Book Review: Awakened By Blood Series

Awakened By Blood series

By: Marie Treanor 
Buy them at the below Amazon links: 
Book 1 -Blood on Silk 
Book 2 -Blood Sin
Book 3 - Blood Eternal
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Published By: Signet Eclipse 

Source: Provided by Publisher & Bewitching Book Tours
(And I'm keeping them!)

Welcome, my ghouls! Happy Halloween! I've brought you a series review of a fantastic series  and also look for the author's guest post later today! These books are better than candy, and much easier on your waistline. 



My thoughts:
Now, to be asked to review an entire series, at least the first time, is a little daunting. The publisher was aces about sending the books out ASAP. (Side note: I definitely dug holding a book again! However, my Nook has been glaring at me for weeks...I am torn between two lovers.) All I could think was "What if it's crap and I have to wear waders through all three books??" *coughTheGirlWithTheDragonTattoocough* Look, that book scarred me and I haven't let it go yet.
 
But no worries, doves! This series is definitely one to add to the top of your TBR pile. Yes, its Paranormal Romance, but the writing and the characters are amazing and different - No fluff and nonsense for Miz Treanor! The world she's created is organized and anchored, her primary and secondary characters are heavy hitters, and nothing takes a predictable turn.
You need to read these books. End of discussion. The only complaint I have is that the trilogy is over.
 
On the Characters:
 
I heart strong characters! Especially when they don't do/say the predictable, mind-numbingly boring things you've read a thousand and one times. In the Awakened By Blood series you get both those aspects in spades.And its been far to long since I read a female character that doesn't simper or becoming simpering weenie when the big strong man enters the room. GO ELIZABETH!!! She's academic without being nerdy or a pushover, has a career path she chooses to follow even after vampires upend her life, and wants to be with Saloman because she appreciates and loves him.

Saloman himself is quite unique. While he's serious and focused, he also lives life in the moment, always has time for a little fun and frolic (and by frolic, y'all should know by now I mean the love scenes, are hot hot hot!) He also respects and encourages Elizabeth's strength and individuality. He's sexy and enigmatic with his own, albeit a bit twisted, moral code - An anti-hero if you like.

As far as their relationship/romance goes, its all angsty and sexy without being predictable and it is also anticpatory - the author doesn't give it to you all up front. Saloman and Elizabeth ultimately have to move past their own preconceived notions about themselves & the world around them to move forward in their relationship and I found that both fascinating and truthful.

Even the secondary characters of the hunters (Maeliah, Konrad, etc) and the vampires (Dimuitri and Maxmillian) are unique, eye-catching, and interesting.

On the Plot:
A new take on vampires as a race descended from a mysterious clan called the Ancients. Friendships and loyalties are tested. Vampire politics. The writing is perfectly paced, smooth and one hulleva ride. There's a lot going on in this series - Insane vampires and power hungry senators running amok, Saloman and Elizabeth's tenuous and fragile relationship, and Saloman's plan for a benevolent world domination with co-existence of vampires and humans at its forefront. Hunters and rogue hunters.Elizabeth's mysterious illness, prophecies...

Synopsis for Book 3 - Blood Eternal:
 
Despite the growing passion that unites them, all is not well between Elizabeth and Saloman. She refuses to follow him as he builds his influence among the human population and consolidates his rule over the vampire world. A shocking revolt is just the latest crisis that's call him away. 

But under Saloman's regime, vampires have become less concerned with secrecy. And after he joins forces with vampire hunters, Elizabeth begins to understand the inevitable collision of the two worlds. She could be a conduit between humanity and the undead-is she can manage to play both sides and stay alive...