Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
outstanding!, 7 Sep 2007
I have truly enjoyed Blood Moon and The Brotherhood, the first two in the Blood Moon series, but have so waited for The Ravening, the third book. I have heard there will be more Blood Moon vamp books down the road, but for now this completes the arc of this trilogy. And WOW! Dawn Thompson conjured up a new vampire hybrid in a market, when everyone said nothing could be done that hasn't already been done. Thompson does what she is best at - goes back to the original roots of mythology, in this case, back to where vampire lore started. She created a hybrid of Stoker's Dracula and Regency Romance, a period where Thompson seems most at home. She made the series new, without all the modern day trappings, and got it back to its dark origins, in a sexy, savvy series of both that please horror readers as well as romance readers.
IN creating Milosh, the Gypsy vampire hunter, she gave us a hero that was itching to break out into his own book. Finally, we get to see Milosh in his full glory. Milosh has lived over four centuries now. Milosh is a vampire, but because of the Blood Moon Ceremony, he is able to live his life in control of the hunger that affects vampires. He has tirelessly worked to see others like him protected the world from the undead monsters that stalk unsuspecting humans. He's formed the Brotherhood, those like him that are dedicated to stopping the evil menace. Only, even he is not above the rule of the Brotherhood, and it may cost him his life.
The book takes up in Cumberland, England in the late 1800s, the Victorian era. Milosh is a legend among the vampire hunters, but he still must face his ancient enemy, Sebastian Valentine. Sebastian's trail has brought Milosh near Whitebrair Abbey, where the Hyde-Whites now live (first two books). Only the place is now in ruins. He pauses to rest in the burnt out ruins, and there meets Paloma, a beautiful Gypsy.
Paloma has been bitten and needs blood, and she makes the mistake of biting Milosh. In a bizarre change, she is now immune from the vampire blood lust, but Milosh has been turned back into what he hates most - a vampire. Only, in taking the blood that has saved her, she becomes the target of those wanting the power her blood now contains.
Milosh calls upon the Brotherhood to save her, no longer believing he can control his blood ravening. The Brotherhood that he built may have to kill him to keep her safe. The only thing that can save him is The Blood Moon Ceremony. But will he be able to perform the ceremony in time? The next cycle would be two years away; too late to save him. It's now or never.
The Ravening is very much a stand-alone story, but for pure enjoyment read all three in order. Thompson, one of the most beautiful writers in romance today, has done a knock out job of delivering an amazing trilogy. Dark, sexy, scary. It just doesn't get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
|
|
|
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
W-O-W! , 5 Sep 2007
Set in Cumberland, England, 1871. Milosh has lived over four centuries. He is a vampire-hunter. During this long space of time his name has become legend. Milosh is a vampire, but has no blood lust due to a blood moon ritual. He is alive, not undead. Milosh tracks an age-old nemesis, Sebastian Valentine. Sebastian is a monster able to take the form of a wolf or multiple bats at will. Once again the hunt has brought Milosh to Whitebriar Abbey, home to his close friends, the Hyde-Whites. However, Whitebriar Abbey is in ruins. The place had been destroyed by fire only six months prior. As Milosh takes shelter in the crumbling mound he comes across a young gypsy, Palmona; and for the first time in centuries, finds love. But Milosh lets down his guard for a moment, and Palmona, needing blood, bites Milosh. The result is that Palmona becomes immune to the blood lust and Milosh loses his immunity.
Palmona had been dancing under the moonlight when Sebastian mesmerized her. He would have succeeded in changing her had the members of her caravan not heard her scream and come searching. In fear, the caravan leaves Palmona to die. Palmona flees the call of the wolves and takes temporary shelter in some ruins. There, she meets Milosh. Legend says that Milosh knows a cure for vampirism; so Palmona stays in hopes of getting the cure. At first, Palmona fears the Romanian (with good reason). But it does not take long for the young gypsy to fall in love with Milosh. During a moment of weakness, Palmona gives into the blood lust. It is a moment she long regrets. Other vampires quickly learn that Palmona took the White Wolf's blood and is immune to the blood lust. Palmona is now the target of all the night creatures. Milosh, the vampire-hunter, has become that which he has hunted for four centuries.
Milosh calls upon the Brotherhood to keep her safe, even from him. The Brotherhood obeys Milosh, but call upon the Hyde-Whites to strike the death blow, should it be needed. Milosh and Palmona race to get the ingredients for the Blood Moon ritual. The time of the eclipse draws near. Another will not come for over two years; far too late for Milosh. As the duo race against time, Sebastian and his minions are on their trail, and friends watch in hopes of a miracle.
***** This is the third book in the Blood Moon series. Readers have been waiting for Milosh to get his own story, myself included, and this tale was definitely worth the wait. The author did a wonderful job. There were times in the story that I saw no way for Milosh and Palmona to win. Characters from the two previous books (the Hyde-Whites) eventually enter the story, giving the entire series a more realistic touch. If you have not read the first two books, do not worry; this is a stand-alone story. However, I highly recommend that you pick up the first two titles (Blood Moon & The Brotherhood) and read all three in order. Should you do so, you will get a much deeper emotional impact. And as you begin reading, hold onto the seat of your pants, because you are in for one heck of a ride on the darker side! *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
|
|
|
|
by Dawn Thompson
by Dawn Thompson
by Dawn Thompson
by Alexandra Ivy
by Dawn Thompson
