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Kat Redding #3
Blessed by a Demon’s Mark
In a job like this, there's no retirement plan
Kat Redding's life is dangerous enough when she's hunting the rogue vampires who prey on Pureblood humans. But now that Kat is thinking of getting out of the killing business, she's faced with a slew of new problems. Like the demon Beligral, who offers help at an escalating cost, and the werewolf cult with whom she's entwined professionally and personally. And then there's Countess Baset--the terrifying vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin.
It's no wonder that Kat has been seeking refuge in the mysterious town known as Delai, a place where she can shed her Lady Death persona and live a life that's as close to normal as she's ever known. But even in this haven, something feels askew. Delai is a little too serene. And the more she discovers, the more Kat realizes that the only choice left to her is not whether to do battle, but which side she'll risk her life to defend. . .
Kat Redding's life is dangerous enough when she's hunting the rogue vampires who prey on Pureblood humans. But now that Kat is thinking of getting out of the killing business, she's faced with a slew of new problems. Like the demon Beligral, who offers help at an escalating cost, and the werewolf cult with whom she's entwined professionally and personally. And then there's Countess Baset--the terrifying vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin.
It's no wonder that Kat has been seeking refuge in the mysterious town known as Delai, a place where she can shed her Lady Death persona and live a life that's as close to normal as she's ever known. But even in this haven, something feels askew. Delai is a little too serene. And the more she discovers, the more Kat realizes that the only choice left to her is not whether to do battle, but which side she'll risk her life to defend. . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 41 reviews
November 19, 2018
Kat is trying to run from who she really is and what she does, she wants to change, but it seems everyone else wants her to stay the same. She has a major vampire after her, and she's having some issues with demons and other things as well.
I did not like this book. Kat was horrible in it. I'm sure I know most of the reason, but this was just awful, and she doesn't really make up for it in this one either.
I do want to read more, but she has a lot to make up for.
I did not like this book. Kat was horrible in it. I'm sure I know most of the reason, but this was just awful, and she doesn't really make up for it in this one either.
I do want to read more, but she has a lot to make up for.
March 15, 2013
The series went downhill for me in book 2. Book 3, Blessed by a Demon’s Mark, stopped the decline but it didn’t do anything to bring the series back up to being enjoyable for me.
+ on the stupidity of the heroine
In the last book, someone important to Kat died. In the grip of grief, Kat ran away from her friends and life as a vampire slayer to a mysterious, “peaceful” town named Delai, a town that radiated an “it’s a fucking cult” vibe. I get that grief can cause you to make terrible decisions, but for Kat it went beyond terrible to “this is fucking ridiculous, how the hell do you not realize it’s a cult especially when you have past experience dealing with cults.” Hell, a tentative love interest of hers is the leader of one, okay admittedly a not-that-bad kind of cult. Still! Kat ran away to a cult, and she is fucking not aware of it!
In book 3, it took a demon to wake her up to the truth. A fucking demon! You know it’s bad when a demon, a creature who wishes to unleash Hell on Earth, is the host of your intervention. FFS.
+ on the contemptible woe-is-me of the heroine
It was bad enough that Kat was lashing out at everyone, pushing her friends and allies away, making one bad decision after another, and just being a bitch, the mean kind of bitch not the awesome kind. I truly tried being patient with Kat, because along the way I suspected she was being manipulated, in the mess-with-your-head-cause-you-to-self-destruct kind. I was half right and half wrong. I felt for Kat. I honestly did, but she exercised my patience hard.
I could handle Kat making bad decisions, but I found it hard to handle her detestable actions against her friends, people who were only trying to help her, people who if Kat pulled her head out of her ass would realize they had been through what she is going through or even arguably worse. Unlike Kat, a few of those friends of hers had their history carved into their flesh. I did not like Kat’s special snowflake attitude of no-one-understands-my-pain. I did not like how she used others’ pains to lash out.
+ more on the stupidity of the heroine
The biggest issue I had with the book was Kat’s abnormal attachment to this seemingly vulnerable “love me and protect me,” new character Sienna. It was gag-worthy. After finding out the truth about Delai and its leader Levi, did it ever occur to Kat that his daughter Sienna might, I don’t know, share particular attributes of her father, that the innocent, “I’m a victim” thing she had working there might be an act? After reading the ending, it apparently did fucking not, and I felt like waving my arms up in surrender.
I am not saying Sienna is evil, but I am not saying Sienna is not evil either. I am saying Kat is a fucking moron for not acting with highly-called-for caution. Not to mention that Kat has too many enemies to deal with. OMG. Kill the ones who you have now before making new ones, Kat. Fortunately for Kat, Levi is an enemy that can wait because in my opinion he might be the hardest to defeat. Biblical proportion, enough said.
+ gist of book 3
Book 3 was pretty much about Kat dealing with her issues, the internal conflicts, and growing, if ever so little and slowly, as a character. The other conflicts, the external kind, had Kat making a new vampire enemy, possibly two, and putting an old vampire enemy back on her plate... so Kat has at least two vampire masters to contend with, three if worst comes to worst. These vampire masters are stronger than the ones Kat dealt before, and then there’s the demon Kat is beholden to. This right here is what I mean about Kat having a lot on her plate and that she hold off on Levi.
+ what I liked about book 3
There was little I liked in book 3, but thankfully book 3 was not as dreadful a read as book 2. Just slow going and occasionally aggravating. I liked that Kat at least kicked a few ass, even if they were only minions. I liked there was some progress on the romance side regarding the leader of the werewolf cult. Finally, but damn was it so small.
+ a niggling issue
Ethan is Kat’s sidekick/best friend, and I didn’t like how little of a role he played in book 3. I didn’t like how Kat was more worried about Sienna who may or may not be evil than Ethan who is trustworthy. I didn’t like how she treated Ethan in book 3, i.e. she was a bitch, and I hope she’ll make it up to him in the next book.
+ the ending
The ending was not an ending, nor was it a cliffhanger. Nothing was really resolved. The ending was like the ending of a chapter and not that of a book, and this left me displeased.
In Conclusion
I rate Blessed by a Demon’s Mark 2-stars for it was okay. I hope book 4 will bring the series back up.
+ on the stupidity of the heroine
In the last book, someone important to Kat died. In the grip of grief, Kat ran away from her friends and life as a vampire slayer to a mysterious, “peaceful” town named Delai, a town that radiated an “it’s a fucking cult” vibe. I get that grief can cause you to make terrible decisions, but for Kat it went beyond terrible to “this is fucking ridiculous, how the hell do you not realize it’s a cult especially when you have past experience dealing with cults.” Hell, a tentative love interest of hers is the leader of one, okay admittedly a not-that-bad kind of cult. Still! Kat ran away to a cult, and she is fucking not aware of it!
In book 3, it took a demon to wake her up to the truth. A fucking demon! You know it’s bad when a demon, a creature who wishes to unleash Hell on Earth, is the host of your intervention. FFS.
+ on the contemptible woe-is-me of the heroine
It was bad enough that Kat was lashing out at everyone, pushing her friends and allies away, making one bad decision after another, and just being a bitch, the mean kind of bitch not the awesome kind. I truly tried being patient with Kat, because along the way I suspected she was being manipulated, in the mess-with-your-head-cause-you-to-self-destruct kind. I was half right and half wrong. I felt for Kat. I honestly did, but she exercised my patience hard.
I could handle Kat making bad decisions, but I found it hard to handle her detestable actions against her friends, people who were only trying to help her, people who if Kat pulled her head out of her ass would realize they had been through what she is going through or even arguably worse. Unlike Kat, a few of those friends of hers had their history carved into their flesh. I did not like Kat’s special snowflake attitude of no-one-understands-my-pain. I did not like how she used others’ pains to lash out.
+ more on the stupidity of the heroine
The biggest issue I had with the book was Kat’s abnormal attachment to this seemingly vulnerable “love me and protect me,” new character Sienna. It was gag-worthy. After finding out the truth about Delai and its leader Levi, did it ever occur to Kat that his daughter Sienna might, I don’t know, share particular attributes of her father, that the innocent, “I’m a victim” thing she had working there might be an act? After reading the ending, it apparently did fucking not, and I felt like waving my arms up in surrender.
I am not saying Sienna is evil, but I am not saying Sienna is not evil either. I am saying Kat is a fucking moron for not acting with highly-called-for caution. Not to mention that Kat has too many enemies to deal with. OMG. Kill the ones who you have now before making new ones, Kat. Fortunately for Kat, Levi is an enemy that can wait because in my opinion he might be the hardest to defeat. Biblical proportion, enough said.
+ gist of book 3
Book 3 was pretty much about Kat dealing with her issues, the internal conflicts, and growing, if ever so little and slowly, as a character. The other conflicts, the external kind, had Kat making a new vampire enemy, possibly two, and putting an old vampire enemy back on her plate... so Kat has at least two vampire masters to contend with, three if worst comes to worst. These vampire masters are stronger than the ones Kat dealt before, and then there’s the demon Kat is beholden to. This right here is what I mean about Kat having a lot on her plate and that she hold off on Levi.
+ what I liked about book 3
There was little I liked in book 3, but thankfully book 3 was not as dreadful a read as book 2. Just slow going and occasionally aggravating. I liked that Kat at least kicked a few ass, even if they were only minions. I liked there was some progress on the romance side regarding the leader of the werewolf cult. Finally, but damn was it so small.
+ a niggling issue
Ethan is Kat’s sidekick/best friend, and I didn’t like how little of a role he played in book 3. I didn’t like how Kat was more worried about Sienna who may or may not be evil than Ethan who is trustworthy. I didn’t like how she treated Ethan in book 3, i.e. she was a bitch, and I hope she’ll make it up to him in the next book.
+ the ending
The ending was not an ending, nor was it a cliffhanger. Nothing was really resolved. The ending was like the ending of a chapter and not that of a book, and this left me displeased.
In Conclusion
I rate Blessed by a Demon’s Mark 2-stars for it was okay. I hope book 4 will bring the series back up.
December 16, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy/Dystopian
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
“Blessed By A Demon’s Mark” picks up 3 months after the end of “Tainted Night, Tainted Blood.” As we pick up the story, reluctant vampire Kat Redding (aka Lady Death) has left behind her friends, allies, and job as a vampire/werewolf hunter, and fled to the small town of Delai where she hoped to find solace and retirement from the job that has brought her nothing but heartache, misery, and enemies coming out of the woodwork.
In the past two books, Moore has held secrets of not only Delai, but of Levi and why he seems to be smitten with Kat, close to his chest. He leaves readers minds to wander wondering why this town just happens to appear to Kat when she needs it the most. When you are finally given the real story behind the town, it’s like a light bulb goes off in your head. Pop…Of course! How did we not pick up on that fact? How could we neglect the fact that Levi’s wife and adopted daughter seemed to be hiding things from Kat and anxious for her to leave? How can we believe that Levi has anything but good intentions towards Kat and not an ulterior motive?
Ah, but Moore has a few other naughty surprises in store for his readers as well. There’s the fact that Kat owes the demon Beligral a favor that she can’t get out from underneath if she doesn’t return home. On top of this, everyone believed that she was dead for the past 3 months, and there are repercussions for being gone for so long. She is being hounded by a vampire countess who believes that Kat killed her lover and expects a whole lot in return for not killing Kat’s friends including Ethan. Then, there is the egomaniac werewolf Adrian who demands that Kat come and visit him for her own good and leaves Kat wondering about her future. If you believe that Beligral is finished using Kat, you are sadly mistaken!
E.S. Moore’s Kat Redding series is a cross between Urban Fantasy and Dystopian. There is a profound feeling of dread and darkness in this series. The so called humans, or Purebreeds, live next to vampires, and werewolves who make their lives absolutely impossible to live without giving up something in return. You have a heroine who may or may not be one of the darkest heroines you will find in these genres and loves to shoot and stab things like they’re coming out of the woodwork. She finds herself questioning each and every move she makes, and the people she comes in contact with.
Overall, a really dark addition to the series with plenty of twists, and betrayal that will leave you coming back for more. As for me, I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next installment to find out what happens next!
*Recvd via NetGalley 11/20/2012* Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Kensington
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
“Blessed By A Demon’s Mark” picks up 3 months after the end of “Tainted Night, Tainted Blood.” As we pick up the story, reluctant vampire Kat Redding (aka Lady Death) has left behind her friends, allies, and job as a vampire/werewolf hunter, and fled to the small town of Delai where she hoped to find solace and retirement from the job that has brought her nothing but heartache, misery, and enemies coming out of the woodwork.
In the past two books, Moore has held secrets of not only Delai, but of Levi and why he seems to be smitten with Kat, close to his chest. He leaves readers minds to wander wondering why this town just happens to appear to Kat when she needs it the most. When you are finally given the real story behind the town, it’s like a light bulb goes off in your head. Pop…Of course! How did we not pick up on that fact? How could we neglect the fact that Levi’s wife and adopted daughter seemed to be hiding things from Kat and anxious for her to leave? How can we believe that Levi has anything but good intentions towards Kat and not an ulterior motive?
Ah, but Moore has a few other naughty surprises in store for his readers as well. There’s the fact that Kat owes the demon Beligral a favor that she can’t get out from underneath if she doesn’t return home. On top of this, everyone believed that she was dead for the past 3 months, and there are repercussions for being gone for so long. She is being hounded by a vampire countess who believes that Kat killed her lover and expects a whole lot in return for not killing Kat’s friends including Ethan. Then, there is the egomaniac werewolf Adrian who demands that Kat come and visit him for her own good and leaves Kat wondering about her future. If you believe that Beligral is finished using Kat, you are sadly mistaken!
E.S. Moore’s Kat Redding series is a cross between Urban Fantasy and Dystopian. There is a profound feeling of dread and darkness in this series. The so called humans, or Purebreeds, live next to vampires, and werewolves who make their lives absolutely impossible to live without giving up something in return. You have a heroine who may or may not be one of the darkest heroines you will find in these genres and loves to shoot and stab things like they’re coming out of the woodwork. She finds herself questioning each and every move she makes, and the people she comes in contact with.
Overall, a really dark addition to the series with plenty of twists, and betrayal that will leave you coming back for more. As for me, I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next installment to find out what happens next!
*Recvd via NetGalley 11/20/2012* Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Kensington
December 16, 2012
Kate Redding is a vampire, they call her Lady Death. She destroys vampires who kill pure-blooded humans. Troubled by her current life path, Kate has been searching for a change when she is called back by a Demon’s Mark.
Kate soon realizes that she couldn’t run from her troubles and leaving the mess behind was unfair to her friends. She must retake her “Lady Death” persona and stop the threat of Basel. Meanwhile the werewolf cult run by Adrian has entangled her once more. To make matters worse she must decide whether to accept another mark from Beligral to see the truth about Levi. It seems that Kate life is a mess and each decision pulls her deeper into this tangled web of control and power.
This has a very interesting and intriguing plot. E.S. Moore provides lots of action and mystery to keep you involved in the story. I did had some difficulty with Kat, she seemed to have perpetual PMS (mood swings and unlimited nastiness) so it made it extremely difficult for me to like or relate to her. Ultimately, Kate’s inter-turmoil and lashing out distracted me from what was a really great plot leaving me with liking but not loving Blessed by A Demon’s Mark. 3 ½ stars!
This ARC copy of Blessed By A Demon's Mark was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date December 31, 2012.
Kate soon realizes that she couldn’t run from her troubles and leaving the mess behind was unfair to her friends. She must retake her “Lady Death” persona and stop the threat of Basel. Meanwhile the werewolf cult run by Adrian has entangled her once more. To make matters worse she must decide whether to accept another mark from Beligral to see the truth about Levi. It seems that Kate life is a mess and each decision pulls her deeper into this tangled web of control and power.
This has a very interesting and intriguing plot. E.S. Moore provides lots of action and mystery to keep you involved in the story. I did had some difficulty with Kat, she seemed to have perpetual PMS (mood swings and unlimited nastiness) so it made it extremely difficult for me to like or relate to her. Ultimately, Kate’s inter-turmoil and lashing out distracted me from what was a really great plot leaving me with liking but not loving Blessed by A Demon’s Mark. 3 ½ stars!
This ARC copy of Blessed By A Demon's Mark was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date December 31, 2012.
October 24, 2017
I didn't really care for Kat in this book. She was so hateful and horrible to everyone.
August 26, 2019
The author writes well and that is the reason I gave this book 3 stars. The story blows. And the main character is an angry, unlikeable, stupid vampire. Stupid because she is suppose to be a slayer/hunter/assassin although she is not observant, makes unwise decisions and is a total butt to everyone. How she has lived this long is a true mystery to me!! I forced myself to finish the book, but it was torture. Nothing is resolved by the end of this book. She just digs herself deeper, then ‘the end-read the next book’. Definitely not continuing with this series. I’ve been known to dislike a series, but to continue reading because I need to know what happens to a character. BUT I HATE this character. Although I own the first three books in this series, I won’t much longer.
August 24, 2017
Best tapi tak best..
Best jalan cerita dia.. Memang syok baca pasal Lady Death ini..
Tak best sebab bersambung.. Adoilah..
Best jalan cerita dia.. Memang syok baca pasal Lady Death ini..
Tak best sebab bersambung.. Adoilah..
December 12, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
Reeling from the pain of having to kill her brother, Kat, aka Lady Death is in shambles. It doesn't matter that Thomas was a mindless killer leaving a path of destruction in his wake, a part of her still held out hope that he could be saved. So now that her small hope has been extinguished, she's left her Lady Death persona behind and fled to the safety of a town called Delai as it offers a strange sort of peace. But in Delai, nothing is as it seems. With each passing day it gets harder and harder for her to remember who she is, and it's only a matter of time before she succumbs. Her only hope lies in the strangest of saviors, her tie to a demon known as Beligral. But even his power may not be enough to save her as she is in the grasp of something stronger than she ever could have imagined. With her very freedom on the line she's got a choice to make, stay in this false peace or return to her bloody life as Lady Death. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
It's a real testament to how much I enjoy the world behind this series and the side characters that I have been able to continue reading despite my utter dislike of Kat. And I'm not talking a mild disagreement either, I absolutely cannot stand the chick. Not only is she too much of a hard ass and closed off, but she's also ridiculously reckless, which quite frankly baffles me. I just don't get how she survived this long without getting killed. I mean she's supposed to be the bogeyman to vamps and weres and yet, she's constantly being sloppy, especially in this installment. But I could have forgiven all that if it weren't for her utter cruelty towards the people who care about her. It doesn't matter what they do she's absolutely terrible, and quite frankly I feel she needs to be knocked down a post... or ten. I cannot count the number of times while reading BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK where I wanted to reach through the pages to slap her silly for either her foolish/reckless behavior, or the way she treated her friends. I don't care if she hates herself so much that she is incapable of attachment. There is absolutely no excuse for the way she acts, and quite frankly my anger at her made it rather hard to read the book.
Now to get into the good things in the book, with the first up being the world behind it all. I just love the way that this is an open world, with all of the humans, vamps, demons, and weres all intermingled with each other. It just opens up a lot of possibilities for the story, and the author is fantastic at exploring them. By the end of BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK things were definitely shaken up and I really enjoyed the new added elements to the story. I can only imagine where things are headed, and I'm sure it will be an intense ride along the way. The other thing I really enjoy about these books is the secondary characters, from the good guys to the bad, they are all fully fleshed, with not a placeholder among them. On the good side, I love how fiercely loyal everyone is despite the fact that they should have given up on Kat long ago. I also really adore Jeremy as he's had a whole lot thrown at him in such a short time in his path to redemption, and I couldn't be more proud of what he has overcome. On the bad side, well the author sure knows how to write a convincing bad guy, and there are several in this book. I'm not sure who is the worst out of them all, but trust me, evil is an understatement here.
As I said previously, I really enjoy this world/secondary characters, but it's become a juggling act of enjoyment considering my issues with Kat. On one hand, I am incredibly curious to see what happens next, but on the other I don't want to spend another book seething at the main character. It just doesn't make for an easy read, nor does it allow me to have the full entertainment value. I'm really hoping that the barest hints of a romantic possibility will start to come to fruition in the next installment, because that would go a long way towards softening Kat. Would I recommend BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK? Yes, for fans of strict Urban Fantasy, it's a solid read, but as a disclaimer for those looking for a good main character attachment or romance, they won't find any here.
Reeling from the pain of having to kill her brother, Kat, aka Lady Death is in shambles. It doesn't matter that Thomas was a mindless killer leaving a path of destruction in his wake, a part of her still held out hope that he could be saved. So now that her small hope has been extinguished, she's left her Lady Death persona behind and fled to the safety of a town called Delai as it offers a strange sort of peace. But in Delai, nothing is as it seems. With each passing day it gets harder and harder for her to remember who she is, and it's only a matter of time before she succumbs. Her only hope lies in the strangest of saviors, her tie to a demon known as Beligral. But even his power may not be enough to save her as she is in the grasp of something stronger than she ever could have imagined. With her very freedom on the line she's got a choice to make, stay in this false peace or return to her bloody life as Lady Death. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
It's a real testament to how much I enjoy the world behind this series and the side characters that I have been able to continue reading despite my utter dislike of Kat. And I'm not talking a mild disagreement either, I absolutely cannot stand the chick. Not only is she too much of a hard ass and closed off, but she's also ridiculously reckless, which quite frankly baffles me. I just don't get how she survived this long without getting killed. I mean she's supposed to be the bogeyman to vamps and weres and yet, she's constantly being sloppy, especially in this installment. But I could have forgiven all that if it weren't for her utter cruelty towards the people who care about her. It doesn't matter what they do she's absolutely terrible, and quite frankly I feel she needs to be knocked down a post... or ten. I cannot count the number of times while reading BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK where I wanted to reach through the pages to slap her silly for either her foolish/reckless behavior, or the way she treated her friends. I don't care if she hates herself so much that she is incapable of attachment. There is absolutely no excuse for the way she acts, and quite frankly my anger at her made it rather hard to read the book.
Now to get into the good things in the book, with the first up being the world behind it all. I just love the way that this is an open world, with all of the humans, vamps, demons, and weres all intermingled with each other. It just opens up a lot of possibilities for the story, and the author is fantastic at exploring them. By the end of BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK things were definitely shaken up and I really enjoyed the new added elements to the story. I can only imagine where things are headed, and I'm sure it will be an intense ride along the way. The other thing I really enjoy about these books is the secondary characters, from the good guys to the bad, they are all fully fleshed, with not a placeholder among them. On the good side, I love how fiercely loyal everyone is despite the fact that they should have given up on Kat long ago. I also really adore Jeremy as he's had a whole lot thrown at him in such a short time in his path to redemption, and I couldn't be more proud of what he has overcome. On the bad side, well the author sure knows how to write a convincing bad guy, and there are several in this book. I'm not sure who is the worst out of them all, but trust me, evil is an understatement here.
As I said previously, I really enjoy this world/secondary characters, but it's become a juggling act of enjoyment considering my issues with Kat. On one hand, I am incredibly curious to see what happens next, but on the other I don't want to spend another book seething at the main character. It just doesn't make for an easy read, nor does it allow me to have the full entertainment value. I'm really hoping that the barest hints of a romantic possibility will start to come to fruition in the next installment, because that would go a long way towards softening Kat. Would I recommend BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK? Yes, for fans of strict Urban Fantasy, it's a solid read, but as a disclaimer for those looking for a good main character attachment or romance, they won't find any here.
January 3, 2013
Kat Redding has been hiding out in the Town of Delia for the last few months. She is tired of her life surrounded by death and killing and just wanted to bask in the feeling of peace she feels in Delia, even if she knows deep down there is something wrong with the Town. But it is time to go back and can feel Ethan’s demon calling her back to pay the price of the promise she made. The problem is when you run away from your life with no word to anyone, the world moves on without you especially when they all think you are dead.
Which was probably for the best because more than just her friends have been waiting for Kat to return. There is a Major Vampire House looking for revenge against Lady Death and they have been rather vehement in their questioning of her friends. There are drawback to having a reputation like “Lady Death” whenever vampires and werewolves show up dead, they believe Kat is responsible. Countess Baset believes that Kat is responsible for the death of her lover and she won’t stop ‘til she finds Kat.
Whether it is Kat’s time in Delia messing with her or the pain that her friends have moved on with their lives without her, but Kat isn’t thinking straight. Not when she is decides to let everyone know she’s back, in a big way, by feeding quite publically in the area run by Count Mephisto, a major Vampire Royal, and not when she decides to take on Countess Baset by herself.
Kat needs to get her head on straight before she gets herself killed and her actions are taken out on the few people she truly cares about.
THOUGHTS:
This story shows that it is not good to be a friend of Kat Redding. I thought the story was very frustrating in the beginning. I don’t know if it was Kat’s time is Delia, Levi’s blood deprivation program to cure Kat’s vampire problem, or just leftover trauma following her brother’s death messing with her had, but she does some really stupid things in this story, most of which affect her friends. She is also very angry and nasty toward the only people who truly care about her; including Jonathan, the werewolf leader of the Luna Cult, who is my personal hero. I love Jonathan. So that probably pissed me off most of all. (If she gets Jonathan killed, I am finished.)
But where Kat was a killer who used her skills and cunning to attack and destroy the smaller Vampire Houses, she acts a little unstable in this story, running hot and cold with her friends, declaring that they are trying to control her, while getting herself into some bad situations where she has to bargain her soul and her freedom.
Although she starts acting more level headed by the end of the story, the damage has been done. Kat has been backed in the corner by several major players due to her dumbass actions which are going to be significant impact on not only her future, but those of her friends.
I am also hoping that Kat Redding is not getting a case of Sookie Stackhouse Syndrome where every supernatural creature wants her. Although Jonathan has definite feelings for her and we know the other werewolf leader has also declared he wants to mate with her so together they can rule the area (*bwahahaha*) , it came off that more than just those two are making moony eyes at Kat. Please don’t go there!
Received ARC from Kensington Books. Thank you.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
Which was probably for the best because more than just her friends have been waiting for Kat to return. There is a Major Vampire House looking for revenge against Lady Death and they have been rather vehement in their questioning of her friends. There are drawback to having a reputation like “Lady Death” whenever vampires and werewolves show up dead, they believe Kat is responsible. Countess Baset believes that Kat is responsible for the death of her lover and she won’t stop ‘til she finds Kat.
Whether it is Kat’s time in Delia messing with her or the pain that her friends have moved on with their lives without her, but Kat isn’t thinking straight. Not when she is decides to let everyone know she’s back, in a big way, by feeding quite publically in the area run by Count Mephisto, a major Vampire Royal, and not when she decides to take on Countess Baset by herself.
Kat needs to get her head on straight before she gets herself killed and her actions are taken out on the few people she truly cares about.
THOUGHTS:
This story shows that it is not good to be a friend of Kat Redding. I thought the story was very frustrating in the beginning. I don’t know if it was Kat’s time is Delia, Levi’s blood deprivation program to cure Kat’s vampire problem, or just leftover trauma following her brother’s death messing with her had, but she does some really stupid things in this story, most of which affect her friends. She is also very angry and nasty toward the only people who truly care about her; including Jonathan, the werewolf leader of the Luna Cult, who is my personal hero. I love Jonathan. So that probably pissed me off most of all. (If she gets Jonathan killed, I am finished.)
But where Kat was a killer who used her skills and cunning to attack and destroy the smaller Vampire Houses, she acts a little unstable in this story, running hot and cold with her friends, declaring that they are trying to control her, while getting herself into some bad situations where she has to bargain her soul and her freedom.
Although she starts acting more level headed by the end of the story, the damage has been done. Kat has been backed in the corner by several major players due to her dumbass actions which are going to be significant impact on not only her future, but those of her friends.
I am also hoping that Kat Redding is not getting a case of Sookie Stackhouse Syndrome where every supernatural creature wants her. Although Jonathan has definite feelings for her and we know the other werewolf leader has also declared he wants to mate with her so together they can rule the area (*bwahahaha*) , it came off that more than just those two are making moony eyes at Kat. Please don’t go there!
Received ARC from Kensington Books. Thank you.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
September 21, 2014
Living a calm and serene life in the sleepy town of Delai, Kat feels almost unnaturally at home, however when she’s reminded of the things she left behind, she feels the need to return to her old ways and take care of some pressing matters. She doesn't realise just what she’ll discover.
(Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
Whilst the last book in the series was a slight disappointment, this one reminded me how much I actually love Kat Redding. So much is happening in her life, some readers actually complain about the number of plots going on at once. I, for one, applaud this. There is never, ever a dull moment and the book is brimming with excitement. I really doubt Kat’s life would in fact think; “hold on, there’s too much going on here for this woman, let’s just give her a break.” It doesn't work that way and because of who Kat is, I’d assume she’d much prefer to try and get things sorted as soon as possible, rather than leave it to stew, which is why she juggles everything at once.
Between Levi, Adrian, Baset, Beligral and The Left Hand, everything will hit the fan sooner or later I’m sure. Indeed nothing was tied up in the end of this instalment, but hopefully it’s laying the way for a thrilling climax down the line somewhere. I have faith in the author, as I think he has what it takes to please his readers.
Kat is certainly not the typical heroine. More often than not, she isn't even a nice person. Her aggression dominates her, fuelled by her bloodlust, her fear of not being in control of her own life, and perhaps many other factors. Let’s face it; she’s basically broken and unwilling to let anyone really help her. It’s quite obvious she won’t last for long unless she changes her ways, as at times she spirals out of control and does someone very stupid, then realises her mistake. She’s almost self-destructive, even admitting her indifference of dying. Now, do I think Jonathan could be her saviour? Yes, possibly, if she lets him past her hard exterior.
I still really love Jonathan and how he treats Kat. I believe he’s in love with her and hope beyond hope I’m right. If he somehow has a sinister ulterior motive, I’ll definitely be upset. As for Nathan, I have absolutely no idea how he really feels for Kat. I was shocked at that very awkward moment they shared and didn't know what to make of it. Adrian is just crazy; I already concluded that quite early on. There definitely seems to be more men in her life than women, but I liked the connection and protective feelings toward Sienna. I wonder if she’ll ever have the chance to save the girl.
Beligral, that pesky demon is up to no good! The way he manipulates is great. I have no idea what he’s planning, but I can’t wait to witness it. He’s definitely a favourite of mine whilst Levi I loathe. Of course I prefer the demon, who wouldn't? I find all the characters make an impression, one way or the other. They’re written well and all are unique in their own way. This is a big part of why I’m drawn to this series and why I hunger for more.
Eagerly awaiting the fourth book, which is scheduled to release next year.
© Red Lace 2013
(Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
Whilst the last book in the series was a slight disappointment, this one reminded me how much I actually love Kat Redding. So much is happening in her life, some readers actually complain about the number of plots going on at once. I, for one, applaud this. There is never, ever a dull moment and the book is brimming with excitement. I really doubt Kat’s life would in fact think; “hold on, there’s too much going on here for this woman, let’s just give her a break.” It doesn't work that way and because of who Kat is, I’d assume she’d much prefer to try and get things sorted as soon as possible, rather than leave it to stew, which is why she juggles everything at once.
Between Levi, Adrian, Baset, Beligral and The Left Hand, everything will hit the fan sooner or later I’m sure. Indeed nothing was tied up in the end of this instalment, but hopefully it’s laying the way for a thrilling climax down the line somewhere. I have faith in the author, as I think he has what it takes to please his readers.
Kat is certainly not the typical heroine. More often than not, she isn't even a nice person. Her aggression dominates her, fuelled by her bloodlust, her fear of not being in control of her own life, and perhaps many other factors. Let’s face it; she’s basically broken and unwilling to let anyone really help her. It’s quite obvious she won’t last for long unless she changes her ways, as at times she spirals out of control and does someone very stupid, then realises her mistake. She’s almost self-destructive, even admitting her indifference of dying. Now, do I think Jonathan could be her saviour? Yes, possibly, if she lets him past her hard exterior.
I still really love Jonathan and how he treats Kat. I believe he’s in love with her and hope beyond hope I’m right. If he somehow has a sinister ulterior motive, I’ll definitely be upset. As for Nathan, I have absolutely no idea how he really feels for Kat. I was shocked at that very awkward moment they shared and didn't know what to make of it. Adrian is just crazy; I already concluded that quite early on. There definitely seems to be more men in her life than women, but I liked the connection and protective feelings toward Sienna. I wonder if she’ll ever have the chance to save the girl.
Beligral, that pesky demon is up to no good! The way he manipulates is great. I have no idea what he’s planning, but I can’t wait to witness it. He’s definitely a favourite of mine whilst Levi I loathe. Of course I prefer the demon, who wouldn't? I find all the characters make an impression, one way or the other. They’re written well and all are unique in their own way. This is a big part of why I’m drawn to this series and why I hunger for more.
Eagerly awaiting the fourth book, which is scheduled to release next year.
© Red Lace 2013
March 1, 2013
Kat has found some measure of peace in the strange town of Delai, even if things seem so very strange there. But she can’t remain – she made a deal with a demon to return and that demon is now using his mark to reel her in. With no choice she leaves her unusual haven, even though it feels more like an escape than leaving, and her old life with all its chaos and its pain rushes back in.
Ethan, in her absence has cemented even stronger ties with the Luna Cult. Worse, in her absence one of her brother’s murders has been pinned on her – and a powerful vampire countess has Kat in her sights – just as she is getting more people she cares about, more people who are vulnerable to being used and hurt to make her obey.
Then there’s Adrian, the Luna Cult rebels determined to drag Kat into their plans; the Left Hand of God is back in town, killing vampires and things remain eternally complicated between Kat and Jonathon. It’s almost enough to drive her back to Delai – until the demon shows her the truth about her erstwhile haven.
I think there’s probably one storyline too many in this book. or possible two or three too many. We have Kat’s ongoing issues with the demon, we have the revelations of Delai and what Levi is actually up tp. We have some unresolved issues with Adrian the rebel Luna Cult dragging Kat into her schemes. And then we have the evil conniving plots of the vampire countess who is gunning for Kat. We even have another vampire count that Kat pissed off for shits and giggles. There’s even the human hunters back for more killing and complications
That’s a lot of issues to deal with. I think part of that is intended as a way of showing how overwhelmed Kat is and to drive home the theme of the book which is Kat being pulled in too many directions with too many people having a hold on her. Still, I’m not sure if the return to Delai couldn’t have been handled in a later book, or Adrian pulled his grand plan in the next book. There’s just so many of these different threads that they distract each other and sometimes feel forgotten – I forgot Adrian was even looking for Kat until near the end of the book.
There wasn’t anything resolved in this book either. Now I love meta, meta is what keeps me plugged into a story, but it’s rare that a book can be nothing but meta; you usually have some sub-chapter of the book being concluded and there wasn’t one here
Still, the stories that are presented are great fun with lots of devious plotting I enjoy. I love the demon’s manipulations, Delai and its revelations are definitely intriguing and we all knew there was something sinister underlying it. I really want to know exactly who and what Adrian is and what he is plotting – I’d also kind of like to know why Jonathon tolerates Kat all things considered and if he has his own agenda. The ongoing theme of Kat becoming more and more beholden to more people, each of them having a lever against her is really well done as well – and shows how much her friends and loved ones are a weakness to her and leave her open to this manipulation.
Read More
Ethan, in her absence has cemented even stronger ties with the Luna Cult. Worse, in her absence one of her brother’s murders has been pinned on her – and a powerful vampire countess has Kat in her sights – just as she is getting more people she cares about, more people who are vulnerable to being used and hurt to make her obey.
Then there’s Adrian, the Luna Cult rebels determined to drag Kat into their plans; the Left Hand of God is back in town, killing vampires and things remain eternally complicated between Kat and Jonathon. It’s almost enough to drive her back to Delai – until the demon shows her the truth about her erstwhile haven.
I think there’s probably one storyline too many in this book. or possible two or three too many. We have Kat’s ongoing issues with the demon, we have the revelations of Delai and what Levi is actually up tp. We have some unresolved issues with Adrian the rebel Luna Cult dragging Kat into her schemes. And then we have the evil conniving plots of the vampire countess who is gunning for Kat. We even have another vampire count that Kat pissed off for shits and giggles. There’s even the human hunters back for more killing and complications
That’s a lot of issues to deal with. I think part of that is intended as a way of showing how overwhelmed Kat is and to drive home the theme of the book which is Kat being pulled in too many directions with too many people having a hold on her. Still, I’m not sure if the return to Delai couldn’t have been handled in a later book, or Adrian pulled his grand plan in the next book. There’s just so many of these different threads that they distract each other and sometimes feel forgotten – I forgot Adrian was even looking for Kat until near the end of the book.
There wasn’t anything resolved in this book either. Now I love meta, meta is what keeps me plugged into a story, but it’s rare that a book can be nothing but meta; you usually have some sub-chapter of the book being concluded and there wasn’t one here
Still, the stories that are presented are great fun with lots of devious plotting I enjoy. I love the demon’s manipulations, Delai and its revelations are definitely intriguing and we all knew there was something sinister underlying it. I really want to know exactly who and what Adrian is and what he is plotting – I’d also kind of like to know why Jonathon tolerates Kat all things considered and if he has his own agenda. The ongoing theme of Kat becoming more and more beholden to more people, each of them having a lever against her is really well done as well – and shows how much her friends and loved ones are a weakness to her and leave her open to this manipulation.
Read More
January 9, 2013
2.5 stars
Kat is back. She has been held up in the seemly normal town of Delai, learning how to control her hunger. That is until her demon mark starts acting up, and she needs to go back home and take care of business. There she learns that she has a new roommate. A vampire countess is out for her, and werewolf Adrian wants to see her.
I know how confusing that sounds. Blessed by a Demon’s Mark is the third book in the Kat Redding series. I strongly encourage readers to start at book one, To Walk the Night. If you haven’t opened the second book, Tainted Night, Tainted Blood there is a good chance Blessed by a Demon’s Mark will get confusing. This entry in the series is far from self-contained. Three plot lines are going on at once, but instead of hiding in the back ground, or ever tying into one another, they are spread out. Kat leaves one thing to jump into the other.
Let’s start with Delai. Readers from the second book know something is wrong with the town. We are pushed to believe that the town’s mojo is working on Kat, or else she would see what we see. The demon mark starts to hurt, signally the demon Beligral wants to speak with her. She starts to toy with the idea of going home, but has no real intention of it until Levi’s wife tells her to go. After she leaves, and much later sees to what the demon wants, she finds out what readers already knew about the crazy little town.
When Kat comes home she is in a bad mood. Before I always said she reminded me of Batman, now Kat is just angry. All the time angry, at everyone! Most of the story I spent shaking my head in frustration. Jonathan, the Luna cult leader, who has helped her in the past, and is (maybe) her love connection has asked a werewolf to live at her home, with Ethan, while she was away. That way someone is protecting him. Kat isn’t happy with the situation, and I won’t say why but Jonathan is a saint to deal with her. We also discover there are quite a few guys that maybe have the hot’s for her. I don’t really understand why.
The one plot line that seems to be more centralized is the countess who is after her. When Kat goes to deal with that situation, I felt much more at home with the character and enjoyed what was going on. It doesn’t stay that way long. This story bounces around a lot, with nothing getting cleared up in the end. I don’t mind when cliff hangers come around, but I usually want something tied up, even if it is a problem.
I didn’t mention the issue with Adrian, only because I don’t want to spoil anything. He does what he can to get an audience, but it doesn’t come around until near the end.
Kat starts off angry. By the end of the novel she has leveled out some, but not a whole lot. I was disappointed with this installment. The heroine’s mental instability made her feel dense. There are also emotions and connections that feel more than a little forced. Some of the gritty punch and classic Batman style self-loathing was lost in the over pour of emotions. It does level out before the end, but took a while.
- Beth
Kat is back. She has been held up in the seemly normal town of Delai, learning how to control her hunger. That is until her demon mark starts acting up, and she needs to go back home and take care of business. There she learns that she has a new roommate. A vampire countess is out for her, and werewolf Adrian wants to see her.
I know how confusing that sounds. Blessed by a Demon’s Mark is the third book in the Kat Redding series. I strongly encourage readers to start at book one, To Walk the Night. If you haven’t opened the second book, Tainted Night, Tainted Blood there is a good chance Blessed by a Demon’s Mark will get confusing. This entry in the series is far from self-contained. Three plot lines are going on at once, but instead of hiding in the back ground, or ever tying into one another, they are spread out. Kat leaves one thing to jump into the other.
Let’s start with Delai. Readers from the second book know something is wrong with the town. We are pushed to believe that the town’s mojo is working on Kat, or else she would see what we see. The demon mark starts to hurt, signally the demon Beligral wants to speak with her. She starts to toy with the idea of going home, but has no real intention of it until Levi’s wife tells her to go. After she leaves, and much later sees to what the demon wants, she finds out what readers already knew about the crazy little town.
When Kat comes home she is in a bad mood. Before I always said she reminded me of Batman, now Kat is just angry. All the time angry, at everyone! Most of the story I spent shaking my head in frustration. Jonathan, the Luna cult leader, who has helped her in the past, and is (maybe) her love connection has asked a werewolf to live at her home, with Ethan, while she was away. That way someone is protecting him. Kat isn’t happy with the situation, and I won’t say why but Jonathan is a saint to deal with her. We also discover there are quite a few guys that maybe have the hot’s for her. I don’t really understand why.
The one plot line that seems to be more centralized is the countess who is after her. When Kat goes to deal with that situation, I felt much more at home with the character and enjoyed what was going on. It doesn’t stay that way long. This story bounces around a lot, with nothing getting cleared up in the end. I don’t mind when cliff hangers come around, but I usually want something tied up, even if it is a problem.
I didn’t mention the issue with Adrian, only because I don’t want to spoil anything. He does what he can to get an audience, but it doesn’t come around until near the end.
Kat starts off angry. By the end of the novel she has leveled out some, but not a whole lot. I was disappointed with this installment. The heroine’s mental instability made her feel dense. There are also emotions and connections that feel more than a little forced. Some of the gritty punch and classic Batman style self-loathing was lost in the over pour of emotions. It does level out before the end, but took a while.
- Beth
December 16, 2012
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Since the end of Tainted Night, Tainted Blood, I was really curious to read this third novel. Well, Kat left the city to live in the small town of Dalai, a strange town which we would like to know all the secrets. I also wondered if E.S. Moore would reveal us the truth about Dalai here or if he would keep it secret. But everything will be revealed in due time throughout history.
Kat has to leave Dalai at the beginning of the story, almost thrown out by the Levy's wife, but he is not really of that opinion and tries everything he can to stop her. But when our heroine wants something, nothing can stop her. She knows that she has to face reality and that abandoning Ethan was not the best thing to do. But she surely does not expect when she returned home that everybody thinks she was dead. Jeremy now lives at her home, watching Ethan; and Baset, the Countess wants her dead for having killed her lover Talia (which is also not the case). Besides, Adrian sends all the time some wolves to look for her without knowing the reason.
I must say that this novel is full of surprises. I didn’t expect so many changes. Kat, who wanted to retire from this life she had until now will end up involved in more problems than she would like. And when I say problems, it’s still not enough, Kat's life will be totally turned upside down and we really don’t expect that at all. The end was totally surprising as, indeed, it announces great things for the future. Kat is constantly evolving since the first book and it is a pleasure to understand and see her vulnerability here. She has considerably changed, trusting more people that we would have thought and being willing to do anything to protect them.
We finally learn the truth about the town of Dalai and I confess that it was something that I wanted from the beginning of the story. A real surprise and it is true that it was well found. I wonder how Kat is going to face this new challenge. I was also curious to see how the relationship between Kat and Jonathan would evolve, but I must say that I was also surprised by Nathan and I would love to really understand his reactions. It was really different to have so many persons around our heroine and Jeremy is also a character that I learned to appreciate as he will do many things for Ethan and her.
All this to say that this is a great new novel full on amazing events and I can’t wait for more!
My English review
Since the end of Tainted Night, Tainted Blood, I was really curious to read this third novel. Well, Kat left the city to live in the small town of Dalai, a strange town which we would like to know all the secrets. I also wondered if E.S. Moore would reveal us the truth about Dalai here or if he would keep it secret. But everything will be revealed in due time throughout history.
Kat has to leave Dalai at the beginning of the story, almost thrown out by the Levy's wife, but he is not really of that opinion and tries everything he can to stop her. But when our heroine wants something, nothing can stop her. She knows that she has to face reality and that abandoning Ethan was not the best thing to do. But she surely does not expect when she returned home that everybody thinks she was dead. Jeremy now lives at her home, watching Ethan; and Baset, the Countess wants her dead for having killed her lover Talia (which is also not the case). Besides, Adrian sends all the time some wolves to look for her without knowing the reason.
I must say that this novel is full of surprises. I didn’t expect so many changes. Kat, who wanted to retire from this life she had until now will end up involved in more problems than she would like. And when I say problems, it’s still not enough, Kat's life will be totally turned upside down and we really don’t expect that at all. The end was totally surprising as, indeed, it announces great things for the future. Kat is constantly evolving since the first book and it is a pleasure to understand and see her vulnerability here. She has considerably changed, trusting more people that we would have thought and being willing to do anything to protect them.
We finally learn the truth about the town of Dalai and I confess that it was something that I wanted from the beginning of the story. A real surprise and it is true that it was well found. I wonder how Kat is going to face this new challenge. I was also curious to see how the relationship between Kat and Jonathan would evolve, but I must say that I was also surprised by Nathan and I would love to really understand his reactions. It was really different to have so many persons around our heroine and Jeremy is also a character that I learned to appreciate as he will do many things for Ethan and her.
All this to say that this is a great new novel full on amazing events and I can’t wait for more!
December 31, 2012
E.S. Moore's Kat Redding series is on the darker side of Urban Fantasy. His characters live in a time where humans are at the bottom of the food chain and even though Kat is a vampire she does what she can to keep them safe. Delai has become a refuge for Kat but when she leaves to take care of her demon mark she starts questioning why she was there and what Delai is really all about. On top of her personal struggles Countess Baset, a vampire that might just be Kat's doom is after her and is willing to go to extremes to get to her.
In Book 3 Kat struggles with not only who she is but what she wants out of life more then any other book in the series so far. I hate to say it but the way that Kat acted and treated everyone in BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK really annoyed me and made me dislike the book a bit more then I normally would. It was a struggle not to stop reading at some points because of the annoyance with her and the situations she got herself in because of her hard headed, closed off personality. On another note book 3 made me like a few of the supporting characters a little more and got me excited to see what more they might bring to the series in the future. The demon Beligral of course is a crazy ass creature but he defiantly brings some suspense to an already action packed, danger filled series. It's always hard to know what his newest mark or demands might bring and you cant help but want to yell at Kat for agreeing with him even though Ethan is on the sidelines begging her not to. I have always enjoyed the world that Moore has created and I like that we learn a little more about it with every book he ads to the series.
I would not read the series without starting from the beginning as it will help you get to know the characters better and learn a bit more about he world and its struggles but I do not think it would be disastrous if you decided to read book 3 as a stand alone. Kat has some major issues to work out and although Book 3 made me really question if I liked her enough to keep reading I will most likely pick up book 4.
In Book 3 Kat struggles with not only who she is but what she wants out of life more then any other book in the series so far. I hate to say it but the way that Kat acted and treated everyone in BLESSED BY A DEMON'S MARK really annoyed me and made me dislike the book a bit more then I normally would. It was a struggle not to stop reading at some points because of the annoyance with her and the situations she got herself in because of her hard headed, closed off personality. On another note book 3 made me like a few of the supporting characters a little more and got me excited to see what more they might bring to the series in the future. The demon Beligral of course is a crazy ass creature but he defiantly brings some suspense to an already action packed, danger filled series. It's always hard to know what his newest mark or demands might bring and you cant help but want to yell at Kat for agreeing with him even though Ethan is on the sidelines begging her not to. I have always enjoyed the world that Moore has created and I like that we learn a little more about it with every book he ads to the series.
I would not read the series without starting from the beginning as it will help you get to know the characters better and learn a bit more about he world and its struggles but I do not think it would be disastrous if you decided to read book 3 as a stand alone. Kat has some major issues to work out and although Book 3 made me really question if I liked her enough to keep reading I will most likely pick up book 4.
September 16, 2013
As seen on Rabidreads.ca:
Blessed by a Demon's Mark tells its tale of murder and deceit without the hint of a smirk, wink, or flirt. Kat Redding's modes: pissed or enraged. Time to sit back and engage with pop culture exists not.
For some this vanilla, all blood and all betrayal, read will fulfill Urban Fantasy's core requirements, fantastical happenings in an urban jungle, without the constant insertion of irony, backtalk, and snappy dialogue which usually engulfs the genre.
This late in the series, at least, three different factions are vying for Redding's Next Top Enemy. This gives the book a feeling of irresolution concerning the previous happs. and those to come. What exactly was accomplished here? You'll be asking that.
If one accepts this as the rather dry, all gore and all grim, read it is, one can somewhat delight in Redding's inability to manage the most basic social interactions and I am not saying that in a "she usually gives away more information than she's supposed to" sense but rather a "she explodes on the people most capable of helping her and attempts to block them completely out as if they would not be endangered no matter due to their proximity to her".
I would have preferred more exposition and thinking on Redding's part. It is not that she suffers from a death wish like some protagonists but her motives and to-do list are not usually clear. Certain voyages appear out of the blue, quite in contradiction to the absolute red everything else is painted in.
Maybe Redding in general suffers from a failed evolution. Whereas she could have taken the path to humoring the situation, she instead takes them seriously enough that others suffer bloody consequences. Thus everything surrounding her looks to be a tragedy.
Blessed by a Demon's Mark tells its tale of murder and deceit without the hint of a smirk, wink, or flirt. Kat Redding's modes: pissed or enraged. Time to sit back and engage with pop culture exists not.
For some this vanilla, all blood and all betrayal, read will fulfill Urban Fantasy's core requirements, fantastical happenings in an urban jungle, without the constant insertion of irony, backtalk, and snappy dialogue which usually engulfs the genre.
This late in the series, at least, three different factions are vying for Redding's Next Top Enemy. This gives the book a feeling of irresolution concerning the previous happs. and those to come. What exactly was accomplished here? You'll be asking that.
If one accepts this as the rather dry, all gore and all grim, read it is, one can somewhat delight in Redding's inability to manage the most basic social interactions and I am not saying that in a "she usually gives away more information than she's supposed to" sense but rather a "she explodes on the people most capable of helping her and attempts to block them completely out as if they would not be endangered no matter due to their proximity to her".
I would have preferred more exposition and thinking on Redding's part. It is not that she suffers from a death wish like some protagonists but her motives and to-do list are not usually clear. Certain voyages appear out of the blue, quite in contradiction to the absolute red everything else is painted in.
Maybe Redding in general suffers from a failed evolution. Whereas she could have taken the path to humoring the situation, she instead takes them seriously enough that others suffer bloody consequences. Thus everything surrounding her looks to be a tragedy.
January 10, 2013
I was given this book as an ARC, and I never read the previous books. That was a problem. The story pick’s up right from where the last book left off. There was no quick recap at the beginning, there are barely any recap’s as the story goes on, and there is no glossary of terms. So basically I was lost for a long time. I had to go back and read other reviews with spoilers so I could get an idea of what was going, who was who, what were the character’s relationship’s, and to understand locations and terms. This is an issue I have with many author’s and editor’s of series, including one’s that I have read from the beginning. I read a lot of books, most in the same genre, I don’t always have the time or inclination to go back and read every book in the series. So please just give me a quick recap of where we are in the lead character’s lives now so I don’t have to ruffle through my brain. There are so many series out there, I am a big believer that each book in a series (especially Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance) should be a stand alone novel. They should not alienate the new reader, but inspire them to go back and read the previous books.
All that being said, the book to me was only so so. I liked the world they lived in, where all the Paranormal types were out of the closet and running the show but it took me a long time to catch up to what was going on, and when I finally did I was unimpressed. Kat was an okay heroine, but she wasn’t very witty or kick ass to me. I didn’t really relate or care about the other character’s either. Although there was conflict, it took a while for the action and problem solving to get started. I was not inspired to go back and read the previous books and I won’t be reading any of the future books i the series.
All that being said, the book to me was only so so. I liked the world they lived in, where all the Paranormal types were out of the closet and running the show but it took me a long time to catch up to what was going on, and when I finally did I was unimpressed. Kat was an okay heroine, but she wasn’t very witty or kick ass to me. I didn’t really relate or care about the other character’s either. Although there was conflict, it took a while for the action and problem solving to get started. I was not inspired to go back and read the previous books and I won’t be reading any of the future books i the series.
April 18, 2013
3.5
Kat Redding killed her brother and now she’s run off to pretend it never happened in a weird town called Delai. A town that she never realized was there before, run by a man who seems off somehow. Yet she stays anyway. Leaving her life and friends, especially Ethan, behind as if they never existed. When her demon mark flares to life she knows she has to return and honor her deal with him, but she has every intention of returning to Delai. However, when she finally shows up after being gone three months she finds out a vampire Countess has been searching for her. That’s never a good thing.
Ok, can you tell by my synopsis that I think Kat was a real self-pitying bitch for leaving Ethan for 3 freakin’ months?! I was really liking this series until she up and did that. Sorry, but Ethan is dependent on her and she just left? With no word? For three months?! Oh, boy, did I hate her guts. Then when she does come back she’s all bitchy and mad at the world, taking it out on everyone around her and letting her anger rule her actions. Gah!
Having said that, the story is well-written and the characters are well-developed even if I didn’t agree with Kat’s actions. And I have to say that the ending made up for all of it. Man, oh, man…Kat’s life just got super complicated and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Color me intrigued!
*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Kat Redding killed her brother and now she’s run off to pretend it never happened in a weird town called Delai. A town that she never realized was there before, run by a man who seems off somehow. Yet she stays anyway. Leaving her life and friends, especially Ethan, behind as if they never existed. When her demon mark flares to life she knows she has to return and honor her deal with him, but she has every intention of returning to Delai. However, when she finally shows up after being gone three months she finds out a vampire Countess has been searching for her. That’s never a good thing.
Ok, can you tell by my synopsis that I think Kat was a real self-pitying bitch for leaving Ethan for 3 freakin’ months?! I was really liking this series until she up and did that. Sorry, but Ethan is dependent on her and she just left? With no word? For three months?! Oh, boy, did I hate her guts. Then when she does come back she’s all bitchy and mad at the world, taking it out on everyone around her and letting her anger rule her actions. Gah!
Having said that, the story is well-written and the characters are well-developed even if I didn’t agree with Kat’s actions. And I have to say that the ending made up for all of it. Man, oh, man…Kat’s life just got super complicated and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Color me intrigued!
*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
November 27, 2012
Book 3 in the Kat Redding Series is packed with action, demons, weres, vamps, some good, some bad, some pretty nasty smelling! I have to sadly say, I have NOT read books one or two, but, let me assure you, this book could stand on its own. (Although it shouldn't)
Kat Redding is a vampire known as Lady Death, who hunts the rogue vampires who kill Pureblood humans. Tired of the constant danger and blood, Kat has decided she wants to get out of the business and retire, but now she has loose ends that must be taken care of, one of them being the fact that she has been marked by the demon Beligral, and she wants it removed. So far, so good, she sees Beligral, pays her debt, the mark is gone! She should be one step closer to retirement! Nope, she is also entangled with a werewolf cult and an old and terrifyingly powerful vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin or 'else'. Beligral manages to convince her take another mark, because out of the goodness of his heart, he is going to help her survive. Poor Kat must figure her way out of this mess and keep not only herself, but those she cares about alive!
How did I miss this series? Shame on me! We have a great plot, intense characters, gruesome details that put you 'in the moment' with Kat.
This ARC copy of Blessed By A Demon' Mark was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date December 31, 2012.
Kat Redding is a vampire known as Lady Death, who hunts the rogue vampires who kill Pureblood humans. Tired of the constant danger and blood, Kat has decided she wants to get out of the business and retire, but now she has loose ends that must be taken care of, one of them being the fact that she has been marked by the demon Beligral, and she wants it removed. So far, so good, she sees Beligral, pays her debt, the mark is gone! She should be one step closer to retirement! Nope, she is also entangled with a werewolf cult and an old and terrifyingly powerful vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin or 'else'. Beligral manages to convince her take another mark, because out of the goodness of his heart, he is going to help her survive. Poor Kat must figure her way out of this mess and keep not only herself, but those she cares about alive!
How did I miss this series? Shame on me! We have a great plot, intense characters, gruesome details that put you 'in the moment' with Kat.
This ARC copy of Blessed By A Demon' Mark was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date December 31, 2012.
September 11, 2013
In Moore’s third installment of his Kat Redding series, we find Kat hiding in Delai. She hopes by being here that she will overcome her compulsion to feed. Kat still does not like what she is or her kind. Unfortuneatly her demon’s mark that she wears is pulling her back into the real world. She must answer for the favor she asked of the crazy demon Beligral.
Back in the “real world” Kat is faced with a lot of people looking for her. The vampire Countess Baset and the hunky werewolf Adrian in particular. She also comes home to a new roommate and her old roommate’s new affiliation with the Luna Cult. One thing she discovers is that Delai is not what she thought it was. There is strange magic and she needs to break all ties as soon as possible. Kat wants to but there is a little girl there that needs saving. So even though she fulfills her first demon’s mark she decides to take on another one to save the little girl.
Kat has her major issues that haven’t been resolved or looking to be resolved anytime soon. Storylines go every which way and the reader finds that Kat has a lot on her plate and it is no wonder she doesn’t know which way to go. At times I didn’t like how Kat treated but I guess you can be a bit of b*tch if you have all these things being thrown at you at once.
I still love this series even thought this installment let me down a bit. Definitely recommend reading from the first book, To Walk the Night.
Back in the “real world” Kat is faced with a lot of people looking for her. The vampire Countess Baset and the hunky werewolf Adrian in particular. She also comes home to a new roommate and her old roommate’s new affiliation with the Luna Cult. One thing she discovers is that Delai is not what she thought it was. There is strange magic and she needs to break all ties as soon as possible. Kat wants to but there is a little girl there that needs saving. So even though she fulfills her first demon’s mark she decides to take on another one to save the little girl.
Kat has her major issues that haven’t been resolved or looking to be resolved anytime soon. Storylines go every which way and the reader finds that Kat has a lot on her plate and it is no wonder she doesn’t know which way to go. At times I didn’t like how Kat treated but I guess you can be a bit of b*tch if you have all these things being thrown at you at once.
I still love this series even thought this installment let me down a bit. Definitely recommend reading from the first book, To Walk the Night.
November 27, 2012
Blessed by a Demon's Mark is a book I really have to think about to decide just what my reaction is. I absolutely enjoyed the story, the writing and the potential in the characters.
This is the first book I've read by E.S. Moore and I've very much enjoyed the story. In fact this is the third book in the Kat Redding series and although quite a lot of previous action is referenced, I didn't feel I was lost in the world. If anything, it made me want to search out the earlier books so I could catch up.
Kat, our vampire-hunting, vampire comes across as a character who is in transition and who is doing a lot of growing and self-examination of her life. At times she seems very entrenched and stubborn. I do believe there will be more character growth in future books.
Kat is surrounded by a host of characters who stick by her. I'll admit to not necessarily knowing why, given her gruffness. This is another reason I'm keen to read other books in the series. The antagonists are fascinating and I look forward to discovering the consequences of Kat's actions in later books.
The genre is a mix of post-apocalypse/urban fantasy with a mix of paranormal characters. There's no 'romance' per se; however, definite unexplored tension is definitely there.
This is the first book I've read by E.S. Moore and I've very much enjoyed the story. In fact this is the third book in the Kat Redding series and although quite a lot of previous action is referenced, I didn't feel I was lost in the world. If anything, it made me want to search out the earlier books so I could catch up.
Kat, our vampire-hunting, vampire comes across as a character who is in transition and who is doing a lot of growing and self-examination of her life. At times she seems very entrenched and stubborn. I do believe there will be more character growth in future books.
Kat is surrounded by a host of characters who stick by her. I'll admit to not necessarily knowing why, given her gruffness. This is another reason I'm keen to read other books in the series. The antagonists are fascinating and I look forward to discovering the consequences of Kat's actions in later books.
The genre is a mix of post-apocalypse/urban fantasy with a mix of paranormal characters. There's no 'romance' per se; however, definite unexplored tension is definitely there.
March 7, 2014
Kat Redding has been in Delai trying to control her bloodlust. She is under the guidance of the charismatic and dangerous Levi. Circumstances force her to return to her real life, and she must become Lady Death once more. She was presumed dead, but word quickly spreads that rumors of her death were greatly exaggerated. She finds herself confronting a new and very deadly enemy, the Countess Beset. It seems that Kat killed her lover and the Countess wants payback. To save her friends, Kat must become the Countess' pet assassin. Kat has her hands full not only dealing with the Countess, but also her attraction to Jonathan, the leader of the Luna Cult, and coping with her demon mark from Beligral, her friend Ethan's demon. Kat is not always a likeable heroine, but her reactions feel real. Having to watch her brother die and be powerless to save him is a burden she must carry through her whole life. She lashes out at those who are friends or who are at least neutral. The story is fast paced and interesting and Countess Beset is one creepy a** villain. Fans of parnormal series that feature a strong female protatgonist will want to give this series a try. They do need to be read in order, so start with book 1- To Walk the Night.
March 3, 2014
My library has not gotten Tainted Night, Tainted Blood, and some time has passed since I read To Walk The Night, so I am grateful to the reviewers who give plot details in their reviews. I forgot that this series is set in Columbus, Ohio where I have lived for 35 years. Some of the descriptions are quite creepy. The Kat Redding series is not a cheerful piece of fluff. Kat's world and her life are grim and horrific. Blessed by a Demon's Mark is a fast paced, interesting read but not uplifting, and none of the story lines are resolved.
March 14, 2013
Thank you Goodreads and E.S. Moore. I very much enjoyed this book. At times the pace was so intense that I did not want to put down the book. I will look for other books by this author. Book was shipped to me in a very timely fashion. I enjoyed the cover art that, in of itself, drew me to start reading.
March 20, 2013
E.S. Moore has another hit here. This is the third tale of Kate Redding's life. As she returns home she will battle demons, vampires and werewolves in her short time home.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway for an honest review. I was very pleased with this book and can't wait for the next one.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway for an honest review. I was very pleased with this book and can't wait for the next one.
July 5, 2013
I do wish Kat would stop feeling sorry for herself and let people really into her life. Especially Ethan, I feel bad for him they've been living together for like 10 years or something. I'm also not a huge fan of her Jonathan crush, he doesn't seem right for her. I have been really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book to come out.
July 23, 2014
Awesome
indescribably awesome! Full of action ,and details so vivid I could practically imagine the story happening in front of me, not to mention the emotion. As new conflicts arise from every angle I became obsessed my eyes glued to every page. I can't wait to see what Kat will get into next.
indescribably awesome! Full of action ,and details so vivid I could practically imagine the story happening in front of me, not to mention the emotion. As new conflicts arise from every angle I became obsessed my eyes glued to every page. I can't wait to see what Kat will get into next.
January 22, 2013
I didn't read the first 2 books of this series but that didn't seem to matter. This was a really good book and I was able to follow the storyline without having read the other two. Really good author and good book.
November 13, 2014
female hero, monsters, action, humor and a new exciting world you will die for!
February 24, 2013
Hmm didn't think Aiden or whatever his name is was that bat shit crazy but apparently he is. Looking forward to the next.
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