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teresab78's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
xavierprice's review against another edition
3.0
The Blood Boss offers a unique view on paranormal, but sadly doesn’t stick the landing.
whatthefridge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The story is serviceable, but I think the pacing is all over the place, especially with key developments happening off-page. The build up to Jayce and Cain getting together feels too sluggish and then it immediately switches to them pouncing on each other with barely a transition. The pacing of the sex goes by so quickly it’s like the author wants it done as fast as possible, but then it’s the same rapid pacing for the fight scenes, with barely any descriptions to keep me gripped.
The connection between Jayce and Cain feels artificial at best. Hard to care about them, which is a damn shame because this is finally a book that gives proper credit to adoptive parents. They’re not a huge part of the story, but Jayce never dismisses them as less meaningful to him just because they’re not related by blood.
However, the lack of chemistry extends to the secondary characters. I don’t care about any of them. There’s no personality to anyone, nor is there actual on-page relationship building.
Jayce’s defining characteristic is asking a million questions, but he wouldn’t have to if the rest of the cast wasn’t verbally constipated about everything. It’s the only way to get exposition, which is like a one trick pony.
As for a plot inconsistency, Cain has a curse that he feels pain whenever he drinks blood, and yet when he drinks Jayce’s blood for their little bonding ceremony, there’s no mention of Cain realizing he’s not in pain.
And a plot hole, in the final battle, there’s zero precautions taken for any of the merfolk being able to use their voices as weapons, except, at the same time, none of them ever do. Sable, whose voice is never taken from her, gets killed like it’s no big deal. Extremely disappointing end to a disappointing book that I practically skimmed just to push through to the final page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Death, Gore, Torture, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
si_si's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
adrobere's review against another edition
5.0
Reading Davidson King books is always comfortable. They remind me of Sunday afternoon reads, the kind you can’t put down and have to read in one seating.
The Blood Boss is a little fantasy, a little romance, and a little humor.
Cain has a deep backstory that is slowly revealed over time with some interesting twist. I enjoyed slowly reading more and more throughout the book instead of one giant reveal. Jayce was much of the same with a backstory that is slowly revealed throughout the book. The characters played off each other nicely. There was no insta-love for our MCs, but once that connection was made it was beautiful.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
The Blood Boss is a little fantasy, a little romance, and a little humor.
Cain has a deep backstory that is slowly revealed over time with some interesting twist. I enjoyed slowly reading more and more throughout the book instead of one giant reveal. Jayce was much of the same with a backstory that is slowly revealed throughout the book. The characters played off each other nicely. There was no insta-love for our MCs, but once that connection was made it was beautiful.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
lydiaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Interesting plot/world-building but the romance felt oddly paced and I just never could stay invested in it
samamber82's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 stars
Free on Audible Plus
For a vampire book it was all very twee. Im in more of a dark mood recently but regardless of that this was an interesting world and story.
Nice n easy weekend listening 🎧
Free on Audible Plus
For a vampire book it was all very twee. Im in more of a dark mood recently but regardless of that this was an interesting world and story.
Nice n easy weekend listening 🎧
moolissap's review against another edition
5.0
Look Ahead
What I wouldn’t give to live in a world created by Davidson King. I mean, I may have to sleep with all my lights on and the doors locked, possibly set some booby traps, but hey, it’d be worth it. The incredible and fantastical world in Black Veil is to die for. *pun intended* With so many surprises and twists that kept me gasping long into the night, I didn’t want this book to end. We have vampires, witches, merfolk and above all Cain—one of my favorite names—and Jayce. These two are a fairy tale all of their own. “I’d die a million times if it meant you’d live in peace.” Do vampires swoon? I know I did. I love, love, love them and squealed when all was revealed and yet I have the feeling it’s just the beginning of what we can expect. I can’t wait to return as I love these characters, this world, and am everlastingly grateful that it’s just the beginning of what I know will be an amazing series.
What I wouldn’t give to live in a world created by Davidson King. I mean, I may have to sleep with all my lights on and the doors locked, possibly set some booby traps, but hey, it’d be worth it. The incredible and fantastical world in Black Veil is to die for. *pun intended* With so many surprises and twists that kept me gasping long into the night, I didn’t want this book to end. We have vampires, witches, merfolk and above all Cain—one of my favorite names—and Jayce. These two are a fairy tale all of their own. “I’d die a million times if it meant you’d live in peace.” Do vampires swoon? I know I did. I love, love, love them and squealed when all was revealed and yet I have the feeling it’s just the beginning of what we can expect. I can’t wait to return as I love these characters, this world, and am everlastingly grateful that it’s just the beginning of what I know will be an amazing series.
hippiedaizy's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, please! I really liked the start of this new series. Can't wait for more!!
cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's review against another edition
4.25
I enjoyed this & I’m glad there’s 2 more books to flesh out Cain & Jace’s relationship & story. We do leave this book with Jace needing to be bitten to stay alive, now I’m not certain how vampirism negates his other gifts from not only his parents but also by those who were left behind. Cain does mention that it will take time for Jace’s vampire gifts to appear. Listened via Anyplay.