Kaity G. (asterravos) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book was an absolutely brilliant blend of the best aspects of historical romance and paranormal romance. I love the masquerades and other parties, gentlemen's clubs, forgotten propriety and general atmosphere of historicals. Gleason fit those all in seamlessly with my favorite paranormal aspects; a dark, cocky vampire hero, heart racing plot, seduction and especially the heroine's discovery of another world. This is the first historical paranormal romance I've read. I was expecting the different halves of the book to clash and stand out from one another. Instead, everything flowed wonderfully and I was left completely immersed in a supernatural regency England. I would definitely recommend this to any readers familiar with one genre and looking to try out the other, you won't be disappointed.
Not only was this new England as pleasure to read about, but I also fell completely in love with Angelica and Voss. Often times when the hero starts out as a rake, he doesn't remain in character after meeting the heroine which many readers find frustrating including myself. Gleason did an amazing job keeping Voss true to himself, allowing him to grow and not torment the reader too much while doing so. Angelica was a dream come true to read about. I adored her. She was funny and unbelievably caring. She wasn't weak but at the same time I felt she was very true to the time period.
I have very few complaints about this book. First off, I hated Chas and Maia and I think we were supposed to like them, especially since the sequel features Maia. I found her annoying and obnoxious. I liked Chas until he actually appeared in the story, then he became an inconsiderate, self righteous jerk. Maybe the reader is meant to feel this way, because I certainly don't see anything redeemable about him. Several pages from his 'POV' lead me to believe otherwise though. I really trudged through those pages though, definitely didn't need a love scene for a character I hated. My last, very minor issue, was with the prologue. I actually enjoyed it after I got a few chapters in, but I was very confused at first and that through me off. I'm not sure a reader who picked up the book in a store who reads the first few pages is going to get a feel for how the book really is.
Anyway, the negative aspects of this book were easy for me to ignore since the rest of the book was absolutely amazing. The masquerade was perfect. I haven't read anything so heart pumping and delicious in ages. The entire book could have been confusing and poorly done, and I still would have loved it just for this single scene.
To end this review, I want to briefly touch on the conclusion of the book, without spoiling anything of course. The last few chapters literally made me squeal. I loved it. The ending was deeply romantic and I've never encountered that type of solution to the blood lust issue before.
Not only was this new England as pleasure to read about, but I also fell completely in love with Angelica and Voss. Often times when the hero starts out as a rake, he doesn't remain in character after meeting the heroine which many readers find frustrating including myself. Gleason did an amazing job keeping Voss true to himself, allowing him to grow and not torment the reader too much while doing so. Angelica was a dream come true to read about. I adored her. She was funny and unbelievably caring. She wasn't weak but at the same time I felt she was very true to the time period.
I have very few complaints about this book. First off, I hated Chas and Maia and I think we were supposed to like them, especially since the sequel features Maia. I found her annoying and obnoxious. I liked Chas until he actually appeared in the story, then he became an inconsiderate, self righteous jerk. Maybe the reader is meant to feel this way, because I certainly don't see anything redeemable about him. Several pages from his 'POV' lead me to believe otherwise though. I really trudged through those pages though, definitely didn't need a love scene for a character I hated. My last, very minor issue, was with the prologue. I actually enjoyed it after I got a few chapters in, but I was very confused at first and that through me off. I'm not sure a reader who picked up the book in a store who reads the first few pages is going to get a feel for how the book really is.
Anyway, the negative aspects of this book were easy for me to ignore since the rest of the book was absolutely amazing. The masquerade was perfect. I haven't read anything so heart pumping and delicious in ages. The entire book could have been confusing and poorly done, and I still would have loved it just for this single scene.
To end this review, I want to briefly touch on the conclusion of the book, without spoiling anything of course. The last few chapters literally made me squeal. I loved it. The ending was deeply romantic and I've never encountered that type of solution to the blood lust issue before.
Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
Helpful Score: 1
Having read the Gardella Chronicles by Gleason and loving them, I was tickled to death to see her new trilogy of historical paranormals. While the level of mystery and suspense wasnt there as it was in the Gardella books, the sex level was definitely sizzling. I love the world that Gleason has created and especially the albatross that is around the neck of every vampire. The first thing they see upon waking (cat, dog, diamonds, a bird) is something that weakens them and can be used to control them. This is definitely a darker read than a lot of paranormal romance out there and I love this darker vampire world.
While I didnt care for Voss in the beginning, he did begin to grow on me and by the end I thoroughly enjoyed the bantering between him and Angelica. She is a much younger, livelier young woman than her sister, Maia, who is very straight laced. Shes funny and an excellent match for Voss. This book was a very fast read for me and I pretty much read it from start to finish in hours. Luckily I have the next two books in this series and can start them immediately.
While I didnt care for Voss in the beginning, he did begin to grow on me and by the end I thoroughly enjoyed the bantering between him and Angelica. She is a much younger, livelier young woman than her sister, Maia, who is very straight laced. Shes funny and an excellent match for Voss. This book was a very fast read for me and I pretty much read it from start to finish in hours. Luckily I have the next two books in this series and can start them immediately.
Helpful Score: 1
While I thought the unusual concept of how and why the Draculia came to be was interesting, the characters were not.
First off, I do not like to read about 19 year old heroines. Sorry, I don't care what time period they grew up in, if they have "old" souls, if they are mature beyond their years, etc. It just doesn't matter because I simply do not relate to these people. Heck when I WAS 19 I didn't want to read about 19 year old romance heroines.
Secondly, I don't mind that the hero is a reformed rake though Voss was not reformed when it started and honestly didn't seem reformed or on his way to reforming throughout the book.
Third, I like sex in my romances. Period. Oh there was sex alright, just never with each other. Voss screwed his way through a brothel pretty much throughout the book and did not make love to Angelica until the last few pages. How is that going to make me believe he loves her. The author tried to explain this away as part of his vampire nature but I didn't buy it.
Lastly, I don't mind the introduction of characters from future books but I do not want the bulk of their story told to me in books that are not their own.
All in all this did not cut it for me. I'm very much in the air about whether or not I'll read the rest. Honestly, I didn't like any of the future characters enough to care.
First off, I do not like to read about 19 year old heroines. Sorry, I don't care what time period they grew up in, if they have "old" souls, if they are mature beyond their years, etc. It just doesn't matter because I simply do not relate to these people. Heck when I WAS 19 I didn't want to read about 19 year old romance heroines.
Secondly, I don't mind that the hero is a reformed rake though Voss was not reformed when it started and honestly didn't seem reformed or on his way to reforming throughout the book.
Third, I like sex in my romances. Period. Oh there was sex alright, just never with each other. Voss screwed his way through a brothel pretty much throughout the book and did not make love to Angelica until the last few pages. How is that going to make me believe he loves her. The author tried to explain this away as part of his vampire nature but I didn't buy it.
Lastly, I don't mind the introduction of characters from future books but I do not want the bulk of their story told to me in books that are not their own.
All in all this did not cut it for me. I'm very much in the air about whether or not I'll read the rest. Honestly, I didn't like any of the future characters enough to care.
Helpful Score: 1
This story takes us into the world of the Draculia. Draculia bear the mark of Lucifer. They have been chosen specifically by Lucifer and will be called upon when they are needed. All of the Draculias are a result of Vlad Tepes's desire to rule Romania with an iron fist. This story centers around Voss and Angelica.
Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale (Draculia) has just become the guardian of his friend, Chas Woodmore, sisters. Chas is a human (and a vampire hunter). Two of the sisters have the gift of sight. The youngest sister, Sonia, decided to go into the convent and the other sister, Angelica, has embraced this ability and uses it to help others. She is able to see when a person is going to die. This is most valuable to certain vampires, one of which is Voss (good guy...kind of) and Cezar Moldavi (bad vamp).
Angelica has lived her entire life with the knowledge of when people will die. She is very strong because of it and feels that she was blessed with this. She actually doesn't even notice Voss first (what a hit to his ego) but instead notices his friend because she had seen his friend die in her dream (which she has never had before, she usually has to touch an article to see her vision) and she wanted to warn him. When she does finally notice Voss, she is intrigued. She wants to know his secrets.
Voss, Lord Dewhurst (a Draculia also) has returned after being away in the America's to maintain the illusion that he is the heir of the elder Lord Dewhurst returning to claim his inheritance. Unfortunately one of the many downsides to being immortal is this relocating nearly every three decades along with all the lies and halftruths. Voss is a man of information. His entire pre-Draculia life was in collecting and using information and now that he is immortal it is even more vital to know certain things about other immortals. One of things he has made his goal to figure out is every Draculia's Asthenia (vulnerability). Each Draculia has one thing that causes them great pain and great weakness. Voss's is hyssop and Dimitri's is rubies (interesting, huh). From what I understood the first thing that a newly made Draculia sees after waking up is what their weakness will be.
Voss and Dimitri have a tumultuous past. Dimitri has sworn off all the delights of what being Draculia encompasses and Voss embraces it. Dimitri and Voss had a run in nearly hundred years ago and Dimitri has not forgiven him for it at all. Voss must get his hands on Angelica. When he does, he knows he is in trouble. He wants more then to use her for her abilities, he wants to possess her fully. He knows that he can't do this to her and must walk away or he will only hurt her (very unusual for him).
Moldavi has no such qualms. He kidnaps her and tortures her trying to get her to use her powers to help him. Voss steps in and saves her but he also nearly destroys her because he gives in to his urges with her. Dimitri is furious and forbids Voss to ever see her again. But Voss has just found the secret on a way to be with Angelica without destroying her and can't wait to get back to her!
Some very unique twists to the typical vampire love story. Angelica is a very forward blunt woman for her time and her older sisters ability to get under Dimitri's skin is just hilarious! In my opinion it was okay. When I finished nothing made me think WOW but it also wasn't disappointing. I love historical and I love paranormal books so this was a nice mixture of both. I am looking forward to reading Dimitri's story in the next book.
Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale (Draculia) has just become the guardian of his friend, Chas Woodmore, sisters. Chas is a human (and a vampire hunter). Two of the sisters have the gift of sight. The youngest sister, Sonia, decided to go into the convent and the other sister, Angelica, has embraced this ability and uses it to help others. She is able to see when a person is going to die. This is most valuable to certain vampires, one of which is Voss (good guy...kind of) and Cezar Moldavi (bad vamp).
Angelica has lived her entire life with the knowledge of when people will die. She is very strong because of it and feels that she was blessed with this. She actually doesn't even notice Voss first (what a hit to his ego) but instead notices his friend because she had seen his friend die in her dream (which she has never had before, she usually has to touch an article to see her vision) and she wanted to warn him. When she does finally notice Voss, she is intrigued. She wants to know his secrets.
Voss, Lord Dewhurst (a Draculia also) has returned after being away in the America's to maintain the illusion that he is the heir of the elder Lord Dewhurst returning to claim his inheritance. Unfortunately one of the many downsides to being immortal is this relocating nearly every three decades along with all the lies and halftruths. Voss is a man of information. His entire pre-Draculia life was in collecting and using information and now that he is immortal it is even more vital to know certain things about other immortals. One of things he has made his goal to figure out is every Draculia's Asthenia (vulnerability). Each Draculia has one thing that causes them great pain and great weakness. Voss's is hyssop and Dimitri's is rubies (interesting, huh). From what I understood the first thing that a newly made Draculia sees after waking up is what their weakness will be.
Voss and Dimitri have a tumultuous past. Dimitri has sworn off all the delights of what being Draculia encompasses and Voss embraces it. Dimitri and Voss had a run in nearly hundred years ago and Dimitri has not forgiven him for it at all. Voss must get his hands on Angelica. When he does, he knows he is in trouble. He wants more then to use her for her abilities, he wants to possess her fully. He knows that he can't do this to her and must walk away or he will only hurt her (very unusual for him).
Moldavi has no such qualms. He kidnaps her and tortures her trying to get her to use her powers to help him. Voss steps in and saves her but he also nearly destroys her because he gives in to his urges with her. Dimitri is furious and forbids Voss to ever see her again. But Voss has just found the secret on a way to be with Angelica without destroying her and can't wait to get back to her!
Some very unique twists to the typical vampire love story. Angelica is a very forward blunt woman for her time and her older sisters ability to get under Dimitri's skin is just hilarious! In my opinion it was okay. When I finished nothing made me think WOW but it also wasn't disappointing. I love historical and I love paranormal books so this was a nice mixture of both. I am looking forward to reading Dimitri's story in the next book.
Michelle R. (mreneerouser) -
Helpful Score: 1
Here is my problem- I finished this book, thought it was pretty good but I wasn't wowed by it. However, I don't think it was the author's fault or the story, I think I'm just tired of vampire stories or certain paranormal stories and I want more out of my book.I just found myself yawning while reading and it wasn't in the middle of the night.
Here is my other problem, I remember what I didn't like about the story, but can't remember much good other than I finished it.
What I didn't like-
1) Voss- the author makes him to be an unlikeable character at the beginning. Usually when the author does this, the readers learn of the main character's redeeming qualities later in the story. Or, we find out the reasons why we don't like him. However, in The Vampire Voss, Voss's character just rubbed me the wrong way (not the good kinda rubbing!).
2) The pace of the story- ok, well that explains the earlier yawning. It was really slow at parts.
This is a scattered brained review and maybe I'll rewrite it when I can think about it more but overall, I liked the story but wasn't wowed.
Here is my other problem, I remember what I didn't like about the story, but can't remember much good other than I finished it.
What I didn't like-
1) Voss- the author makes him to be an unlikeable character at the beginning. Usually when the author does this, the readers learn of the main character's redeeming qualities later in the story. Or, we find out the reasons why we don't like him. However, in The Vampire Voss, Voss's character just rubbed me the wrong way (not the good kinda rubbing!).
2) The pace of the story- ok, well that explains the earlier yawning. It was really slow at parts.
This is a scattered brained review and maybe I'll rewrite it when I can think about it more but overall, I liked the story but wasn't wowed.
I've mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed the time period. I strongly disliked Voss, and liked how Angelica didn't make things easy for him. He does redeem himself later. The ending was a bit surprising, unexpected.
now i have read all the books-for now! love them too.
