Helpful Score: 13
I loved this book! It starts right off with a bang & just keeps going. Dr. Carrie Ames is turned to a vampire by accident one night in the morgue, and ends up w/ a blood tie to a very evil vampire. There is a bit of graphic sex, but it ties into the story instead of just trying to add some sex to the story. What I really liked was it actually had an ending/conclusion. So many books leave you with questions or frustration over a weak ending. I have also read the 2nd book in the series Possession, and it was just as good, if not better. Even left me misty eyed at the end. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 8
Let me just say that this book will definitely fool you. It has such a promising beginning... the story of becoming a vampire from a newbie perspective which I really enjoyed. The problem is, about halfway through this book, the writer decided, "Let's not write fiction... let's write about my life and my own personal disappointments and veil them as a sexually charged yet empty vampire story!"
My suggestion is that if you really are into stories of people who just can't seem to fall in love unless it's either with a self loathing man who still loves his wife and specifically tells you he doesn't love you or with a truly evil, yet needy, blood-thirsty killer, this book is sooo for you. If you really want a good, action-packed, supernatural love story, stick with Kelley Armstrong.
My suggestion is that if you really are into stories of people who just can't seem to fall in love unless it's either with a self loathing man who still loves his wife and specifically tells you he doesn't love you or with a truly evil, yet needy, blood-thirsty killer, this book is sooo for you. If you really want a good, action-packed, supernatural love story, stick with Kelley Armstrong.
Helpful Score: 5
Are you a doctor who smokes, or a doctor who can't shake off the text book warnings of blood born pathogens? Pick one.
I couldn't get into the heroine, because frankly I don't think she was even into herself. I didn't get the whole creepy attraction to the eyeball-less pedophile, and if that kid is your son why are you letting him peddle his blood out to random vampires?
There's just so much going on here that I don't get. There is no chemistry, plenty of self-loathing, and the sex wasn't even that great.
I couldn't get into the heroine, because frankly I don't think she was even into herself. I didn't get the whole creepy attraction to the eyeball-less pedophile, and if that kid is your son why are you letting him peddle his blood out to random vampires?
There's just so much going on here that I don't get. There is no chemistry, plenty of self-loathing, and the sex wasn't even that great.
Helpful Score: 4
This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it, the story keep you captivated.
I'm no coward. I want to make that perfectly clear. but after my life turned into a horrow movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck.
So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisable leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a souless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse-except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
I'm no coward. I want to make that perfectly clear. but after my life turned into a horrow movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck.
So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisable leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a souless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse-except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
Helpful Score: 4
Ok so I did fall head over hills in love with this book! Carrie finds herself in a crazy love triangle through a blood tie with her sire and a lust for a friend. I really enjoyed how this book was written. I will have to say that this is the first book that I actually felt at times that i liked both of the men. She drags you in so intimately to Nathan and then right when your ready to close the book and say that Carrie will be with Nathan she throws Cyrus(carries sire) into the picture and visa versa... my heart pounded with Carries during these moments.
Very well written novel and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I will say I hesitated in writting this review, for one...Im kinda left wondering about the end, and I cant really decide if I liked it or not.
Over all I will definitely recommend this book to you!! I also want to add that I read this book in one day...It will, without a doubt, suck you in!
Very well written novel and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I will say I hesitated in writting this review, for one...Im kinda left wondering about the end, and I cant really decide if I liked it or not.
Over all I will definitely recommend this book to you!! I also want to add that I read this book in one day...It will, without a doubt, suck you in!
Helpful Score: 3
Fantastic first book in a new series. Dr. Carrie Ames realizes she is turning into a vampire after being attacked while working. She seeks the help of Nathan Grant and discovers she must make a choice: either side with her sire, the most evil vampire on earth, or join the movement.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a great book. The first I've read from this author. This is the first book in the series. I can't wait to read the next one.
Helpful Score: 2
a great vampire read! she easily rivals kenyon and shayne for the genre in my opinion. can't wait for book two!
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. On the author's website it says that there will be two more books released in this series next year.
Helpful Score: 2
Blood Ties is an interesting edgy story of a young MD's transformation into a vampire and then forward into a cruel and violent world that accompanies the lifestyle. I liked this book and found myself thinking about the character when not reading it and the choices she would make. The author creates a love triangle that holds the reader, dangling us between Carrie, our fledgling vampire and her 'Sire' and the rescuing-vamp-in-waiting with a killer body (no pun intended) and a Scottish accent. (Why are all these vamps Scots lately? No idea.) The pace is pretty quick but the gore is deep. I tend to be 'delicate' where violence and gore are concerned and I only muttered 'that's disgusting' outloud twice at the maximum. So, I'd give it a four star review. Very well written, fast paced, fair amount of lust--blood and otherwise--between characters and on the gore-side I'd give it four dripping fangs. At least.
Helpful Score: 2
This one caught my attention and I can't wait for the sequel!
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent start to a new series ~ I'm definitely getting the next one in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this -- good debut novel. Nothing deep or anything, but just right for a vampire fix. It's published through Harlequin but it's not a sweetsy "I've been waiting for my soulmate to complete me" sort of novel. There's romantic interest involved in the story, but this is definitely on the horror side of things, complete with blood, gore, and bad guys galore.
Helpful Score: 1
I was very impressed with how well written this book was. I didn't think it was going to be nearly as good as it was. Jennifer Armintrout can definatly stand her own with some of the best! Kelly Armstrong and Laurell K.Hamilton look out!
Helpful Score: 1
Carrie's snide and smart aleck comments every other paragraph got on my nerves, but overall it was a good book and I do plan on reading the the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Decent first effort. The characters at times seemed a little too human to me thou.
Helpful Score: 1
So, so bad. I admit I read all three but only to find out what stupid situation the "heroine" would get herself into next. Don't even waste your time reading this review. PASS
Helpful Score: 1
This book is an interesting read....there were a few parts that lagged and I started to lose interest but it picks up and makes you glad you kept going. That is if you are really into the supernatural stories.
Helpful Score: 1
The Turning is the first in a promising new vampire series.
Carrie Ames is a young doctor who is wondering whether she chose the correct profession; she freaks out and runs away when an extremely bloody patient comes in, and is chastised by the attending physician. She dares herself to face her fears by venturing into the morgue to view the body that caused her panic attack. Bad move: turns out he is a vampire intent on making his escape from the hospital, and Carrie's visit occurs at the wrong time. She is bitten and turned into a vampire herself, and because he is now her sire she is forever linked to him despite his evil nature.
She comes in contact with another vampire who seems the opposite of her evil sire. She finds herself attracted to Nathan, the introverted book store owner, and becomes attached to his foster son Ziggy. As she struggles to determine what vampire community she belongs to, she becomes torn between the two men and entangled in a long running war.
The pacing of this book is perfect in that it will hold your interest consistently. The heroine is likable and easy, which makes for frequent and steamy romance. This book should appeal to those for whom Twilight is too tame.
Carrie Ames is a young doctor who is wondering whether she chose the correct profession; she freaks out and runs away when an extremely bloody patient comes in, and is chastised by the attending physician. She dares herself to face her fears by venturing into the morgue to view the body that caused her panic attack. Bad move: turns out he is a vampire intent on making his escape from the hospital, and Carrie's visit occurs at the wrong time. She is bitten and turned into a vampire herself, and because he is now her sire she is forever linked to him despite his evil nature.
She comes in contact with another vampire who seems the opposite of her evil sire. She finds herself attracted to Nathan, the introverted book store owner, and becomes attached to his foster son Ziggy. As she struggles to determine what vampire community she belongs to, she becomes torn between the two men and entangled in a long running war.
The pacing of this book is perfect in that it will hold your interest consistently. The heroine is likable and easy, which makes for frequent and steamy romance. This book should appeal to those for whom Twilight is too tame.
Helpful Score: 1
It was ok but not good enough that I would read the next one. The writers is pretty good but the story lacks....soul. I cared about Ziggy more than the main characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Another Great read, nothing to fancy all very believable and very interesting. I can see having the same kind of feelings and thoughts the main character has great book. Gotta read it!
Was so good. Very captivating. Will buy the next book when it comes out
I liked this book. It was a bit cheesy but kept me interested....had some steamy parts. It wasn't too deep. A light reading book.
I liked the book, but would have liked to know about the "family" history of the vampires.
I thought this book had an interesting twist on the whole sire thing and the whole good vamp vs. bad vamp. I liked the character Ames and I thought her and Nathan made a good couple. Im thinking I might get the second one so I can see what happens next.
The story was good, but it was a little dark for my tastes. I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
I thought this was a pretty good vampire book. I enjoyed the whole thing, esp. the triangle between Carrie, Nathan and Cyrus. It's worth a read if you like vampire fiction!
I enjoyed the Blood ties series. It kept me entertained throughout. This was some of my christmas vacation reading.
This book is amazing! I had not heard of this author prior to ordering this book, but it was highly recommended by other's book reviews, so I gave it a shot. I was not disappointed, I love Ms. Armintrout's writing voice. She is so creative, pays such close attention to details, and those details create a wonderful, perfectly flowing story. After the main character accidentally crosses the path of a century's old vampire at the hospital where she works as a physician, her life changes in ways she could never have imagined in her wildest nightmares. Following the course of her change is a mesmerizing journey full of violence, sex and lots of soul searching. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal fiction, trust me, it will become one of your favorites! I can hardly wait to start the second in the series, "The Possession."
This book caught my attention when it was recommended as similar to Patricia Briggs and Laurel K. Hamilton. It doesn't really live up to those standards, and I ended up giving up on it about 200 pages in.
The premise is that a Carrie, a newly trained doctor, is attacked in the morgue by a vampire and subsequently turns into one. She is then caught up in a war between two very different vampire men. One, Nathan, is a member of an elite league of vampires dedicated to the extinction of their own kind. The other, the vampire who turned Carrie, a blood thirsty and uncaring yet captivating monster. Nathan tells her that in order to remain alive, under the orders of his organization, she must join forces with them and follow their rules. Meanwhile, her sire tries to seduce her, desiring her as a companion.
First of all, I'd like to say in this books favor that it is very gritty and suspenseful. Much happens in a very short amount of time. I can sort of understand the comparison to the Anita Blake and Mercy Thompson books. The first person narrative, a tough loner type heroine, and a considerable amount of gore. The side characters were probably the best part--I liked Nathan and his foster son, Ziggy. I also thought that Cyrus was one of the better villains I've encountered in books such as this.
The problems are numerous. Carrie is pretty hard to relate to and even harder to like. I got the sense that I might warm up to her depending on how the story progressed, but I never fully did. She's cold, lacks empathy, never demonstrates much competence in her career or life in general, and makes some very bad choices throughout the book. It's not that she's poorly written--just unlikeable. Most of the minor premises are pretty shaky. The plot with the self exterminating vampires had some potential but it came of as a bit stupid and unfounded. Then there's Cyrus' underling and her destructive tendencies which struck me as childish, pointless, and wholly unnecessary. All of this distracted from the otherwise decent central plot--that being lonely human woman tries to cope with vampirehood--so much that I lost interest.
I feel that this is the sort of book that you will either like or hate, and it's entirely dependent on your feelings toward the lead character. I for one am sick of independent to the point of stubborn to the point of stupid heroines who constantly need to be rescued from the messes they create. Especially when those heroines have few other qualities to redeem them. I wouldn't recommend this book.
The premise is that a Carrie, a newly trained doctor, is attacked in the morgue by a vampire and subsequently turns into one. She is then caught up in a war between two very different vampire men. One, Nathan, is a member of an elite league of vampires dedicated to the extinction of their own kind. The other, the vampire who turned Carrie, a blood thirsty and uncaring yet captivating monster. Nathan tells her that in order to remain alive, under the orders of his organization, she must join forces with them and follow their rules. Meanwhile, her sire tries to seduce her, desiring her as a companion.
First of all, I'd like to say in this books favor that it is very gritty and suspenseful. Much happens in a very short amount of time. I can sort of understand the comparison to the Anita Blake and Mercy Thompson books. The first person narrative, a tough loner type heroine, and a considerable amount of gore. The side characters were probably the best part--I liked Nathan and his foster son, Ziggy. I also thought that Cyrus was one of the better villains I've encountered in books such as this.
The problems are numerous. Carrie is pretty hard to relate to and even harder to like. I got the sense that I might warm up to her depending on how the story progressed, but I never fully did. She's cold, lacks empathy, never demonstrates much competence in her career or life in general, and makes some very bad choices throughout the book. It's not that she's poorly written--just unlikeable. Most of the minor premises are pretty shaky. The plot with the self exterminating vampires had some potential but it came of as a bit stupid and unfounded. Then there's Cyrus' underling and her destructive tendencies which struck me as childish, pointless, and wholly unnecessary. All of this distracted from the otherwise decent central plot--that being lonely human woman tries to cope with vampirehood--so much that I lost interest.
I feel that this is the sort of book that you will either like or hate, and it's entirely dependent on your feelings toward the lead character. I for one am sick of independent to the point of stubborn to the point of stupid heroines who constantly need to be rescued from the messes they create. Especially when those heroines have few other qualities to redeem them. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Thought this book started out kinda odd but then found I couldn't put it down! If you like the atypical hero this one is a book for you. Definitely worth your time if you are a serious vampire fan.
I really enjoyed this book.
Non-romantic vampire story. Well written and suspenseful. Makes you want to read more Armintrout.
I didn't much care for this book. There was too little action and too many descriptions of the main characters lusting after each other. I also found the secondary character of Ziggy much more interesting.
Summary: I'm no coward. I want to make that perfectly clear. But after my life turned into a horror movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. Then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck. So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisible leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a soulless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse -- except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
I started this book a bit reluctant to read it. I was just trying to figure out what, out of the 800 books I have lying around, I felt like reading. It was on the table so I said "You're up". This book is a bit darker on the vampire front than I have read in awhile...I am not complaining, it was just a different, and noticeably so to me. I had to push through the beginning a bit, was slow, and agonizingly...pitiful, everyone was about the pity parties. It got better as the book progressed and I had to say I did not see the ending coming at all. I think Cyrus was a complete idiot to have given Carrie his heart, but hey, I guess love is love, right? I liked the good sexual tension between Nathan and Carrie, and was very sad that Ziggie died. I will read the next book in this series, just in hopes it gets even better, I know this author can step this series up a whole other level.
For information or for purchasing visit Jennifer Armintrout's webpage.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-turning-by-jennifer.html
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
I started this book a bit reluctant to read it. I was just trying to figure out what, out of the 800 books I have lying around, I felt like reading. It was on the table so I said "You're up". This book is a bit darker on the vampire front than I have read in awhile...I am not complaining, it was just a different, and noticeably so to me. I had to push through the beginning a bit, was slow, and agonizingly...pitiful, everyone was about the pity parties. It got better as the book progressed and I had to say I did not see the ending coming at all. I think Cyrus was a complete idiot to have given Carrie his heart, but hey, I guess love is love, right? I liked the good sexual tension between Nathan and Carrie, and was very sad that Ziggie died. I will read the next book in this series, just in hopes it gets even better, I know this author can step this series up a whole other level.
For information or for purchasing visit Jennifer Armintrout's webpage.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-turning-by-jennifer.html
This book was really good. I like the different twist the author put on the vampire story. Very good read and I look forward to finishing the series!
I am not familar with this author. But if the first book in the series is this good, the rest should be even better. The story pulls you in early. And while there are some minor slow points, it is quick to grab you again. Romance, lust, and raw action... just the way I like it!
This is a really good book. First in a new series.
It was okay
Not what I was looking for, and I didn't really like the main character.
First book in a new series.
Shades of Anita Blake! From the back: So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisible leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. Of course, he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a soulless killer and his sworn enemy set to eterminate me, things couldn't get much worse-except I'm attracted to them both.
Interesting story. Not sure I'll read the next, but I probably will.
A pretty good vampire book.
Great read!
The first in a new vampire series and well worth the read. Armintrout ranks up there with Kelley Armstrong and Laurell K. Hamilton (IMO). Loved the characters and her witty writing style drew me in right away. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
interesting book
A good book!
Great, new vampire story!
At first I wasn't really sure that I liked Carrie (I especially hated that she was a smoker, which might have been enough in itself to turn me off her), but the more I got into the story, the more interested I became in her. It's not a super happy book, but things don't turn out too horribly in the end.
Really enjoyed this book. A unique take on a vampire tale. Not a difficult read but not all fluff either.
Very Good Book!
I love this whole series! From the very 1st book I was immediately hooked and could not put them down. You get to see the struggles and mystery that Dr. Carrie Ames is going through after she is turned into a vampire. Between the love stories and the action, this series is one of my favorites. A must read for any vampire lover!!!!
It was just alright, don't think I'll be reading the 2nd book.
I really liked this book, I'm a fan of vampire fiction. I'm currently reading book two, which came out recently...
~~Michelle W.
~~Michelle W.
A GREAT book to read!
This is on the back of the book...
I'm no coward. I want to make that perfectly clear. But after my life turned into a horror movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. Then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck.
So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisible leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a soulless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse... except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
This is on the back of the book...
I'm no coward. I want to make that perfectly clear. But after my life turned into a horror movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. Then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck.
So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisible leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a soulless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse... except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only way to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.
liked this series, started out good kept u hooked until thee end, looking forward to the 2nd book
Not too bad
I'm no coward, let me make that clear, but after my life turned into a horror movie, I take fear alot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just 8 mths ago, then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck. Now the one who made me and I have a blood tie and it works like an invisible leash. And of course he's evil!
To the one who requested this book: I was unable to print the wrapper. I now have that fixed so I have posted this book again.Sorry!
