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60th out of 412 books
—
1,450 voters
In the Service of the King (Vampire Warrior Kings #1)
by
Laura Kaye (Goodreads Author)
Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn't want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla's beauty and...more
Kindle Edition, 74 pages
Published
February 1st 2012
by Harlequin Nocturne Cravings
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THEN: Just bought it...taking it on vacation!
NOW: This was a wonderful vacation read...or maybe those few free hours when you want to get away from it all, and get TO IT.
Once again Laura Kay has taken the well-used theme of vampires and given it her own twist. Kael is HOT and Shayla is a good match for him.
The only "con" here is that it wasn't pages and pages LONGER.
I did read it on vacation and immediately was grateful that my hotel had wi-fi so that I could get book two...!
I hope she has an en...more
NOW: This was a wonderful vacation read...or maybe those few free hours when you want to get away from it all, and get TO IT.
Once again Laura Kay has taken the well-used theme of vampires and given it her own twist. Kael is HOT and Shayla is a good match for him.
The only "con" here is that it wasn't pages and pages LONGER.
I did read it on vacation and immediately was grateful that my hotel had wi-fi so that I could get book two...!
I hope she has an en...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING by Laura Kaye
IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING is the premiere storyline in Laura Kaye’s Vampire Warrior Kings series. Without his mate, Kael the vampire King is required to feed from a virgin, but the Evening of the Proferring is not a ritual that the King willingly accepts. But his need for blood is greater now that it has been months since his last feed. Adding to his humiliation is the fact that his warriors must wait til the King has fed before they, themselves, are able...more
IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING is the premiere storyline in Laura Kaye’s Vampire Warrior Kings series. Without his mate, Kael the vampire King is required to feed from a virgin, but the Evening of the Proferring is not a ritual that the King willingly accepts. But his need for blood is greater now that it has been months since his last feed. Adding to his humiliation is the fact that his warriors must wait til the King has fed before they, themselves, are able...more
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: An enjoyable read on a sunny afternoon.
Opening Sentence: Kael paced the length of his private sleeping chamber, avoiding the plush emerald carpet and keeping to the uncovered stone floor at the edge of the room.
The Review:
In a world where vampires are known to some humans and almost worshipped by them even, live the seven vampire kings, each holding rule over their portion of the Earth. Surrounding each is a group of humans known as the Elec...more
Quick & Dirty: An enjoyable read on a sunny afternoon.
Opening Sentence: Kael paced the length of his private sleeping chamber, avoiding the plush emerald carpet and keeping to the uncovered stone floor at the edge of the room.
The Review:
In a world where vampires are known to some humans and almost worshipped by them even, live the seven vampire kings, each holding rule over their portion of the Earth. Surrounding each is a group of humans known as the Elec...more
Feb 22, 2012
Hazel G. ( I ♥ Mr. Grey) *Fifty Shades obsessed* .
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
paranormal adult readers
Recommended to Hazel G. ( I ♥ Mr. Grey) *Fifty Shades obsessed* by:
Monster Book Reviews
In the Service of the King is the first book in the Vampire Warrior Kings series by Laura Kaye. I won this book from the "Love Is In The Air Blog Hop Giveaway" from Book Monster Reviews. A special thank you goes out to Carla Gallway, the owner of Book Monster Reviews, and to the author for the opportunity to win this terrific read!
The was a short read, coming in at about 78 pages, but wow, what a packed little story it was! I was thoroughly impressed with how much the author accomplished in such...more
The was a short read, coming in at about 78 pages, but wow, what a packed little story it was! I was thoroughly impressed with how much the author accomplished in such...more
Sometimes its hard to really get any depth out of a novella length story. Laura Kaye does not suffer with this weakness. This one jumps right in introducing the world, the characters, and the plot.
It begins with Kael, King of the Vampires, readying for his next donation of blood which he can only feed from his mate or a virgin. His most love mate died during an attack by vampires gone bad leaving him full of pain so he refuses to even attempt to put himself out there to another mate again. His...more
It begins with Kael, King of the Vampires, readying for his next donation of blood which he can only feed from his mate or a virgin. His most love mate died during an attack by vampires gone bad leaving him full of pain so he refuses to even attempt to put himself out there to another mate again. His...more
Laura Kaye is an author to keep your eye on folks! She knows how to write a story that catches your attention at the first word and leaves you wanting more with the last.
In The Service of the King, she weaves a tale born from an historical background, but takes place in present day, with a young girl that has been raised to know that her destiny is to be an offering to the Vampire King. This is necessary to keep him and his guard strong in order to protect society from the evil beings that kille...more
In The Service of the King, she weaves a tale born from an historical background, but takes place in present day, with a young girl that has been raised to know that her destiny is to be an offering to the Vampire King. This is necessary to keep him and his guard strong in order to protect society from the evil beings that kille...more
3.5 Stars. Okay, I freely admit to being a bit of a Laura Kaye junkie. There is just something about her style of writing that always engages me, even if I don't always completely love the plot of her stories.
Therein lies the problem with this offering. It has a decent plot, but it is unfortunately very derivative of any number of other vampire books. There was so much "I've read this before"; and I kept noting the same vampire lifestyle and culture 'hooks' that I had read in other vampire book/...more
Therein lies the problem with this offering. It has a decent plot, but it is unfortunately very derivative of any number of other vampire books. There was so much "I've read this before"; and I kept noting the same vampire lifestyle and culture 'hooks' that I had read in other vampire book/...more
I’ve considered reading this after noticing people saying the first book is way better than second book. Its my fault to succumb to it that I get it and read this piece of…. Let’s just say, the book disappointed me so much that I almost… scream in agony offline. I do online of course, because everything is exaggerated online.
I retract my word on these nocturne line, as much as I try find good novella stories to pass the time, harlequin novels still have its moment where it crushes my mellowed ex...more
I retract my word on these nocturne line, as much as I try find good novella stories to pass the time, harlequin novels still have its moment where it crushes my mellowed ex...more
What's this? A vampire resistant to drink from a proffered's vain for fear of finding out she's his mate? A vampire who lost his previous mate and child during a vicious attack on his vampire clan? Sounds like a tortured vampire to me and just the sort of vampire I love.
This was another interesting twist on a vampire story. With vampires needing to drink from a human proffered (a virgin woman around the age of 20) every three months to maintain their immortality. Vampires can determine if they a...more
This was another interesting twist on a vampire story. With vampires needing to drink from a human proffered (a virgin woman around the age of 20) every three months to maintain their immortality. Vampires can determine if they a...more
This was a fun short erotica. The whole story revolves around Kael a vampire who is involved in a ritual feeding to keep him immortal and strong. Their enemy are soul eaters, vampires who have turned against tradition and rape and kill their prey in the most heinous way. He hates the feeding because it reminds him of his mate who was killed by soul eaters. Having vowed never to mate again, he is still forced in the ritual feeding as dictated by tradition and magic. Shayla is someone who was brou...more
Review also posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
I finished this book and now want more of this series. Thank goodness the next book comes out June 1st. =) I'm a HUGE fan of Vampires and the Series name alone "Vampire Warrior Kings" definitely had me intrigued to read "In the Service of the King".
The cover helps also. =)
Kale is the Warrior King of the Vampires. He is forced to participate in the night of proferring even though he doesn't want to. He lost his mate centuries ago and he has never wanted an...more
I finished this book and now want more of this series. Thank goodness the next book comes out June 1st. =) I'm a HUGE fan of Vampires and the Series name alone "Vampire Warrior Kings" definitely had me intrigued to read "In the Service of the King".
The cover helps also. =)
Kale is the Warrior King of the Vampires. He is forced to participate in the night of proferring even though he doesn't want to. He lost his mate centuries ago and he has never wanted an...more
Carla's Review:
When I read the synopsis of the book, I was a little skeptical of how Shayla is eager to give Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires anything to please him. I thought the story was going to be farfetched. Why would a woman be willing to give this Vampire King, someone she never met, anything he wishes, including her virginity? But damn! Laura Kaye blew me away with this wonderful story!!
Kael can only have the blood of a human virgin or his mate. He lost his mate 300 years ago to the S...more
When I read the synopsis of the book, I was a little skeptical of how Shayla is eager to give Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires anything to please him. I thought the story was going to be farfetched. Why would a woman be willing to give this Vampire King, someone she never met, anything he wishes, including her virginity? But damn! Laura Kaye blew me away with this wonderful story!!
Kael can only have the blood of a human virgin or his mate. He lost his mate 300 years ago to the S...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I won a copy of this book from the blog The Qwillery.
I enjoyed this book, especially the historic setting (which you can see on the lovely cover). However, I kept waiting for something to HAPPEN, and, other than the virgin heroine mating with the vampire king, not all that much happened. I kept thinking, "where's the conflict?" because there really wasn't much of a conflict to be honest. The vamp king was at first resistent to taking a mate, because he lost a mate over 300 years ago and it was a...more
I enjoyed this book, especially the historic setting (which you can see on the lovely cover). However, I kept waiting for something to HAPPEN, and, other than the virgin heroine mating with the vampire king, not all that much happened. I kept thinking, "where's the conflict?" because there really wasn't much of a conflict to be honest. The vamp king was at first resistent to taking a mate, because he lost a mate over 300 years ago and it was a...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
To call this book steamy is a bit of an understatement, though to my mind at least, it stops short of being full out erotica. This is primarily because while there is some very hot sex in here, the heat comes as much or more from the force of Shayla and Kael's attraction to one another. The sexual tension between them ignites practically from their first glimpse of one another, and only continues to grow, with the eventual consummation of their passion only stoking the flames into an inferno.
The...more
The...more
Laura,
I love your books! I just wish they were looooonnnnnngggger :)
I feel so teased, LoL!
For example in this book,
Kael is a Vampire King that must feed on the blood of a virgin or his mate in order to stay strong (also his subjects won't feed unless he does). So even though he hates taking part in this ritual, he does so because of his position. Kael has been hurt...his mate died 300 years ago in child birth and he has no desire to replace her. She went into early labor because she was stress...more
I love your books! I just wish they were looooonnnnnngggger :)
I feel so teased, LoL!
For example in this book,
Kael is a Vampire King that must feed on the blood of a virgin or his mate in order to stay strong (also his subjects won't feed unless he does). So even though he hates taking part in this ritual, he does so because of his position. Kael has been hurt...his mate died 300 years ago in child birth and he has no desire to replace her. She went into early labor because she was stress...more
Mar 27, 2012
Barbara ~*Lindt Ninja*~
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
sexy-stuff,
paranormal
3.5 rounded up
I really love Laura Kaye’s writing and nearly everything she’s written is on my re-read list, especially the incredible Hearts in Darkness. I knew this was a shorter-form story just by the price (unlike Cait, I get along great with novellas most of the time), but I was a little taken aback by just how short it felt.
The Warrior King of the Vampires has been stretching out his feedings to once every three months, the maximum possible for himself and his fellow warriors. They can’t fe...more
I really love Laura Kaye’s writing and nearly everything she’s written is on my re-read list, especially the incredible Hearts in Darkness. I knew this was a shorter-form story just by the price (unlike Cait, I get along great with novellas most of the time), but I was a little taken aback by just how short it felt.
The Warrior King of the Vampires has been stretching out his feedings to once every three months, the maximum possible for himself and his fellow warriors. They can’t fe...more
What a fantastic story! Though a novella, the story was packed from start to finish. I loved the story line. We have a tortured vampire king. A best buddy looking out for him, and a young virgin willing to give her everything to him, heart, soul, and blood.
That is where the similarity to the many vamp story lines end. Even as short as the story is, the author gave us a full on story line including the histories of the lead characters, characterizations, as well as a history on Celtic lore. The r...more
That is where the similarity to the many vamp story lines end. Even as short as the story is, the author gave us a full on story line including the histories of the lead characters, characterizations, as well as a history on Celtic lore. The r...more
(review first posted at Book Lovers Inc)
There’s a question that oft asked about fictional tales. The plot or the characters: what’s more important, and which did you enjoy more? Well, in the case of this particular story, I’d say the attraction (that existed between the two lead characters) was the top element.
Such a cop-out answer, I know. ^_^ It’s neither plot nor character. But the attraction was the star of the show, almost like a character itself. With the relatively short length of this ta...more
There’s a question that oft asked about fictional tales. The plot or the characters: what’s more important, and which did you enjoy more? Well, in the case of this particular story, I’d say the attraction (that existed between the two lead characters) was the top element.
Such a cop-out answer, I know. ^_^ It’s neither plot nor character. But the attraction was the star of the show, almost like a character itself. With the relatively short length of this ta...more
I really enjoyed this book! I love the Irish background, and the lore that Laura Kaye has concocted is creative and new. I particularly liked the vampire-human symbiotic relationship element. The camaraderie between Kael and his right hand man is fun and loyal, while the chemistry between him and Shayla is respectful and heartwarming.
They’ve both felt the tragedy of loss, and it unites them in their views of an endless war, and makes them understand each other on a level few others truly can. T...more
They’ve both felt the tragedy of loss, and it unites them in their views of an endless war, and makes them understand each other on a level few others truly can. T...more
In The Service of the King, Laura Kaye creates an intriguing new vampire subculture set in modern times. Kael is a King of Vampires, and as such he has responsibilities to his subjects. Part of the responsibilities he bears is to be strong, which means he has to drink the blood of an innocent woman, or his mate. Since he does not have a mate, he must drink from a volunteer, the Proffered. Kael has always seen the Proffering as a responsibility to bear, until Shayla. Shayla is different, she make...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
All in all, a passably good novella. Kael was very hot, the vampire mythology was unique, and the female protagonist wasn't a complete doormat. Thank you, Laura Kaye. :)
I was bothered a bit by the references to a "bronze" haired green-eyed/quasi golden-eyed Kael and all the lip biting. I thought those physical characteristics smacked a bit of Twilight. Not that Stephenie Meyer can have the only bronze haired, dazzling, good looking, fantastic-smelling vampire in existence, but for some reason it...more
I was bothered a bit by the references to a "bronze" haired green-eyed/quasi golden-eyed Kael and all the lip biting. I thought those physical characteristics smacked a bit of Twilight. Not that Stephenie Meyer can have the only bronze haired, dazzling, good looking, fantastic-smelling vampire in existence, but for some reason it...more
That 5 is actually a 4.5 (but I figured 5 was closer than 4 =) )...
Read the full original review on GraveTells.com
Thoughts:
The culture of In the Service of the King is reminiscent of the Midnight Breed series, where all the vampires are born male, cannot be made, and their mates lives are extended by drinking their blood. Kael, warrior king of his vampires, must feed from a virgin human female every three months or risk losing his immortality and the strength of his humanity. If that weren't pre...more
Read the full original review on GraveTells.com
Thoughts:
The culture of In the Service of the King is reminiscent of the Midnight Breed series, where all the vampires are born male, cannot be made, and their mates lives are extended by drinking their blood. Kael, warrior king of his vampires, must feed from a virgin human female every three months or risk losing his immortality and the strength of his humanity. If that weren't pre...more
Absolutely loved In Service of the King! Hot and Passionate, yet still sweet and emotional! full review at http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2012/...
4 out of 5 only because I'm DYING for Liam's book! I have a feeling I will love him even more and want to give his book all the stars in the world!
I'm beginning to feel a strong affection for this author...so much plot and action and sexy times crammed into these novellas!
Great first book in the series. Though it reminds me of other vampire romances I've read, I can see the beginnings of the original mythology Kaye is creating.
I enjoy watching Kael and Shayla find love together after so much los...more
I'm beginning to feel a strong affection for this author...so much plot and action and sexy times crammed into these novellas!
Great first book in the series. Though it reminds me of other vampire romances I've read, I can see the beginnings of the original mythology Kaye is creating.
I enjoy watching Kael and Shayla find love together after so much los...more
The emotional depth of this book took my knees out from under me. I love that in today's world, the heroine is a virgin, saving herself for the vampire king - and it is BELIEVABLE! The king is tortured and living only a shadow of his life without his mate. The twists and heart-wrenching turns these to go through will keep you up reading all night. And did I mention the hot-as-it-gets sex? Royalty, eons of sacrifice, jewels, blood, burn up the sheets sensuality and vampires - this book is everyth...more
Kael despises feeding from innocent human virgins though they offer themselves willingly and are trained for the practice, his other only alternative though is to feed from a mate which he lost long ago. Since then he has questioned his ability to protect those he loves and is terrified of history repeating itself if he was to find a mate again. But to keep him and his warriors strong, he follows tradition and forces himself through the ritual every three months.
Shayla has prepared her whole li...more
Shayla has prepared her whole li...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Indie Exchang...: Giveaway- In The Service of the King | 2 | 17 | Feb 08, 2012 09:23am | |
| Paranormal Romanc...: Giveaway: In the Service of the King | 1 | 3 | Feb 08, 2012 07:41am | |
| Romance Readers R...: AC: Laura Kaye of In The Service Of The King (February 1 - February 3) | 94 | 154 | Feb 07, 2012 11:17pm |
Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two dau...more
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Jul 25, 2012 07:36am
Thanks! I sure hope to!
Jul 25, 2012 08:18am