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Blud #2.5
The Damsel and the Daggerman
Bad boy knife-thrower Marco Taresque is the hottest and most dangerous performer in the caravan. He keeps to himself until a pesky female journalist arrives, anxious to interview him about his checkered past—his last assistant disappeared under mysterious and bloody circumstances, earning him the nickname “The Deadly Daggerman.”
Unsinkable journalist and adventurer Jacinda Harville doesn’t take no for an answer, and she’s determined to wear down Marco no matter how threatening—or incredibly desirable—he might appear. He agrees to an interview—but only if she’ll let him strap her to a spinning table and throw knives at her body. How can she say no? And how can she resist him when he leans close for a kiss that strikes her more sharply than any blade? It’s the first time she’s let a man get the better of her, and she’s determined it will be the last…
Just when she thinks she can’t take any more of his games, Jacinda receives a note from Marco saying he’s finally ready to tell her the truth about what happened to his missing assistant. She sets out for an address miles away, but what she finds there turns the tables on everything she thought she knew about the tender lover who wears a smile as sharp as his knives.
As secrets are unraveled and passions take hold, Jacinda realizes her hard heart has melted. But will it be too late to save Marco—and herself—from the daggerman’s dangerous past?
Unsinkable journalist and adventurer Jacinda Harville doesn’t take no for an answer, and she’s determined to wear down Marco no matter how threatening—or incredibly desirable—he might appear. He agrees to an interview—but only if she’ll let him strap her to a spinning table and throw knives at her body. How can she say no? And how can she resist him when he leans close for a kiss that strikes her more sharply than any blade? It’s the first time she’s let a man get the better of her, and she’s determined it will be the last…
Just when she thinks she can’t take any more of his games, Jacinda receives a note from Marco saying he’s finally ready to tell her the truth about what happened to his missing assistant. She sets out for an address miles away, but what she finds there turns the tables on everything she thought she knew about the tender lover who wears a smile as sharp as his knives.
As secrets are unraveled and passions take hold, Jacinda realizes her hard heart has melted. But will it be too late to save Marco—and herself—from the daggerman’s dangerous past?
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2014
6 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Delilah S. Dawson
176 books2,823 followersDelilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 14, 2014
Killer bunnies ahead. I know, I'm not much of a gif reviewer, but had to make an exception this time. You'll see why. O.o
This short story is part of an ongoing series. I would recommend against trying to read this without having read the full-length books first, or the world will not fully be appreciated.
Now, with that out of the way...HOT DAMN.
Normally, I might complain when the best, most unique part of a book series which makes it different from every other series (the crazy world itself) is pushed aside in favor of adding more sexual chemistry. You aren't going to see me complain this time.
After all, it's a short story. If I want to revisit the land of Sang and spend more time with the crazy carnie people and strange creatures, I'd re-read one of the full length books.
Time is money. We're going from point A to point Z by way of screwing the world building. Did I already say that I didn't mind this time?
Why, you ask? Why would I not be righteously upset that my blud bunnies and bludmares and Criminy Stain's carnival didn't get full billing?
This is why : there's a hot, knife throwing guy who oozes male sexuality, but we find out he's (PRETTY BIG SPOILER BECAUSE I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING - don't click if you don't want to know) .
Oh, dear lord. I have just died and gone to my happy place.
It's time to bring back book kitty.
So I didn't get the full-on Sang experience. However, I got the trade off of lots of super creative sexual tension, which probably works better for the in-between stories.
He threw a knife at her girly bits. Ponder that. I mean, he is a knife thrower, but still...even a pro has to have mad skills to do that.
I wish I could quote a few of the great scenes wrought with sexual tension, but I don't want to spoil the goodness.
It was awesome that the woman was the aggressor in this story, completely owning her sexuality. That doesn't mean by any chance that the man was a wallflower. He was definitely a strong male character, with an added dash of mystery. I definitely approved of Marco.
People who haven't read the series : if you're looking for something different, read this series. I don't even know how to describe it. If you took carnival people, steampunk devices, an alternate world, a lot of crazy creatures, and sexy as hell men who are a bit offbeat (read : they're snarky and they know it), you'll not even come close to figuring out what's going on here. The books are fun and sexy, so that's about it in a nutshell. Here's where I started. I want to go back and re-read my way through the books (there's only two) and the short stories that I missed in order to get the full experience. I even gave the prior short story a 5 star rating, and you know that's about as rare as a person wearing a snowsuit to the beach.
I will happily do a series re-read if people want to join me at some point (maybe Feb.) because I would love to see some others discover the magic of Sang.
This book provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from the pre-published version and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
This short story is part of an ongoing series. I would recommend against trying to read this without having read the full-length books first, or the world will not fully be appreciated.
Now, with that out of the way...HOT DAMN.
Normally, I might complain when the best, most unique part of a book series which makes it different from every other series (the crazy world itself) is pushed aside in favor of adding more sexual chemistry. You aren't going to see me complain this time.
After all, it's a short story. If I want to revisit the land of Sang and spend more time with the crazy carnie people and strange creatures, I'd re-read one of the full length books.
Time is money. We're going from point A to point Z by way of screwing the world building. Did I already say that I didn't mind this time?
Why, you ask? Why would I not be righteously upset that my blud bunnies and bludmares and Criminy Stain's carnival didn't get full billing?
Criminy's voice shouted unnaturally loudly, thanking everyone and welcoming them back tomorrow if they weren't eaten by bludbunnies on the way home.
This is why : there's a hot, knife throwing guy who oozes male sexuality, but we find out he's (PRETTY BIG SPOILER BECAUSE I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING - don't click if you don't want to know) .
Oh, dear lord. I have just died and gone to my happy place.
It's time to bring back book kitty.
So I didn't get the full-on Sang experience. However, I got the trade off of lots of super creative sexual tension, which probably works better for the in-between stories.
He threw a knife at her girly bits. Ponder that. I mean, he is a knife thrower, but still...even a pro has to have mad skills to do that.
Her skirts felt oddly tight, and she opened her eyes and looked down. The last knife quivered between her thighs, piercing the layers of her skirts and drawing the cloth tightly over her legs.
I wish I could quote a few of the great scenes wrought with sexual tension, but I don't want to spoil the goodness.
It was awesome that the woman was the aggressor in this story, completely owning her sexuality. That doesn't mean by any chance that the man was a wallflower. He was definitely a strong male character, with an added dash of mystery. I definitely approved of Marco.
People who haven't read the series : if you're looking for something different, read this series. I don't even know how to describe it. If you took carnival people, steampunk devices, an alternate world, a lot of crazy creatures, and sexy as hell men who are a bit offbeat (read : they're snarky and they know it), you'll not even come close to figuring out what's going on here. The books are fun and sexy, so that's about it in a nutshell. Here's where I started. I want to go back and re-read my way through the books (there's only two) and the short stories that I missed in order to get the full experience. I even gave the prior short story a 5 star rating, and you know that's about as rare as a person wearing a snowsuit to the beach.
I will happily do a series re-read if people want to join me at some point (maybe Feb.) because I would love to see some others discover the magic of Sang.
This book provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes taken from the pre-published version and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
February 4, 2014
We have a new member to Criminy's caravan and it's Marco, the knife thrower. And of course, he has quite the history. That history in turn attracts a journalist that has shown up to write a book about the caravan, Jacinda.
It's hard to describe this series if you haven't read it. It's steampunk with a wild spin on vampires who are called Bluds and they're not just people either...there's a whole range of Blud animals as well. And the "pinkies" (aka humans) have to be extra careful of the animals or else they will get hurt and/or killed. Criminy runs a caravan that travels near the pinkie towns. Each book has been about someone in the caravan or involved with it somehow.
Back to the story...Jacinda is quite unlike your regular heroine. She has been on her own for awhile since her husband passed away and she knows how to take care of herself...and go after what she wants. From the beginning, she has decided she wants Marco, story or not.
Marco has all the women fawning over him but he keeps his distance and he plays by his rules. He makes no exception for Jacinda and it's funny to watch him put the brakes on when she's around and see how infuriated she gets! There's a big reason why but it really caught me by surprise...I loved it though.
The steamy scenes are pretty good and drawn out...Marco style. He is very talented. ;)
I'm always unsure how I will feel about these books when I first start them because they are so different. But soon enough, they draw me right in. Some I've loved more than others but I always enjoy them. This one was no exception. It wasn't my favorite but still really good.
The drama in the story was pretty easy to figure out and it got wrapped up rather quickly as is prone to do being a novella. But I enjoyed it especially because we got to know more about Marco.
Of course, I was happy that Criminy was in it a fair amount and he's still as saucy as ever! The next book is about Demi, (Wicked After Midnight), who is very close to Criminy, so I'm really hopeful we will get even more of him. I'm also looking forward to Demi getting some much deserved happiness.
Favorite quotes:
♥ Letitia grinned. “Of course. Don’t worry about Criminy and his threats. He’s just a puppy, really.”
One eyebrow shot up as Jacinda thought about the ringmaster’s fangs.
“A puppy?” “A wolf puppy, maybe.”
♥ “You’re just accustomed to girls. I’m a woman. There’s a difference.”
♥ "I want to taste every inch of you and meet you a thousand ways for a thousand nights and hear you scream in my ear as you shatter under my mouth.”
♥ “If I’d known it would be that good, I might not have resisted for so long.”
♥ “I’ve gotten good at hiding my real feelings behind my smoldering good looks and wicked smile. Besides, if I’d made it easy for you, you wouldn’t have chased me. And I do like the way you chase me.”
It's hard to describe this series if you haven't read it. It's steampunk with a wild spin on vampires who are called Bluds and they're not just people either...there's a whole range of Blud animals as well. And the "pinkies" (aka humans) have to be extra careful of the animals or else they will get hurt and/or killed. Criminy runs a caravan that travels near the pinkie towns. Each book has been about someone in the caravan or involved with it somehow.
Back to the story...Jacinda is quite unlike your regular heroine. She has been on her own for awhile since her husband passed away and she knows how to take care of herself...and go after what she wants. From the beginning, she has decided she wants Marco, story or not.
Marco has all the women fawning over him but he keeps his distance and he plays by his rules. He makes no exception for Jacinda and it's funny to watch him put the brakes on when she's around and see how infuriated she gets! There's a big reason why but it really caught me by surprise...I loved it though.
The steamy scenes are pretty good and drawn out...Marco style. He is very talented. ;)
I'm always unsure how I will feel about these books when I first start them because they are so different. But soon enough, they draw me right in. Some I've loved more than others but I always enjoy them. This one was no exception. It wasn't my favorite but still really good.
The drama in the story was pretty easy to figure out and it got wrapped up rather quickly as is prone to do being a novella. But I enjoyed it especially because we got to know more about Marco.
Of course, I was happy that Criminy was in it a fair amount and he's still as saucy as ever! The next book is about Demi, (Wicked After Midnight), who is very close to Criminy, so I'm really hopeful we will get even more of him. I'm also looking forward to Demi getting some much deserved happiness.
Favorite quotes:
♥ Letitia grinned. “Of course. Don’t worry about Criminy and his threats. He’s just a puppy, really.”
One eyebrow shot up as Jacinda thought about the ringmaster’s fangs.
“A puppy?” “A wolf puppy, maybe.”
♥ “You’re just accustomed to girls. I’m a woman. There’s a difference.”
♥ "I want to taste every inch of you and meet you a thousand ways for a thousand nights and hear you scream in my ear as you shatter under my mouth.”
♥ “If I’d known it would be that good, I might not have resisted for so long.”
♥ “I’ve gotten good at hiding my real feelings behind my smoldering good looks and wicked smile. Besides, if I’d made it easy for you, you wouldn’t have chased me. And I do like the way you chase me.”
October 13, 2013
As always Dawson spins a tale that renews my love of Sang over and over again. Here we find ourselves back at Criminey's Caravan, and we even get a brief glimpse of the man and Tish themselves, enough that I wondered what was going on with them. Something is up. But alas, it is not their story.
We follow Jacinda, a journalist, who wants to write a story about life as a carnivalleo. Little did she know that she would also find love. Of course, we the reader know this will happen, it's the reason we are here to begin with!
This story follows Dawson's typical format, strong female lead, sexy as hell male lead, someone has a secret, there is danger, and then we all live happily ever after. But the fact that she does it in a novella, and you still feel you know the characters, is an amazing feat. The twist/secret in Daggerman is not one I saw coming, and it is adorable and I love it. I can't say anything else, because I am afraid I will give it away.
The way Dawson can transport us to Sang, no matter how long or short the story is, is a talent not many authors have. She paints such a real picture of a place that is so magical that I feel like I should have a souvenir sitting on my bookshelf. Oh wait, I do, her stories. It's a good thing I have my passport, I plan to revisit Sang time and time again!
We follow Jacinda, a journalist, who wants to write a story about life as a carnivalleo. Little did she know that she would also find love. Of course, we the reader know this will happen, it's the reason we are here to begin with!
This story follows Dawson's typical format, strong female lead, sexy as hell male lead, someone has a secret, there is danger, and then we all live happily ever after. But the fact that she does it in a novella, and you still feel you know the characters, is an amazing feat. The twist/secret in Daggerman is not one I saw coming, and it is adorable and I love it. I can't say anything else, because I am afraid I will give it away.
The way Dawson can transport us to Sang, no matter how long or short the story is, is a talent not many authors have. She paints such a real picture of a place that is so magical that I feel like I should have a souvenir sitting on my bookshelf. Oh wait, I do, her stories. It's a good thing I have my passport, I plan to revisit Sang time and time again!
January 20, 2014
This novella is for the Blud series the first book in that series is Wicked as they Come https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... I suggest that you read at least the first book before starting this novella, I highly recommend reading the first book period Criminy Stain is the fantastic antihero, imagine a Naughty Mr. Darcy, he is well worth a peruse.
Infamous ringleader Criminy Stain loomed over me like a dark angel, she thought, fingers twitching for cold metal keys, like an incubus drawn in ink on stark white paper.
That said the Damsel and the Daggerman was another fun look into Criminy’s Clockwork Carnival. I love the world of Blud it is full of clockworks and steampuck with an unusual selection of wildlife including bludbunnies that can tear you apart in large groups, unicorns and peacocks that hunt virgins in tandem along with some other nasty creatures. Half the fun of these books is just the world that has been created.
We see Criminy a few times but the majority of the story is about the journalist Jacinda writing a book on the carnival and chasing after the story of Marco the daggerman thought to have murdered his prior assistant. It seems Marco does have a few secrets but the handsome daggerman isn’t sharing without a price.
”Woman, what you don’t know about me could fit into a Kraken’s belly.”
“I know. That’s why I let you throw nine knives at me. Now I get a question.”
The romance buildup and flirtation is fun, and there were a few surprises. I was happy to be back in the land of Sang and the mystery flushed out well. If you are looking for something a little Steampunk with a fun world to it, then this series could be everything you have been looking for.
Infamous ringleader Criminy Stain loomed over me like a dark angel, she thought, fingers twitching for cold metal keys, like an incubus drawn in ink on stark white paper.
That said the Damsel and the Daggerman was another fun look into Criminy’s Clockwork Carnival. I love the world of Blud it is full of clockworks and steampuck with an unusual selection of wildlife including bludbunnies that can tear you apart in large groups, unicorns and peacocks that hunt virgins in tandem along with some other nasty creatures. Half the fun of these books is just the world that has been created.
We see Criminy a few times but the majority of the story is about the journalist Jacinda writing a book on the carnival and chasing after the story of Marco the daggerman thought to have murdered his prior assistant. It seems Marco does have a few secrets but the handsome daggerman isn’t sharing without a price.
”Woman, what you don’t know about me could fit into a Kraken’s belly.”
“I know. That’s why I let you throw nine knives at me. Now I get a question.”
The romance buildup and flirtation is fun, and there were a few surprises. I was happy to be back in the land of Sang and the mystery flushed out well. If you are looking for something a little Steampunk with a fun world to it, then this series could be everything you have been looking for.
January 12, 2023
I have loved this series and read all the full novels set in the Blud world. This novella was one of the books I missed and I enjoyed revisiting the world.
This author is wonderful at world-building and her version of paranormals is unique and engrossing. I love this world and all the creatures that inhabit it.
Delilah S. Dawson is also excellent at writing strong, capable charming female characters and I particularly loved Jacinda! She has travelled everywhere, experienced everything (including the loss of her husband) and is still open and kind and a kick-ass fabulous woman.
The back-and-forth between Jacinda and Marco was fun and cheeky and entertaining. Although this book was short it was very entertaining with plenty of drama and suspense. I really enjoyed this.
This author is wonderful at world-building and her version of paranormals is unique and engrossing. I love this world and all the creatures that inhabit it.
Delilah S. Dawson is also excellent at writing strong, capable charming female characters and I particularly loved Jacinda! She has travelled everywhere, experienced everything (including the loss of her husband) and is still open and kind and a kick-ass fabulous woman.
The back-and-forth between Jacinda and Marco was fun and cheeky and entertaining. Although this book was short it was very entertaining with plenty of drama and suspense. I really enjoyed this.
December 23, 2013
Back to Criminy's Clockwork Carnival after so long away...oh yes! It is good to be back. The last couple novellas and novel took place elsewhere and I loved those stories, but being back where it all started just felt like coming home.
Jasinda is a very determined- very, very, very determined- female journalist who arrives at the carnival in search of her next book. She wants to write about the carnival including the stories of the individual carnies. Criminy gives her permission with a few provisions.
It is not long before Jasinda scents out that the biggest story of all is that of the dangerous knife thrower, Marco. Rumors run rife including the one that he is a murderer. More determined than ever, she sets out to wrest his story from him even if it means using seduction.
However, it seems that the only one being seduced is Jasinda. Marco agrees to answer her questions one at a time if she lets him use her as his assistant to practice his knife throwing.
Jasinda slowly gets her story and slowly works her wiles on the sensual dagger wielder, but he won't give in completely and she can't figure out why. But unbeknownst to them both, someone else watches and waits.
This was short, but it was packed full of all sorts of goodness. There are of course the characters and world of Sang, the plot with its mystery and passion that had me hooked and just the atmosphere that gets written into these books that I can't explain.
The story is told all from Jasinda's point of view, but she encountered many of the carnival characters from early stories which was really fun. Jasinda was a well-written character and she was definitely the catalyst in this book. She is one strong, capable woman, but I can't say I was a fan of hers at first. After a while I did end up finding her adventures fun. There was a self-absorption in her that turned me off a bit. I let it fly because there was more to her than just that, but she really had the attitude that she owned Marco's mysterious story so he had to tell it.
Jasinda's determination and need for control bled into the relationship too. Because Marco was aloof and hard to get and he was the hottest thing she had ever seen then that she was sampling some of tall, dark and good with knives. Jasinda planned out her seduction. Then she learns that not every man is like her late husband who fell for her and the many pretty young men since who she lets scratch her itch. She went into it thinking she had the experience, the maturity and the upper hand only to discover that her willpower broke whenever Marco wanted it too. He played her own sensual nature against her and even as I got caught up in the seduction; I also laughed at how she found herself frustrated and learning to play by his rules.
The story was a set up in a way for the novel that follows and that was fine. I definitely look forward to that.
Honestly, my only niggle was the abrupt ending. Everything was finished so that's not the problem. It was just me loving it and not wanting to see it go. With this series, its always 'more, please, more'.
Lovers of the Blud series don't want to miss this one and those who enjoy paranormal steampunk romances should hustle to start this series. Knock. your. socks. off.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jasinda is a very determined- very, very, very determined- female journalist who arrives at the carnival in search of her next book. She wants to write about the carnival including the stories of the individual carnies. Criminy gives her permission with a few provisions.
It is not long before Jasinda scents out that the biggest story of all is that of the dangerous knife thrower, Marco. Rumors run rife including the one that he is a murderer. More determined than ever, she sets out to wrest his story from him even if it means using seduction.
However, it seems that the only one being seduced is Jasinda. Marco agrees to answer her questions one at a time if she lets him use her as his assistant to practice his knife throwing.
Jasinda slowly gets her story and slowly works her wiles on the sensual dagger wielder, but he won't give in completely and she can't figure out why. But unbeknownst to them both, someone else watches and waits.
This was short, but it was packed full of all sorts of goodness. There are of course the characters and world of Sang, the plot with its mystery and passion that had me hooked and just the atmosphere that gets written into these books that I can't explain.
The story is told all from Jasinda's point of view, but she encountered many of the carnival characters from early stories which was really fun. Jasinda was a well-written character and she was definitely the catalyst in this book. She is one strong, capable woman, but I can't say I was a fan of hers at first. After a while I did end up finding her adventures fun. There was a self-absorption in her that turned me off a bit. I let it fly because there was more to her than just that, but she really had the attitude that she owned Marco's mysterious story so he had to tell it.
Jasinda's determination and need for control bled into the relationship too. Because Marco was aloof and hard to get and he was the hottest thing she had ever seen then that she was sampling some of tall, dark and good with knives. Jasinda planned out her seduction. Then she learns that not every man is like her late husband who fell for her and the many pretty young men since who she lets scratch her itch. She went into it thinking she had the experience, the maturity and the upper hand only to discover that her willpower broke whenever Marco wanted it too. He played her own sensual nature against her and even as I got caught up in the seduction; I also laughed at how she found herself frustrated and learning to play by his rules.
The story was a set up in a way for the novel that follows and that was fine. I definitely look forward to that.
Honestly, my only niggle was the abrupt ending. Everything was finished so that's not the problem. It was just me loving it and not wanting to see it go. With this series, its always 'more, please, more'.
Lovers of the Blud series don't want to miss this one and those who enjoy paranormal steampunk romances should hustle to start this series. Knock. your. socks. off.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
The Damsel and the Daggerman is a delectably dark romance. With vivid world-building, fabulously shadowy characters, and a riveting plot, Delilah S. Dawson once again sucks us into the Blud series.
Journalist Jacinda Harville has her sights on a story about “the Deadly Daggerman”, Marco Tareque. Entering the carnival with Criminy's blessing, Jacinda begins to unravel the carefully constructed secrets behind the show. Drawn in by the mystery, Jacinda is captivated by the characters and soon discovers it feels like home. But more than that, she is taken with the Daggerman and his sinister smile. Passions ignite, and it's a flame that can't be denied. Jacinda soon discovers she is falling for the man accused of killing his last assistant. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late and she becomes the next victim?
I love a strong female character, and Dawson gives us a superb example in Jacinda. The delightfully ominous carnival setting highlights that fabulous cast of characters that keep me coming back for more.
A fantasy romance with a blaze of steampunk mechanizations makes The Damsel and the Daggerman a truly luscious adventure.
I received this ARC copy of The Damsel and the Daggerman from Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc - Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on January 6, 2014.
Journalist Jacinda Harville has her sights on a story about “the Deadly Daggerman”, Marco Tareque. Entering the carnival with Criminy's blessing, Jacinda begins to unravel the carefully constructed secrets behind the show. Drawn in by the mystery, Jacinda is captivated by the characters and soon discovers it feels like home. But more than that, she is taken with the Daggerman and his sinister smile. Passions ignite, and it's a flame that can't be denied. Jacinda soon discovers she is falling for the man accused of killing his last assistant. Will she uncover the truth before it's too late and she becomes the next victim?
I love a strong female character, and Dawson gives us a superb example in Jacinda. The delightfully ominous carnival setting highlights that fabulous cast of characters that keep me coming back for more.
A fantasy romance with a blaze of steampunk mechanizations makes The Damsel and the Daggerman a truly luscious adventure.
I received this ARC copy of The Damsel and the Daggerman from Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc - Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on January 6, 2014.
October 15, 2013
The Damsel and the Daggerman takes Delilah’s fans back to Criminy’s caravan. I was so pleased by this. The past to books in the Blud series have had readers in the city and I truly do prefer the carnival setting. This sweet novella can easily be read as a stand-alone. As far as I can tell Jacinda and Marco have never had a role in any of the previous reads. I have skipped the anthology in the series though.
Jacinda makes her way to Criminy’s caravan in the hopes of getting an insider look into caravan life so that she can pen a tell all to sell to the sheltered Pinkie’s in the city. She has not even settled into her first interview before she hears of the daggerman and his dangerously deadly past. She knows there must be a story there and she immediately sets her sights on getting it. Marco is not at all what he appears to be. This just makes Jacinda even more determined to find out what he is hiding.
This read is cute, quick, and oh so sweet. Readers are treated to many of the eccentrics that is simply Sangland.
Jacinda makes her way to Criminy’s caravan in the hopes of getting an insider look into caravan life so that she can pen a tell all to sell to the sheltered Pinkie’s in the city. She has not even settled into her first interview before she hears of the daggerman and his dangerously deadly past. She knows there must be a story there and she immediately sets her sights on getting it. Marco is not at all what he appears to be. This just makes Jacinda even more determined to find out what he is hiding.
This read is cute, quick, and oh so sweet. Readers are treated to many of the eccentrics that is simply Sangland.
January 10, 2014
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-damsel...
Every single time I pick up another book in Delilah S. Dawson’s Blud series I fall in love with this whimsical, magical world all over again. With this novella we are reacquainted with Criminy Stain and his caravan and introduced to Jacinda, a journalist who has just gained permission from the ringmaster to stay with them and work on a book about life as a carnivalleo. The newest member, and to Jacinda the person with the most interesting story to tell, is the Daggerman, Marco Taresque. It’s rumored that his last assistant went missing and all that was left of her was a pool of blood, but before he could be caught Marco vanished. Jacinda is determined to get the truth out of the mysterious, dangerous knife thrower, while Marco is just as determined to make Jacinda work for the any answers she gets about his past.
Marco and Jacinda dance around each other, tempting and taunting and flirting. Jacinda may have started out wanting the truth of Marco’s past for her book, but she is quickly seduced into just wanting the man himself. Marco is a sexy alpha male who fills the page with his presence, I couldn’t wait for Jacinda to peel back his layers and discover his truth. It amazes me that Ms. Dawson can create such a wonderfully vibrant world, with such well fleshed out characters in so small amount of page time. I felt transported to Sang, the chemistry between Jacinda and Marco fairly jumped off the page and by the time I finished this delightful novella I was engrossed in their love story. Very well done.
As always, with any book in this series, I highly recommend reading it in order. Not because these individual stories can’t be read as stand-a-lones, but rather because I really feel like this series is worth the investment in both time and money. Book three, Wicked After Midnight, is scheduled for release on January 28th and I am eagerly awaiting my return to Sang. Final Grade- B+
Favorite Quote:
“I like you like this, spread out for me. If you let me enjoy myself, I promise you won’t regret it.” His lips nibbled her clavicles, his tongue tracing the fine lines of her bones. “I told you, I like to take my time.”
“I’ll do my best. But, I’m not one for following orders.”
“Consider it a polite request, then.”
Every single time I pick up another book in Delilah S. Dawson’s Blud series I fall in love with this whimsical, magical world all over again. With this novella we are reacquainted with Criminy Stain and his caravan and introduced to Jacinda, a journalist who has just gained permission from the ringmaster to stay with them and work on a book about life as a carnivalleo. The newest member, and to Jacinda the person with the most interesting story to tell, is the Daggerman, Marco Taresque. It’s rumored that his last assistant went missing and all that was left of her was a pool of blood, but before he could be caught Marco vanished. Jacinda is determined to get the truth out of the mysterious, dangerous knife thrower, while Marco is just as determined to make Jacinda work for the any answers she gets about his past.
Marco and Jacinda dance around each other, tempting and taunting and flirting. Jacinda may have started out wanting the truth of Marco’s past for her book, but she is quickly seduced into just wanting the man himself. Marco is a sexy alpha male who fills the page with his presence, I couldn’t wait for Jacinda to peel back his layers and discover his truth. It amazes me that Ms. Dawson can create such a wonderfully vibrant world, with such well fleshed out characters in so small amount of page time. I felt transported to Sang, the chemistry between Jacinda and Marco fairly jumped off the page and by the time I finished this delightful novella I was engrossed in their love story. Very well done.
As always, with any book in this series, I highly recommend reading it in order. Not because these individual stories can’t be read as stand-a-lones, but rather because I really feel like this series is worth the investment in both time and money. Book three, Wicked After Midnight, is scheduled for release on January 28th and I am eagerly awaiting my return to Sang. Final Grade- B+
Favorite Quote:
“I like you like this, spread out for me. If you let me enjoy myself, I promise you won’t regret it.” His lips nibbled her clavicles, his tongue tracing the fine lines of her bones. “I told you, I like to take my time.”
“I’ll do my best. But, I’m not one for following orders.”
“Consider it a polite request, then.”
January 6, 2014
Since Tish arrived in Sang in Wicked as They Come, sexy ringmaster Criminy Stain has been “off the market” so to speak. With Criminy unavailable, the caravan has been lacking something: a lusciously hot man to drool over. However, in The Damsel and the Daggerman, Delilah S. Dawson gives the carnivalleros and readers a dark, new, mysterious, violet-eyed man to swoon about. Enter Marco Taresque. Handsome, deadly, and mysterious. He’s the perfect man for all the girls’ fantasies, especially starry-eyed contortionist Demi Ward. But where did he come from? Why did he wander in off the moors? Is he really as dangerous as he seems?
Fierce-witted and ruthless reporter Jacinda Harville arrives in the night with an offer that Criminy simply can’t refuse. But what does the reporter really want? Is she documenting the stories of the caravan workers as she claims or is there something else she is after? What will become of her and the dangerous daggerman? Will she get more than she bargained for? All these questions and more are answered in this exciting and steamy novella!
The Damsel and the Daggerman is a bittersweet story to read. As many readers know, Wicked After Midnight (releasing Jan. 28) is the last in the Blud series. The Damsel and the Daggerman gives readers a succulent appetizer of Dawson’s excellent writing, but it also is overshadowed with a sense (at least for me) of sadness. Dawson has written Criminy’s caravan so well that it seems to go on even when the story stops, so it is sad to read knowing that the stories are soon coming to an end. Dawson does an amazing job of letting readers say goodbye in this novella, though. Tish and Criminy make appearances along with Imogen and Mr. Murdoch. Wicked as She Wants took readers on a fantastic ride with Casper and Ahnastasia, but The Damsel and the Daggerman brought us back home to the caravan. I tip my hat to Delilah S. Dawson for her imaginative stories and intriguing plots. I don’t like saying goodbye, but I can’t wait to read Wicked After Midnight either!
Fierce-witted and ruthless reporter Jacinda Harville arrives in the night with an offer that Criminy simply can’t refuse. But what does the reporter really want? Is she documenting the stories of the caravan workers as she claims or is there something else she is after? What will become of her and the dangerous daggerman? Will she get more than she bargained for? All these questions and more are answered in this exciting and steamy novella!
The Damsel and the Daggerman is a bittersweet story to read. As many readers know, Wicked After Midnight (releasing Jan. 28) is the last in the Blud series. The Damsel and the Daggerman gives readers a succulent appetizer of Dawson’s excellent writing, but it also is overshadowed with a sense (at least for me) of sadness. Dawson has written Criminy’s caravan so well that it seems to go on even when the story stops, so it is sad to read knowing that the stories are soon coming to an end. Dawson does an amazing job of letting readers say goodbye in this novella, though. Tish and Criminy make appearances along with Imogen and Mr. Murdoch. Wicked as She Wants took readers on a fantastic ride with Casper and Ahnastasia, but The Damsel and the Daggerman brought us back home to the caravan. I tip my hat to Delilah S. Dawson for her imaginative stories and intriguing plots. I don’t like saying goodbye, but I can’t wait to read Wicked After Midnight either!
January 9, 2014
*Genre* Steampunk, Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Journalist and adventurer Jacinda Harville is on a mission. Her mission is to unveil the mysterious, aloof, disarming, and dangerous knife-thrower Marco Taresque while proving that he is not the bad man people are saying he is. She's also trying to do an expose on Criminy Stain's Clockwork Caravan which includes Lady Letitia, Demi Ward, Cherie, Emerlie, Madam Morpho, and Mr. Murdoch surprisingly with his and Tish's permission. I'm happy to say that almost all of this story takes place within Criminy's caravan after spending several novels in the city.
Once again, Dawson writes a story about a strong female lead character in Jacinda, who meets and disarms the bad boy Marco, who has kept everyone at arms length and away from his heart. There is sizzling passion, and enough romance and sex to keep the romance lovers among us happy. Jacinda is not a weak character by any means. She's traveled the world, she's trained to defend herself against anything, and she bull rushes Marco into trusting her with his darkest secret.
The Damsel and the Daggerman can be read as a standalone, but I would say that you would be in a great position to read this book, and then Wicked After Midnight when it releases later this month (January 28, 2014) since part of the story features contortionist and stranger Demi Ward. I would also highly recommend that you pick up Wicked as They Come if you haven't already, and begin your journey to the land of Sangland where bludbunnies love nipping on Pinky's uncovered skin.
Note: I am also saddened to hear that Wicked After Midnight may be the last book in this series if sales don't pick up and people ignore this awesome series. I sincerely hope that people start spreading the word about Dawson's Sang word so that they too can enjoy Criminy and crew!
08/19/2013 - Recvd via Edelweiss & Pocket Star
Published: January 6th 2014 by Pocket Star
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Journalist and adventurer Jacinda Harville is on a mission. Her mission is to unveil the mysterious, aloof, disarming, and dangerous knife-thrower Marco Taresque while proving that he is not the bad man people are saying he is. She's also trying to do an expose on Criminy Stain's Clockwork Caravan which includes Lady Letitia, Demi Ward, Cherie, Emerlie, Madam Morpho, and Mr. Murdoch surprisingly with his and Tish's permission. I'm happy to say that almost all of this story takes place within Criminy's caravan after spending several novels in the city.
Once again, Dawson writes a story about a strong female lead character in Jacinda, who meets and disarms the bad boy Marco, who has kept everyone at arms length and away from his heart. There is sizzling passion, and enough romance and sex to keep the romance lovers among us happy. Jacinda is not a weak character by any means. She's traveled the world, she's trained to defend herself against anything, and she bull rushes Marco into trusting her with his darkest secret.
The Damsel and the Daggerman can be read as a standalone, but I would say that you would be in a great position to read this book, and then Wicked After Midnight when it releases later this month (January 28, 2014) since part of the story features contortionist and stranger Demi Ward. I would also highly recommend that you pick up Wicked as They Come if you haven't already, and begin your journey to the land of Sangland where bludbunnies love nipping on Pinky's uncovered skin.
Note: I am also saddened to hear that Wicked After Midnight may be the last book in this series if sales don't pick up and people ignore this awesome series. I sincerely hope that people start spreading the word about Dawson's Sang word so that they too can enjoy Criminy and crew!
08/19/2013 - Recvd via Edelweiss & Pocket Star
Published: January 6th 2014 by Pocket Star
January 26, 2014
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I love this series! The ideas of the author are always extraordinary. So when I discovered the release of this new novella I was immediately excited to be able to immerse myself in it and discover a little bit more of this world so intriguing. Of course you can imagine that as each novella, the story is fast enough to read but I’m glad to say that it also has some nice twists.
Jacinda is a young journalist, widow, who decides to write a novel about Criminy’s caravans. But when she meets each person, she discovers a mystery that she is desperate to understand. Indeed, lives and works there, Marco, a man accused of murdering his assistant and she is sure he is innocent and wants to prove it. But why didn’t the young man tell her the truth? Seeking at all costs to understand what happened, but while continuing her quest, she may well be taken in her own game and fall for this man she knows nothing about.
I loved this little story. Marco is really intriguing and I confess that I asked myself more than once the question about what he was running away from. What is certain is that I did not expect such a revelation at the end of the story. This is so stupid I must say when you think about it. The characters are in any case a very nice duo and their interactions are always colorful. I also loved the determination of Jacinda, as well as her fragility suggested several times. This is again a very good story and I look forward to read the next novel.
My English review
I love this series! The ideas of the author are always extraordinary. So when I discovered the release of this new novella I was immediately excited to be able to immerse myself in it and discover a little bit more of this world so intriguing. Of course you can imagine that as each novella, the story is fast enough to read but I’m glad to say that it also has some nice twists.
Jacinda is a young journalist, widow, who decides to write a novel about Criminy’s caravans. But when she meets each person, she discovers a mystery that she is desperate to understand. Indeed, lives and works there, Marco, a man accused of murdering his assistant and she is sure he is innocent and wants to prove it. But why didn’t the young man tell her the truth? Seeking at all costs to understand what happened, but while continuing her quest, she may well be taken in her own game and fall for this man she knows nothing about.
I loved this little story. Marco is really intriguing and I confess that I asked myself more than once the question about what he was running away from. What is certain is that I did not expect such a revelation at the end of the story. This is so stupid I must say when you think about it. The characters are in any case a very nice duo and their interactions are always colorful. I also loved the determination of Jacinda, as well as her fragility suggested several times. This is again a very good story and I look forward to read the next novel.
January 3, 2014
The Damsel and the Daggerman is the perfect start for 2014. I've read all of the Blud books so far, and the series just seems to get better with each book. This novella is a peek back at the travelling circus life and revolves around a new character, The Deadly Daggerman, Marco Taresque. He's sexy, and his origin is mysterious. His character is one that likes to be in control and he never misses his mark. I wouldn't quite call him shy or antisocial, but he likes to keep to himself.
Jacinda Harville, a journalist, enters the travelling circus with permission by Criminy to interview his people so she can write a book. Instantly intrigued, she focuses in on Marco and won't stop until she finds out the truth. The pacing and world building is spot on, and up to par with DDawson's full length books. I really enjoyed reading Marco's story, and hope to see him and Jacinda in future books. This series is a must read if you enjoy UF/PNR. If you haven't read the Blud series yet, pick up book 1, Wicked as They Come, I highly recommend this series.
Jacinda Harville, a journalist, enters the travelling circus with permission by Criminy to interview his people so she can write a book. Instantly intrigued, she focuses in on Marco and won't stop until she finds out the truth. The pacing and world building is spot on, and up to par with DDawson's full length books. I really enjoyed reading Marco's story, and hope to see him and Jacinda in future books. This series is a must read if you enjoy UF/PNR. If you haven't read the Blud series yet, pick up book 1, Wicked as They Come, I highly recommend this series.
June 12, 2016
I really like this series. I had gotten a copy of this book and started reading it back than but put it down. As I was cleaning up my books, I came across this one again and decided to give it a second chance. This time it was different and I read the whole book. I was once again transported into the carnie world. I could see all of the caravans lined up and envision all of the carnies. Marco has a dark aura about him and it does not have to do with the fact that he might be a murder. It has to do with the fact that he is tall, dark, good looking, and has skills with throwing dangerous objects. Thus the reason it was easy to see how Jacinda fell for Marco. "You play with knives and someone might get cut". This story has me excited to revisit this series.
March 31, 2014
A short story from the Blud series.
The journalist Jacinda joins Criminy´s caravan to write a book about life among all the colourful people there, when she sees the mysterious and dark daggerman, Marco. Marco´s got secrets and a reputation of being on the run from a murder, but Jacinda just can´t stop herself from connecting and wanting .. more.
Love returning to Criminy´s caravans and the life in Sangland. Oh, and the bludbunnies!! =)
Smutty fluff, mystery and steampunk loveliness in a great combo.
The journalist Jacinda joins Criminy´s caravan to write a book about life among all the colourful people there, when she sees the mysterious and dark daggerman, Marco. Marco´s got secrets and a reputation of being on the run from a murder, but Jacinda just can´t stop herself from connecting and wanting .. more.
Love returning to Criminy´s caravans and the life in Sangland. Oh, and the bludbunnies!! =)
Smutty fluff, mystery and steampunk loveliness in a great combo.
Read
January 17, 2014Another great story for the Blud world. Dawson never disappoints. Review to come.
Read
January 15, 2014Loved
January 14, 2014
This was a hot!!! novella in the Blud Universe. Two brand new characters, although set in the caravan, so we see some old friends. Would highly recommend both this installment and the series.
January 22, 2019
Generally I'm a big fan of Dawson's writing style and absolutely love the world the Blud series is set in. It's like a warped Gothic/steampunk version of Alice in Wonderland, but with Bludmen and Daemons. That sort of setting is right up my alley!
Unfortunately, even with the setting being so awesome, this story sucked badly. So it begins with a very pushy journalist named Jacinda Harville who is super determined to write a book about the carnival folk.
So determined in fact, that after being denied entry by everyone's favorite ringmaster, she pulls a crossbow on him. Yep, that's actually a thing. When this heroine doesn't get her way she busts out the weapons! And what does Criminy do? Eventually allows her access to the carnivalleros, of course! Because that makes sense.
This whole story feels completely off. Not for a second do I believe that Criminy would ever take kindly to being bullied and then having a weapon drawn on him. It seemed really out of character! Jacinda's head should be rolling around in the grass, but it's not due to plot armor. Really really bad and unlikely plot armor.
So the beginning of the story rubs me the wrong way, and then it just gets worse because Jacinda is not a likeable person. She is arrogant, self absorbed, haughty, nosy, and just an all around bitch. I tried to find a redeeming quality in her and I honestly couldn't.
Also, it's barely been a year since she tragically lost her husband, Liam, and yet she's been jumping in and out of the sack with lots of random men. I'm sorry, but that just feels wrong and nasty. How does she not feel any guilt for doing that? I couldn't imagine touching another man for a long long time after losing a spouse.
Jacinda has very loose morals and seems rather proud of it too. When she first lays eyes on the Carnivals Daggermen she's determined not only to get his story but she wants to jump him as well. However the fella who's name is Marco, will have none of her shenanigans. Even when she tries to use her body, he will still have none of it and that sets her fuming.
The MC basically can't fathom being turned down by a man. I swear the size of her ego is massive! And she won't give up! Apparently Marco is a wanted man and is thought to be a murderer. Jacinda really wants his story and refuses to relent, not only in trying to get his side of what happened, but also in trying to get into his pants.
For about 115 pages that is the whole story. The last 10 or so pages finally moves the plot along and the reader gets to learn about what happened to Marco and how it all went down. I had hoped that the ending would somehow redeem this shittastic novella but it doesn't. The finale plays out like some god awful Lifetime movie. BARF!
It's really bad. Most of the story feels like some lame excuse to write erotica. Jacinda can't go for more than 5 seconds without trying to seduce Marco. And then when naughty stuff does happen it just keeps going going and going. The supposed intimate encounters aren't all that appealing either.
Which is why it pains me to say that I didn't enjoy this novella. I love the fictional Blud world but this story was terrible. The heroine and the 'dreamboat' were in no way endearing characters. Heck, they could've been eaten by a swarm of bludbunnies and I wouldn't have cared. Oh well, I guess it's not practical to like everything someone writes. Hopefully the next novella is better and actually worth reading.
Unfortunately, even with the setting being so awesome, this story sucked badly. So it begins with a very pushy journalist named Jacinda Harville who is super determined to write a book about the carnival folk.
So determined in fact, that after being denied entry by everyone's favorite ringmaster, she pulls a crossbow on him. Yep, that's actually a thing. When this heroine doesn't get her way she busts out the weapons! And what does Criminy do? Eventually allows her access to the carnivalleros, of course! Because that makes sense.
This whole story feels completely off. Not for a second do I believe that Criminy would ever take kindly to being bullied and then having a weapon drawn on him. It seemed really out of character! Jacinda's head should be rolling around in the grass, but it's not due to plot armor. Really really bad and unlikely plot armor.
So the beginning of the story rubs me the wrong way, and then it just gets worse because Jacinda is not a likeable person. She is arrogant, self absorbed, haughty, nosy, and just an all around bitch. I tried to find a redeeming quality in her and I honestly couldn't.
Also, it's barely been a year since she tragically lost her husband, Liam, and yet she's been jumping in and out of the sack with lots of random men. I'm sorry, but that just feels wrong and nasty. How does she not feel any guilt for doing that? I couldn't imagine touching another man for a long long time after losing a spouse.
Jacinda has very loose morals and seems rather proud of it too. When she first lays eyes on the Carnivals Daggermen she's determined not only to get his story but she wants to jump him as well. However the fella who's name is Marco, will have none of her shenanigans. Even when she tries to use her body, he will still have none of it and that sets her fuming.
The MC basically can't fathom being turned down by a man. I swear the size of her ego is massive! And she won't give up! Apparently Marco is a wanted man and is thought to be a murderer. Jacinda really wants his story and refuses to relent, not only in trying to get his side of what happened, but also in trying to get into his pants.
For about 115 pages that is the whole story. The last 10 or so pages finally moves the plot along and the reader gets to learn about what happened to Marco and how it all went down. I had hoped that the ending would somehow redeem this shittastic novella but it doesn't. The finale plays out like some god awful Lifetime movie. BARF!
It's really bad. Most of the story feels like some lame excuse to write erotica. Jacinda can't go for more than 5 seconds without trying to seduce Marco. And then when naughty stuff does happen it just keeps going going and going. The supposed intimate encounters aren't all that appealing either.
Which is why it pains me to say that I didn't enjoy this novella. I love the fictional Blud world but this story was terrible. The heroine and the 'dreamboat' were in no way endearing characters. Heck, they could've been eaten by a swarm of bludbunnies and I wouldn't have cared. Oh well, I guess it's not practical to like everything someone writes. Hopefully the next novella is better and actually worth reading.
October 7, 2017
I love this series and voraciously (I thought) read all the books and novellas and somehow this one slipped through my fingers. It might be time for a re-read. I miss Criminey Stain and Sang. It was good to be back. The caravan is back with a mysterious daggerman and a journalist who is dying to know his story.
May 12, 2017
3.5 stars
March 22, 2022
This was a fun interlude, but what I enjoy the most are snippets of Criminy and Tish
March 1, 2025
3.5-4.0
October 8, 2016
This was a fun novella set in the Blud world. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I love revisiting Criminy Stain's circus (although he isn't in the story all that much). There isn't a ton of plot here; this is mostly a love story with a circus theme to it, some steampunk elements, and a mystery.
Overall I would recommend to fans of the Blud series. I have a couple more of these novellas to read and really look forward to them. I actually like Dawson's novellas better than her full length books (although I enjoy those too). These are fun little steampunk romance reads; I think this would stand alone fine as well.
Overall I would recommend to fans of the Blud series. I have a couple more of these novellas to read and really look forward to them. I actually like Dawson's novellas better than her full length books (although I enjoy those too). These are fun little steampunk romance reads; I think this would stand alone fine as well.
April 9, 2014
I'll write a much more detailed review closer to the release date in Jan'14, but let me just say these three things:
1) Its so good to see more of Demi. Her book Wicked After Midnight, is due out in January as well and this set up the adventure she finds in that book quite well.
2) I wonder if at some point we shall find out the resolution to Tish's aging. Its been remarked upon in each subsequent book/novella, but knowing what we know of Tish's situation I can't see it being a cut and dry answer.
3) Okay so while I love Criminy, I may be MORE in love with Marco. always did love a guy good with sharp things.
So there you have it. Everyone should run off and read this--when its available of course. Darkly sensual, with a mystery that doesn't quite resolve itself how you'd think--well I guess that's a carnival at its core right?
+++
Welcome back to the caravan everyone wishes they could be part of--even with all the dangers that lurk in the World of Sang. Our intrepid lady journalist is Jacinda, who's bravery is only matched by her ability to land herself in some dangerous escapades. Our deadly knife thrower is Marco, a violet-eyed mysterious man that wandered in from the moors and found his place amongst Criminy's carnivalleros. Both are a bit of a problem for Criminy--though as always he's ready to dispense with the niceties to protect his own.
Dawson had always made women in her Blud stories strong, independent and with spines of steel. Jacinda is no exception. She stands up to Criminy, takes Marco's challenge and is not put off when Marco makes it clear it wouldn't be good for either of them to be involved. She's a little headstrong, and a whole lot stubborn, but this is a woman used to getting what she wants. And what Jacinda wants is the juiciest story she's run across in a long time and the man who defies telling her it.
There's a bit of role reversal here, that only becomes very evident later on. Jacinda has led what was a predominantly male-centric life style--she traveled the world, wrote about what she wanted, traveled pretty much by herself since her husband (who she loved and respected, and in general it was a happy marriage) died. Seduced any number of pretty young guys to her bed when she needed some sex and saw no reason to inhabit the traditional female role.
By contrast Marco, as you learn his backstory, has lived a sheltered existence. Partially by choice and partially because it seems to suit him well enough. Not only is he dangerous--wicked good with those knives he is, but his past is fraught with a secret that could see him hung and has made his existence rather...lonely.
At first I thought I had Marco figured out. That soon proved false as he seduced Jacinda further and further sometimes without so much as smoothing a finger down her arm. For Jacinda, Marco represents not only a sexy man, but a story to uncover. A secret to unfurl and a ball of contradictions to sort out. Well used to men who swarmed her, Marco exhibited a control she found hard to maintain.
I wouldn't offer this as an introduction to the Blud stories--there's a bit of backstory needed to understand how some of the other characters react to Jacinda's poking, but this is a treat for fans. A beautiful, gorgeous, sensual treat that makes you wonder how you ever lived without Criminy's caravan.
And having read Demi's story in WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT I implore readers to pay attention to the advice Jacinda gives her in regards to love and men. In its way, its a form of precog for what Demi will have to face.
1) Its so good to see more of Demi. Her book Wicked After Midnight, is due out in January as well and this set up the adventure she finds in that book quite well.
2) I wonder if at some point we shall find out the resolution to Tish's aging. Its been remarked upon in each subsequent book/novella, but knowing what we know of Tish's situation I can't see it being a cut and dry answer.
3) Okay so while I love Criminy, I may be MORE in love with Marco. always did love a guy good with sharp things.
So there you have it. Everyone should run off and read this--when its available of course. Darkly sensual, with a mystery that doesn't quite resolve itself how you'd think--well I guess that's a carnival at its core right?
+++
Welcome back to the caravan everyone wishes they could be part of--even with all the dangers that lurk in the World of Sang. Our intrepid lady journalist is Jacinda, who's bravery is only matched by her ability to land herself in some dangerous escapades. Our deadly knife thrower is Marco, a violet-eyed mysterious man that wandered in from the moors and found his place amongst Criminy's carnivalleros. Both are a bit of a problem for Criminy--though as always he's ready to dispense with the niceties to protect his own.
Dawson had always made women in her Blud stories strong, independent and with spines of steel. Jacinda is no exception. She stands up to Criminy, takes Marco's challenge and is not put off when Marco makes it clear it wouldn't be good for either of them to be involved. She's a little headstrong, and a whole lot stubborn, but this is a woman used to getting what she wants. And what Jacinda wants is the juiciest story she's run across in a long time and the man who defies telling her it.
There's a bit of role reversal here, that only becomes very evident later on. Jacinda has led what was a predominantly male-centric life style--she traveled the world, wrote about what she wanted, traveled pretty much by herself since her husband (who she loved and respected, and in general it was a happy marriage) died. Seduced any number of pretty young guys to her bed when she needed some sex and saw no reason to inhabit the traditional female role.
By contrast Marco, as you learn his backstory, has lived a sheltered existence. Partially by choice and partially because it seems to suit him well enough. Not only is he dangerous--wicked good with those knives he is, but his past is fraught with a secret that could see him hung and has made his existence rather...lonely.
At first I thought I had Marco figured out. That soon proved false as he seduced Jacinda further and further sometimes without so much as smoothing a finger down her arm. For Jacinda, Marco represents not only a sexy man, but a story to uncover. A secret to unfurl and a ball of contradictions to sort out. Well used to men who swarmed her, Marco exhibited a control she found hard to maintain.
I wouldn't offer this as an introduction to the Blud stories--there's a bit of backstory needed to understand how some of the other characters react to Jacinda's poking, but this is a treat for fans. A beautiful, gorgeous, sensual treat that makes you wonder how you ever lived without Criminy's caravan.
And having read Demi's story in WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT I implore readers to pay attention to the advice Jacinda gives her in regards to love and men. In its way, its a form of precog for what Demi will have to face.
January 20, 2014
Originally published at The Book Pushers
Welcome back to Criminy Stain’s traveling carnival! The bludbunny stew is absolutely delicious.
And so is this lovely little story. The Damsel and the Daggerman is a decadent little tidbit to whet the appetite for Wicked After Midnight (due at the end of January) while still telling complete tale of its own.
The thing about Delilah S. Dawson’s world of Sang is that the best and most interesting stories in it are spiced with an edge of danger. That’s what made the initial book Wicked as They Come, so damn appealing; both the reader and the heroine knew that Criminy was the dangerous choice, but he was irresistible. He never hid that he was a predator, he reveled in it.
In Sang, even the rabbits are predators. (I really want to see a bludbunny plushie, just once. I imagine they must be like Bunnicula on steroids)
The Damsel and the Daggerman brings gives readers a dangerous hero very much like Criminy in daggerman Marco Taresque. The dagger-throwing act carries its own kind of menace, but the rumors that swirl in Marco’s wake name him a murderer.
There are bad boys and then there are irredeemably evil men. Marco is an enigma. He can’t be truly evil, because if he were, Criminy’s wife, the future-glancer Tish, would never have let him into the caravan. Tish is never wrong.
Journalist Jacinda Harville has been led to the caravan. She thinks she’s pursuing a story on the legendary Criminy Stain. She’s positive that she will be able to write the lives of the carnivalleros in such fascinating terms that the practically caged city-dwellers will dream of life on the open road.
But she’s been steered to the caravan by a fortune teller, sent to fulfill a prophecy. It’s time for Marco to fulfill the destiny seen for him long ago, and for the journalist to discover his truth.
For Jacinda, it’s time for her to stop running from her grief at the death of her husband. The irony is that she stops running away by joining a traveling carnival.
The attraction between Jacinda and Marco is instantaneous, and it’s hotter than the fire-eater’s carnival act. But they both fight their combustible chemistry for reasons of their own. They both want to be in control of their affair, and neither wants to let the other one be in control. So the flames get hotter.
And neither of them thinks they are ready for any kind of commitment. Of course, they are both wrong. Tish, and the fortune-teller who set them both on this course, have already foreseen it all.
Dawson’s world of Sang has a sharp and bittersweet taste to it, something like 72% cacao dark chocolate of the paranormal. It’s luscious and dark, and you savor it for a while when you’re done.
For long-time readers of the series, this feels like the first time we’ve seen the consequences of Tish’s decision, all the way back in Wicked As They Come, and it bleeds, just a little. Criminy looms over his caravan like the benevolent predator he is, and the whole story proceeds under his shadow.
This story brings the sense of impending danger back to Sang. It adds a taste of piquancy that was not quite there in some of the previous novellas. They were still terrific, but not quite as “Wicked”. This is just right.
I give The Damsel and the Daggerman a very sharply pointed A-
Welcome back to Criminy Stain’s traveling carnival! The bludbunny stew is absolutely delicious.
And so is this lovely little story. The Damsel and the Daggerman is a decadent little tidbit to whet the appetite for Wicked After Midnight (due at the end of January) while still telling complete tale of its own.
The thing about Delilah S. Dawson’s world of Sang is that the best and most interesting stories in it are spiced with an edge of danger. That’s what made the initial book Wicked as They Come, so damn appealing; both the reader and the heroine knew that Criminy was the dangerous choice, but he was irresistible. He never hid that he was a predator, he reveled in it.
In Sang, even the rabbits are predators. (I really want to see a bludbunny plushie, just once. I imagine they must be like Bunnicula on steroids)
The Damsel and the Daggerman brings gives readers a dangerous hero very much like Criminy in daggerman Marco Taresque. The dagger-throwing act carries its own kind of menace, but the rumors that swirl in Marco’s wake name him a murderer.
There are bad boys and then there are irredeemably evil men. Marco is an enigma. He can’t be truly evil, because if he were, Criminy’s wife, the future-glancer Tish, would never have let him into the caravan. Tish is never wrong.
Journalist Jacinda Harville has been led to the caravan. She thinks she’s pursuing a story on the legendary Criminy Stain. She’s positive that she will be able to write the lives of the carnivalleros in such fascinating terms that the practically caged city-dwellers will dream of life on the open road.
But she’s been steered to the caravan by a fortune teller, sent to fulfill a prophecy. It’s time for Marco to fulfill the destiny seen for him long ago, and for the journalist to discover his truth.
For Jacinda, it’s time for her to stop running from her grief at the death of her husband. The irony is that she stops running away by joining a traveling carnival.
The attraction between Jacinda and Marco is instantaneous, and it’s hotter than the fire-eater’s carnival act. But they both fight their combustible chemistry for reasons of their own. They both want to be in control of their affair, and neither wants to let the other one be in control. So the flames get hotter.
And neither of them thinks they are ready for any kind of commitment. Of course, they are both wrong. Tish, and the fortune-teller who set them both on this course, have already foreseen it all.
Dawson’s world of Sang has a sharp and bittersweet taste to it, something like 72% cacao dark chocolate of the paranormal. It’s luscious and dark, and you savor it for a while when you’re done.
For long-time readers of the series, this feels like the first time we’ve seen the consequences of Tish’s decision, all the way back in Wicked As They Come, and it bleeds, just a little. Criminy looms over his caravan like the benevolent predator he is, and the whole story proceeds under his shadow.
This story brings the sense of impending danger back to Sang. It adds a taste of piquancy that was not quite there in some of the previous novellas. They were still terrific, but not quite as “Wicked”. This is just right.
I give The Damsel and the Daggerman a very sharply pointed A-
October 5, 2015
I think this was my least favorite of all of Delilah S. Dawson’s Blud series novellas. It wasn’t a bad story by any means, it just wasn’t my favorite. This author has an amazing way with words that helps the reader to see and feel everything that’s going on within the stories. That’s one of the reasons why I love reading her books. At times it feels as if you are a resident of Sang instead of an outsider looking in.
The Damsel and The Daggerman has us back in the world of Sang at Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan. Jacinda Harville has arrived to attempt to write a book in which she hopes to include the true story of what happened with Marco Taresque, “The Deadly Daggerman”. Marco is accused of being the perpetrator behind the disappearance of his assistant. There was never a body, just a whole lot of blood and a missing dagger throwing duo. Will Jacinda be able to gain the trust of the quiet Marco and get him to tell her the truth behind what happened? Is he really as dangerous as the papers say? Will Criminy show himself for more than 5 minutes in this book? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!
I had a hard time identifying with Jacinda. I think it has a lot to do with my own personal traits more than the character herself. She is a very strong and independent woman. She sees what she wants and takes it. She doesn’t ask permission to be who she is. Which is a great thing as far as heroines go. She is comfortable in her own skin. She really is a great female lead as a character and a woman in general. She doesn’t fall into the damsel in distress role at all. Now that I think about it, I kind of wish I was more like her lol. Dawson is notorious for writing amazing and strong heroines in her books and Jacinda absolutely falls into that category.
I enjoyed the mystery behind Marco’s story, but felt it was a bit predictable. There are so many possible outcomes for his situation, but I did enjoy the path Dawson chose to take. Parts of it were unexpected for me, so it wasn’t a complete loss of surprise.
One of the things I enjoy about Delilah S. Dawson’s books is that while there are sex scenes that are super steamy, they don’t overwhelm the story. I’m not a big reader of erotica. It usually makes me feel uncomfortable and feels unrealistic, so I don’t read much of it. If there is too much sex in a book, for me, it takes away from the book and I will find myself skimming those scenes. Dawson’s books aren’t like that at all. There is the perfect balance between love and sex and they are always connected in some way. Her characters have an intense DESIRE to be together, even when they deny it vehemently. I think that makes her sex scenes, and almost sex scenes, much hotter and much more believable. I don’t skim her sex scenes. AT ALL!
This book has a very real message. It’s about building trust, letting go of the past and making a new life for you. Many of us have let things from our past keep us from living in the present and looking forward to the future. This book is an example of what you can do when you let it all go.
I recommend this book to everyone, as usual. I fully believe you could read this novella all by itself without having read the previous books. You’re cheating yourself, but you won’t miss any big points. A solid 4 stars.
The Damsel and The Daggerman has us back in the world of Sang at Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan. Jacinda Harville has arrived to attempt to write a book in which she hopes to include the true story of what happened with Marco Taresque, “The Deadly Daggerman”. Marco is accused of being the perpetrator behind the disappearance of his assistant. There was never a body, just a whole lot of blood and a missing dagger throwing duo. Will Jacinda be able to gain the trust of the quiet Marco and get him to tell her the truth behind what happened? Is he really as dangerous as the papers say? Will Criminy show himself for more than 5 minutes in this book? You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!
I had a hard time identifying with Jacinda. I think it has a lot to do with my own personal traits more than the character herself. She is a very strong and independent woman. She sees what she wants and takes it. She doesn’t ask permission to be who she is. Which is a great thing as far as heroines go. She is comfortable in her own skin. She really is a great female lead as a character and a woman in general. She doesn’t fall into the damsel in distress role at all. Now that I think about it, I kind of wish I was more like her lol. Dawson is notorious for writing amazing and strong heroines in her books and Jacinda absolutely falls into that category.
I enjoyed the mystery behind Marco’s story, but felt it was a bit predictable. There are so many possible outcomes for his situation, but I did enjoy the path Dawson chose to take. Parts of it were unexpected for me, so it wasn’t a complete loss of surprise.
One of the things I enjoy about Delilah S. Dawson’s books is that while there are sex scenes that are super steamy, they don’t overwhelm the story. I’m not a big reader of erotica. It usually makes me feel uncomfortable and feels unrealistic, so I don’t read much of it. If there is too much sex in a book, for me, it takes away from the book and I will find myself skimming those scenes. Dawson’s books aren’t like that at all. There is the perfect balance between love and sex and they are always connected in some way. Her characters have an intense DESIRE to be together, even when they deny it vehemently. I think that makes her sex scenes, and almost sex scenes, much hotter and much more believable. I don’t skim her sex scenes. AT ALL!
This book has a very real message. It’s about building trust, letting go of the past and making a new life for you. Many of us have let things from our past keep us from living in the present and looking forward to the future. This book is an example of what you can do when you let it all go.
I recommend this book to everyone, as usual. I fully believe you could read this novella all by itself without having read the previous books. You’re cheating yourself, but you won’t miss any big points. A solid 4 stars.
November 10, 2013
LOVE!LOVE!LOVE!
That was my first reaction upon finishing this. That and the warm giddy feeling that spread across my being, materialising itself in a silly happy grin.. and "oh no! wait! it's finished" a slightly panicked run to the laptop and check on amazon. To be disappointed with the knowledge that well, the next book in this series "Wicked after Midnight"will only be published at the end of January 2014. le sigh!
Well the good news is- The Damsel and the Daggerman is going to be published beginning of January- thus sweetening the waiting time a bit. The novella has all the things we have come to expect from Dawson. Great world building, interesting characters and good smut as well.
The story is set in Criminy's Caravan and is a romantic mystery. The plot is interesting and enticing with a big showdown moment and several twists- some of them totally unexpected. Despite being relatively short it didn't feel rushed - except maybe at the end the big showdown bit, was kinda sudden and fast.
The world building oh the world building! - well as you know I adore this series. One of the reasons is the world building. And Dawson didn't slack this time around. She built on the previous books but in such a way that this could be easily read as a stand alone. Her Steampunk world is surprising, dark, dangerous, gritty, full of magic and paranormal beings but also beautiful, surprisingly Victorian, with great Steampunk gadgets and details and leans cleverly onto our real world.
The character building is really well done as well. Many of the characters we got to know in the previous book featured. But it is mainly about new Characters. Mainly Jacinda and Marco.
In this short story I got to know Jacinda- most of this is written in her POV- and connected with her. I understood what drives her and how she became who she was. Given that this is only 100pages long, this is a great feat.
Marco was totally enticing, mysterious and hot. And I might change from camp Criminy ;) Seriously though, he was a puzzle most of the times, he also felt real and interesting. (did i mention he is seriously hot?)
There was also an introduction to Demi, the main female character of Wicked after Midnight. One only got a glimpse of her, but I am the hook and I can't wait to read her story in Blud #3
Dawson's prose is again beautiful, captivating and enticing. She seriously can write steamy scenes like very few other authors I know. But she also captures my imaginations, paints a beautiful, dark and goth world with her words that seeps into my being in some way and stays with me like a wonderful vivid dream.
A great novella that could be easily read as a stand alone. A definite must read for lovers of the series and the genre.
That was my first reaction upon finishing this. That and the warm giddy feeling that spread across my being, materialising itself in a silly happy grin.. and "oh no! wait! it's finished" a slightly panicked run to the laptop and check on amazon. To be disappointed with the knowledge that well, the next book in this series "Wicked after Midnight"will only be published at the end of January 2014. le sigh!
Well the good news is- The Damsel and the Daggerman is going to be published beginning of January- thus sweetening the waiting time a bit. The novella has all the things we have come to expect from Dawson. Great world building, interesting characters and good smut as well.
The story is set in Criminy's Caravan and is a romantic mystery. The plot is interesting and enticing with a big showdown moment and several twists- some of them totally unexpected. Despite being relatively short it didn't feel rushed - except maybe at the end the big showdown bit, was kinda sudden and fast.
The world building oh the world building! - well as you know I adore this series. One of the reasons is the world building. And Dawson didn't slack this time around. She built on the previous books but in such a way that this could be easily read as a stand alone. Her Steampunk world is surprising, dark, dangerous, gritty, full of magic and paranormal beings but also beautiful, surprisingly Victorian, with great Steampunk gadgets and details and leans cleverly onto our real world.
The character building is really well done as well. Many of the characters we got to know in the previous book featured. But it is mainly about new Characters. Mainly Jacinda and Marco.
In this short story I got to know Jacinda- most of this is written in her POV- and connected with her. I understood what drives her and how she became who she was. Given that this is only 100pages long, this is a great feat.
Marco was totally enticing, mysterious and hot. And I might change from camp Criminy ;) Seriously though, he was a puzzle most of the times, he also felt real and interesting. (did i mention he is seriously hot?)
There was also an introduction to Demi, the main female character of Wicked after Midnight. One only got a glimpse of her, but I am the hook and I can't wait to read her story in Blud #3
Dawson's prose is again beautiful, captivating and enticing. She seriously can write steamy scenes like very few other authors I know. But she also captures my imaginations, paints a beautiful, dark and goth world with her words that seeps into my being in some way and stays with me like a wonderful vivid dream.
A great novella that could be easily read as a stand alone. A definite must read for lovers of the series and the genre.
January 6, 2014
I received this e-ARC from the publishers via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Delilah S. Dawson knows how to tell her stories! Whether they are full-length novels or novellas, each story is rich with the carnival life in Sang, mysterious characters and creatures, hot-blooded romance and of course bludbunnies!
In The Damsel and the Daggerman we have Jacinda who is a reporter and wants to write a book about Criminy Stain's wonderful carnival and all its wonderful performers. After Criminy gets the okay via Trish and her abilities, Jacinda is allowed to stay and interview all who she likes.
The one who isn't willing is Marco, the Daggerman. And he has a story to tell. One where he comes out bloody and a woman is missing. But when Jacinda tries to pry the story out of him, she finds he is most unwilling. Try as she might, he refuses to budge. It was quite funny too at times, for both Jacinda and Marco are hardheaded and determined to keep at their position.
Then comes the proposal, Marco will answer one question if Jacinda allows herself to be strapped to the spinning wheel and he must hit a card she holds. And thus begins a new song and dance for the two.
There is clearly an attraction between Marco and Jacinda, but Marco remains almost stubbornly adamant that nothing happens between the two. There's reasoning behind it and Jacinda can't figure it out. Nor can she get the fully story behind Marco's past.
Just when you are about to lose hope for anything forward happening, stuff happens! The pace picks up and the story that I was liking becomes one that I was totally enjoying! There's a romance building, obviously and it finally takes direction! And of course we get the scoop on what secret Marco holds...turns out it's more than one!
I have to admit some of the things I LOVE seeing in these books are the love of books and reading! It seems since I've read the last two novellas nearly back-to-back and from the novels as well, books are always mentioned at least once and with adoration! Gotta love that! The other thing I love seeing cross the page of every book and novella? Why, the bludbunnies of course!
The Damsel and the Daggerman was a very fun read as all of Delilah's novellas turn out to be! We even get a glimpse of the next novel's heroine Demi! Just a little glimpse and questions from the inquisitive writer and we'll totally be prepared for her novel come January 28th!!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
The Damsel and the Daggerman releases January 14, 2014 (as an e-book only)
Delilah S. Dawson knows how to tell her stories! Whether they are full-length novels or novellas, each story is rich with the carnival life in Sang, mysterious characters and creatures, hot-blooded romance and of course bludbunnies!
In The Damsel and the Daggerman we have Jacinda who is a reporter and wants to write a book about Criminy Stain's wonderful carnival and all its wonderful performers. After Criminy gets the okay via Trish and her abilities, Jacinda is allowed to stay and interview all who she likes.
The one who isn't willing is Marco, the Daggerman. And he has a story to tell. One where he comes out bloody and a woman is missing. But when Jacinda tries to pry the story out of him, she finds he is most unwilling. Try as she might, he refuses to budge. It was quite funny too at times, for both Jacinda and Marco are hardheaded and determined to keep at their position.
Then comes the proposal, Marco will answer one question if Jacinda allows herself to be strapped to the spinning wheel and he must hit a card she holds. And thus begins a new song and dance for the two.
There is clearly an attraction between Marco and Jacinda, but Marco remains almost stubbornly adamant that nothing happens between the two. There's reasoning behind it and Jacinda can't figure it out. Nor can she get the fully story behind Marco's past.
Just when you are about to lose hope for anything forward happening, stuff happens! The pace picks up and the story that I was liking becomes one that I was totally enjoying! There's a romance building, obviously and it finally takes direction! And of course we get the scoop on what secret Marco holds...turns out it's more than one!
I have to admit some of the things I LOVE seeing in these books are the love of books and reading! It seems since I've read the last two novellas nearly back-to-back and from the novels as well, books are always mentioned at least once and with adoration! Gotta love that! The other thing I love seeing cross the page of every book and novella? Why, the bludbunnies of course!
The Damsel and the Daggerman was a very fun read as all of Delilah's novellas turn out to be! We even get a glimpse of the next novel's heroine Demi! Just a little glimpse and questions from the inquisitive writer and we'll totally be prepared for her novel come January 28th!!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
The Damsel and the Daggerman releases January 14, 2014 (as an e-book only)
June 5, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/06...
If you want a taste of Delilah S. Dawson’s marvelous Blud series, The Damsel and the Daggerman is a good place to start. With intrepid reporter Jacinda Harville as your guide, you can experience Sangland’s most intriguing band of carnivalleros. Front and center are Jacinda and Marco, two mature, intelligent protagonists who intrigued me from the beginning. Jacinda’s a widow who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, even if she has to go toe-to-toe with infamous Bludman Criminy Stain in order get her story. Marco, in turn, is a man with a mysterious past and a talent for handling blades. I loved unwrapping the mystery that was Marco alongside Jacinda, although I did feel that the revelations concerning Marco’s past – and significant exploration into his and Jacinda’s characters – were a bit rushed due to the length of the story. Still, Jacinda and Marco are excellent both on their own and as a pair, and it was delightful getting to see the beginnings of their romance.
The Damsel and the Daggerman takes place between the second and third books in Ms. Dawson’s Blud series, and it certainly fed my craving for Blud – ;) – as I waited for Wicked After Midnight to be released. Fans of the series need not fear missing some of their favorite characters, for Criminy’s carnivalleros all have entertaining cameos. That being said, ringmaster and Blud hero extraordinaire Criminy Stain does steal every scene he’s in, and to a lesser degree so does contortionist Demi Ward. Normally this wouldn’t bother me, but since The Damsel and the Daggerman is a novella and Marco and Jacinda were unknown entities, I would have liked to see them be the stars of their own show. Still, as a bridge between Blud stories or simply as a sample of the world, The Damsel and the Daggerman is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and reading any tale set in Criminy’s world is time well spent.
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you want a taste of Delilah S. Dawson’s marvelous Blud series, The Damsel and the Daggerman is a good place to start. With intrepid reporter Jacinda Harville as your guide, you can experience Sangland’s most intriguing band of carnivalleros. Front and center are Jacinda and Marco, two mature, intelligent protagonists who intrigued me from the beginning. Jacinda’s a widow who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, even if she has to go toe-to-toe with infamous Bludman Criminy Stain in order get her story. Marco, in turn, is a man with a mysterious past and a talent for handling blades. I loved unwrapping the mystery that was Marco alongside Jacinda, although I did feel that the revelations concerning Marco’s past – and significant exploration into his and Jacinda’s characters – were a bit rushed due to the length of the story. Still, Jacinda and Marco are excellent both on their own and as a pair, and it was delightful getting to see the beginnings of their romance.
The Damsel and the Daggerman takes place between the second and third books in Ms. Dawson’s Blud series, and it certainly fed my craving for Blud – ;) – as I waited for Wicked After Midnight to be released. Fans of the series need not fear missing some of their favorite characters, for Criminy’s carnivalleros all have entertaining cameos. That being said, ringmaster and Blud hero extraordinaire Criminy Stain does steal every scene he’s in, and to a lesser degree so does contortionist Demi Ward. Normally this wouldn’t bother me, but since The Damsel and the Daggerman is a novella and Marco and Jacinda were unknown entities, I would have liked to see them be the stars of their own show. Still, as a bridge between Blud stories or simply as a sample of the world, The Damsel and the Daggerman is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and reading any tale set in Criminy’s world is time well spent.
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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