Wicked After Midnight (Blud, #3)

Jan 05, 2013 Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2014

I'm always hesitant to start one of these books and then I'm always amazed at how much I end up enjoying it! The major problem is that no one and I mean no one can measure up to Criminy even though they do come close...there's just something about him.

But this is Demi's story, the girl who Criminy took under his wing. She's restless and he has begrudgingly agreed to let her and her friend travel. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse.

description

We've known Demi since the beginning and it was g ...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Shelley rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, steampunk, 2014-release, publishers-arc

*Genre* Steampunk Romance
*Rating* 3.5

*My Thoughts*

The author has announced that Wicked After Midnight will be the last Blud series story. The series ends with a character that Dawson touched briefly on in The Damsel and the Daggerman in Bludman/Contortionist Demi Ward. After partying too hard, Demi ended up in a coma, and was later transported to Sang where she was dying until Criminy Stain Bludded her, and saved her life. Demi has now been stuck in Sangland for the past SIX years with apparentl *Genre* Steampunk Romance
*Rating* 3.5

*My Thoughts*

The author has announced that Wicked After Midnight will be the last Blud series story. The series ends with a character that Dawson touched briefly on in The Damsel and the Daggerman in Bludman/Contortionist Demi Ward. After partying too hard, Demi ended up in a coma, and was later transported to Sang where she was dying until Criminy Stain Bludded her, and saved her life. Demi has now been stuck in Sangland for the past SIX years with apparently no hope of ever going back to Earth unlike Tish who can come and go.

If you are a fan of the Blud series, you know that Sang is an upside down, twisted, & dark world filled with Blud animals of all kinds including unicorns, Bludman, Daimons, and Pinky's. It is a world where Criminy's Carnival is probably safest place for Bludman to be since they are protected and safe from Pinky's who would rather drain them, then allow them any rights. In this world, women are once again put into a corner and not given any rights or privileges unless they have a man standing behind them to champion their causes. It is even worse when it comes to being a female Bludman.

Demi is a character that will be talked about for awhile in both good and bad terms I think. As a former college coed who drank too much, and ended up in a coma without experiencing what life's challenges are all about, Demi is looking for an adventure all her own even if it means cutting off her nose to spite her face. She hates to be told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. She's wants to party, have some independence of her own, and above all, meet and fall in love with a man who understands her, and doesn't bore the living snot out of her like her past encounters have. In some circles, Demi would be considered a driven woman, while others would call her a total unfeeling bitch.

When Cherie is taken by slavers on the way to Paris, Demi meets highwayman Vale Hildebrand who has more than his own fair share of challenges and expectations that he is supposed to live up to but hasn't. Demi is so determined to go out on her own and become famous, that she schemes, throws caution to the wind, and ends up up to her eyes in trouble, deception, betrayal, and a cabaret club where not everything is as it appears. Demi ends up being involved with a slew of less than honorable individuals whose own desire of fame and fortune puts girls in difficult positions where prostitution is their only way out of destitution or worse.

Although this IS Demi's story, I really felt loathing for her at times because she seems to put her own desires and agenda ahead of looking for her best friend Cherie who experiences pain and suffering of unimaginable consequences. This is the same Cherie who took Demi in Six years ago and became not only her best friend and partner, but someone who would keep an eye out for her, and taught her what it meant to be a blood drinker. It was after-all, Demi's desire to be independent from Criminy, that swayed Cherie to go with her to Franchia. Demi's push to become a mega superstar will get people's attention to the point where you have to ask yourself what would YOU do if you best friend was taken, and the only hope you had for her rescue, was to a become so popular that people would do anything to have you, and therefore, maybe lead you to finding her before it's too late.

As with previous installments, including novellas, Wicked After Midnight does have its smexy moments which readers have come to enjoy since they are hot and steamy and gets your hearts beating and blood flowing. Wicked After Midnight also leaves an interesting question from Demi's prospective: Will Tish ever become blooded, or will she end up back on Earth? That has been a question that has been plaguing my thoughts ever since Wicked as They Come was released with Criminy and Tish's story and subsequent novella's where Criminy and Tish appeared married, but her blooded situation has never been wrapped up. Fans of the series will also get farewell appearances by Murdoch and Imogen, as well as Jacinda and Marco who were part of Demi's life.

I would & do recommend this series to anyone who asks me. Dawson's world building and characters are entertaining and far from being the same old same we've come to expect from Steampunk romances. I would definitely say that you SHOULD also try the novella's even though they are not necessary to enjoyment of the series at whole. I think that Wicked After Midnight will get some references to MOULIN ROUGE when reading and reviewing the book, and that doesn't necessarily seem like a bad thing to me.

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Pocket ...more

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Feb 09, 2014 Angelc rated it really liked it

Shelves: already-own-read

This book was really enjoyable and also unique. I think I am starving for these paranormal historical romance books, with a dash of steampunk. I can't get enough of them, and there are so few to pick from. If you haven't read this type of book before, this would be great for something new and different.

I read the first book in this series, "Wicked as They Come," and while I enjoyed it, I didn't care for all the time/world hopping that the heroine did. This time around, I was much happier, becaus ...more

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May 11, 2013 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it really liked it

Shelves: sexy

3.5 Stars

I absolutely love the steampunk world that Dawson has created in the Blud series. This is not your normal vampire book, this is about Bludmen, do not be confused. There are no mesmerizing looks, sparkly skin in the sun or any other completely trite tropes that annoy me with other books that include vampires. No, Bludman are bad ass, sure they drink blood but that is where it all ends, they can be made or born. Blud is a world of magic and machinery, Moulin Rouge and the Wild Wild West, 3.5 Stars

I absolutely love the steampunk world that Dawson has created in the Blud series. This is not your normal vampire book, this is about Bludmen, do not be confused. There are no mesmerizing looks, sparkly skin in the sun or any other completely trite tropes that annoy me with other books that include vampires. No, Bludman are bad ass, sure they drink blood but that is where it all ends, they can be made or born. Blud is a world of magic and machinery, Moulin Rouge and the Wild Wild West, where the men and women dress like those of the 1800s and it is difficult to tell who is the predator and who is the prey. Where People with bird like tail feathers feed off emotions and you could be killed by a bludbunny in your sleep.

Demi has always been hungry and she has always wanted more…of everything. She dreams of fame and fortune that will never happen if she stays in Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan. Setting out with her partner Cheri, Demi is determined to make it into the Paradis cabarets. Cheri is not so determined, her wants are small and she was happy in the caravan, but she is Demi’s partner and will reluctantly follow her into hell if necessary and it seems that is exactly where Cheri ends up as she is snatched by slavers. Demi now hopes she is able to find her friend before she befalls the same fate.

I wanted to like Demi, but I honestly felt like smacking her more than once. She was so set on being free that she didn’t see the cage she built for herself. She was selfish and could seem slightly snotty in her blustering. I have felt that way about most of Dawson’s Heroines, but her heroes wrap my heart around their little finger and I just can’t get enough of them. While Criminy Stain will always be my favorite Vale is a close second. He was an adorable scoundrel.

If Lenoir’s absinthe was glitter and fairies and sunbeams, Vale’s kiss was the opposite: endless star-strewn skies and the intimacy of turning you face away from eternity to steal a moment, dark and secret.

Vale was smart and flirty and always jumping in and out of windows stealing kisses. Also, he is the only person helping Demi stay on track to find Cheri. I repeatedly got mad at her because he best friend is in mortal peril somewhere and she is very distracted forgetting about why she was at the cabaret in the first place. The cabaret is darker than Demi could have realized when she joined. Full of scoundrels, villains and men who think because you can dance they should be able to buy you as well. But perhaps she can find who stole her friend in the clientele of the cabaret.

There is mystery and intrigue while Demi is trying to find Cheri but there is also plenty of time for some fun and even a shout out to both Moulin Rouge and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Dress them as forks, napkins, salt cellars, sugar bowls, teacups. Like a giant table, putting on a show just for the diners. Inviting the audience to be our guests.”

I enjoyed the story and the resolution. This installment was darker in tone than that of the others, but it was completely enjoyable and there were cameos by all of my favorite characters from the previous two books Criminy, Letisha and Casper being my most loved. I believe that this is a wrap up to the entire series but I enjoyed all of my time in Sang and wouldn’t mind reading an additional novella or book in the series.
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Jan 13, 2016 Karissa rated it really liked it

This is the third novel in Dawson’s Blud series. There are four books in the Blud series, the fourth book is titled Wicked Ever After and released in October 2015. This was a fun steampunk romance read. I enjoyed this more than the 2nd book in the series but not as much as the first.

Demi Ward is sick of her position as a contortionist in Criminy’s circus. She wants to venture out into the world and is especially drawn to the cabarets of Paris. Criminy finally agrees to let Demi and her best frie ...more

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Jan 14, 2014 Michelle Cummings rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk

I am really quite torn with this review. I really like the world of these three novels that the author has created, but I did not care for the main character of this story one bit. Demi was in college, went on a drunken binge and ended up in a coma, hence her arrival in Sang. She was apparently found close to death by Criminy Stain, and turned into a Bludman. Her 6 years in Sang, have not apparently enabled her to grow up at all, and all she wants to do is be famous. She ends up in Paris, dancin ...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Deniz rated it liked it

Shelves: love, steampunk, new-adult, sizzling

I got a bit of a dilemma here....I've had huge issues rating this. I would honestly like to say, this is just absolutely fabulous and that I'm totally smitten. But well I am not.
Well, this is good. Don't misunderstand me. But it's NOT wow! I am totally smitten and this is fabulous like the previous two were. Two reasons:
I had huge expectations, because let's face it Dawson has never disappointed including this time;
and I really really didn't like Demi.

Because I loved the previous books and nove ...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Lexie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-owned-read

Oh me oh my. Darling readers its no secret how much I love Dawson's Blud books. I like seriously do. Dark, sensual, exciting and tempting each new story leaves me quite desperate to know more. Criminy owns my heart--like Tish I can't resist his...allure and charming madness, but I think Vale may be second in line.

This book takes us to Franchia (France) and more specifically to Paris...or at least the Blud World version of such. Demi convinces Criminy to let her and Cherie run off to find adventu Oh me oh my. Darling readers its no secret how much I love Dawson's Blud books. I like seriously do. Dark, sensual, exciting and tempting each new story leaves me quite desperate to know more. Criminy owns my heart--like Tish I can't resist his...allure and charming madness, but I think Vale may be second in line.

This book takes us to Franchia (France) and more specifically to Paris...or at least the Blud World version of such. Demi convinces Criminy to let her and Cherie run off to find adventure. He offers them a chance at an education--practically unheard of for any females, never mind Bludman females--so of course Demi finds a way to get involves with slavers, brigands, cabarets, mechanical elephants and what an only be described as the Worst Boy's Club in existence.

I enjoyed Demi quite a bit in WICKED AS THEY COME, though during "The Damsel and the Daggerman" I was a bit teed at her for acting the teenager she didn't want to be seen as. What certainly helped was this book was told from Demi's POV. Whereas others saw her as childish, mischievous and selfish, the truth is that Demi was lost. Stuck in Sang for 6 years, turned into a Bludman soon after arriving, uncertain if her body in our world is still living, frightened that she may pop back into our world suddenly while anxious that she will never be able to--Demi didn't have a chance to acclimate. Not like Tish who is still human or Casper who was human (until WICKED AS SHE WANTS, but that's a different story). By saving her Criminy opened the world to her, a world she had to learn to survive in quickly.

Vale, oh Vale. A bit of a Robin Hood like fellow, it was interesting seeing how Demi interpreted their interactions vs. how they were really going down. As a reader the little things he did or said, that Demi dismissed or overlooked entirely, stuck out to me. Even as Demi found herself confused as to what she needed and wanted, he remained the rock. What she saw as hesitation was Vale trying to take it slow out of respect for the turn her life had taken. What she saw as him neglecting the niceties with her was him feeling they didn't need them because everything he needed to know about their compatibility was as obvious as the sun was bright to him.

For reference, while reading "Damsel" is not completely necessary to enjoying this book, its recommended. Jacinda and Marco from that book offer Demi advice that resonates strongly throughout this novel.

Full review to be posted closer to Release date in January 2014 ...more

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Nov 21, 2013 Laura *Little Read Riding Hood* rated it really liked it

Shelves: paper-books, arc, adult, pnr, from-publisher

What can I say other than I am super sad to see this series come to an end. I've loved every minute I've spent in Sang, from the first confusing minute with Tish meeting Criminey, to traveling the world with Casper, to bringing it all to a close with Demi in Paris. *takes a moment of silence to mourn the loss of an amazing world*

Demi and her best friend Cherie encounter some trouble on their way to Paris and Cherie gets taken. Demi's only hope to find her is to trust Vale, and to go on with her ...more

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Dec 23, 2015 K.C. rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Let me just say that my rating may be bias towards my own personal liking. The only reason that could have made me rate this book a low 3 stars(2.5 stars even) was because I really really REALLY didn't like Demi... In fact I think I hated her. Everything about the book was as exciting as the other in the series. From the great world building to the exciting plot. I would love it so much if Demi wasn't the star in it.

Spoilers Alert!! and RANTING!!!

Demi was without doubt a childish ungrateful self ...more

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Jan 05, 2014 Margaret rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-won-arcs

After six years in Criminy's Clockwork Caravan, American-college-student-turned-vampire-contortionist Demi Ward longs for the glamour of Paris's cabarets. She just has to convince her best friend Cherie to leave the safety of the caravan and join her. As a compromise, the girls agree to travel to Ruin, Franchia (their version of France) and attend the university. Demi and Cherie set off on the road to Ruin with their daimon guardian, whom Demi plans to ditch as soon as possible so they can head After six years in Criminy's Clockwork Caravan, American-college-student-turned-vampire-contortionist Demi Ward longs for the glamour of Paris's cabarets. She just has to convince her best friend Cherie to leave the safety of the caravan and join her. As a compromise, the girls agree to travel to Ruin, Franchia (their version of France) and attend the university. Demi and Cherie set off on the road to Ruin with their daimon guardian, whom Demi plans to ditch as soon as possible so they can head to Paris instead. Once the girls are on their own, however, her plans quickly go awry. Their carriage is attacked, the men killed, women abducted and Demi left alone among the burning wreckage. She's rescued by a band of brigands, including sexy Vale, who are hunting her attackers. Vale agrees to take her to Paris and help her search for Cherie, but once she arrives at the cabaret, she finds life not as glamourous as she dreamt.

Demi is a twenty-first century twenty-something in a mostly nineteenth century world. Her art history knowledge serves her well, but her pop culture references are just inside jokes with the reader (which I kind of love her for.) She's neither naïve nor helpless, but her entire life as a Bludman has been spent inside the caravan, so she's easily overwhelmed by Paris. She seems to be seduced by everyone and everything around her, starting with fame once her cabaret act is a hit. She's pursued by paparazzi and wealthy patrons and taken advantage of by managers. Success brings her to the attention of the artist Lenoir, who's a mashup of several Impressionists. His character is a wonderful combination of creepy (the "drink this, lie on my couch and I'll make you a star" kind) and seductive. Then there's Vale who wants to seduce her, but also keeps having to remind her that she's only there to search for Cherie. I felt frustrated right along with him when Demi doesn't seem to take his feelings or their mission seriously.

In one of the most "visually" stunning scenes, Demi tours the city of Paris with her new friend Louis, finding it much the same as it is on Earth, but with some Sangish twists. I loved the idea that the Eiffel Tower, as Demi says, "actually serves a purpose in this world." It's wrapped in wires and used to generate electricity. The city is full of lights and flowers and beautiful architecture, but the real story is beneath the surface. As if to drive that point home, the characters spend more time trudging through sewers and catacombs than they do sightseeing. The cabaret performances are also filled with lush, artistic imagery and brightly colored daimons in even brighter costumes. In some ways it is Moulin Rouge with daimons, but it's also about human (and non-human) trafficking and the sex trade, addiction and the dark side of celebrity. It's much darker and more complex than the other books in the series, though it's not without its moments of whimsy. Vale and Demi share a scene on a trapeze which is both fanciful and erotic. Since we're in France, of course there are poodles, but since it's also Sang, they're not like any you'd find at the dog show. And we mustn't forget the pachyderm, a giant copper elephant that you'll have to read about to believe.

I've always appreciated the way the books and novellas in the Blud series reference each other in subtle ways. Wicked After Midnight opens with a healthy dose of Criminy Stain, which is sure to please fans of the series, as Demi tries to convince him to let her leave the caravan. We see the couples from the novellas, and Lizard Boy and Charlie Dregs, heroes of their own stories. This book is also filled with references to Wicked As She Wants (which I loved) some of them obvious, like "the tsarina stayed at this hotel" and some little winks that made me smile. I enjoyed the last look at some favorite characters, and felt like I was saying goodbye to friends along with Demi when she left the caravan. Dawson also brings back some friends outside the caravan for the end of the book. Demi's last scene is dramatic, but also feels like the beginning of a new adventure. I hope we all get to have some new adventures in Sang, but if not, I will definitely enjoy rereading the old ones.
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Jan 06, 2014 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

This post originally appears at http://www.fangswandsandfairydust.com...
I offer new content everyday.

WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT is Oh La La!

Disclosure: Provided by Publisher for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own unless otherwise noted.
I do know the author and am acknowledged in the author’s notes for the book for some beta reading I did. This does not affect my opinion, really.

The only word needed to describe WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT, Delilah S. This post originally appears at http://www.fangswandsandfairydust.com...
I offer new content everyday.

WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT is Oh La La!

Disclosure: Provided by Publisher for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own unless otherwise noted.
I do know the author and am acknowledged in the author’s notes for the book for some beta reading I did. This does not affect my opinion, really.

The only word needed to describe WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT, Delilah S. Dawson’s third book in the Blud Series is “Brilliant.” I could add terms like shiny, exciting, thrilling, and such but it all comes back around to brilliant.

Delilah is funny with a twisted slant on language and naming conventions. Some of them remind me of when we have to song lyrics wrong, and others are flat out puns for me – Freesia is Russia (loosely, Delilah tells me), much like our weather lately, Russia is cold – and Freeze Ya is a pun.

In the world of Sang, parallel to our own, there are several species at least four of which correspond to human:
Pinkies are human ;
Abyssinians are close to human, but their blood is poisonous to Bludmen;
Bludmen are Vampire-like;
Lautrec's Jane Avril
Daimons mostly reside in Franchia. They are not human and feed on human emotions although they can eat food.

In having these different species Delilah makes the point that while her species are all different, they also share a lot of characteristics. It serves as a foil for the reality of humanity and different races and religions. We may be diverse but we share much.

In Demi, Delilah has created a sultry, sly and sophisticated siren who reminds me of a young Lauren Bacall telling Bogie to “Just whistle.” She’s quick witted and just a little miscalculating of the intentions of others. She is also bored with caravan life and wants the excitement of fame and stardom. She’s still a little immature but really smart; she doesn’t yet have that kernel of wisdom that takes one from adolescent thinking to adult thought. She wants to be a star, to have fame, excitement, the rush of an audience clapping for her, she wants to feel alive, important, adored She doesn’t realize the price one pays for fame and infatuated adoration.

“Girls Come here, they want to be stars. You know what stars want?”
“What?”
“They want to be girls again. And they can’t. Not ever. Now, go.” (WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT p. 245)

In Vale, Demi has created the perfect, charming brigand — think Johnny Depp in Chocolate. Harrison Ford as Hans Solo, add in a little Channing Tatum bod and you get the picture in my head. He is a bit mercenary, sexy, and sometimes even noble. He is the flavors of Southern France Franchia.
moulin-rouge-elephant

The pace in the book is fast, the plotting is perfection. We move quickly from one step to the next with enough in between to add structure, but not so much as to slow it down. And the world!!! She describes the Paris of dreams and delusion; a seamy, romantic Paris, the Paris of cabarets and Can Can girls; a Paris we hold in our minds with the knowledge it doesn’t. And she does it beautifully.

Delilah brings up the strange marvels of the world of the Gay Nineties Paris with its veneer of opulence and the addictive absinthe, of giant cabaret elephants (featuring in WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT and MOULIN ROUGE), Jane Avril, Impressionism, you know, THAT Paris, where writers lived in garrets, wealthy men were expected to have mistresses and where anything went in the cabaret. And, of course this is not our Paris, it is the Paris of Sang. And, that’s a whole different thing, non?

Other than the first chapter and a few other bits and bobs the book could stand on its own. Why you wouldn’t gobble up all three novels and the three novellas is beyond me. My favorites are the first, Wicked as they Come and this one, Wicked After Midnight.

I really adored this book for the story, the characters, the romantic, exciting story, and I just love Delilah’s writing!! I call it a MUST READ. ...more

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Jan 06, 2017 NyxShadow rated it really liked it

Shelves: vo

http://www.nyx-shadow.com/2017/01/blu...

Je savais que j'allais aimer :)
Une héroïne dont je ne sais pas trop si on l'aime ou pas, mais un environnement intéressant !

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Dec 09, 2013 Melanie Marsh rated it it was amazing

There aren’t enough stars for this one! I think it may be my favorite so far. Wicked After Midnight is a tantalizing view into the hidden world behind the curtain of the cabaret. Delilah S. Dawson has an amazing ability to create different worlds within her world of Sang. Each adventure is completely unique and as amazing as the last. Every story Dawson has written that takes place in Sang takes the reader on a journey through her world that seems almost, but not quite familiar.

In Wicked After

There aren’t enough stars for this one! I think it may be my favorite so far. Wicked After Midnight is a tantalizing view into the hidden world behind the curtain of the cabaret. Delilah S. Dawson has an amazing ability to create different worlds within her world of Sang. Each adventure is completely unique and as amazing as the last. Every story Dawson has written that takes place in Sang takes the reader on a journey through her world that seems almost, but not quite familiar.

In Wicked After Midnight, we learn the story of Demi, the contortionist who works with her best friend Cherie in Criminy Stain’s travelling circus. She is desperate to live her life and not be trapped within the confines (safety) of the circus. She’s young and eager to live the life that she left behind when she entered a coma and woke up in Sang. She wants adventure and excitement, and she wants to do it beyond Sangland. She wants to perform in Paris as a star of the Cabaret. Once she convinces Criminy to let her go, with an unexpected chaperone, the adventure begins. The amazing adventure of Demi and Cherie’s lives takes a detour when they encounter slavers on their way to Paris. What will Demi do without her best and only friend in Paris? To what length is Demi willing to go to save her friend from a life of slavery?

Along the way Demi makes friends with Vale, who knows the Cabaret inside and out, pun intended. What happens next you will have to read for yourself, and I highly recommend you do, in fact, read it for yourself.

We are also introduced to Daimons, who apparently are the main residents of Paris. They also run the Cabaret and most are terrified of Bludmen! Demi makes friends with several of them who reveal to us more about that species than we have previously seen. The way the girls are treated though is very sad, but I am not naive enough to believe that the women who work the cabaret here on earth don’t experience the same sort of situations.

Keep your eyes peeled though, because not everything in Paris is as it seems. There is danger lurking around every corner and even the well connected have their secrets. Even in Sang Paris is filled with artists and art lovers of all kinds. And just like in real life, many artists rely on alternative substances to help with their creativity. Too many people forget the dangers of using drugs that far outweigh just the possibility of addiction.

Delilah S. Dawson delivers an action packed, lust filled roller coaster of emotions like only she does. Her characters are very multifaceted in ways that I’ve not seen many authors accomplish. Her world of Sang only grows and grows with each subsequent story she releases and I truly hope she continues to fill my shelves with books from this alternate, steam punk themed version of Earth. This book really seems a lot like what I have heard happens in the movie, Moulin Rouge. I’ve not actually seen the movie, but based on what I have read about it and heard, in my mind it seems similar.

If I am forced to complain about anything, it is just that, once again there is not enough Criminy Stain or Bludbunnies. As usual though, since the story isn’t about them, I can understand the lack of them in this book.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone and everyone I can. Especially those who love Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, or anyone looking for something just a bit different from the typical vampire story.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Marlene rated it really liked it

Originally published at The Book Pushers

There is something incredibly captivating about Delilah S. Dawson’s alternate world of Sang. I eagerly lap up each new installment as it is released, and Wicked After Midnight was no exception.

Sang certainly casts a spell. Part of what makes it so fascinating is that it is accessible from our world, but only if you are stupid or unlucky. Sang is the place where dreamers and coma-victims often come to a quick and sticky end. Those who survive have the oppor ...more

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Sep 09, 2013 Jax rated it liked it

Shelves: steampunk, pnr

I love the world Dawson created! And overall, W.A.M was okay, but it definitely fell far from Wicked As The Come!

There were a few too many small discrepancies which bugged me throughout, plot points that seemed contrived, and of course the dreaded predictability - also I found I had zero sympathy for the protagonist - who, for me, came across as a spoiled, self-centered brat.

Which is why I cannot bring myself to give the book more than 3 stars.

Demi is bored, she wants a life of adventure, she wa ...more

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Jan 26, 2014 Cheryl rated it really liked it

Before Demi met Criminy, she was just a normal "human" college student. That all changed six years ago. Criminy to save Demi's life, turned her into a blud. Demi has grown bored as a performer in Criminy's Clockwork Caravan. Criminy agrees to let Demi leave the caravan along with her friend, Cherie. Things don't go as planned when Cherie is kidnapped. Demi is lost in a new world and her friend has gone missing. There is one bright spot in Demi's world. His name is Vale Hildebrand. Vale agrees to ...more

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Jan 28, 2014 Sandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: delilah-dawson-blud

I thought that the heroine of this book was the most infuriatingly, selfish, individual on the planet. That being said, the book is great. I really liked the story and each book in this world is rather clever in its presentation. I liked the newest group of characters, but similar to the 1st book, I would have liked a little more texture to our hero. I really liked Vale, and yearned to see more facets of him, and just a tad less of our self absorbed heroine. As before, I think this is just nuanc ...more

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Dec 02, 2013 Ming rated it liked it

I wish I could give this a better rating but Demi was just a PITA w/o much else going for her. Didn't like her, didn't find her interesting, she was a whiny bitch basically.

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Nov 11, 2012 FV Angela rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, steampunk, reviewed-for-fiction-vixen, read-in-2013

Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-wicked...

Wicked After Midnight just proves that you never quite know what you’re going to get when you open another installment in the Blud series and journey back into the world of Sang. So far we’ve been introduced to Criminy Stain’s caravan and met his carnivalleos, traveled long distances on land and aboard airships to get a princess back home and now Ms. Dawson introduces her readers to her version of France and the Moulin Rouge.

Dem Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-wicked...

Wicked After Midnight just proves that you never quite know what you’re going to get when you open another installment in the Blud series and journey back into the world of Sang. So far we’ve been introduced to Criminy Stain’s caravan and met his carnivalleos, traveled long distances on land and aboard airships to get a princess back home and now Ms. Dawson introduces her readers to her version of France and the Moulin Rouge.

Demi Ward is bored with living inside the caravan and performing for pinkies night after night. She wants excitement, adventure and acclaim. Or at least the chance to discover those things. Saved by Criminy when she was pulled out of her world and into Sang, she was half dead when he found her and transformed her into a bludman. Since then she’s lived and performed with her best friend Cherie in the Sang version of a circus. But now she’s ready to get out from under her godfather’s thumb and explore the world. After much arguing and deal-making she finally talks Criminy and Tish into letting her and Cherie travel with a chaperone to Franchia. She’s supposed to be traveling to Ruin, a smaller city outside Paris, to attend university. Oh, but Demi has other plans and she ditches her chaperone at the first chance and heads out with her best friend to Paris.

It’s not long before trouble ensues and the girls traveling conveyance is attacked by slavers. That’s when Demi’s real adventure begins. Rescued by a wickedly handsome brigand named Vale and determined to find Cherie, Demi travels to Paris and joins a cabaret. Not just any cabaret, but the renowned Paradis. Filled with daimon girls dressed in beautiful clothing, who perform night after night for rich and wealthy men. Demi finds a way to become the only bludwoman in any cabaret and is an instant success. Success for our Demi is a double-edged sword and she is soon drawn into the dark, dangerous underside of the bright, glitzy cabaret.

I really love this series. Nearly everything about it appeals to me. The world-building is so original and fresh that even as it plays on real people, places and events in our world it’s changed and warped just enough that I always feel like I’m journeying somewhere and discovering something new. The characters are so alive and decadent. They may be slightly darker and more aggressive than in other romances, but in this world they work for me. The heroines aren’t weaker or less, but are just as dominant and predatory as the men. And I love that.

Demi leaves the caravan looking for adventure and she finds it. She finds romance and sex, gets caught up in the glitz and glamour of being a star, her head is turned by compliments and baubles, she discovers alcohol and drugs and lets all of it sidetrack her from her real mission to find her friend. Vale is there for her throughout, a mysterious, dashing man who challenges her and vows to help her. Since this is told from Demi’s POV she comes across as young and cocky at first, then fearless and a bit brash when she is letting fame go her head, but then finally by the end she grows up a bit and discovers herself. Vale remains a bit of a mystery as the reader is left to figure him out by his actions and words, even as Demi is misunderstanding them. And she does this a lot. Part of Demi’s charm, but also her main problem, is that she tends to leap before she looks and doesn’t take kindly to others giving her any sort of direction. She’s comes across at first as childish because of this.

I loved the adventure and mystery plot, while I it was obvious who the villain would turn out to be, I was surprised at the conclusion and how it all wrapped up. In my opinion the romance does take a backseat to much of the action and mystery, but for this couple, in this story, it worked. Vale and Demi are both so unique that their bickering and strangely different romance felt right. Amidst the gritty, dark side of Paris and surrounded by decadence and debauchery Vale and Demi fall in love and ultimately save the day.

And now after finishing another installment in this series, I find myself already looking forward to what’s coming next. Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:

I went up on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Vale’s lips.

“I think I love you. Now, shut up and help me kill a bunch of people so we can figure out the rest.”

...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Victoria rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Joint review with Karina:

***
Karina:
I don't know about you, Vika, but what attracted me the most to this book was it's Moulin-Rouge, bright burlesque atmosphere. This is why reading it was such sheer pleasure.

The difference between Moilin Rouge and this book is that Demi is not a helpless female and no-one's victim. When she comes to Paris, she has two goals: to become a star and to find her kidnapped best friend, Cherie; and her Bludman status is a huge advantage and a great weapon against those ...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Kara-karina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk

Joint review with Victoria

Karina:
I don't know about you, Vika, but what attracted me the most to this book was it's Moulin-Rouge, bright burlesque atmosphere. This is why reading it was such sheer pleasure.

The difference between Moilin Rouge and this book is that Demi is not a helpless female and no-one's victim. When she comes to Paris, she has two goals: to become a star and to find her kidnapped best friend, Cherie; and her Bludman status is a huge advantage and a great weapon against those ...more

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Feb 01, 2014 Jessica (a GREAT read) rated it really liked it

Delilah S. Dawon's Wicked After Midnight is, sadly, the last novel of the Blud series. Unless something changes to fix that! I've enjoyed the Land of Sang very much. It's a unique world and yet, it's not too different from ours, except for the bludbunnies of course!

Demi, is a Blud or vampire as we know them. She was once human but it was Criminy who turned her and introduced her to Land of Sang. But soon Demi grows tired of the caravan life and wants to leave. So she decides to leave and find he Delilah S. Dawon's Wicked After Midnight is, sadly, the last novel of the Blud series. Unless something changes to fix that! I've enjoyed the Land of Sang very much. It's a unique world and yet, it's not too different from ours, except for the bludbunnies of course!

Demi, is a Blud or vampire as we know them. She was once human but it was Criminy who turned her and introduced her to Land of Sang. But soon Demi grows tired of the caravan life and wants to leave. So she decides to leave and find her own life and adventure in Paris, Cherie, her best friend and performance partner, agrees to go with her. But no sooner has their journey started when Cherie gets kidnapped after their transportation was attacked by a group of villains. Demi can't find Cherie but she does find Vale, a brigand who helps her out time and time again. Demi joins a cabaret as she intended and turns into quite the star among her daimon co-workers.

For awhile it seems Demi loses track of her goal in finding Cherise. She gets swept up into the life of being a performer. Even introducing the cabaret and its clients to the can-can. Although, Vale does help her in every way he can. More than she thought he would. I was surprised that there wasn't an instant love connection between these two. There's definitely a connection of sorts, but not one that immediately becomes romance. Demi has "obligations" as being the star performer at the cabaret, but she is able to work around those, but Vale doesn't know this. Basically, it leads to a lot of friction and miscommunication between these two, despite that they both want the other.

At times, their antics were perhaps a touch annoying. Demi wanted certain things out of life--and more power to her--but I just couldn't understand her sometimes hostility about the matters of romance, especially with Vale. But then there's Vale, who wants to protect her. Pretty much from the moment he meets her. But Demi is an independent kind of gal and wants to make her own life choices, yet Vale is still there, ever a constant in her life, helping her even when she pushes him away.

I liked this one, but perhaps not as much as the previous novels and novellas. I can't be sure as to why. Perhaps, what nagged at me the most was Demi living the life of stardom and getting her portrait done by an artist instead of doing more to look for Cherise. Vale does more work in that area then she does. I kind of thought she would struggle to balance the two parts--life at the cabaret and finding Cherise--more. It kind of slowed the pacing a bit, but after finishing the book, I guess I can see the reasoning behind it. But still would have preferred it going the other way.

Of course that's not to say that this wasn't an exciting read! It very much was! Demi has quite a few tricks up her sleeve, especially when getting rid of unwanted paramours! She's quite feisty little heroine! And she knows what she wants out of life and you gotta admire that in a heroine!

The romance that buzzed between Demi and Vale was quite enjoyable! Lots of teasing, "almost" kind of moments. I loved the dynamics between those two as they were definitely complements to one another.

The ending was quite spectacular! Things finally get rolling into the big reveal and while it wasn't the jaw dropping kind of shock, it still has a nice sinister spin to it and I quite enjoyed those final moments before the HEA ending. For there was an HEA ending, just as we've seen in the previous books. Of course, just because the series is over doesn't mean that the stories in Sang are done. Who knows! Maybe Delilah will give us a novella or two along the way to her next series, whatever that may be! All I know is that I will be reading it!

Overall Rating 4/5 stars ...more

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May 20, 2014 Cassandra Page rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviews, speculative-fiction, vampire, steampunk

Wicked After Midnight is the third and final book in the Blud series, a set of three steampunk fantasy romance novels set in the same world but with each following a different pair of main characters. You could pick up any of the three and read it without having read the other two, and you'd be fine.

I love this series. Love love love. The world, a sort of medieval parallel to modern day Earth, is rich and dark and has clockworks and magic in equal measure. Plus Dawson's love interests in each bo Wicked After Midnight is the third and final book in the Blud series, a set of three steampunk fantasy romance novels set in the same world but with each following a different pair of main characters. You could pick up any of the three and read it without having read the other two, and you'd be fine.

I love this series. Love love love. The world, a sort of medieval parallel to modern day Earth, is rich and dark and has clockworks and magic in equal measure. Plus Dawson's love interests in each book are smoking hot, strong, dangerous to their enemies and respectful of their leading ladies (which is one of the reasons they are smoking hot, in my book!). Wicked After Midnight brought us more of the same in that sense, while telling a different story.

The bulk of this book is set in the Blud equivalent of Paris, populated mostly by daimons -- magical creatures that feeds on emotions -- and the humans they need to survive. The main character, Demi, is a bludman (basically a vampire but with a bunch of unique aspects that separate them from your typical Dracula or Edward), and -- due to her awesome contortionist abilities -- quickly becomes a star in the cabaret. I love the movie Moulin Rouge and there were a lot of elements of that in here. I pretty much had the soundtrack stuck in my head the whole time I was reading.

The only fly in the ointment for me is that Demi is a bit of a diva. At the start of the book she basically harrasses her best friend, Cherie, into running away from the caravan to join the cabaret (despite all the warnings she gets about how this isn't the glamorous life she thinks it is). When Cherie goes missing, Demi decides the best way to find her is to follow through on her original plan and become a star. She then gets so swept up in her new life that at times she completely forgets about her friend. If it wasn't for Vale, quietly reminding her every so often that he's still pursuing her friend, Cherie would probably never be found.

Now, in Demi's defence, a lot of cabaret girls have gone missing, presumably taken by the same people that took Cherie, and her plan to make herself bait and investigate the clientele for hints of her friend isn't a bad one in and of itself. And she does regret the self-absorption, when she realises what she's done. But I would've liked to see more active searching as well, maybe a couple of scenes early on that involved her actually going out into the city looking for clues, just so I didn't feel like her decision to join the cabaret was her deluding herself into thinking she was "helping".

The overall theme of this book is quite pertinent despite its fantasy setting: mysogyny, rape culture and women's fight against it. And any qualms I had about Demi were blown right out of the water by her defiant reaction to that culture and the things that are expected of her as a dancer and a courtesan. There's no doubt that if anyone actually tried to force themselves on her, she'd gut them. For example, I love this quote:

My only choices were play nice, get raped or die?

Yeah, no.

The Blud series is a great read, and definitely worth your time if you like stories about carnivals and dancers; hot vampires; steampunk technology (and let's take a moment to acknowledge the awesomeness that is Coco in this book -- she's only in two scenes and she steals them both); respectful men who are apparently fantastic in bed (*fans self*!); and strong women who know what they want and aren't afraid to take it.

4.5 stars! ...more

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Oct 03, 2014 Under the Covers Book Blog rated it really liked it

Sometimes, a reader just needs to trust an author. I was a little upset when I found out this wasn't a Criminy book, but I was excited to go back to Sang and seemed like a glimpse of caravan life again. I shouldn't have worried. If there is one thing I know with certainty right before I crack open a Blud book, is that it'll take me on a wild ride, stimulate my imagination and make me want to transport into Sang myself. WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT delivers that and more!

Demi is not the conventiona

Sometimes, a reader just needs to trust an author. I was a little upset when I found out this wasn't a Criminy book, but I was excited to go back to Sang and seemed like a glimpse of caravan life again. I shouldn't have worried. If there is one thing I know with certainty right before I crack open a Blud book, is that it'll take me on a wild ride, stimulate my imagination and make me want to transport into Sang myself. WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT delivers that and more!

Demi is not the conventional heroine I'm used to seeing in this series. She's a young human college girl who ends up in Sang many years ago and is now a Bludman. She was turned by Criminy to save her life and given a job with his caravan. Trained to be a contortionist. But, again, she's young. A bit immature and bratty, and she wants to see what else is out there in this world. She has dreams of being a cabaret star, seeing her name on billboards and having much success. So she enlists her contortionist partner Cherie and off they head for Paris.

They're attacked and Cherie is taken and she quickly realizes that what she aspired to be, thinking she was untouchable because she's a Bludman, is not the way she had imagined.

This book is a story of growth for Demi. I really enjoyed seeing that because, quite frankly, I was getting pissy at the beginning with her rebellious attitude. She makes mistake after mistake, but she learns from them (mostly) and comes out on the other side with her spirit intact and the future she envisioned.

Then there's the hero. Part thief, part nomad, and all kinds of sexy. I love a man that's a bit of a rogue in the real sense of the word and there's the bonus of his sexy accent. Vale is protective and loyal to a fault. Going against what she should do for his people, he stays in Paris to watch out over Demi and help her find Cherie. I would've liked to see him make his move and swoop in before he did, but the pacing of their romance was great and always full of sparks.

This was an action packed episode! I loved the cabaret theme, the Moulin Rouge feel, and the parallels that Demi found between the human world and Sang and the things she could introduce there that weren't known yet (like can-can and the Phantom of the Opera). Another thing I always enjoy in this series is that the "final battles" are never rushed. Ms. Dawson does an amazing job at dealing with the enemy in a way that, even though sometimes doesn't have to drag on for 10 pages, it leaves you completely satisfied of the resolution.

I can't say enough how much I enjoy this series and every aspect of this world that we get to see. Looking forward to much more!

*ARC provided by publisher

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...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-steampunk, books-read-2014, own-signed

4.5 stars

Sometimes, a reader just needs to trust an author. I was a little upset when I found out this wasn’t a Criminy book, but I was excited to go back to Sang and seemed like a glimpse of caravan life again. I shouldn’t have worried. If there is one thing I know with certainty right before I crack open a Blud book, is that it’ll take me on a wild ride, stimulate my imagination and make me want to transport into Sang myself. WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT delivers that and more!

Demi is not the conven 4.5 stars

Sometimes, a reader just needs to trust an author. I was a little upset when I found out this wasn’t a Criminy book, but I was excited to go back to Sang and seemed like a glimpse of caravan life again. I shouldn’t have worried. If there is one thing I know with certainty right before I crack open a Blud book, is that it’ll take me on a wild ride, stimulate my imagination and make me want to transport into Sang myself. WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT delivers that and more!

Demi is not the conventional heroine I’m used to seeing in this series. She’s a young human college girl who ends up in Sang many years ago and is now a Bludman. She was turned by Criminy to save her life and given a job with his caravan. Trained to be a contortionist. But, again, she’s young. A bit immature and bratty, and she wants to see what else is out there in this world. She has dreams of being a cabaret star, seeing her name on billboards and having much success. So she enlists her contortionist partner Cherie and off they head for Paris.

They’re attacked and Cherie is taken and she quickly realizes that what she aspired to be, thinking she was untouchable because she’s a Bludman, is not the way she had imagined.

This book is a story of growth for Demi. I really enjoyed seeing that because, quite frankly, I was getting pissy at the beginning with her rebellious attitude. She makes mistake after mistake, but she learns from them (mostly) and comes out on the other side with her spirit intact and the future she envisioned.

Then there’s the hero. Part thief, part nomad, and all kinds of sexy. I love a man that’s a bit of a rogue in the real sense of the word and there’s the bonus of his sexy accent. Vale is protective and loyal to a fault. Going against what she should do for his people, he stays in Paris to watch out over Demi and help her find Cherie. I would’ve liked to see him make his move and swoop in before he did, but the pacing of their romance was great and always full of sparks.

This was an action packed episode! I loved the cabaret theme, the Moulin Rouge feel, and the parallels that Demi found between the human world and Sang and the things she could introduce there that weren’t known yet (like can-can and the Phantom of the Opera). Another thing I always enjoy in this series is that the “final battles” are never rushed. Ms. Dawson does an amazing job at dealing with the enemy in a way that, even though sometimes doesn’t have to drag on for 10 pages, it leaves you completely satisfied of the resolution.

I can’t say enough how much I enjoy this series and every aspect of this world that we get to see. Looking forward to much more!

*ARC provided by publisher ...more

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Dec 09, 2014 Ginger rated it liked it

This was by far not my favorite of this series. I love Dawson's writing, and the writing was strong as always but....the plot just felt...sloppy? I don't know how else to describe it. I thought perhaps it was because I didn't like the main character. She annoyed the eff out of me. But I didn't really like the characters in the second book and I still liked that book better. The romance fell flat with me. The conclusion was...not nearly as dark as I'd imagine. And the characters whole career shif ...more

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May 04, 2013 Deb rated it it was amazing

I have been a fan of the Blud series even BEFORE reading the first book, Wicked As They Come. I was hooked when I saw the cover and read the blurb. Sometimes when that happens, I am disappointed when I actually read the books in a series, but I am being totally honest when I say these books exceeded my expectations. That is rare, and appreciated.

I adore the world of Sang, even though it is not necessarily a wonderful place. BUT I have fallen in love with several of the characters in the series. ...more

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Jan 08, 2014 April Loebick rated it it was amazing

Wicked after Midnight is the final chapter in Delilah S. Dawson’s Blud novels, which is really a disappointing statement as the Blud novels have become some of my favorite paranormal romances. This is also where I should say that I do know Delilah, but that does not totally influence my reviews, at least I don’t think it does… Anyway, the books are super-awesome and Delilah herself is super-DUPER-awesome.

Now back to your regularly scheduled review.

After playing a background character through the ...more

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Aug 13, 2013 Carien rated it it was amazing

Shelves: steampunk

Now that I got myself to read Casper's story in Wicked As She Wants and actually enjoying it (even though I still didn't like him) I could finally pick up Wicked After Midnight. (Yes, I know I often read out of order, but if I have the books I want to read in order.)

And this is a great read!

I liked both Demi and Vale, so I was soon rooting for both of them. They make a great pair, and I loved seeing them fall for each other. Demi is a very stubborn and difficult person at times. There were mome ...more

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