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write_of_passages's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Coming to this one after reading the Haven Hart series, overall I was underwhelmed. I adore the idea of the world and it's just fascinating enough to read all the way through. I do feel that the characters are lacking in depth (I couldn't connect to them) and wished we had more world-building to truly bring this series to life. In sum, I did read all the way through, but ended up skimming over the steamy scenes and reading without any emotional connection. However, this book is great for those times when you are completely tapped out emotionally and just need something to take your mind elsewhere.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe? Again, this is a great read for needing no emotional intensity but a distraction. I'd re-read the Haven Hart series first.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As mentioned, I really couldn't connect with either Cain (The Blood Boss) or Jayce. The ideas for both of them are great, but it all remains just that: potential. I simply didn't have enough time or scenes to get to really know them or establish a connection with them. There is very little vulnerability in Cain, for one, and for what Jayce goes through and finds out about himself, his own emotional intensity felt a bit flat. Additionally, they aren't 'fated' or anything like that, but suddenly it's a switch flipped and they are completely connected lovers, which didn't feel realistic to me either.
PLOT: Humans and supernaturals live side by side in the world now and it's fairly balanced, except secrets about Jayce get out that will upset the balance and cause chaos and war. So Jayce works with Cain to avert that war and stay alive while developing a romantic relationship on the side. It's evenly paced, I'd say fast-paced simply because we don't get enough of the richness and depth to bring the world to life. It ends fairly quickly, without much issue. No high stakes, but HEA. Honestly it simply distracted my mind and for that I'm grateful!
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1:5/low. A great beach read for those of us who don't read a typical 'beach read'.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
25%. I mean, they succeed and it's a HEA? But there really wasn't much connection to fulfill.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe? Again, this is a great read for needing no emotional intensity but a distraction. I'd re-read the Haven Hart series first.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As mentioned, I really couldn't connect with either Cain (The Blood Boss) or Jayce. The ideas for both of them are great, but it all remains just that: potential. I simply didn't have enough time or scenes to get to really know them or establish a connection with them. There is very little vulnerability in Cain, for one, and for what Jayce goes through and finds out about himself, his own emotional intensity felt a bit flat. Additionally, they aren't 'fated' or anything like that, but suddenly it's a switch flipped and they are completely connected lovers, which didn't feel realistic to me either.
PLOT: Humans and supernaturals live side by side in the world now and it's fairly balanced, except secrets about Jayce get out that will upset the balance and cause chaos and war. So Jayce works with Cain to avert that war and stay alive while developing a romantic relationship on the side. It's evenly paced, I'd say fast-paced simply because we don't get enough of the richness and depth to bring the world to life. It ends fairly quickly, without much issue. No high stakes, but HEA. Honestly it simply distracted my mind and for that I'm grateful!
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1:5/low. A great beach read for those of us who don't read a typical 'beach read'.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
25%. I mean, they succeed and it's a HEA? But there really wasn't much connection to fulfill.
kashonna12's review against another edition
5.0
This new series is wonderful. I love this new take on paranormals. Cain, our broody vampire, is the first vampire ever. I loved reading his backstory and how he became what he is. It was so sad, but interesting. It didn't involve the normal ways vampires are made/born and I loved that. The difference was refreshing. Jayce, our resident human, was cute. I loved that he really wasn't this weak human. He didn't cower in the presence of Cain. He didn't go out of his way to be rude, but he also didn't allow Cain or any of the others to walk over him.
I loved the world building! Learning how the paranormals came to Earth was fascinating. It surpised me that Davidson would use that reason for their presence, but I liked it. Learning that each group pretty much stays to themselves was interesting. I would have thought they'd want to mingle with each other, but that's not the case. It was even more mind blowing to see the hierarchy within the communities.
This book was a great intro to the series. We get to see how everything is set up with the communities and characters. We learn that humans still suck, lol. And we get to see what the fall out is when separates species intermingle. All in all, this new series is great and I can't wait to read more.
I loved the world building! Learning how the paranormals came to Earth was fascinating. It surpised me that Davidson would use that reason for their presence, but I liked it. Learning that each group pretty much stays to themselves was interesting. I would have thought they'd want to mingle with each other, but that's not the case. It was even more mind blowing to see the hierarchy within the communities.
This book was a great intro to the series. We get to see how everything is set up with the communities and characters. We learn that humans still suck, lol. And we get to see what the fall out is when separates species intermingle. All in all, this new series is great and I can't wait to read more.
latoinombra's review against another edition
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? No
3.5
sassy_booklover's review against another edition
5.0
Another wonderful book from Meredith King. Venturing into paranormal territory we meet Cain who is the king of vampires, and Jayce, who is something else altogether. Jayce is headstrong with a deep love of family. Cain is a dark soul who works hard to maintain the peace. Together they will combust and must fight to keep their love safe. I also love Emil and his snark and hope he gets his own story soon. Hoping this leads to another wonderful series.
sassy_booklover's review
5.0
Another wonderful book from Meredith King. Venturing into paranormal territory we meet Cain who is the king of vampires, and Jayce, who is something else altogether. Jayce is headstrong with a deep love of family. Cain is a dark soul who works hard to maintain the peace. Together they will combust and must fight to keep their love safe. I also love Emil and his snark and hope he gets his own story soon. Hoping this leads to another wonderful series.
audiobook_chaos's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I’ve listened to a lot of Davidson Kings books but this is my first PNR from her and I really enjoyed it .
kaity_b's review
2.0
2 stars
well that was the most monotonous book i have ever listened/read. the characters were flat and i think if it wasn't for the audiobook i would have dnf'ed real fast. i felt no chemistry between any of the characters, romantic or platonic!
i liked Davidson King's "Haven Hart" series, but this book was just a bucket of boring. oh well you win some you lose some.
well that was the most monotonous book i have ever listened/read. the characters were flat and i think if it wasn't for the audiobook i would have dnf'ed real fast. i felt no chemistry between any of the characters, romantic or platonic!
i liked Davidson King's "Haven Hart" series, but this book was just a bucket of boring. oh well you win some you lose some.
gatun's review
5.0
Wonderful start to a new series
Edited to include the audiobook from Tantor Audio.
I enjoyed reading The Blood Boss when it was released in August of 2021. I received a copy of the audiobook a few days ago and finished listening to this afternoon. Wow, this is a series that will be an automatic pre-order in book e-book, and audiobook format. What did I like? Ang man with darkness in his heart; a cinnamon roll who is more than cinnamon and sugar.; several side characters I like, vampires, sirens, triton (guy mermen), sky gods, witches, and a universe aching to be explored. A universe that will include dragons. Dragons! What I did not like? Waiting for the next book. This was my first experience with Tim Paige and Declan Winters. They did a good job. Black Veil Series Book 2 is an automatic preorder.
Tantor Audio provided a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Edited to include the audiobook from Tantor Audio.
I enjoyed reading The Blood Boss when it was released in August of 2021. I received a copy of the audiobook a few days ago and finished listening to this afternoon. Wow, this is a series that will be an automatic pre-order in book e-book, and audiobook format. What did I like? Ang man with darkness in his heart; a cinnamon roll who is more than cinnamon and sugar.; several side characters I like, vampires, sirens, triton (guy mermen), sky gods, witches, and a universe aching to be explored. A universe that will include dragons. Dragons! What I did not like? Waiting for the next book. This was my first experience with Tim Paige and Declan Winters. They did a good job. Black Veil Series Book 2 is an automatic preorder.
Tantor Audio provided a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting premise. Wasn't sold on the relationship arc--parts of it felt very "okay, look, I just want them in love now so here it is" without the proper build-up. Maybe a me thing. Who knows? Either way, the inclusion of so many fantastical species was fun and the world certainly has room for more stories.