The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire #2) by Clay and Susan Griffith Plus GIVEAWAY!

Description:

Princess Adele struggles with a life of marriage and obligation as her Equatorian Empire and their American Republic allies stand on the brink of war against the vampire clans of the north. However, the alliance's horrific strategy for total victory drives Adele to abandon her duty and embark on a desperate quest to keep her nation from staining its hands with genocide. Reunited with her great love, the mysterious adventurer known to the world as the Greyfriar, Adele is pursued by her own people as well as her vengeful husband, senator Clark. With the human alliance in disarrray, Prince Cesare, lord of the British vampire clan, seizes the initiative and strikes at the very heart of Equatoria. 

As Adele labors to bring order to her world, she learns more about the strange powers she exhibited in the north. Her teacher, Mamoru, leads a secret cabal of geomancers who believe Adele is the one who can touch the vast power of the Earth that surges through ley lines and wells up at the rifts where the lines meet. These energies are the key to defeating the enemy of mankind, and if Princess Adele could ever bring this power under her command, she could be death to vampires. But such a victory will also cost the life of Adele's beloved Greyfriar. 

The Rift Walker is the second book in a trilogy of high adventure and alternative history. Combining rousing pulp action with steampunk style, the Vampire Empire series brings epic politcal themes to life within a story of heartbreaking romance, sacrifice, and heroism.

Well, you might remember that I reviewed the first book The Greyfriar shortly after my steampunk week because I just couldn't stop reading steampunk! I was excited to get the second book in this trilogy for review. For those that have yet to read the first book I will try, as I usually do, to avoid spoilage. I mean no one wants a rotten book review! ;)

This one was action packed pretty much from the beginning. And although Adele was the main character of the first book, I felt it was more The Greyfriar's hero story. In this one Adele plays a wonderful heroine and even is able to take care of the indestructible Greyfriar! I loved that turn of events. Adele really comes into her own power not only as a heroine but as a woman, and a leader. So for those who love a strong woman lead, you will enjoy this book immensely.

The romance continues within this book as well. Often within books that have characters who cannot see how they can be together, we, as readers, often can see the path on which they could take to become that couple they seek. With this couple I cannot see how they could ever be together on a permanent basis. Too many things conspire against them. I have never come across such a tragic romance before and it makes the tension delectable. You wonder if stolen moments will ever be enough.

In the end, I give this book 4 1/2 stars. It is a trilogy so it should be read in order. If you are a fan of a different type of vampire, fantasy, UF, PNR, and/or steampunk you really should read these books! It has something for just about everyone.
I was given this ARC by the publisher PYR and no compensation for my review was given.

Guess what??? The publisher contacted me and there is a giveaway of this book! TWO winners!! Squee! Oh and guess what international people? It is international! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Good luck!