Vegas killing methed out vamps, I would have still read it. But I was really pleased that we instead went to The Keep in Germany. While Rowan certainly killed some vamps, we also got to meet the other Scions, witness more of Rowan's relationship with The First, and see the slow, but intense development in the budding relationship between her and Clive. Clive and her. Whatever. It opened up the world Lauren Dane built but hasn't really explained.
And that's something I kinda like about this series. The world isn't built up. You just go with it, jump right in. Various species of Others are mentioned once in passing, without an infodump explaining their origins and political standings. Maybe they are mentioned so the author can use them in future story lines, I dunno. But the story isn't bogged down with back story on anything that doesn't actually matter.
The romance is, oddly enough, tender and sweet. Between two bloodthirsty superbeings, that sounds really odd. But it's the icing on the cake. This story would work without the romance, but it would be bland and Rowan's personal growth would be nonexistent. Clive makes her better and visa versa. I adore their scenes together and Lauren Dane really throws down some great verbal sparring between the two of them (including the first book in this series).
So I look forward to the next book in this series, Blade on the Hunt - which I think comes out in November.
June 14, 2019
4.5 stars audible version
Very entertaining
Very entertaining
January 20, 2014
Review originally posted on The Book Pushers here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/12/11/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Rowan Summerwaite is no ordinary woman. She’s smart and strong and with the power of an ancient goddess in her belly, she’s the perfect candidate to re-negotiate the fragile Treaty keeping the peace between the Vampire Nation and the last line of defense for humanity, The Hunter Corporation. A meeting of the Joint Tribunal, and Rowan’s new status as Liaison sends her straight to the last place on earth she wants to be—The Keep.
Raised at the knee of The First, honed into a weapon by the Hunter Corporation, wielding ancient knowledge from the Goddess within, Rowan must navigate around bloodthirsty opposition among Vampires and Hunters alike to avoid an all out war that puts humanity in the crosshairs.
And she’s got to do it as she attempts to manage a politically awkward romantic relationship with Scion Clive Stewart during a trip back to a place she escaped nearly fifteen years before. No pressure.
Walking the path between her two lives has already made Rowan a pariah. If she leaves it to become something even more Other, she may lose even the shreds of home she has left.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
So those who read a review I wrote last night saw me say there is something special about starting a book placed in a new setting by a favorite author, and I wasn’t kidding. There is also something special about going back to a world and characters that intrigued me from the very beginning after a long wait. While starting the story is full of excitement, there is also a touch of fear as the reader because I am hoping my memory about the previous installment is accurate and the author is able to meet those expectations. I am very happy to say Dane met and exceeded my memory with Blade to the Keep and as a result I am squeezing in a reread of Goddess with a Blade. This installment builds directly on the first one therefore I recommend that you read it first as I will be unable to avoid some spoilers from Goddess with a Blade.
In the first installment, I was introduced to some of the intricacies of Vampire politics and caught a glimpse of what forged Rowan. In this installment I saw what polished Rowan and watched her navigate the political waters of both environments using a mixture of subtle and direct actions depending on the situation. Yet for all of her political acumen it was wonderful to see her relax back into some of the comforts of her childhood. I was touched by the welcome she received back at her home despite the circumstances under which she left and how she worked through some of her lingering emotional residue with The First.
Negotiating the Treaty between the Vampire Nation and the Hunter Corporation was complicated enough but add in Rowan’s history with The First and his obvious favor, her romantic association with one of his Scions, and factions on both sides working against the Treaty, Rowan had her work cut out for her. I loved the delicate dance executed by both The First and Clive as they supported Rowan but also remained loyal to their people and the rules that bound them. They each provided some information but never undermined her power or position while maintaining their respective positions of power. Rowan also enforced her power and position while maintaining awareness of and respect towards the vampire hierarchy. As a result, her actions never put The First or Clive in danger of losing prestige nor did she have to worry about them deliberately setting her up for failure. I thought the way their entanglement was executed throughout the story really said volumes about the trust between all three parties. Of course watching The First play protective father towards Clive was quite a treat.
Not only was the interaction between the main characters fascinating but the glimpses of paranormal history and the intricate details of life with vampires was fascinating. Violence occurred as a fact of life on both sides and so did cutthroat politics. But I also saw kindness, love, caring, loyalty, and dedication from a variety of different sources. I could also see that vampires do start-off young and foolish in the early ages of their immortality and sometimes regret their actions in their later years. It was also interesting to see how friendships and alliances shifted into enmity over the passage of time and how others had to carefully make their way through the changing relationships. One of the other nicely highlighted themes was the gulf between those who sit behind a desk giving orders without ever facing what those orders mean and those who have to live with the consequences of those orders.
In Blade to the Keep, Dane combined a variety of different themes, strong characters, vivid world, and high stakes to keep me enthralled. I loved the progression of Rowan’s relationships with those who were important in her life and how she dealt with those who were impeding her progress. The character growth and increased intrigue not to mention the increase of Rowan’s importance as the link between the Vampire Nation and the Hunter Corporation have only raised the stakes. I am super excited that one of Dane’s many releases next year will be the third installment in this series because it has become one of my favorite UF series.
I give Blade to the Keep an A.
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Rowan Summerwaite is no ordinary woman. She’s smart and strong and with the power of an ancient goddess in her belly, she’s the perfect candidate to re-negotiate the fragile Treaty keeping the peace between the Vampire Nation and the last line of defense for humanity, The Hunter Corporation. A meeting of the Joint Tribunal, and Rowan’s new status as Liaison sends her straight to the last place on earth she wants to be—The Keep.
Raised at the knee of The First, honed into a weapon by the Hunter Corporation, wielding ancient knowledge from the Goddess within, Rowan must navigate around bloodthirsty opposition among Vampires and Hunters alike to avoid an all out war that puts humanity in the crosshairs.
And she’s got to do it as she attempts to manage a politically awkward romantic relationship with Scion Clive Stewart during a trip back to a place she escaped nearly fifteen years before. No pressure.
Walking the path between her two lives has already made Rowan a pariah. If she leaves it to become something even more Other, she may lose even the shreds of home she has left.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
So those who read a review I wrote last night saw me say there is something special about starting a book placed in a new setting by a favorite author, and I wasn’t kidding. There is also something special about going back to a world and characters that intrigued me from the very beginning after a long wait. While starting the story is full of excitement, there is also a touch of fear as the reader because I am hoping my memory about the previous installment is accurate and the author is able to meet those expectations. I am very happy to say Dane met and exceeded my memory with Blade to the Keep and as a result I am squeezing in a reread of Goddess with a Blade. This installment builds directly on the first one therefore I recommend that you read it first as I will be unable to avoid some spoilers from Goddess with a Blade.
In the first installment, I was introduced to some of the intricacies of Vampire politics and caught a glimpse of what forged Rowan. In this installment I saw what polished Rowan and watched her navigate the political waters of both environments using a mixture of subtle and direct actions depending on the situation. Yet for all of her political acumen it was wonderful to see her relax back into some of the comforts of her childhood. I was touched by the welcome she received back at her home despite the circumstances under which she left and how she worked through some of her lingering emotional residue with The First.
Negotiating the Treaty between the Vampire Nation and the Hunter Corporation was complicated enough but add in Rowan’s history with The First and his obvious favor, her romantic association with one of his Scions, and factions on both sides working against the Treaty, Rowan had her work cut out for her. I loved the delicate dance executed by both The First and Clive as they supported Rowan but also remained loyal to their people and the rules that bound them. They each provided some information but never undermined her power or position while maintaining their respective positions of power. Rowan also enforced her power and position while maintaining awareness of and respect towards the vampire hierarchy. As a result, her actions never put The First or Clive in danger of losing prestige nor did she have to worry about them deliberately setting her up for failure. I thought the way their entanglement was executed throughout the story really said volumes about the trust between all three parties. Of course watching The First play protective father towards Clive was quite a treat.
Not only was the interaction between the main characters fascinating but the glimpses of paranormal history and the intricate details of life with vampires was fascinating. Violence occurred as a fact of life on both sides and so did cutthroat politics. But I also saw kindness, love, caring, loyalty, and dedication from a variety of different sources. I could also see that vampires do start-off young and foolish in the early ages of their immortality and sometimes regret their actions in their later years. It was also interesting to see how friendships and alliances shifted into enmity over the passage of time and how others had to carefully make their way through the changing relationships. One of the other nicely highlighted themes was the gulf between those who sit behind a desk giving orders without ever facing what those orders mean and those who have to live with the consequences of those orders.
In Blade to the Keep, Dane combined a variety of different themes, strong characters, vivid world, and high stakes to keep me enthralled. I loved the progression of Rowan’s relationships with those who were important in her life and how she dealt with those who were impeding her progress. The character growth and increased intrigue not to mention the increase of Rowan’s importance as the link between the Vampire Nation and the Hunter Corporation have only raised the stakes. I am super excited that one of Dane’s many releases next year will be the third installment in this series because it has become one of my favorite UF series.
I give Blade to the Keep an A.
July 20, 2016
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
So often I wait for months for the next book in a series to be released and it just doesn’t live up to my expectations. This book lived up to all my expectations and more, it was great!
In this second book, all the kick ass characters we loved from the first are back and we are introduced to more. I liked that Dane didn’t make the main characters ‘soft’ due to their relationships. Too often we see heroines get alpha male partners who take over and the heroines become damsels in distress, this didn’t happen.
Dane pleasantly surprised me with the storyline, I expected another killer vamp or maybe wolf which Rowan and Clive have to track down to stop the killings…
Instead this book was all about politics between the Vampire Nation and Hunter Corporation so we gain much more of an insight into Rowans upbringing with The First, her job and how she became the person she is today. Don’t worry there is plenty of hot Rowan and Clive senses, suspense and ass kicking to balance out the politics.
I know I am contradicting myself; but in the next book I would like to see Clive step up and become slightly more alpha. He is always on the sidelines when Rowan is fighting, his passiveness is unrealistic and I would like to see him become slightly more involved with the butt kicking – but not take over.
So often I wait for months for the next book in a series to be released and it just doesn’t live up to my expectations. This book lived up to all my expectations and more, it was great!
In this second book, all the kick ass characters we loved from the first are back and we are introduced to more. I liked that Dane didn’t make the main characters ‘soft’ due to their relationships. Too often we see heroines get alpha male partners who take over and the heroines become damsels in distress, this didn’t happen.
Dane pleasantly surprised me with the storyline, I expected another killer vamp or maybe wolf which Rowan and Clive have to track down to stop the killings…
Instead this book was all about politics between the Vampire Nation and Hunter Corporation so we gain much more of an insight into Rowans upbringing with The First, her job and how she became the person she is today. Don’t worry there is plenty of hot Rowan and Clive senses, suspense and ass kicking to balance out the politics.
I know I am contradicting myself; but in the next book I would like to see Clive step up and become slightly more alpha. He is always on the sidelines when Rowan is fighting, his passiveness is unrealistic and I would like to see him become slightly more involved with the butt kicking – but not take over.
April 25, 2019
4.5 stars
Well, that was freaking awesome. The first book was good, but for this one to be better? I didn't expect that. The description of this series seemed interesting enough, but imagine my surprise when I couldn't put this book down.
I don't know why I liked it so much. Could be the writing, the original story, the characters, the humor. Or all of them. It could also be the fact that after so many disappointments with books lately, to find one that I really enjoy it's a really pleasant feeling.
So, yeah, if you read the first one and liked it, this one is even better.
Well, that was freaking awesome. The first book was good, but for this one to be better? I didn't expect that. The description of this series seemed interesting enough, but imagine my surprise when I couldn't put this book down.
I don't know why I liked it so much. Could be the writing, the original story, the characters, the humor. Or all of them. It could also be the fact that after so many disappointments with books lately, to find one that I really enjoy it's a really pleasant feeling.
So, yeah, if you read the first one and liked it, this one is even better.
June 23, 2019
4.5 Stars
December 13, 2013
Hunter Corp and the Vampire Nation are meeting to amend the treaty between their organisations – and hopefully prevent a war. Except there are members of both the Hunter Corp and the Vampire Nation who are positively itching for a fight
Rowan is the representative of Hunter Corp. And the daughter of the First Vampire. It gives her a unique position in the negotiations and makes her ideally suited to ensuring this treaty passes. She has worked extremely hard to make it happen and now is the finally stages – and she’s not letting prima donnas, bloodthirsty vampires or war mongering hunters screw it up. By blessed sword, goddess strength, investigative skills or political wrangling, she will ratify this treaty.
There are a lot of books in the genre, including the book that preceded this one, where we have excellent, powerful female characters who wield weapons, magical power and are combat monsters who can take on all comers. They are lethally dangerous warriors to be feared by even the most deadly creatures in their world – and that’s not a bad thing (so long as they’re not JUST a lethal combatant).
But being a combat monster usually means that is all the character is. Her challenges will be a) sorting out her love life (because combat monster characters are usually socially inept as well) and b) fighting bigger and tougher monsters who are even more lethal!
Then comes Blade to the Keep with this lethal combat monster protagonist who spends the whole book using her brains, intelligence and experience to navigate the shoals of devious political machinations, investigate the shenanigans of various people trying to sabotage the negotiations and generally be clever and cunning and call out a lot of fools for being fools.
And it is EPIC. No, really, a book where she slaps people down for messing with the agenda of meetings and is bustling from meeting to meeting to have discussions about amending a treaty is epic. It’s awesome, it’s amazing and the best parts of this book don’t require her to draw her sword. Yet it still feels exciting, thrilling and action packed. That takes some effort.
Of course, Rowan is the main reason behind this. She’s wonderfully confident – she knows she’s the most qualified for the job. Not because she’s special or shiny or the Chosen One (though, as the vessel of a goddess, she kind of is all those things, but that’s beside the point) – but because of experience. She is the ideal person to be the Hunter’s liaison to the vampires because she was raised by them, by the First himself. She knows vampire etiquette (which is interestingly different from human etiquette as we see wonderfully displayed when Rowan has to slap down her competitor for repeated faux pas) and how a large entourage means “status symbol” to humans and “annoying number of people to house” to vampires. She knows what vampires value, she knows what they’ll not accept, she knows what they will tolerate – she knows what’s negotiable and what’s a deal breaker. She has the knowledge and experience to get this done – so she is in charge, she should be in charge and she knows that.
There’s also the very nature of the debate. The treaty is being challenged in total by a faction of the Hunters who want to scrap it and wipe out the vampires. These Hunters make this decree while sitting behind their desks while expecting hunters like Rowan to go out and fight this war. Those Hunters who are actually active in the field are fully aware of how ridiculous this plan is – and who will be dying for it. It’s a wonderful parallel to who makes the decision to go to war and who actually suffers for that decision that we face in the real world – and how easy it is to be an armchair warrior yelling “kill them all” and talking about “collateral damage” when you’re not going to be the one fighting and dying.
This all combines to a wonderful strength and confidence in Rowan. She knows her skills. She knows her experience. She knows her worth – there’s no doubt to her, no constant self-recrimination, and a solid certainty in the things she’s certain of and in her own abilities which is wonderful to see. She KNOWS when she is better suited to the role – and is not shy about telling people that. She’s also put a lot of work into making this work – months of effort arranging schedules and agendas and meetings – and she demands that work be acknowledged. She isn’t going to let people derail the process now because they have whims when they couldn’t be bothered to involve themselves in the long, gruelling preparation work. They have an objection? They can post that back to 2 months ago when it was relevant – now they will suck it up and deal
Ok, let me grudgingly insert some potential negative here. Yes she dishes out some epic slap down… but the people she slaps down? Kinda set her up. Her opponents are fairly excessive in their incompetence – not to the point of utter unrealism or anything like that – it’s not story breaking. But while I love and adore these scenes and re-read several of them just to bask in the glory of some of the best, epic slapdowns I have ever read – I do have to insert that little caveat. I still loved them though.
It is possible that Rowan will come off as arrogant in this book because she is so confident, she shoots down her opponents so brutally and because she won’t bend and makes her skills and experience abundantly clear (and her opponent’s lack equally exposed). But she doesn’t feel that way. She never shouts her skills in passing, she doesn’t wave a flag of her won awesomeness all the time. But she’s a busy woman and she has zero tolerance for foolishness and no time for it – she’s not going to clear her schedule – planned weeks in advance – for a random, pointless meeting to stroke their ego and she’s not going to tell them why in a nice fashion. They don’t deserve it. More, they should know better, they’re professional people with a job to do that and she doesn’t have time for their shenanigans.
Read More
Rowan is the representative of Hunter Corp. And the daughter of the First Vampire. It gives her a unique position in the negotiations and makes her ideally suited to ensuring this treaty passes. She has worked extremely hard to make it happen and now is the finally stages – and she’s not letting prima donnas, bloodthirsty vampires or war mongering hunters screw it up. By blessed sword, goddess strength, investigative skills or political wrangling, she will ratify this treaty.
There are a lot of books in the genre, including the book that preceded this one, where we have excellent, powerful female characters who wield weapons, magical power and are combat monsters who can take on all comers. They are lethally dangerous warriors to be feared by even the most deadly creatures in their world – and that’s not a bad thing (so long as they’re not JUST a lethal combatant).
But being a combat monster usually means that is all the character is. Her challenges will be a) sorting out her love life (because combat monster characters are usually socially inept as well) and b) fighting bigger and tougher monsters who are even more lethal!
Then comes Blade to the Keep with this lethal combat monster protagonist who spends the whole book using her brains, intelligence and experience to navigate the shoals of devious political machinations, investigate the shenanigans of various people trying to sabotage the negotiations and generally be clever and cunning and call out a lot of fools for being fools.
And it is EPIC. No, really, a book where she slaps people down for messing with the agenda of meetings and is bustling from meeting to meeting to have discussions about amending a treaty is epic. It’s awesome, it’s amazing and the best parts of this book don’t require her to draw her sword. Yet it still feels exciting, thrilling and action packed. That takes some effort.
Of course, Rowan is the main reason behind this. She’s wonderfully confident – she knows she’s the most qualified for the job. Not because she’s special or shiny or the Chosen One (though, as the vessel of a goddess, she kind of is all those things, but that’s beside the point) – but because of experience. She is the ideal person to be the Hunter’s liaison to the vampires because she was raised by them, by the First himself. She knows vampire etiquette (which is interestingly different from human etiquette as we see wonderfully displayed when Rowan has to slap down her competitor for repeated faux pas) and how a large entourage means “status symbol” to humans and “annoying number of people to house” to vampires. She knows what vampires value, she knows what they’ll not accept, she knows what they will tolerate – she knows what’s negotiable and what’s a deal breaker. She has the knowledge and experience to get this done – so she is in charge, she should be in charge and she knows that.
There’s also the very nature of the debate. The treaty is being challenged in total by a faction of the Hunters who want to scrap it and wipe out the vampires. These Hunters make this decree while sitting behind their desks while expecting hunters like Rowan to go out and fight this war. Those Hunters who are actually active in the field are fully aware of how ridiculous this plan is – and who will be dying for it. It’s a wonderful parallel to who makes the decision to go to war and who actually suffers for that decision that we face in the real world – and how easy it is to be an armchair warrior yelling “kill them all” and talking about “collateral damage” when you’re not going to be the one fighting and dying.
This all combines to a wonderful strength and confidence in Rowan. She knows her skills. She knows her experience. She knows her worth – there’s no doubt to her, no constant self-recrimination, and a solid certainty in the things she’s certain of and in her own abilities which is wonderful to see. She KNOWS when she is better suited to the role – and is not shy about telling people that. She’s also put a lot of work into making this work – months of effort arranging schedules and agendas and meetings – and she demands that work be acknowledged. She isn’t going to let people derail the process now because they have whims when they couldn’t be bothered to involve themselves in the long, gruelling preparation work. They have an objection? They can post that back to 2 months ago when it was relevant – now they will suck it up and deal
Ok, let me grudgingly insert some potential negative here. Yes she dishes out some epic slap down… but the people she slaps down? Kinda set her up. Her opponents are fairly excessive in their incompetence – not to the point of utter unrealism or anything like that – it’s not story breaking. But while I love and adore these scenes and re-read several of them just to bask in the glory of some of the best, epic slapdowns I have ever read – I do have to insert that little caveat. I still loved them though.
It is possible that Rowan will come off as arrogant in this book because she is so confident, she shoots down her opponents so brutally and because she won’t bend and makes her skills and experience abundantly clear (and her opponent’s lack equally exposed). But she doesn’t feel that way. She never shouts her skills in passing, she doesn’t wave a flag of her won awesomeness all the time. But she’s a busy woman and she has zero tolerance for foolishness and no time for it – she’s not going to clear her schedule – planned weeks in advance – for a random, pointless meeting to stroke their ego and she’s not going to tell them why in a nice fashion. They don’t deserve it. More, they should know better, they’re professional people with a job to do that and she doesn’t have time for their shenanigans.
Read More
October 13, 2018
5 awesome stars! This series just keeps getting better!
February 28, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
Goddess with a Blade was one of the first books I reviewed for NetGalley, but that’s not the only reason I remember it so well.
It is an absolutely awesome urban fantasy with truly amazing world building, and an utterly kick-ass heroine who manages to be down-to-earth human in her emotions while being more-than-human in actuality.
Rowan Summerwaite is a mass of contradictions. She was raised by the leader of the Vampire Nation, using methods that were totally beyond abusive--and she has the physical and emotional scars to prove it.
And yet, he did the best he knew how to prepare her for the role that she would have to play; she is the vessel of the goddess Brighid, and she is a licensed vampire slayer of the Hunter Corporation.
Her job is to enforce the treaty between the Vampire Nation and the Hunters, a treaty that keeps us regular humans from discovering that the things that go bump in the night have always walked beside us, and have generally preyed on us.
Goddess With a Blade was our introduction to Rowan and her world, and it is awesome. She has to investigate a vampire serial killer, while dealing with a tension fraught reunion with her foster father and an incredibly hot frenemy she’s not sure whether she wants to stake or mate.
Blade to the Keep is a direct sequel to Goddess With a Blade. If you love urban fantasy with a romantic subplot, and you haven’t read Goddess, start.
Blade takes us back to where Rowan grew up. She goes home to The First’s castle/palace/headquarters, but this isn’t a family visit. She is the official Liaison between the Vampire Nation and Hunter Corporation, and her job is to get an amendment to the peace accords passed the inevitable nasty politicking that will hopefully prevent some of the damage done by the serial killer to occur again.
There’s a story here of political infighting at its nasty best (or worst) with both sides having an “Old Guard” that wants to return to the good old days. Of course, each side’s version of what those good old days really were is rather different. And all the people on both sides who want to go back to war are not the ones who would fight said war.
The commentary on how willing the button pushers always are to send other people out to fight is particularly pointed. Possibly also fanged.
Rowan is uniquely qualified to get the accords passed. She just has to survive everything that is being sliced at her from both sides of the negotiating table.
Escape Rating A+: Goddess With a Blade was on my best ebook romances of 2011 list because it was just so fantastic. Blade to the Keep is a more-than-worthy successor.
The worldbuilding just keeps getting better. By taking the story back to Rowan’s childhood home, we learn much more about the people and forces that shaped her in the heroine we see.
There’s not a question that Rowan has a version of Stockholm Syndrome, in that she loves the father who certainly abused her, there’s also a recognition that he loves her as much as she can’t stop herself from loving him.
He knew what her future was going to be and made her strong enough to bear it.
But he’s still “The First”, the oldest and strongest Vampire in the Vampire Nation, and he is the leader of his people in the treaty negotiations. Even when they don’t want to be led, and even when they challenge his leadership by threatening Rowan.
While Rowan’s past comes back to both haunt and enfold her during this visit to her former home, The First’s past literally comes back to bite him. And through that conflict we learn even more about the early history of vampires in this alternate universe and the Vampire Nation.
Rowan’s relationship with the Vampire Scion of Las Vegas, Clive Stewart, continues to gain depth. Even though they are on opposite sides of the negotiating table, and even though their relationship is considered unwise in some quarters and anathema in others, they both maintain their roles as opposing negotiators and assist each other in rooting out malefactors. All while coming closer to figuring out what they can be to each other.
When Goddess came out in 2011, it looked like a one-off, but I so wanted more. This time, there is an announcement that book 3, Blade to the Hunt, will be released in November 2014. I can hardly wait.
Goddess with a Blade was one of the first books I reviewed for NetGalley, but that’s not the only reason I remember it so well.
It is an absolutely awesome urban fantasy with truly amazing world building, and an utterly kick-ass heroine who manages to be down-to-earth human in her emotions while being more-than-human in actuality.
Rowan Summerwaite is a mass of contradictions. She was raised by the leader of the Vampire Nation, using methods that were totally beyond abusive--and she has the physical and emotional scars to prove it.
And yet, he did the best he knew how to prepare her for the role that she would have to play; she is the vessel of the goddess Brighid, and she is a licensed vampire slayer of the Hunter Corporation.
Her job is to enforce the treaty between the Vampire Nation and the Hunters, a treaty that keeps us regular humans from discovering that the things that go bump in the night have always walked beside us, and have generally preyed on us.
Goddess With a Blade was our introduction to Rowan and her world, and it is awesome. She has to investigate a vampire serial killer, while dealing with a tension fraught reunion with her foster father and an incredibly hot frenemy she’s not sure whether she wants to stake or mate.
Blade to the Keep is a direct sequel to Goddess With a Blade. If you love urban fantasy with a romantic subplot, and you haven’t read Goddess, start.
Blade takes us back to where Rowan grew up. She goes home to The First’s castle/palace/headquarters, but this isn’t a family visit. She is the official Liaison between the Vampire Nation and Hunter Corporation, and her job is to get an amendment to the peace accords passed the inevitable nasty politicking that will hopefully prevent some of the damage done by the serial killer to occur again.
There’s a story here of political infighting at its nasty best (or worst) with both sides having an “Old Guard” that wants to return to the good old days. Of course, each side’s version of what those good old days really were is rather different. And all the people on both sides who want to go back to war are not the ones who would fight said war.
The commentary on how willing the button pushers always are to send other people out to fight is particularly pointed. Possibly also fanged.
Rowan is uniquely qualified to get the accords passed. She just has to survive everything that is being sliced at her from both sides of the negotiating table.
Escape Rating A+: Goddess With a Blade was on my best ebook romances of 2011 list because it was just so fantastic. Blade to the Keep is a more-than-worthy successor.
The worldbuilding just keeps getting better. By taking the story back to Rowan’s childhood home, we learn much more about the people and forces that shaped her in the heroine we see.
There’s not a question that Rowan has a version of Stockholm Syndrome, in that she loves the father who certainly abused her, there’s also a recognition that he loves her as much as she can’t stop herself from loving him.
He knew what her future was going to be and made her strong enough to bear it.
But he’s still “The First”, the oldest and strongest Vampire in the Vampire Nation, and he is the leader of his people in the treaty negotiations. Even when they don’t want to be led, and even when they challenge his leadership by threatening Rowan.
While Rowan’s past comes back to both haunt and enfold her during this visit to her former home, The First’s past literally comes back to bite him. And through that conflict we learn even more about the early history of vampires in this alternate universe and the Vampire Nation.
Rowan’s relationship with the Vampire Scion of Las Vegas, Clive Stewart, continues to gain depth. Even though they are on opposite sides of the negotiating table, and even though their relationship is considered unwise in some quarters and anathema in others, they both maintain their roles as opposing negotiators and assist each other in rooting out malefactors. All while coming closer to figuring out what they can be to each other.
When Goddess came out in 2011, it looked like a one-off, but I so wanted more. This time, there is an announcement that book 3, Blade to the Hunt, will be released in November 2014. I can hardly wait.
October 14, 2015
Capital "A" MAZING!!!!
I had only read a few reviews of this series first book. They were not particularly in favor of the story. However, the plot summary was exactly up my alley, and worth a shot at least. So very thankful I took that chance. While the first novel is great, very strong. Allows reader to develop a strong connection towards the main characters. Intense enough, that the reader feels compelled to run into the next book to help cheer on loudly and stand up for them in the upcoming battles they are sure to fight in book two.
So, onto book 2.......I repeat, AMAZING! I love and slightly worship the main character, Rowan. She's a bad ass, intelligent, passionate, with terrible manners, and prefers a punch in the face over diplomacy. She doesn't open up to anyone easily.
In general, she dislikes most people, except for her few close friends, whom she considers family. When it comes to her family, she is very close and very protective. She would burn down cities, if that's was it took to protect them. Her loyalty and ability to love with ferocity, makes her remarkable. On top of that, she has become even stronger in book two. She is fearless. Physically and mentally stronger than most vampires even.
Rowan cannot stand BS. Literally, it could be an actual condition that she was diagnosed with by a doctor. BS to Rowan is like Eating spoonful's of JIF to Severe peanut allergy sufferers! Ignoring BS isn't physically possible for Rowan, so pointing it out directly along with additional comments to illustrate her strong feelings to said person providing said BS! It's her body's instinctual yet unavoidable reaction:)
Her relationship with the ever sexy British vampire, Clive, is an element that only adds to the fierce enjoyment and satisfaction you get from reading this series. It continues to grow, develop and get even hotter. Her foster father is a vampire over 3,000 years old. Literally the 1st vampire ever to exist. All other vampires after him were created by his blood. The millenniums of existence are creeping up on him though, and he's definitely losing his sh*t. However, the author creates a very interesting dynamic by having this scary as hell vampire, also be overwhelmed with love and the need to protect one specific human, his daughter. But even with such strong emotions as love for a child, he is still a dangerous monster that rightfully so, is feared for by all other beings, including his daughter. He raised her with bloody fists, studded whips and belts and a mouth full of razor fangs that were not just for show. His strictest upheld law is obedience. He demands it always, and whippings or loss of limbs are the most minor level of punishments, of which any offenders always endure some form, If anyone does not adhere to his rule in the fullest, they will always endure some form of punishment. Rowan is not excluded.
The relationships this woman has to juggle, and make work, are simply incredible Very awe inspiring to see her ability and willingness to determinedly pursue each one as best she can. Dating Vampire, Foster Father is 1st Vampire ever and he had her real parents killed, in addition, she's a Vessel for a Goddess, Brigid, whom is always residing within her human body. I think just one of those alone could make a book series!
In this novel, the main difference I'm giving it 5 stars after giving first novel 4 stars is simple. This book is exploding with even more scenes with significant dialogue by Rowan, that is equivalent to verbal assault! Whether it's her idiotic co-workers, jealous ex-girlfriend vampires, psycho ancient vampires or witches and sorcerers. Each and every verbal onslaught is beyond hilarious and entertaining. All verbal assaults are well deserved and she's taking charge in the fullest. Rowan's bad ass unfiltered mouth is the extra star in my 5 star rating for book 2. Combined with the already amazing intense fighting scenes carried over from book 1, the author has somehow managed to make each one better than the last.
This woman, this partial human, this partial goddess, this "other"? This Rowan can throw down like no other, all day and all night and keeps taking numbers the next day. She's not perfect, she can be a real d*ck and has chronic degenerative verbal vomit syndrome. But she still strives to at least do the right thing in life and simply does the best she can every day. I'm in awe.
I had only read a few reviews of this series first book. They were not particularly in favor of the story. However, the plot summary was exactly up my alley, and worth a shot at least. So very thankful I took that chance. While the first novel is great, very strong. Allows reader to develop a strong connection towards the main characters. Intense enough, that the reader feels compelled to run into the next book to help cheer on loudly and stand up for them in the upcoming battles they are sure to fight in book two.
So, onto book 2.......I repeat, AMAZING! I love and slightly worship the main character, Rowan. She's a bad ass, intelligent, passionate, with terrible manners, and prefers a punch in the face over diplomacy. She doesn't open up to anyone easily.
In general, she dislikes most people, except for her few close friends, whom she considers family. When it comes to her family, she is very close and very protective. She would burn down cities, if that's was it took to protect them. Her loyalty and ability to love with ferocity, makes her remarkable. On top of that, she has become even stronger in book two. She is fearless. Physically and mentally stronger than most vampires even.
Rowan cannot stand BS. Literally, it could be an actual condition that she was diagnosed with by a doctor. BS to Rowan is like Eating spoonful's of JIF to Severe peanut allergy sufferers! Ignoring BS isn't physically possible for Rowan, so pointing it out directly along with additional comments to illustrate her strong feelings to said person providing said BS! It's her body's instinctual yet unavoidable reaction:)
Her relationship with the ever sexy British vampire, Clive, is an element that only adds to the fierce enjoyment and satisfaction you get from reading this series. It continues to grow, develop and get even hotter. Her foster father is a vampire over 3,000 years old. Literally the 1st vampire ever to exist. All other vampires after him were created by his blood. The millenniums of existence are creeping up on him though, and he's definitely losing his sh*t. However, the author creates a very interesting dynamic by having this scary as hell vampire, also be overwhelmed with love and the need to protect one specific human, his daughter. But even with such strong emotions as love for a child, he is still a dangerous monster that rightfully so, is feared for by all other beings, including his daughter. He raised her with bloody fists, studded whips and belts and a mouth full of razor fangs that were not just for show. His strictest upheld law is obedience. He demands it always, and whippings or loss of limbs are the most minor level of punishments, of which any offenders always endure some form, If anyone does not adhere to his rule in the fullest, they will always endure some form of punishment. Rowan is not excluded.
The relationships this woman has to juggle, and make work, are simply incredible Very awe inspiring to see her ability and willingness to determinedly pursue each one as best she can. Dating Vampire, Foster Father is 1st Vampire ever and he had her real parents killed, in addition, she's a Vessel for a Goddess, Brigid, whom is always residing within her human body. I think just one of those alone could make a book series!
In this novel, the main difference I'm giving it 5 stars after giving first novel 4 stars is simple. This book is exploding with even more scenes with significant dialogue by Rowan, that is equivalent to verbal assault! Whether it's her idiotic co-workers, jealous ex-girlfriend vampires, psycho ancient vampires or witches and sorcerers. Each and every verbal onslaught is beyond hilarious and entertaining. All verbal assaults are well deserved and she's taking charge in the fullest. Rowan's bad ass unfiltered mouth is the extra star in my 5 star rating for book 2. Combined with the already amazing intense fighting scenes carried over from book 1, the author has somehow managed to make each one better than the last.
This woman, this partial human, this partial goddess, this "other"? This Rowan can throw down like no other, all day and all night and keeps taking numbers the next day. She's not perfect, she can be a real d*ck and has chronic degenerative verbal vomit syndrome. But she still strives to at least do the right thing in life and simply does the best she can every day. I'm in awe.
May 4, 2014
Love the gritty writing and the foul language. Sometimes it doesn't work, but with this specific heroine it does. As the Vessel of the Goddess Brigid, you would think Rowan would know how to play nice. Ha! Playing nice with Rowan is not in the cards. She's a Hunter. She kills rogue Vampires that prey on humans and she's damn good at it. Even her Scion boyfriend Clive approves, and he's been a vampire for centuries.
After almost dying from the last ancient Vampire she had to kill, Hunter Corp is now looking to work with the Vampire Nation on a treaty, and who do you think is going to lead it? That's right, foul mouth Rowan.
As it were the Treaty takes hold at the heart of the Vampire Nation, Theo's (The First) castle. He just happens to be Rowans adopted badass father. As you can imagine with Vampires and humans coming together, politics will be in play and everyone will have their own agenda. It will be Rowans job to keep it all together, make sure she gets nasty time with Clive, and negotiate a treaty even with a faction on both sides not wanting it to take place.
The little Goddess will be kept on her toes! A total 4 star read.
After almost dying from the last ancient Vampire she had to kill, Hunter Corp is now looking to work with the Vampire Nation on a treaty, and who do you think is going to lead it? That's right, foul mouth Rowan.
As it were the Treaty takes hold at the heart of the Vampire Nation, Theo's (The First) castle. He just happens to be Rowans adopted badass father. As you can imagine with Vampires and humans coming together, politics will be in play and everyone will have their own agenda. It will be Rowans job to keep it all together, make sure she gets nasty time with Clive, and negotiate a treaty even with a faction on both sides not wanting it to take place.
The little Goddess will be kept on her toes! A total 4 star read.
December 10, 2013
3 1\2 stars
A different book from Goddess with a Blade, less banter, same action, Blade to the Keep is still a very nice UF. I'm not sure the heroine is fully-rounded (I mean she should be both the Vessel and the Goddess, and I don't always feel it), but then, I'm not sure any of the characters is.
Also, I expected more "drama" within the main couple and the heroine and her father, given their position and their past.
Still, it's a very nice UF, full of vamps and hunters politics, drama (too easily smoothed), battle. Even if I missed the "mystery" and the hunt of the first book and the "animosity" between the main couple, I plan to read the sequel. For fans of Ms Dane's erotica, this is very tame.
As I said lovely to read, and easy to forget. I'm not sure it's a keeper. Still a book you might want to try.
A different book from Goddess with a Blade, less banter, same action, Blade to the Keep is still a very nice UF. I'm not sure the heroine is fully-rounded (I mean she should be both the Vessel and the Goddess, and I don't always feel it), but then, I'm not sure any of the characters is.
Also, I expected more "drama" within the main couple and the heroine and her father, given their position and their past.
Still, it's a very nice UF, full of vamps and hunters politics, drama (too easily smoothed), battle. Even if I missed the "mystery" and the hunt of the first book and the "animosity" between the main couple, I plan to read the sequel. For fans of Ms Dane's erotica, this is very tame.
As I said lovely to read, and easy to forget. I'm not sure it's a keeper. Still a book you might want to try.
January 9, 2014
This one made me laugh, mostly because I loved Rowan ripping humans and vampires alike, a new one over petty issues and creating a lot of unneeded drama at their conference to get new laws passed. I liked that Rowan used the rules against the idiots trying to inhibit her work, making them look more stupid than normal. I also really liked how the vamps, stupidly, went against Theo. I loved it when Theo exercised his power and punished those people in a very public and painful way that made everyone aware of how much power he hides.
The big battle at the end was a close one. I was glad when everyone finally went to look for Rowan, it is just too bad that they didn't get Enyo. I guess I'll have to wait for Rowan to get better and take him on herself.
The big battle at the end was a close one. I was glad when everyone finally went to look for Rowan, it is just too bad that they didn't get Enyo. I guess I'll have to wait for Rowan to get better and take him on herself.
February 3, 2016
What a ride!!!
Rowan is the Hunter of the hour. Now that the secret about drug addiction t vampires is out, the treaty between vampires and hunters needs to be renegotiated. Rowan is representing the hunters as she has the most inside knowledge of vampires. We are introduced to Theo, the First. His relationship with his daughter is fraught with pitfalls. He had Rowan's parents killed and raised her as his daughter. At 16, she learned the truth and ran away.
Amidst all this she has to return to her childhood home and to a vampire she both loves and fears. Other factions are running their own agendas, and her relationship with the Scion of North America expands bewildering her.
I cannot say enough good things about this series. Always on my buy immediately list.
Rowan is the Hunter of the hour. Now that the secret about drug addiction t vampires is out, the treaty between vampires and hunters needs to be renegotiated. Rowan is representing the hunters as she has the most inside knowledge of vampires. We are introduced to Theo, the First. His relationship with his daughter is fraught with pitfalls. He had Rowan's parents killed and raised her as his daughter. At 16, she learned the truth and ran away.
Amidst all this she has to return to her childhood home and to a vampire she both loves and fears. Other factions are running their own agendas, and her relationship with the Scion of North America expands bewildering her.
I cannot say enough good things about this series. Always on my buy immediately list.
January 4, 2014
Good follow up to first book.
The office wrangling and the bickering over points of policy and following Roberts rules of order was a nice backdrop to the more typical UF fare of bad ass heroine, sexy hero and big gleaming swords. Enjoying the world and the deeper look at the relationship b/t the main characters.
My full review here
The office wrangling and the bickering over points of policy and following Roberts rules of order was a nice backdrop to the more typical UF fare of bad ass heroine, sexy hero and big gleaming swords. Enjoying the world and the deeper look at the relationship b/t the main characters.
My full review here
February 12, 2023
She is the vessel of a Celtic goddess. She is also a hunter and liaison between the vamps and humans. Clive who is the scion of Vegas accompanies Rowan to her first meeting to make changes to the vampire agreement. Fangs, magic, mayhem and dramatic spoiled humans abound.
A very good read, good balance of hot, intrigue and action. New book due Autumn this year. Am off to pre-order!
A very good read, good balance of hot, intrigue and action. New book due Autumn this year. Am off to pre-order!
April 25, 2014
Digital e-book
Rowan Summerwaite is finding her new position of liaison between the Hunter Corporation and the Vampire Nation challenging to say the least. Rowan's detractors do not
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
Rowan Summerwaite is finding her new position of liaison between the Hunter Corporation and the Vampire Nation challenging to say the least. Rowan's detractors do not
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
May 31, 2016
The world has really grown in this second book, with Dane finding deeper and richer aspects to the mythology. The romance also deepens and prospects for book 3 are looking VERY interesting. The series is really hitting its stride here.
October 26, 2019
Rowan Summerwaite
Clive Stewart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 stars
Read 12/8/14
Read 20/7/19
Clive Stewart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 stars
Read 12/8/14
Read 20/7/19
September 8, 2016
This is an amazing read very well written and full of action i can't wait to read the next installment!
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review.
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review.
Shelved as 'deals'
November 20, 201520 November 2015: $0.99 on Kindle
March 17, 2024
French & English reviews
Un deuxième tome qui est probablement mon favori de la série =)
On retrouve Rowan et Clive ici bien loin de Las Vegas mais en Allemagne pour un réunion entre Hunters et Vampires au sujet du traité et pour Rowan un retour à la "maison" ... Et j'ai adoré !
Des vampires et de la politique vampirique ?? Ajoutez à ça des conspirations, des ex et des vieux vampires homicidaires et j'allais forcément avoir un coup de cœur =) J'ai beaucoup aimé découvrir où avait grandi Rowan et tout son passé plus que complexe ... Sa relation avec Theo est compliquée, douloureuse et en même temps, je n'ai pu m'empêcher d'avoir un coup de cœur pour lui et la façon dont il l'adore !
J'ai également adoré voir sa relation avec Clive s'approfondir (il est tellement GÉNIAL ! C'est rare d'avoir des personnages masculins aussi badass qui respectent autant la force et les responsabilités de leur partenaire et je dois avouer que ça me ravit =D)
L'intrigue était bien tordue (tellement de crétins xD) et vu la fin flippante, j'ai hâte de voir Rowan partir pour se venger =)
Bref, un livre d'urban fantasy avec une pointe de romance qui ravira les fans de vampires !
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A second book which is probably my favorite in the series =)
We find Rowan and Clive here, far from Las Vegas but in Germany for a meeting between Hunters and Vampires about the treaty and for Rowan a return home ... And I loved it !
Vampires and vampire politics ?? Add to that conspiracies, exes and old homicidal vampires and I was bound to have a crush =) I really enjoyed discovering where she grew up and her whole more than complex past ... Her relationship with Theo is complicated, painful and at the same time, I couldn't help but have a crush on him and how he adores her !
I also loved seeing her relationship with Clive deepen (he's so AWESOME ! It's rare to have such badass male characters who respect their partner's strength and responsibilities so much and I must admit that it delights me =D)
The plot was very twisted (so many morons xD) and given the creepy ending, I can't wait to see Rowan leave for revenge =)
In short, an urban fantasy book with a touch of romance that will delight vampire fans !
Un deuxième tome qui est probablement mon favori de la série =)
On retrouve Rowan et Clive ici bien loin de Las Vegas mais en Allemagne pour un réunion entre Hunters et Vampires au sujet du traité et pour Rowan un retour à la "maison" ... Et j'ai adoré !
Des vampires et de la politique vampirique ?? Ajoutez à ça des conspirations, des ex et des vieux vampires homicidaires et j'allais forcément avoir un coup de cœur =) J'ai beaucoup aimé découvrir où avait grandi Rowan et tout son passé plus que complexe ... Sa relation avec Theo est compliquée, douloureuse et en même temps, je n'ai pu m'empêcher d'avoir un coup de cœur pour lui et la façon dont il l'adore !
J'ai également adoré voir sa relation avec Clive s'approfondir (il est tellement GÉNIAL ! C'est rare d'avoir des personnages masculins aussi badass qui respectent autant la force et les responsabilités de leur partenaire et je dois avouer que ça me ravit =D)
L'intrigue était bien tordue (tellement de crétins xD) et vu la fin flippante, j'ai hâte de voir Rowan partir pour se venger =)
Bref, un livre d'urban fantasy avec une pointe de romance qui ravira les fans de vampires !
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A second book which is probably my favorite in the series =)
We find Rowan and Clive here, far from Las Vegas but in Germany for a meeting between Hunters and Vampires about the treaty and for Rowan a return home ... And I loved it !
Vampires and vampire politics ?? Add to that conspiracies, exes and old homicidal vampires and I was bound to have a crush =) I really enjoyed discovering where she grew up and her whole more than complex past ... Her relationship with Theo is complicated, painful and at the same time, I couldn't help but have a crush on him and how he adores her !
I also loved seeing her relationship with Clive deepen (he's so AWESOME ! It's rare to have such badass male characters who respect their partner's strength and responsibilities so much and I must admit that it delights me =D)
The plot was very twisted (so many morons xD) and given the creepy ending, I can't wait to see Rowan leave for revenge =)
In short, an urban fantasy book with a touch of romance that will delight vampire fans !
March 29, 2018
Loved it. Rowan and Clive's steamy encounters are now peppered with many lovely Ahh heartfelt romantic moments and insights - this book solidifies a strong love story component. Although Clive knows where he wants their relationship to go, his responsiveness to what Rowan needs and his understanding of her fears is empowering and loving. There are also touching revelations regarding how much her Vampire Father and many others in her life care for her.
Although there is serious and graphic violence against Heroine Rowan at the end of book, it was within the context of story and I suspect a major plot twist *Spoiler Ahead* where several Vampire Scions volunteer their blood to save her life, is a keystone to her future gifts and strength required to fulfill her destiny.
Favourite quote from book comes near the end when her Mentor Susan has to do some serious scolding and mothering:
"... You make me so mad! I love you like you’re my own. Rex too. Even your horrid foster father is drowning in guilt over what happened to you. You don’t even see it. You don’t see how many people gathered here? Not because of duty. But because we know what you give up for us all. I hate it when you make light of what you do every day. Rex told me a long time ago to stop nagging you over it, but I’m going to right now because I’m scared to death. Yes, the job is dangerous, and yes, we all know it going in. But you have borne such a heavy price from such an early age it breaks my heart. So you will not apologize because you are loved. You will take your pills and you will let everyone fuss and you will not tear off after this monster until you are in tip-top shape once more. And then you will track her and kill her and we will move forward.”
Yup can't wait to read book three...
Although there is serious and graphic violence against Heroine Rowan at the end of book, it was within the context of story and I suspect a major plot twist *Spoiler Ahead* where several Vampire Scions volunteer their blood to save her life, is a keystone to her future gifts and strength required to fulfill her destiny.
Favourite quote from book comes near the end when her Mentor Susan has to do some serious scolding and mothering:
"... You make me so mad! I love you like you’re my own. Rex too. Even your horrid foster father is drowning in guilt over what happened to you. You don’t even see it. You don’t see how many people gathered here? Not because of duty. But because we know what you give up for us all. I hate it when you make light of what you do every day. Rex told me a long time ago to stop nagging you over it, but I’m going to right now because I’m scared to death. Yes, the job is dangerous, and yes, we all know it going in. But you have borne such a heavy price from such an early age it breaks my heart. So you will not apologize because you are loved. You will take your pills and you will let everyone fuss and you will not tear off after this monster until you are in tip-top shape once more. And then you will track her and kill her and we will move forward.”
Yup can't wait to read book three...
July 29, 2019
Omg, I can't believe I am typing this, but this book lacked content. So there is this treaty right, and there are changes to be made. The least the author could do was write the wording or details of the old treaty and then give the wording for the new one that is causing all the freaking conflicts.
Ps, The antagonists were extremely stupid. I half expected them to trip on their own stakes and just die. The "grand standings" were pathetic. A freaking powerless human insulting and mouthing off to several powerful vampire. Any UF fan should know that that's a justified killed.
In a bid to make the main character seems more like a bad ass, so many things that could have improved the depth of her character were lost. And she just seemed like a broken record with muscles for brains. Then the main character felt the need to repeat the same arguments almost verbatim over and over and over again, instead of just saying what exactly the treaty was being changed into, and why the change was slight or even how the hunters will use the treaty and how effective the change would be.
I mean if this treaty is the center of the book, build it. Let me see why I should care enough to vie for the main character. Don't just repeat the events of the last book over and over and freaking over again. "I had to bypass this person and go to the head honcho. Easy access to information!" Like duh! How does that translate?
The entire book felt like a poorly developed idea or a filler.
Ps, The antagonists were extremely stupid. I half expected them to trip on their own stakes and just die. The "grand standings" were pathetic. A freaking powerless human insulting and mouthing off to several powerful vampire. Any UF fan should know that that's a justified killed.
In a bid to make the main character seems more like a bad ass, so many things that could have improved the depth of her character were lost. And she just seemed like a broken record with muscles for brains. Then the main character felt the need to repeat the same arguments almost verbatim over and over and over again, instead of just saying what exactly the treaty was being changed into, and why the change was slight or even how the hunters will use the treaty and how effective the change would be.
I mean if this treaty is the center of the book, build it. Let me see why I should care enough to vie for the main character. Don't just repeat the events of the last book over and over and freaking over again. "I had to bypass this person and go to the head honcho. Easy access to information!" Like duh! How does that translate?
The entire book felt like a poorly developed idea or a filler.
August 21, 2018
I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know what happens next. My personal review of the book is as follows:
I really liked all of the depth and development of the relationship between the main character and her love interest. The only thing that I didn't like was all of the time spent on drama within the vampire faction, I personally feel like like more could have been added to the storyline if the drama would've been cut down to maybe a page. I'm interested in seeing where the storyline goes from here, I plan on downloading the next book in the series from the Nook store on my tablet as soon as I’ve finished posting this review. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 and a half out of 10.
I really liked all of the depth and development of the relationship between the main character and her love interest. The only thing that I didn't like was all of the time spent on drama within the vampire faction, I personally feel like like more could have been added to the storyline if the drama would've been cut down to maybe a page. I'm interested in seeing where the storyline goes from here, I plan on downloading the next book in the series from the Nook store on my tablet as soon as I’ve finished posting this review. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 and a half out of 10.
June 26, 2022
Take her or leave her Rowan is who she is and isn't apologetic. This series deals a lot more with the intricate plots and business ends of things with action sprinkled in. It might be "boring" but it's a nice switch from all of the action-packed books while still getting your dose of action in there. Rowan and Clive's relationship to me seems interesting, they don't know what they are but considering their interactions and their attraction to each other it seems to be progressing at a "normal" pace.
Overall, if you don't mind that a book deals with more of the "boring" parts of dealing with a lot of different groups but still having your action scenes in there then this series is for you. This is going on my re-reads section though so something is going right lol
Overall, if you don't mind that a book deals with more of the "boring" parts of dealing with a lot of different groups but still having your action scenes in there then this series is for you. This is going on my re-reads section though so something is going right lol
August 14, 2017
Rowan Summerwaite - laison between Hunters and vampires, is in her childhood home... further repairing her relationship with her godfather (head vampire, a bit prone to overreaction, who scarred her as a child when she was wrong, but who loved her, who killed her parents for breaking the rules)... while controlling the Hunter, and the contingent who want to wipe out all vampires... and dealing with the vampires who want vampires to rule humans -
She handles the politics with elegance, style, power... with Clive at her side aloowing her to do her...
She handles the politics with elegance, style, power... with Clive at her side aloowing her to do her...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2019
Double AWESOME
After having read the first awesome book I raced into the second which was even better. Rowan is just so kick ass but with her own vulnerabilities. I know he's scary but i like her foster dad and all the other characters who help to explain why she is like she is and at times, particularly with her scion, her softer side. But on the whole she is the snarky,bitchy, foul-mouthed Rowan that I've come to love. Seriously,read this series.
After having read the first awesome book I raced into the second which was even better. Rowan is just so kick ass but with her own vulnerabilities. I know he's scary but i like her foster dad and all the other characters who help to explain why she is like she is and at times, particularly with her scion, her softer side. But on the whole she is the snarky,bitchy, foul-mouthed Rowan that I've come to love. Seriously,read this series.
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