Title: Shadow of the Vampire Publisher: HQN Books (Harlequin)
ISBN: 978-0373775002
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance
Series: No
Category: Adult
Reviews At: ATM, Goodreads, Amazon
In this amazing new novel by Meagan Hatfield, you will be swept up in the immediate action, intrigued by the mysterious events, and mesmerized by the dynamic characters and the tragedies and triumphs that surround them, that make up Shadow of the Vampire.
War between clans was growing more fierce, claiming too many lives. Desperate to change the course of events, a dragon King, one of the last of his kind, makes a bold and costly decision. He sets out to seek revenge on his enemies, the vampires, for the deaths of his parents, and to capture a powerful crystal in their possession, said through ancient prophecy, that it had the ability to change the fates of his people.
Declan Black was determined not to see the remaining dragons, who looked to him as their new leader, be decimated in numbers until they eventually would cease to exist at all. But, little did he know that the daughter of the vampire Queen, Alexia, had too much at stake to simply allow Declan to walk in and take the valuable crystal out from underneath her nose. Unfortunately for Declan, he quickly finds himself in the hold of the enemy.
During the time of Declan's capture, a series of unplanned events take place that, much to his dismay, end up tying him to his sexy, blond captor. And Declan is not the only one who senses that his time in captivity has unleashed a turn in emotions and loyalty. Alexia, the sole heir to her mother's thrown, is tragically alone in the caves of her royal palace, without the necessary support, love, and guidance she desperately needs and seeks. With the surprising help of her new prisoner, Alexia is slowly awakened to reality that maybe not is all as it seems in her own kingdom, as well as the taught hate towards her enemy, and may have to lean on Declan for more than support.
Caught in the feud between clans, the demands of their positions, and the forbidden lust and love that develops between the two, bot Alexia and Declan are forced to make tough decisions that may have irreversible consequences for both them and their people.
Our hero and heroine both portray strong characteristics of those from two different clans with different perspectives. The tragic events (including physical and emotional abuse) and loneliness that surround Alexia, has you gaining more and more sympathy for her as you get to know her. But, not so much that you think her weak. In fact, I found her to be a survivor who wants to be the best leader for her people, and who grows stronger and more confident as the tale unfolds while still maintaining a sense of vulnerability. Declan, too, changes his opinions and personal characteristics throughout the story. Neither character is the same person that he, or she, started out the story as. I also truly enjoyed the way their growing desire and need for one another was written. It never felt rushed, but rather consuming with the high amounts of sexual tension.
The conflict is very strong in this story. Not only between the initial reactions of the hero and heroine's feelings towards one another and their forbidden love, but also the conflict between the protagonists and the antagonists. The antagonist -- specifically Lotharus, the vampire Queen's future husband, is definitely portrayed as an a villain! He's a vicious, power hungry male, who believes woman to be inferior. His cruel domination over Alexia will have you wanting to see to his demise immediately.
The secondary characters are just as strong. In fact, Hatfield includes some great additional characters with the perfect set-ups to see carried on in a series. I have my heart set on one character in particular -- Griffon! *mmm*
The style of writing in which Hatfield uses creates a great fast-paced action, with a believable plot that stays true to course, and subtle imagery that allows you to 'play out' the picture in your mind. I never felt like something was dragging on longer than necessary, and if the characters did stay in one place, we were only rewarded with new information. The only problem that I had was the ability for myself to come up a clear picture of the physical geographic setting. For example, it was mentioned that the vampires "inhabited the ground beneath the earth", but a couple of times I found myself questioning how some of the characteristics associated with their niche could be possible. But, I can't give examples for the sake of not including any spoilers. I also had a hard time with placing my own background knowledge to what the setting should ultimately entail --for example what types of trees, or what mountain system did their caves inhabit-- because I was unsure where it was taking place. Declan once said that Alexia had a hint of a Russian accent which lead me to thinking Russia?
With all the twists and turns in the plot and sub-plots, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat right from the beginning. The steamy sexual tension that continues to build will leave you begging and pleading for closure as much as the two main characters do! And when it is finally rectified, you will not be disappointed!
~*~Final Thoughts~*~
This is definitely an adult category book based on the physical violence and for sexual content.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fantastic, action packed, highly engaging, dark paranormal romance! You will be pleasantly pleased -- and sated-- and sending out letters or requests, and crossing your fingers for Hatfield to turn this in to what could be a great series!
2 comments:
This book seems to be in everyone's mail box this week! I guess I should added to my ever growing wishlist.
I really haven't read anything with Dragons in it, so that is an interesting twist. And, forbidden love is great for developing new series!
I got this book from NG! *squees*
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