Traitor to the Blood

Noble Dead Saga: Series 1 #4

by Barb Hendee, J.C. Hendee

Born a half-breed to an elven mother and human father, Leesil was raised in the Warlands as assassin, spy, and slave to Lord Darmouth, ruler to one of its independent provinces. But Leesil's mother trained him too well, and he used his skills to escape, leaving his parents to suffer Darmouth's wrath for all such traitors and their kin. Now, with newfound purpose in the company of his beloved Magiere, Leesil returns to confront the sins of his past and uncover his parents' fate.

Unable to turn him from this dangerous course, Magiere follows Leesil into the darkness of his past in the Warlands. Knowing what may happen should Darmouth learn of Leesil's return, she is prepared to slaughter any who may try to take him from her. But Magiere's own past may well pose a more deadly threat. Two creatures of unfathomable power continue to stalk her — one who believes she's the key to his salvation, and one who seeks to destroy her... and all those she loves.

"This is one of those books for which the term 'dark fantasy' was definitely intended."
    —Chronicle

"...the Hendees' Saga of the Noble Dead features generous helpings of blood-sucking horror and whodunit mystery elements. Literally overflowing with nonstop action, this cool amalgam of genres will appeal to readers — alive and undead — who enjoy taking that occasional literary walk on the wild side."
    —Paul Goat Allen, Barnes & Noble Review

"The Hendees' bestselling Noble Dead series makes the leap from mass market to hardcover with this winning fourth novel... Fans of the series are sure to be pleased, while the novel stands well enough on its own to attract new readers."
    —Publishers Weekly

"The personal conflicts of the heroes mirror the larger struggles in their world and provide a solid foundation for this tale of love and loyalty in a world of betrayal."
    —Jackie Cassada, "SF/Fantasy column", Library Journal

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Fiction, Paranormal, Horror, Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

355 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3, 2006

About the author

[See barbhendee.org]

Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.

We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.

Reviews

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fourth instalment of the Noble Dead series was a decent one. The series is fantasy but it reads just like an UF in terms feel and style. It works though as we get a good mix of action, intrigue, and even a bit of romance and none of it comes at the expense of developing the characters as people we should care about!

This book was similar in premise to the last book in the series. Sister of the Dead had Magiere, Leesil, and the team (Chap and Wynn) on a trip to Magiere's home town to learn the secrets from her past. With that out of the way the team decide to take a trip to Leesil's home town to learn more about his mysterious past. Welstiel and Chane were both trailing along after them for their own reasons.

It was a fun enough story. Leesil's home city was ruled by the same Warlord he ran away from in his younger days, which caused some tension and problems, and before long the team were dragged into the intrigue and drama of the city. Welstiel's manipulations made sure of that!

This was a weirdly quiet book for Magiere. The focus of the story was mostly on Leesil. Wynn and Chane were the other two characters who showed the most character development over the story. Wynn got the chance to grow in confidence as her issues with Magiere prompted her to be a bit more outspoken about her own opinions. Chane was in a weird place after the big incident at the end of the last book and it definitely affected him mentally. We also got the stories of a few of the other characters who got caught up in the intrigues of the city. No one overly stood out but I still found the new characters to be an interesting bunch. It always helps that the Hendees' develop the secondary characters well and that they always have their own distinct personalities, hopes, and ambitions!

This was not the best book in the series but it was still pretty decent. I'll be interested to learn more about the elves in the next book. We learned a bit more about them in this one. I was also pretty happy with the character development of both Wynn and Chane. Chane in particular is a fascinating character and I'm intrigued to see how his story arc plays out.

Rating: 3.5 stars. I'll round up to 4 stars.

Audio Note: Tanya Eby was good with the audio.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me forever to read! Once I passed page 200 though I didn't want to put it down. It seems to be a trend for me with the last couple of books in this series. They are Middle Ages, fantasy based books, about the travels of a damphir, a half-elf, a fey hound and a human sage. This book revolves around discovering what happened to the half-elf (Leesil)'s parents. It involves a battle with a tyrannical warlord and the danger of elven assassins which happen to be in the same caste as Leesil's mother. Not to mention the two vampires trailing Magiere. The thing I love about these books are the jumps between story-lines, this way you get a taste of what everyone is thinking. As usual this book has pushed the story even farther and we find that not only is Leesil's mother alive, but she is being held captive by her own people. Now the party will travel to try to save Leesil's mother.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to learn more about Leesil in TRAITOR TO THE BLOOD and while I enjoyed the development of his history, I didn't like this one as much as the first books. A lot of that stems from the repetition of events that we've seen in each of the previous books. Magiere and Leesil are still working to uncover their pasts, Wynn is still butting heads with Magiere (though they're better in this one), Welstiel and Chane are still quietly following behind the group, manipulating actions, and Magiere is once again called on to kill a vampire ravaging the city.

Outside of that I did enjoy a more steady Magiere as she works to remain the rock for Leesil's troubled mind and emotions. Being back in the Warlands is really taking a toll on Leesil as he's forced to confront his past as a Warlord's assassin. He's also filled with guilt over running away as a teenager when he knew that it was essentially signing his parent's death warrant. As his mental state deteriorates, Magiere is there to try to offer comfort and understand the parts of Leesil that she's never really known.

I'm curious to see how this series continues but I'm hesitant over the obvious increase in Wynn's role as a lead character and the possible development between her and Chane. I'm not really invested in either of these characters, and in Chane's case, I actively dislike him, so we'll see how things go.

[Ladiibbug · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 Noble Dead series - Dark Fantasy

Leesil and Magiere's adventures continue, as they travel to the Warlands, where Leesil grew up. Trained from a young age as a spy and assassin, Leesil finally flees his homeland as a young man. The price for his freedom is the probably death of his parents by the savage Lord Darmouth.

Leesil is in search of the truth about the fate of his parents. His dangerous return to the violent Warlands is fraught with peril ... and adventure.

I enjoy this dark fantasy series, tho this book was a bit darker (more violent, a bit more depressing) than previous books. However, those aspects did fit into the series, as the Warlands is a violent and dangerous place.

I did quite a bit of skimming, and think trimming 100 of the 400 pages would have made for a better read. But it is still good. Will definitely continue this series.

[Meagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I haven't completely finished it yet but it is such a painful read I needed to review it already. I feel like the author/authors are trying to change to a different main character midway. I loathe the character of Wynn, she is horrendous, pointless, and really does not add anything to the story except black and white comments. I find myself skimming through parts and I am only 100 pages in. I am really trying to finish it but am getting close to giving up because it is hard to take any farther. The more I read well written books the less I can tolerate poorly written ones it seems.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. There was a lot revealed about Leesil's past in Traitor to the Blood. I found it more enjoyable than Sister of the Dead, but Leesil and Magiere are becoming a bit unlikable in some ways. They are too grumpy and never seem to see past their own noses. Wynn has begun to grow on me, even though she does do some foolish things.

[Avalon (Paperknight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same from The Noble Dead, it is at least more exciting and interesting than the previous book, continuing to build up the main cast and uncover their past. I found it had a good mesh of personality, heart, and action, although it still fell prey to some of the usual issues with the Hendee's writing, such as: dry writing, a slow build-up, stagnant characters, illogical character deaths, and large chunks of uninteresting exposition/characters.

This is not to say it is a bad book.

Wynn's surprising survival adds some softness to the gritty, hard-edged cast, and Chap's character development gives us a new, unexpected perspective. They split the party and introduce some interesting characters with cool powers (which, unfortunately, they do basically nothing with). And the third act is really high-action and dramatic, which I enjoyed. I just felt that some parts of the story seemed messy, unnecessary, or predicatable.

I would say it's a great book if you like macabre, gritty action, and strong characters. There's nothing shocking or wildly impressive, but it delivers the sort of story I've come to expect from the Noble Dead, and it was a fun read in spite of all the problems.

Also, I ship Chane and Wynn. I know some people don't like her but get over yourself. The contradiction of the vampires being unapologetically evil but also self-aware is very interesting. Magiere is not wrong to hunt and kill them, but they're likeable and interesting all the same, evil but complex. I root for them to be killed, but I also enjoy looking into how they think. It's just such a blast. Honestly, they should stick to the murder-mystery/gothic horror energy of the first few books.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to getting to Leesil's past, but this one kind of dragged out. The elves are all about secrecy and deception, and most of the side characters are using the same tactics to walk on eggshells because they're all under the oppression of Lord Darmouth.

The past ones seemed like a stop-through on the journey, it answered questions about where they were headed. This one is more like a whole diversion, and Leesil kind of angsts around the whole time. It put Magiere and Wynn in the backseat, and I'm getting tired of Chane and Westiel just following them around and reminding us about it.

The twist revealed at the end was nice, and it's easy to feel genuine pain for what Leesil feels. But that whole second half of the book ended up being unnecessary, because what happened should have been what happened from the start, anyway.

There wasn't a legit hunt in this one. :/ Though it helped to con them into getting in, that ultimately didn't make a huge impact on the plot. Why would they risk being revealed to come up with that? I enjoyed it, but as a series that was so used to action-driven plots, the slow pace of this one was strange. But it was to explain Leesil's past, so I understand it.

Still a fun book, just some things were wrapped up too quickly. Like I thought Wynn revealing she'd been spying on Magiere would have a bigger impact, especially after the whole Chane drama. And Hedi was calmed way too quickly for someone who was obsessed with Leesil having killed her parents.

Onto the next one!!

[Victor Sanchez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was fine about what it wanted to be, but honestly all the deaths and the revelations felt rushed and incomplete. Also I must concurr with other reviewers about the protagonists attitude. They act because they must create drama and it feels forced, specially when they have to save the tyrant life. It changes so fast from "avoid him-kill him- save him" and Wynn proposition of avoid more bloodshed by allowing a tyrant to continue is so... well, stupid. Stupid not because its an ideological pacifism, but because it works with so little information, a lot of presumptions and it sigsag the idea that a ruler who is literally killing their subjects and destroying the country is better than any other alternative (they never try to think about an alternative and the "freedom" fighter they find is immediately considered scum because... he is not 100% wit them, I guess).

Honestly, there are many treads that seem like would make a good story but the authors seem to have forgotten to write them down in the book and since they know the backstory and future of the novel, it means that readers should know it too and just jump from a to c with the idea that B must be common sense.

Its a mess of characterization and plot. But it can be entertaining and honestly, its foolish to exepct too much from this book. So a 2. Didn't hate it, but its barely above a draft.

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traitor to the Blood is the fourth book in the Noble Dead series. Not having read the first three books will perhaps slow you down but will not hinder the reader from understanding the story, though the beginning just jumped right in and left one a bit confused. It all sorted out by the end. Plenty of action but mostly political sparring and intrigue. Fairly entertaining. Mildly course and perhaps a bit off putting to the more sensitive crowd but the general public who enjoys this fantasy literature should have no problems. For some reason, this book read a lot slower then other books. Not to say the pacing, but as a reader I generally should be able to go cover to cover on this length book in under six hours. But I spent considerably more time then that, and I don't know why.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first three, but still better than most other books of this type. This is a very enjoyable series, following the exploits of Magiere; a half-vampire, vampire hunter, Leesil; her elvish companion and co-vampire hunter, Wynn, the young female sage that is with them, and Chap, a mysterious dog that has accompanied Leesil for a large part of his life. In these first four books, Magiere and Leesil are trying to discover secrets of both of their pasts. The series is at least 15+ books long, and so far, should be read in order. I have all the books and I can hardly wait to continue.

[Derek Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid entry in the series. A similar premise to the last book though this time we learn more of Leesils past.

This entry has all of the strengths of its predecessors. ( Interesting characters, well written details, and no too oppressive with its world building)

All of the action is packed into the final 100 pages and served to make this an extremely quick read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining addition to the "Saga of the Noble Dead." This time the main villain is a human who happens to be worse than the monsters our motley crew usually faces. There is treachery and betrayals to be found in this new land we visit in the series. Great job once again Hendees.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this saga so much. I've read each book at least twice and every time, the characters captivated me, the plots are seamless and fluid. Honestly, I own each book and they will always be a staple in my library.

[Julie Bergley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book we get to find out more of Leesil's past and what happened to his parents after he fled slavery. I am so hooked. I can't wait to read the next book! I'm curious to see what the Hendee's do with their elven lands that we'll get to see in the next book!

[Cakester · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one to work on the series. I didn't like it as much as the others. Most of the evil and darkness is purely human caused, not supernatural vampires and I find I don't like human caused misery in fiction nearly as much.

[Tracey Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series for years. I’ve done many rereads. I have both read the books and listened to the audiobooks. I prefer the audiobook. The narrator did a good job, and I enjoyed the mix of accents. Though she does mispronounced somethings that didn’t take away from the whole series.

[Jacqueline SG · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery and intrigue continue and the story is as engaging as its predecessors but a brooding Leesil makes it a tedious read at times!

[Kenny Bellew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm trudging along through this series, and in this book, Leesil, the half-blood elf, goes in search of his parents and, instead, finds a castle full of trouble. Fun read.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Georgann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much a middle book, with almost nothing resolved on any front.

[Alex Hayden · Rating 2 out of 5]

The minimal character development at this point is infuriating. They keep getting themselves in situations they should have learned from by now!

[Ford Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read and better plot the book three. fun series.

[Linda church · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures continue as we learn more about Leesil’s life. Also liked the introduction of shifters into the story!

[Delanwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having uncovered Magiere's past, it's time for Leesil to uncover his own. It means travelling back to the place he grew up, the place he was raised as an assassin, and the place he fled and abandoned his parents to an uncertain fate: the Warlands. And if the warlord, Dartmouth, learns of his presence, they may all perish. My main complaint with this was Dartmouth seemed really stupid and sealed his own fate through that.

[Aleshanee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Was war schlimmer: das Vergangene zurückzuhalten, bis es einen überwältigte, oder sich hineinzustürzen und darin zu ertrinken?" S. 97

Klappentext

Als Sohn einer Elfe und eines Menschen wuchs Leesil in den unabhängigen Provinzen auf. Seine Mutter bildete ihn zum Spion und Auftragsmörder aus – Fähigkeiten, die der Halbelf später nutzte, um der Knechtschaft unter Lord Darmouth zu entfliehen. Aber das Schicksal seiner Eltern lässt ihm keine Ruhe. Zusammen mit seiner Gefährtin Magiere kehrt Leesil schließlich in seine Heimat zurück, um seine Eltern zu suchen. Doch auch die Vampirjägerin wird von ihrer Vergangenheit verfolgt: Zwei unvorstellbar mächtige Wesen haben es auf ihr Leben abgesehen.

Meine Meinung

Also ich muss jetzt erstmal was zum Cover loswerden, die sind sich ja sehr ähnlich und sehen auch toll aus; aber bis auf den ersten Band wirken sie eher wie eine romantische Vampirgeschichte auf mich - was die Reihe eindeutig nicht ist! Es gibt zwar eine ganz intensive Liebe, die sich langsam entwickelt, aber doch meistens im Hintergrund bleibt. Hauptsächlich geht es hier eher um blutrünstige Vampire, grausame Tyrannen und einen Krieg, der durchs Land zieht. Verlassene Dörfer und hungernde Menschen bestimmen das Bild dieser Welt und überall lauern Verräter und Spione.

Die düstere, hoffnungslose Stimmung wird wieder sehr gut eingefangen, der Schreibstil ist ruhig und intensiv, stellenweise zieht es sich aber auch etwas.

Magiere ist ja mittlerweile mit dem Halb-Elfen Leesil, der Weisen Wynn und dem Hund Chap auf der Flucht vor dem Nekromanten Ubâd Richtung Norden unterwegs. Man erfährt einiges über Leesils Vergangenheit und dass er in seiner alten Heimat Venjetz in Erfahrung bringen möchte, ob seine Eltern damals die Flucht tatsächlich überlebt haben.
Immer mehr Hintergründe werden aufgedeckt und im Fokus steht hier vor allem der über Leichen gehende Lord Darmouth, bei dem Leesils Eltern gezwungenermaßen im Dienst waren und vor dessen Macht der Halbelf vor so vielen Jahren geflohen ist. Aber auch Welstiel, der ewige Schatten, lässt Magiere nicht aus den Augen in der Hoffnung, dass die Dhampir ihn endlich zu dem machtvollen Gegenstand führt, der ihn von seinem ewigen Leiden erlöst. Und natürlich Chap, ein treuer Gefährte, aber alles andere als ein gewöhlicher Hund - sein wirklicher Auftrag bleibt für mich noch im Dunkeln. Aber endlich erfährt man mehr und grade seine Rolle in dieser Geschichte wird sehr berührend und anschaulich beschrieben.
Vor allem Leesil verändert sich sehr: von dem Trunkenbold, der all sein Geld verspielt und seine Erinnerungen verdrängt ist nicht mehr viel übrig. Seine Liebe lässt ihn neue Prioritäten setzen und die Begegnung mit seiner Heimat reißt alte Wunden wieder auf, die nicht so schnell heilen werden.

Die Perspektiven wechseln wieder, wodurch man einen guten Überblick erhält; wobei mir die Hintergründe manchmal sehr komplex erscheinen. Vielleicht auch, weil die anderen Bände schon eine Weile her sind. Man muss ganz schön aufpassen, damit man bei der Handlung nicht den Faden verliert.
In der Mitte gab es einen kleinen Durchhänger und insgesamt hatte dieser Band einige Längen und etwas viele Zufälle. Dafür war das letzte Drittel wieder sehr spannend, auch wenn es etwas in die Länge gezogen wurde - das Ende bietet allerdings wieder einen Cliffhanger und ich bin sehr gespannt, wie die Reise dieser seltsamen Truppe weitergehen wird!

Fazit

Gegenüber den Vorgängern hat dieser Band etwas schlechter abgeschnitten, trotzdem hat mich die Handlung überzeugt und ich hab die Charaktere einfach ins Herz geschlossen! Werde die Fortsetzung auf jeden Fall lesen!

© Aleshanee
Weltenwanderer

Dhampir Reihe

1 - Halbblut
2 - Seelendieb
3 - Dunkelland
4 - Blutsverrat
5 - Schattenherz
6 - Götterjagd
7 - Vergessene Zeit
8 - Steinerne Flut

[r. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Noble Dead series has never been a collection of especially good books, but I keep reading them nonetheless just because I find them entertaining. Every once in a while I'll feel as though I'm not giving them enough credit, especially considering that they are both high fantasy AND vampire books that manage to avoid, at least, many of the most common and offensive failings of both genres. And I'm left with that same feeling after finishing this, the fourth of the six in the series.

It was just as entertaining as the previous books. The main characters Magiere, the dhampir (or half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter, but that's a mouthful) and Leesil, her half-elven partner, are still likeable and it's easy to become invested in their drama and misadventures. The series' complex overarching plotline continues its semi-slow build in a satisfying enough manner. The latest side characters are interesting and well-drawn enough not to become tiresome in the way that often happens in series such as this when new characters show up to take up pagespace.

Even the ubiquitous Vampire In Love With Young Woman storyline (as has been running in the series as a subplot for the last few books) manages not to irritate given that it's not really your typical version of that. For one, the vampire is newly minted, so one doesn't have to wonder why exactly a centuries old world traveler is so moved by a teenager. And likely contributing even more to its acceptability is the complete absence of torrid romance. Its basis was burgeoning friendship and (gasp!) common interests instead of instant lusty passion and the impossibility of their starcrossed relationship (to which neither of them has ever really even put a name or qualification) is never really center stage or dominating other aspects of the narrative.

In general, I'd actually say that one of the things that makes the series so inoffensively entertaining is its treatment of the relationships between the characters. Magiere and Leesil are, for one thing, true partners and shockingly absent (remember this is both high fantasy AND a vampire story) icky gender issues. On top of that, though their relationship is easily the emotional core of the series, it's one of fairly quiet, though ardent, devotion and the actual main plot revolves around both of their issues as individual people and their attempts to help each other through these things.

My main complaint about this book itself would be that the ongoing story of Welstiel trailing our heroes has become pretty dull, almost uneventful, in this edition, which I suppose is solved by the fact that at the end of this book he gives it up.

The overarching issue with the series that led to this long ramble where I am pretty much entirely complimentary yet unwilling to commit to these being great books is that it doesn't really...grab you. For all the things that it does right (or, at least, doesn't do wrong) it never really transcends or seems to have that extra spark. At least not to me. I feel as though this could half be blamed on the general mediocrity of the prose itself and half on the fact that it's the product of two very overdone genres without a real hook to differentiate it, plot-wise, from anything else.

Ultimately, when there's nothing special about the prose or the basic premise, yet the story seems to hold far more good things than the sum of its parts, it's hard to know exactly how to classify the book.

So, I'll just give it three stars and be done with it.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Leesil who is half-elf and half-human, was an assassin, slave and spy for Lord Darmouth as were his parents, Neina and Gavin. One day he got fed up with the atrocities he committed and ran away. This is his story about his his journey to find out if his parents are still live or dead.

A friend, and assassin Byrd, tells Leesil that his elven mother and human father were last seen running into the lower levels of Lord Darmouth's keep. Leesil, Magiere, the sage Wynn and the fae dog Chap investigate this puzzle.

None of the band knows that two opposing forces, the vampire and elves, are maneuvering them and danger doesn't just come just from Darmouth but from enemies they don't even know exist.

Magiere and Leesil are outcasts who are on a quest to find out the truth behind their parents, and their upbringing. This journey puts them against people who have different plans for them like Welsteil, Magiere's half brother.

Thoughts:
1. I am still enjoying this series, but in this one we see a really removed Leesil. He gone back to being angry all the time, and yes he even goes back to drinking wine in order to drown his sorrows. Leesil story ends with another cliffhanger knowing that his mother is not dead.

2. Magiere is the steady hand in this story. She stands by Leesil even though he clearly drives her up the dag-gum-wall. Magiere's only mistake was allowing Wynn to fall into enemy hands and being too gullible in trusting Byrd.

3. Chap's flashbacks were truly interesting. I liked the fact that we see more about who he really is, and why he decided to be reborn into the body of a wolf. He is also in direct opposition to his own kind..the Fay.

4. Wynn still annoys the blood hack out of me, but at least she comes clean about Chane showing up and saving her. She also advises Magiere that her writing has been all about her, and not Leesil.

5. There are so many different angles to this story. We have Hedi Progae, who's father was assassinated by Leesil when she was 15 years old. (Same age as Leesil was at the time.) She show some spunk, and yes, I would like to see more of her story, but probably won't seeing as Magiere and crew have to continue their journey to rescue Leesil's mother.

6. There is an interesting storyline where a child name Korey who can shift into a cat. (Same as her parents who have been kept under Lord Darmouth thumb for years.)

Dislikes: Again....Welsteil and Chane. Really? We really have to continue with Chane's storyline? I truly dislike Chane and it doesn't matter that he, once again, rescues Wynn from the castle. He had turned more evil in this story and all he thinks about is Magiere.

Welsteil is still on his quest for his stupid orb, and of course, overly obsessed with Magiere and Leesil's adventures. Get over yourself already! Magiere will get around to killing you shortly...I hope!

For these reasons, I rate this story 3 stars.

[Books-treasureortrash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review: 1 Treasure Box

The story has a great beginning with our unlikely heroes protecting the peasants that are being slaughtered by the tyrants forces. We get more insight into Leesil's history, he has come back home to the town where his family was held captive and forced to become assassins. Leesil is searching his past in hopes of finding his partents. He ran away from them to escape his horrific existance, but at a potential cost of his parent's lives. This book looks closely at tyranny and what it does to the people that have to live under it, how it decimates hope and destroys community.

Barb and J. C. Hendee have written two series in the Saga of the Noble Dead. Traitor to the Blood is the fourth book in the first series. This series has Margiere, a dhampir; Leesil, a half-elf; Wynn, a young scholar and Chap, a fay-creature in the form of an intelligent dog as the protagonists. There are six books in Series One. Series Two has Wynn, the scholar from series one; Chane, an undead vampire; and Chap's offspring as the protagonist. Currently there are 3 books in series two. There is also a third series expected at some point in the future.

The story line did not really progress much with this book. There was very little action in this book and not very much happened. Although I did enjoy the action scene in the beginning as well as the escape scene at the end. I was a bit frustrated with the plot idea that it is better to keep an evil tyrant alive than allow the country to fall into mayhem and civil war if he was to die. I thought this was rather stupid. Why would this happen? If the tyrant can keep things together, why then can not someone else? But we need to accept this premise for the story to continue. We do get to learn a bit more about Leesil and his past. It was also rather surprising to learn that Chane did not die. During this book we come to realize that the Evil Enemy is being sought my many different groups.

The story did have a conclusion to the plot-line of searching out Leesil's parents, but it did not resolve anything about the Evil Enemy. I haven't been overwhelmed with this series, I am not sure if I am going to read any more books. There are so many other better series out there. Maybe one day I will try again as I am curious see how it all ends.

For more of my reviews go to: www.books-treasureortrash.com