Blood Rage (The Dream-Walker War) [Kindle Edition]

I won't bother with the usual intro as most readers hate the constant repeats.

I really gave this book 2.5 stars because I liked the second half of the book but the ending left me confused. The first half's pacing was off as the author revealed every mystery and didn't leave anything to the imagination. I have never read anything quite like it, and I'm left scratching my head thinking what just happened. When the action finally started it went very well especially compaired to the first half of the book. Just when you think its going to go well and continue on thinking the author finally got the hang of it when it aprubtly ended with no real conclusion to the murders but did include a very large happy ever after ending. WTH???? This story could have been great. I really liked the author's world and I finally connected to the characters, but the ending, with not much of a conclusion, left me hanging and not in a cliff-hanger kind of way. The pacing was disjointed at best and that's a shame because I really like Tory Michaels world. If the author could rethink how she can create a mystery and keep people wanting more this could be a really good series. I will take a chance again on Tory's writing as I can see she can be really good. So was it enough to keep me off forever? No, I will try this author again as I hope she will get better with time and I think she will. (less)

BRIEF SUMMARY
Since the great awakening, vampires and humans have lived together. With the peace created amongst them, that peace is disrupted when bodies turns up. These bodies show signs of vampires who once terrorized Europe. Now Dara, the chief of The Bureau and Anthony, the head of the vampire council who were I involved centuries ago must now work together.

THOUGHTS

As this was the authors first novel, I found it different and engaging. I was definitely taken to another world in which the author sets the foundation for (The Dream- The Walker) series. Instead of just the usual fangs and your typical vampire settings, we were given telepathy, telekinesis, aged old vampires, vampire council, the bureau, and humans living amongst non-human. A mix of formulas that I believed presented me with an interesting read. Also, each chapter starts with a notations referring to that chapter and it was telling.

Dara and Anthony complemented each other. In the beginning, they had this tug and pull chemistry and relationship, as Dara still despised Anthony for the past. I enjoyed what the author did by periodically going from past to present showing their connection and their history together which was nearly two centuries ago. As brief as it was, I enjoyed their actual meeting in 1808. There is nothing better than reading the characteristics of vampires but also their surroundings, which completes the atmosphere of the story that pulls you in. I also enjoyed the other characters, especially Chris, Dara's friend. I enjoyed her charisma.

With an engaging climax and plot I enjoyed it. There were a few up and down peaks throughout the read, but the story still had me going.

Length: 294 pg.
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: GOOD

Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Available on Amazon, Bookstrand, All Romance E-books, and Evernight Publishing
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Tory Michaels has created an amazing world and put some interesting twists on vampires as we know them, as well as other non-human species. I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to read this story and am personally looking forward to the release of book 2 in March.

Here's the blurb:

For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.

The Bureau's chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire's Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling.

The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it. Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.

I have to say that I loved the characters and the dark tone of the whole novel. Anthony and Dara together make for a wonderful couple. Anthony is sinfully delicious and alpha. Dara is strong and loyal to her family.

The author rights in a way that grabs your attention so that you can't put the story down, I finished the entire book in one day (and got absolutely nothing done mind you) I just didn't want to stop reading and I am honestly sad that the story is over simply because I wish to read more about these two characters that I enjoyed so much.

The non-humans live openly in the world and have partnered with the government in order to keep things peaceful between all races, but their is a specific, copycat group, determined to undermine everything that Dara and Michael had worked towards to maintain a peace between all species. On the verge of an all out war, and forced to face a past that devastated her, Dara and Anthony team together to put an stop to the group and end up reigniting the flame of desire between the two of them that never truly disappeared when Dara walked out on Anthony two centuries ago.

The ending, albeit a happy one that helped end the story on a lighter note than the tone of the whole novel, felt a tad rushed to me, but overall I am happy with how Anthony and Dara were able to resolve their issues and end up with their HEA. They truly are a couple that was meant to be together.

This is a must read and I am very much looking forward to more of Tory Michael's works particularly in the Dream Walker War Series.

My Rating: 4/5 Lattes

All My Best,

Kayla