Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
- YA, paranormal, romance -
reviewed by Tara SG
purchased eBook via Amazon.com
Book Order (Drake Chronicles)
- Hearts at Stake * * * 3/4
- Blood Feud * * * 3/4
- Out for Blood (Dec 21, 2010)
- Untitled (Nov 2011)
Links
Author’s Website : www.alyxandraharvey.com
Add To Your GoodReads TBR List
This book in 6 words:
flashbacks and magic created new dynamic
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I enjoyed Hearts at Stake and since I have Out for Blood to review, I went ahead a read this as soon as I finished the first book. I liked the action more and felt like it had an older feel (without being adult), however, I really wanted to see more Lucy and I still have some answered questions.
I’m very much so looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend you give this a try even if you felt the first book was a little young.
Brief Summary
The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge. It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.
The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.
This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.
- via GoodReads.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
This one picks up not even a week after the last book ends and the action is still in high gear. I liked the added Hounds storyline. It was interested to learn more about there “feral” vampires and their magic. Even more interesting was the historical flashbacks where we get to see parts of Isabeau’s human life. There wasn’t much mystery to this one. We knew who the bad guy was and what he wanted, but that didn’t make the story less tense.
Characters
Although I missed Lucy and Nicholas (not that we don’t get to see them a little), I really enjoyed Logan and Isabeau. Logan is constantly being teased by his family for his love of pirate shirts and frock coats. However, his penchant for old customs and romantic notions are what make his the perfect match for the Hound Princess.
Isabeau had a life of luxury for the first 16 years of her life. These were followed up by her parents beheadings, life on the streets, and finally being turned by a vampire and buried for 200 years. She is tough, smart, and trying to find her place. I liked her humor and strength.
Favorite Quotes
“Your dogs have a ‘find Montmartre’ command?” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered with a dark smile. “You forget how much we dislike him.”
Recommendations
I would recommend you give this a try even if you didn’t love the first book in the series.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I have it sitting on my TBR pile, just waiting to be read haha brilliant review
This does sound like a series I might enjoy. Seems like there is a lot going on.
I haven’t read Hearts at Stake but I think I will add both to my wishlist.
Thanks Tara. I hope you enjoy the next book, too.
@ Melissa : Thanks
It was better than I expected!
@ Missie : I think it’s worth checking out. The first book is a little lighter than the second two, but still good.