Unabridged
11 hrs. 11 min.
Published: 12/21/10
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Source: Hoopla/Library
They killed me. They healed me. They changed me. Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world---and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker...and this one decided that the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead. Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects my gratitude---and servitude. Right. But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches? My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war---and there will be blood.My thoughts:
This is a series I've been wanting to get into for a while now. Many, many people have recommended this series and I finally decided since my library had several of these I would put them in the rotation. I was glad that I did.
We see the world through Merit a girl who did not have the best childhood, but thanks to her grandpa she was able to carve out some happiness and supplemented her family with good friends. Speaking of the new found family I have to say that I really loved all the secondary characters. They really made the world easy to embrace.
While I loved Merit and the secondary characters the plot seemed a bit uneven but not enough to pull me out of the story. I feel this has more to do with establishing the world. I also did not warm to any possible love interests for Merit, but then neither did she (even though she is frustratingly interested in one particular vampire...). I'm curious where the plot will take us next. This does not mean it had a cliffie, but it did leave a story arc open. One that will probably take us through a few books.
I give this book 4 stars. It is a good start to a UF series I know I will enjoy.
I'm glad you're finally jumping into this. I've had my ups and downs with this series but 11 books in, I'm still looking forward to each new installment. There was only one time when I was tempted to give up, but that too sorted itself out.
ReplyDeleteHm... I'll keep that in mind.
DeleteI haven't started this series yet but I definitely want to as I've heard so much about it. I'll definitely have to get on this one. Fantastic review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteThat is what I thought! :D Glad my library has these.
DeleteI liked the beginning of this series but by book 5 it completely lost me and my love for this series went away. I hope you continue to enjoy the books in this series.
ReplyDeleteOh darn. I'm wondering if it was the same for Maja. Will keep it in mind.
DeleteI wasn't wow'd by the first book so I guess I didn't continue but that's actually normal for UF so I should probably try to read the second book and see what I think. I'm glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't wow'ed either, but a lot of UF runs the same way. :)
DeleteI read this one and haven't continued the series. I liked it but wasn't over the moon, still I hope to give it another try.
ReplyDeleteYea, UF tends to go that way a lot. Usually I give it at least 2 or 3 books to really capture me.
DeleteI never tried this series Melissa but i'm happy you enjoyed this one. I'll make a mental note to start it when i'm in the mood for UF.
ReplyDeleteLily @ Lilysbookblog
I hope you enjoy!
DeleteI liked it, and then I did not
ReplyDeleteLOL! I think I know what you mean.
DeleteDamn, I want to continue this series, but I read this one a couple years ago and feel like I need to re-read before I move on. Glad you liked it, maybe I get back into it soon.
ReplyDeleteYou might try the next book. Often it takes me a bit but most of it comes back to me.
DeleteI also really need to start this series. I have the 3 first books in French but haven't read them yet. soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope it translates well for you.
DeleteGlad that you enjoyed this despite it having a plot that was a bit uneven. Hopefully this is something that will be rectified in future books
ReplyDeleteIt usually does with UF. :)
DeleteOh yay! I loved that series. I'm a bit behind now though. I really need to grab them up again soon. Glad to see you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI hope I enjoy it as much as you do!
DeleteI have quite a few friends who like this series. I hear it gets better.
ReplyDeletebtw - I love your cute audio book graphic.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Glad you're getting into this one; I struggled a bit with the plot engagement in this first one too, but the series picks up pretty well after this. There were a few sticking points along the way in the future too, but I'm still enjoying them for the most part :)
ReplyDeleteHope you continue!
~ Liza @ Classy Cat Books
I love this series! Yay for you finally starting it and getting on the Merit bandwagon! Woot!
ReplyDeleteI've not read this series either. I've heard both good and bad, and I'm not sure I'm ready to invest the time. But if the audio is decent, I may go that way instead.
ReplyDeleteI read the first one. I loved the secondary characters and the power play between Ethan and Merit. Merit was such a strong character. I just haven't read any of the rest of the books. I wonder if I'd like the audio?? You didn't say how the narration was. What about it? Did you like that?
ReplyDeleteI recently did this on audio and really liked it, though I did feel like you that no love interest really stood out and the secondary characters were all kind of slammed in there. I liked the next book a lot more. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I have yet to read her adult books. (which I need too)
ReplyDelete