Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed the world created within this story. The vampires have different levels of power and being. They are part of the otherworld hidden from the humans. Noble vampires who belong to the most notorious "houses" and are connected to human's bloody history. They are also the kind of vampire that Chrysabelle is most familar. She is a comarré who has powerful blood which feeds only those that can pay for her service. She is a blood servant and her physiology has been changed to be a powerful donor. The world she lives has lots of rules where the nobel vampires are her better and the better of all humans.
This world holds a lot of information and lore that can easily become too complex. Luckily, I really didn't have a problem figuring out how things worked, but I do admit it took me a moment to figure out who was who. By the time she meets Mal (Malkolm) on his territory, I had most of it worked out and then relaxed and enjoyed the ride of the story. This is where it really started to get interesting. In fact I thought from that point it might go the way of a total PNR, but the twists and turns in this book didn't make it so. In fact, the twists kept me guessing as to which way the story would end.
I also loved the secondary characters. Even though we only really get a glimpse of who they are and why they are involved, you find yourself wanting to learn even more about them. You become excited for the next novel since you know (and hope) that they will be there to continue the adventure with Chrysabelle.
Ah but what else can I say without spoiling anything? That is what makes this a hard review to write. There is so much complexity within this book that to say one thing might spoil another. Yet, in the complexity there is order so you don't get lost. There are important aspects within like loyalty, personal rights, honor, love, and finding yourself. All these aspects are there but yet none are solved for our characters as to what it means personally to them nor if they achieved it within. Ah, but there I go, almost saying too much.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. This book leans hard toward fantasy but and there is a possible romance in the future. There is no cliffie, but yet things unsolved that makes you crave the next book which luckily isn't too far away.
This world holds a lot of information and lore that can easily become too complex. Luckily, I really didn't have a problem figuring out how things worked, but I do admit it took me a moment to figure out who was who. By the time she meets Mal (Malkolm) on his territory, I had most of it worked out and then relaxed and enjoyed the ride of the story. This is where it really started to get interesting. In fact I thought from that point it might go the way of a total PNR, but the twists and turns in this book didn't make it so. In fact, the twists kept me guessing as to which way the story would end.
I also loved the secondary characters. Even though we only really get a glimpse of who they are and why they are involved, you find yourself wanting to learn even more about them. You become excited for the next novel since you know (and hope) that they will be there to continue the adventure with Chrysabelle.
Ah but what else can I say without spoiling anything? That is what makes this a hard review to write. There is so much complexity within this book that to say one thing might spoil another. Yet, in the complexity there is order so you don't get lost. There are important aspects within like loyalty, personal rights, honor, love, and finding yourself. All these aspects are there but yet none are solved for our characters as to what it means personally to them nor if they achieved it within. Ah, but there I go, almost saying too much.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. This book leans hard toward fantasy but and there is a possible romance in the future. There is no cliffie, but yet things unsolved that makes you crave the next book which luckily isn't too far away.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book in the House of Comarre trilogy by Kristen Painter. The second book, Flesh and Blood, is supposed to release in Nov of 2011. The third book, Bad Blood, is scheduled to release a month later in December 2011. This was a great book. There are some very creative ideas in here and some great characters; it made for a wonderful and engaging story.
Chrysabelle has spent a hundred years serving as a Comarre to a high ranking vampire. On the eve of her test to escape service by combat; her master is killed. This leaves Chrysabelle free but she is also forced to flee since she is suspected of murdering her master. Now Chrysabelle is forced to try and blend in with the human world until she can clear her name. When Chrysabelle tries to get help she runs into Mal. Mal is a royal vampire who has been declared anathema. Mal and Chrysabelle don't get along well, but working together may be the only way they can both get what they want and clear Chrysabelle's name.
This was a very well done book. The world created is interesting. The book is set in the near future, 2060 I believe, most of the common things are recognizable but some of the technology has changed quite a bit. With the futuristic setting the book ends up being a pleasant blend of sci-fi, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery.
The most intriguing part of the society Chrysabelle comes from is the House of Comarre. The House of Comarre has a lot of secrets, some you find out in this book but there is still a lot of mystery involving this group of individuals. The whole idea behind the Comarre is fascinating even at face value, but when you find out about all the mystery behind this House it becomes an even more fascinating and engaging idea.
The book is very well written, easy to read, and moves at a quick pace. The action scenes and romantic tension between characters is very well done. It was hard to put down and when I finished it I immediately wanted to read more.
The characters are wonderful; lots of mystery and dimension to all of them, even the side characters. Chrysabelle and Mel make great leads; they have great tough personalities, yet are complex. The banter between these two is wonderful and had me laughing out loud a few times. The romance between them is sweet, steamy at times, but never graphic. There are also a lot of relationships/romance going on between various side characters in this book; love seems to be a big driving force in the plot in general.
The mystery that Chrysabelle is trying to solve is set up nicely and very well done as well. The result of the mystery totally surprised me; I love it when I can't predict where the story is going to end up. The book ended at a good place; the main mystery is solved but Chrysabelle and friends will also have a bigger mystery to deal with in future books.
I also have to mention the cover, this has got to be one of the most stunning covers I have seen all year. When I saw this cover I had to read the book. I'd like a print of this cover to hang up in my house, it is just so darn beautiful.
Overall I really really enjoyed this book. The world is very interesting and creative; the mystery behind the House of Comerre absolutely sucked me it. The characters (even the side characters) are very engaging, likable, and fun to read about. The book is well-written, well paced and easy to read. I was really impressed with how Painter blends sci-fi, urban fantasy, romance, and mystery elements together to make an intriguing and engaging story. Pretty much everything in this book was well-balanced. There are some sensual scenes in the book but they never get too detailed or graphic, so older young adults could probably read this book (although the book is about adults, not sure about future books though). I really look forward to reading Flesh and Blood, I can't wait to see what happens next...and I don't have to wait very long either!
I would recommend this book to those of you who like urban fantasy with some romance or paranormal romance books.
Chrysabelle has spent a hundred years serving as a Comarre to a high ranking vampire. On the eve of her test to escape service by combat; her master is killed. This leaves Chrysabelle free but she is also forced to flee since she is suspected of murdering her master. Now Chrysabelle is forced to try and blend in with the human world until she can clear her name. When Chrysabelle tries to get help she runs into Mal. Mal is a royal vampire who has been declared anathema. Mal and Chrysabelle don't get along well, but working together may be the only way they can both get what they want and clear Chrysabelle's name.
This was a very well done book. The world created is interesting. The book is set in the near future, 2060 I believe, most of the common things are recognizable but some of the technology has changed quite a bit. With the futuristic setting the book ends up being a pleasant blend of sci-fi, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery.
The most intriguing part of the society Chrysabelle comes from is the House of Comarre. The House of Comarre has a lot of secrets, some you find out in this book but there is still a lot of mystery involving this group of individuals. The whole idea behind the Comarre is fascinating even at face value, but when you find out about all the mystery behind this House it becomes an even more fascinating and engaging idea.
The book is very well written, easy to read, and moves at a quick pace. The action scenes and romantic tension between characters is very well done. It was hard to put down and when I finished it I immediately wanted to read more.
The characters are wonderful; lots of mystery and dimension to all of them, even the side characters. Chrysabelle and Mel make great leads; they have great tough personalities, yet are complex. The banter between these two is wonderful and had me laughing out loud a few times. The romance between them is sweet, steamy at times, but never graphic. There are also a lot of relationships/romance going on between various side characters in this book; love seems to be a big driving force in the plot in general.
The mystery that Chrysabelle is trying to solve is set up nicely and very well done as well. The result of the mystery totally surprised me; I love it when I can't predict where the story is going to end up. The book ended at a good place; the main mystery is solved but Chrysabelle and friends will also have a bigger mystery to deal with in future books.
I also have to mention the cover, this has got to be one of the most stunning covers I have seen all year. When I saw this cover I had to read the book. I'd like a print of this cover to hang up in my house, it is just so darn beautiful.
Overall I really really enjoyed this book. The world is very interesting and creative; the mystery behind the House of Comerre absolutely sucked me it. The characters (even the side characters) are very engaging, likable, and fun to read about. The book is well-written, well paced and easy to read. I was really impressed with how Painter blends sci-fi, urban fantasy, romance, and mystery elements together to make an intriguing and engaging story. Pretty much everything in this book was well-balanced. There are some sensual scenes in the book but they never get too detailed or graphic, so older young adults could probably read this book (although the book is about adults, not sure about future books though). I really look forward to reading Flesh and Blood, I can't wait to see what happens next...and I don't have to wait very long either!
I would recommend this book to those of you who like urban fantasy with some romance or paranormal romance books.
I found the world very interesting. Dark, sexy, good intrigue, fairly sympathetic characters. Great paranormal/fantasy with a splash of romance. And while you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover... the cover *is* gorgeous.
Two problems - the world is really complex and while the author doesn't throw you in completely without a guide to the world, there really isn't as much narration as there could have been.
Second Problem - the main character, Chrysabelle, gives up comarre secrets left and right. Like, REALLY fast. I felt like that removed the mystique of the comarre way to quickly. I would have rather seen her sheltered, pampered life more beforehand, and then slowly had the house secrets be revealed.
Wait, make it three problems. Her name is Chrysabelle. Never shortened to Chris, or Belle...I don't know why I dislike her name so much, but I found myself glossing over it each time.
Overall, really interesting start to the series. I would not buy any more of the series, but I would rent them from the library, or order them from Paperbackswap.
Two problems - the world is really complex and while the author doesn't throw you in completely without a guide to the world, there really isn't as much narration as there could have been.
Second Problem - the main character, Chrysabelle, gives up comarre secrets left and right. Like, REALLY fast. I felt like that removed the mystique of the comarre way to quickly. I would have rather seen her sheltered, pampered life more beforehand, and then slowly had the house secrets be revealed.
Wait, make it three problems. Her name is Chrysabelle. Never shortened to Chris, or Belle...I don't know why I dislike her name so much, but I found myself glossing over it each time.
Overall, really interesting start to the series. I would not buy any more of the series, but I would rent them from the library, or order them from Paperbackswap.
Chrysabelle is a comarre. a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. She has been with her patron Algernon for a hundred years, at the Century Ball, she was going to ask for her freedom which is her right, but to her surprise, he doesn't even ask, he assumes that she wants to stay with him and she cannot find it in her to tell him otherwise. The morning after the Century Ball, she finds Algernon dead and know that she will be suspected. This is the beginning. Tatiana and Lord Ivan finds the body, Tatiana has ambitions and with Algernon dead, she wants to be an Elder. Chrysabelle is directed to the club "Puncture" where she ends up running into Malkolm who is an Anathema, a noble vampire who has been cast out of the vampire noble society. She and Malkolm will be thrown together again and ultimately they will have to work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds, if they fail, a chaos like no other seen will reign over the land.
Great series, very original, the world of the comarre is very unique, Kristen Painter is certainly a strong and different voice in the vampire world. Couldn't put it down, stayed up all night to finish it and anxious to read more.
Great series, very original, the world of the comarre is very unique, Kristen Painter is certainly a strong and different voice in the vampire world. Couldn't put it down, stayed up all night to finish it and anxious to read more.
Can I say I love, love the cover! Too bad the book doesn't live up to the cover. The first half is a bit slow going. The last half picks up.
Liked: the world building. I appreciated how vampires, varcolai, and fae came into being. I will say the varcolai and fae are much more interesting and unique. The vampires, while their origin is somewhat unique, have (largely) the same disabilities found in myth (daylight, consecrated things and ground= bad, permission to enter private spaces, etc). l also liked the idea of having secret assassins. The twists (some are suspected, others more of a surprise).
What I didn't: I thought both Chrysabelle and Malkolm were a little too full of angst. I got tired of hearing how special and different (from the other comarre) Chrysabelle was. No variety in the looks of the comarre/comar (all perfectly white and blonde with their gold tattoos (signum) making them "glow." Only allowed to wear white.) Purity = value, wholesomeness, and desirability.
What I wish was different: Tatiana. She strove for power and a woman who desires power= bad. So let's make her overwrought, extreme, and overdone. Her heritage is Roma (gypsy). The Roma, (generalizing here) tend to be darker complected. So I didn't like this message: Chrysabelle = white = good; Tatiana = dark = evil. Now that may be reading way too much in a work of fiction and I usually don't think about/pick up things like that in books I read, but in this one, I did.
On the fence about continuing this series.
Liked: the world building. I appreciated how vampires, varcolai, and fae came into being. I will say the varcolai and fae are much more interesting and unique. The vampires, while their origin is somewhat unique, have (largely) the same disabilities found in myth (daylight, consecrated things and ground= bad, permission to enter private spaces, etc). l also liked the idea of having secret assassins. The twists (some are suspected, others more of a surprise).
What I didn't: I thought both Chrysabelle and Malkolm were a little too full of angst. I got tired of hearing how special and different (from the other comarre) Chrysabelle was. No variety in the looks of the comarre/comar (all perfectly white and blonde with their gold tattoos (signum) making them "glow." Only allowed to wear white.) Purity = value, wholesomeness, and desirability.
What I wish was different: Tatiana. She strove for power and a woman who desires power= bad. So let's make her overwrought, extreme, and overdone. Her heritage is Roma (gypsy). The Roma, (generalizing here) tend to be darker complected. So I didn't like this message: Chrysabelle = white = good; Tatiana = dark = evil. Now that may be reading way too much in a work of fiction and I usually don't think about/pick up things like that in books I read, but in this one, I did.
On the fence about continuing this series.
Not a sappy romance.. This is an action packed story! I was so impressed by the characters and the storyline. Very original!
The reader is immersed in a world of magic and betrayal, but given enough backstory and explanation to prevent being lost or overwhelmed...
I can't wait to dive into book two!
The reader is immersed in a world of magic and betrayal, but given enough backstory and explanation to prevent being lost or overwhelmed...
I can't wait to dive into book two!
Tedious and boring. Unable to read.
