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Shade of Devil #3
Devil’s Blood
The greatest trick the First Vampire ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn't exist. Before the now-infamous Count Dracula ever tasted his first drop of blood, Sorin Ambrogio owned the night. Humanity fearfully called him the Devil.
Now that Sorin has finally trapped his nemesis, Dracula, by bringing his infamous castle to Central Park, Sorin is ready to fulfill his quest for vengeance, once and for all. Until his newfound family decides to…meddle.
The Greek Gods have found a way to put a figurative collar around Sorin’s neck so that they can control and manipulate him like a dog on a leash. But not all the gods want Sorin leashed…some want his help overthrowing the natural order of the world, and Sorin doesn’t know which is worse.
Then the witches—both the Cauldron and the Sisters of Mercy—make their own power plays, abducting Sorin’s friends to get what they want. And complying with the demands of any party pits him against the other two, leaving Sorin in an impossible situation if he wants to save all of his friends. Especially when some of his own allies might not be who they appear to be.
Blood shall flow, both immortal and mortal, and the world stands on the brink of destruction. Because Sorin is just now realizing how incredibly important his blood is to the fate of the world. And just how dangerous his family is to the world.
And trusting a vampire with blood has never been the greatest idea…
Violence is a virtue in the tale of the world’s First Vampire. The name Sorin Ambrogio will go down in the history books—even if he has to write it himself.
Using blood for ink.
Now that Sorin has finally trapped his nemesis, Dracula, by bringing his infamous castle to Central Park, Sorin is ready to fulfill his quest for vengeance, once and for all. Until his newfound family decides to…meddle.
The Greek Gods have found a way to put a figurative collar around Sorin’s neck so that they can control and manipulate him like a dog on a leash. But not all the gods want Sorin leashed…some want his help overthrowing the natural order of the world, and Sorin doesn’t know which is worse.
Then the witches—both the Cauldron and the Sisters of Mercy—make their own power plays, abducting Sorin’s friends to get what they want. And complying with the demands of any party pits him against the other two, leaving Sorin in an impossible situation if he wants to save all of his friends. Especially when some of his own allies might not be who they appear to be.
Blood shall flow, both immortal and mortal, and the world stands on the brink of destruction. Because Sorin is just now realizing how incredibly important his blood is to the fate of the world. And just how dangerous his family is to the world.
And trusting a vampire with blood has never been the greatest idea…
Violence is a virtue in the tale of the world’s First Vampire. The name Sorin Ambrogio will go down in the history books—even if he has to write it himself.
Using blood for ink.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2019
896 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Shayne Silvers
56 books2,128 followersLet's cut to the chase. You read stuff. I write stuff. So, If you want to nab a few of my free Amazon Best Selling Urban Fantasy books to test the waters, go here: http://www.shaynesilvers.com
Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...
Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.
Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.
But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.
Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.
Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.
Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...
Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.
Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.
But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.
Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.
Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 27, 2020
I'll do the rating later, writing my thoughts at 60%.
So far, consistent with first 2 books, tho the 2nd was kind of an anomaly with the implicit blood sex stuff. But no real sex. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope that Sorin would get himself some (3some too!) at the end, but book 3 started with - nope! - just kidding! Other things take priority and he wasn't getting any! And folks, it's been a VERY LONG TIME, despite the fact that he's been asleep for most of it. But still.
He's gotta be the vampire with the bluest balls ever in history! And ridiculously ungodly control (since gods DON'T control themselves in this respect)
Anyway, not that sex is a focus of this series or love for that matter, only tangentially. But a lot of plot revolves around it, even if it's kind of a red herring. Sorin has a lot of issues/ baggage with the key women in his life: Selene (innocent, no-touching love), Bubble (the wife who gave him a son), now Natalie (werewolf hottie) and Victoria (soul-mate vampire hunter).
Aphrodite tried to give him a gift by suspending time so he can get it on with the 2 modern women, but he didn't get to it. Interrupted, as usual. And many people seem disappointed that he never got it on. Something important about having real sex with his devils.
Or. it's important that he doesn't.
At this point, all the other plot stuff is embroidery. I want to know what's the deal with his devils and how this is going to end. Like I said, I don't like 3somes. And it seems against Sorin's character to have 3somes. The 2 women are very happy to share him, but he's been dragging his feet. He's always seemed a 1 woman type of man when his feelings are involved...
Really hope that doesn't change. Really hope he either ends up with ONE true partner or NONE at all...
YES! Thank you, Shayne, for keeping true to Sorin's character!
Four stars, and I will be reading the next book. Better be soon!
So far, consistent with first 2 books, tho the 2nd was kind of an anomaly with the implicit blood sex stuff. But no real sex. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope that Sorin would get himself some (3some too!) at the end, but book 3 started with - nope! - just kidding! Other things take priority and he wasn't getting any! And folks, it's been a VERY LONG TIME, despite the fact that he's been asleep for most of it. But still.
He's gotta be the vampire with the bluest balls ever in history! And ridiculously ungodly control (since gods DON'T control themselves in this respect)
Anyway, not that sex is a focus of this series or love for that matter, only tangentially. But a lot of plot revolves around it, even if it's kind of a red herring. Sorin has a lot of issues/ baggage with the key women in his life: Selene (innocent, no-touching love), Bubble (the wife who gave him a son), now Natalie (werewolf hottie) and Victoria (soul-mate vampire hunter).
Aphrodite tried to give him a gift by suspending time so he can get it on with the 2 modern women, but he didn't get to it. Interrupted, as usual. And many people seem disappointed that he never got it on. Something important about having real sex with his devils.
Or. it's important that he doesn't.
At this point, all the other plot stuff is embroidery. I want to know what's the deal with his devils and how this is going to end. Like I said, I don't like 3somes. And it seems against Sorin's character to have 3somes. The 2 women are very happy to share him, but he's been dragging his feet. He's always seemed a 1 woman type of man when his feelings are involved...
Really hope that doesn't change. Really hope he either ends up with ONE true partner or NONE at all...
YES! Thank you, Shayne, for keeping true to Sorin's character!
Four stars, and I will be reading the next book. Better be soon!
January 8, 2020
Disappointing
This is the first time I've given Shayne anything less than 5 stars. I have loved getting to know Sorin and his accomplices, but this book was different. It started off really well, I was excited about the way things were going and was loving Shaynes trademark snark, but about halfway through, it seemed to lose its way. It felt rushed. Shayne loves laying flase trails. It's one of the reasons I enjoy his books so much, but this one felt like there were so many, or so many parts of the story that didn't make sense, or didn't even need to be there, it was really difficult reading. Dracula, the big bad we had been hoping Sorin would beat from book 1, fizzled out to nothing, and it didn't make any sense. Bubble reappeared, but it was truly unsatisfying to read, and the deaths?! Not only did they make little sense, they were almost glossed over. Oh well. They're dead. I'm sad. Let's move on, sort of thing. I understand Shayne is setting up for more books (even though it was supposed to be a trilogy) and I love that we'll get more, and I know Shayne likes to knock out books quickly, to keep his ever increasing fanbase hooked, but I hope more time is spent in crafting the next novel because this was rushed out to keep fans happy, but it shows. I won't stop reading Shaynes books, I just hope more care and time is taken with the next one.
This is the first time I've given Shayne anything less than 5 stars. I have loved getting to know Sorin and his accomplices, but this book was different. It started off really well, I was excited about the way things were going and was loving Shaynes trademark snark, but about halfway through, it seemed to lose its way. It felt rushed. Shayne loves laying flase trails. It's one of the reasons I enjoy his books so much, but this one felt like there were so many, or so many parts of the story that didn't make sense, or didn't even need to be there, it was really difficult reading. Dracula, the big bad we had been hoping Sorin would beat from book 1, fizzled out to nothing, and it didn't make any sense. Bubble reappeared, but it was truly unsatisfying to read, and the deaths?! Not only did they make little sense, they were almost glossed over. Oh well. They're dead. I'm sad. Let's move on, sort of thing. I understand Shayne is setting up for more books (even though it was supposed to be a trilogy) and I love that we'll get more, and I know Shayne likes to knock out books quickly, to keep his ever increasing fanbase hooked, but I hope more time is spent in crafting the next novel because this was rushed out to keep fans happy, but it shows. I won't stop reading Shaynes books, I just hope more care and time is taken with the next one.
April 17, 2020
Wow... I really did not like this book. That's really frustrating because I loved the first book in this series and though the second was a little less enjoyable for me, I thought this series really had promise. This book though... just... wow.
(I'll mark the rest of the review up for spoilers as while I am not going to majorly reveal any plotlines, I will be talking about the plot and overall spirit of the book in ways that may constitute spoilers. You've been warned.)
(I'll mark the rest of the review up for spoilers as while I am not going to majorly reveal any plotlines, I will be talking about the plot and overall spirit of the book in ways that may constitute spoilers. You've been warned.)
February 8, 2020
I've had issues with too many things in this book to list them all...
February 5, 2020
This is a review I'm thrilled to write. The last 2 were so hard for me to write because I am a huge Shayne fan, and when I first started Blood, I thought, no, not again! But, thank heavens, it was "not again"!
I'm not going to do any spoilers here like so many seem to feel a need to do. I will say I don't mind the way this book went. As a matter of fact, it was so much more in keeping with Shayne's writing that I didn't care about any "downsides" to this one. Every good book has laughs and tears, so why should Shayne's books be any different? I want laughs and tears! Otherwise it's all one tone. Yuk.
This time we finally have action. Real action where there's drama, fighting, good guys, bad guys, and, yes, laughs and tears. And lots of fun in between because, well, it's Shayne. We get to see Sorin in action, and out of action so we can see others in action as well. We get to see more of Hades and a few other characters that we've been waiting to see make an appearance. And there's some real surprises, which is also a trademark of Shayne's that was so sorely missed!
I will admit I'm not a huge fan of vamp novels these days. I guess the truth is, I've become bored with them. But, thankfully, this one was very different from the usual vamp books. There were things in here that don't usually follow in vamp books. Things like injuries from unexpected sources, curses that you wouldn't think would work on a vamp, and different types of nourishment, which were also unexpected.
I particularly like Adam and Eve. Very clever characters. This particular series incorporates much more of the gods of Olympus than his Temple series, even though they both have some elements of the gods. Here, though, we see exclusively Olympus gods, including Titans, rather than branching out into other mythologies. And I'm a huge fan of the gods of Olympus. Even if I don't like them, I love them. So that is also an element that I enjoyed, particularly in this last book of the beginning of the series.
Thank you, Shayne, for listening to your fans, and for making this one so much more enjoyable. You went with your strengths and left your weaknesses behind, and it made for so much better a book. I said in my last review, I believe, that authors tend to have a niche that they fit into, and once they find it, they find it's best if they try to stick to it. Well, Shayne may be a bit of an outlier with niches, since he does seem to be able to move from a more Upper YA to an Adult level series (although there's some rough language and innuendo in the Nate Temple and company series, there's no flagrant and overdone sex, so I tend to refer to it as Upper YA). But, he also seems to have realized that there are certain storylines that he does best, and certain ones he's not that good at writing. So, kudos for recognizing this and making this one more to your style and level of excellence. I'm so very glad to be able to write a good review for this series!
So, Very Well Done, Mr. Silvers! Very well done, indeed. And seeing that there's going to be a branch of this series coming this year, I'm hoping you keep up with your own language and style so I can love the rest as much as I did this one.
And, Not A Single Spoiler!!!!!
I'm not going to do any spoilers here like so many seem to feel a need to do. I will say I don't mind the way this book went. As a matter of fact, it was so much more in keeping with Shayne's writing that I didn't care about any "downsides" to this one. Every good book has laughs and tears, so why should Shayne's books be any different? I want laughs and tears! Otherwise it's all one tone. Yuk.
This time we finally have action. Real action where there's drama, fighting, good guys, bad guys, and, yes, laughs and tears. And lots of fun in between because, well, it's Shayne. We get to see Sorin in action, and out of action so we can see others in action as well. We get to see more of Hades and a few other characters that we've been waiting to see make an appearance. And there's some real surprises, which is also a trademark of Shayne's that was so sorely missed!
I will admit I'm not a huge fan of vamp novels these days. I guess the truth is, I've become bored with them. But, thankfully, this one was very different from the usual vamp books. There were things in here that don't usually follow in vamp books. Things like injuries from unexpected sources, curses that you wouldn't think would work on a vamp, and different types of nourishment, which were also unexpected.
I particularly like Adam and Eve. Very clever characters. This particular series incorporates much more of the gods of Olympus than his Temple series, even though they both have some elements of the gods. Here, though, we see exclusively Olympus gods, including Titans, rather than branching out into other mythologies. And I'm a huge fan of the gods of Olympus. Even if I don't like them, I love them. So that is also an element that I enjoyed, particularly in this last book of the beginning of the series.
Thank you, Shayne, for listening to your fans, and for making this one so much more enjoyable. You went with your strengths and left your weaknesses behind, and it made for so much better a book. I said in my last review, I believe, that authors tend to have a niche that they fit into, and once they find it, they find it's best if they try to stick to it. Well, Shayne may be a bit of an outlier with niches, since he does seem to be able to move from a more Upper YA to an Adult level series (although there's some rough language and innuendo in the Nate Temple and company series, there's no flagrant and overdone sex, so I tend to refer to it as Upper YA). But, he also seems to have realized that there are certain storylines that he does best, and certain ones he's not that good at writing. So, kudos for recognizing this and making this one more to your style and level of excellence. I'm so very glad to be able to write a good review for this series!
So, Very Well Done, Mr. Silvers! Very well done, indeed. And seeing that there's going to be a branch of this series coming this year, I'm hoping you keep up with your own language and style so I can love the rest as much as I did this one.
And, Not A Single Spoiler!!!!!
January 7, 2020
I stated at the beginning of this series that I am not a big vampire fan. Oh, I read them, but they aren’t my favorite. This series is so very different, and this latest is probably the best yet. I do want to warn you before reading it, though, that you will need tissues, for both crying tears of sadness and laughter. There are so many things that happen in this one, I’m left at the end wondering how things are going to progress from here. So many revelations I didn’t see coming, and so many interesting things happened. With these events, I am left blindsided and confused at how Sorin is going to go handle what will probably come next. Read this one; it’s a game changer. Highly recommend!
January 11, 2020
The first two books started out great and I am hoping for more but this third book was not all that, don't get me wrong I am a huge SS fan but all these 5 star reviews are just silly....
This third book felt rushed, too many things were glossed over and made easy which I suppose is to be able to extend the "trilogy" but most of all the ending is sucky and luke warm at best.
Don't want to stick spoilers in here but if there are no more books in this series and it ends here and if TWO changes are not made well I just have to say meh for how this turns out or ends....
This third book felt rushed, too many things were glossed over and made easy which I suppose is to be able to extend the "trilogy" but most of all the ending is sucky and luke warm at best.
Don't want to stick spoilers in here but if there are no more books in this series and it ends here and if TWO changes are not made well I just have to say meh for how this turns out or ends....
September 23, 2020
I liked this book, I really did. I just did not like how it all ended. Three people died in this book. All three of them were just there one minute and gone the next. None of them even got to fight towards the end of their life. They couldn’t even fight to try to live. At the very least they should have gone down fighting. The ending kind of gave us a happy ending, but it just feels so empty. I was just so disappointed with the deaths that I couldn’t even be a little happy for him at the end. Sure, he got his first love back, but I just didn’t like it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
Okay so this wasn't as good as I hoped for, there was way too much stuffing and flitting from one thing to another. The 'important' parts of this book (Victoria and Natalie - all the info I'm going to give), were glossed over when I felt there should have been more depth.
Yep we had some fighting but not the epic battle I had hoped for. I love Shayne's books normally but sadly this one fell short and the overall feeling was rushed and messy.
Sorry Shayne, must do better.
Yep we had some fighting but not the epic battle I had hoped for. I love Shayne's books normally but sadly this one fell short and the overall feeling was rushed and messy.
Sorry Shayne, must do better.
May 11, 2020
No nearly at the level of the other books
The book seems a bit meh in comparison to the others, the ending is just stupid, like some of the characters had a stroke and remained with the mental capacity of a 4 year old. The plot is heavily forced, and abhorrently stupid, the main characters have a personality change. No. This book is not worth it, and frankly ruined the series for me.
The book seems a bit meh in comparison to the others, the ending is just stupid, like some of the characters had a stroke and remained with the mental capacity of a 4 year old. The plot is heavily forced, and abhorrently stupid, the main characters have a personality change. No. This book is not worth it, and frankly ruined the series for me.
February 11, 2020
Messy, too many illogical plot twists and too much of a lost opportunity a story 5hat showed great promise in the first book.
January 7, 2020
Blood, souls, sacrifice, and a question of its worth.
The latest foray into the life and struggle of the world's true First Vampire only gets messier, and it picks up not moments after the last one let off. Sorin Ambrogio truly can't catch a break with how everything jumps from one chaotic mess to the next, though in again a very different flavor from the chaos Silvers' has wrought in his mainline Templeverse series. Between threats of two different covens of witches, attempts from the captured Dracula to break free of his immediately recent imprisonment and the machinations of the Greek gods thrown right back into the mix, he's given not a moment to breathe, and for every new thing that happens, it seems to eek out a price for every twist and revelation. The usual mayhem persists, in and out of battle, and the more Sorin gleans about his true origins and the work in the background from his bloody, painful past, the more dead-set he becomes on pushing for a battle to dethrone the gods themselves in his quest for vengeance craved and justice due.
Overall the book rings in as another tightly packed explosion of action, magical escapades and the typical Silvers' penchant for flipping the stage. On its own merits as a stand-alone installment and the third in its series, it works as another gripping story that refuses to let you go until the final pages.
That all said, there is an evident spike in tone, and perhaps of its own accord or of its development from what was originally built as a trilogy now being stretched into a longer series, this tone is rather heavily applied and strikes back to a number of similar feeling moments I have begun to see a pattern with in Silvers' writing in a given series. As an author Silvers has always championed the flawed protagonists, those who are no shining paragons of righteousness and justice, but people with faults, failures and darker sides to them that lead them to making hard choices even when sometimes there are better, clearer options they discard out of hand. Nonetheless they are still good people at heart, trying to make the world a better place for their loved ones and people who haven't the strength or means to make a difference by themselves. That has always been a highlight of his stories and the way the characters change and grow has always been one of the stronger facets of how he paces and structures each installment in the grand whole of his series' narratives.
But of late there have been said moments, and here Sorin experiences not one but two of the most brutal yet in quick succession. Given Silvers' enjoyment of heavy foreshadowing and sudden twists set up in one book only paying off three or more books later, it can be hard to tell when a given incident is blunt and contained or subtle and long reaching. I've credited him for it more often than not. The trouble is that these moments have complied to such a degree overall in his writing, speaking of the story of Sorin and the Templeverse as a whole, that its lead to make some aspects of the narrative start to ring rather hollow. Things like justice, vengeance, growth, self-understanding and love are rallied for heavily in Silvers' writing, but when you've dozens of established examples of a few but others given one set-up after another seeming to just loop back on themselves in an endless cycle, it starts to feel more like lip-service and not much else.
I have no doubt of Silvers' abilities as an author, and in that a belief that he has a clear picture of what he wants for his series and how to carry it out for the most part. But when some aspects start to feel like they're drifting closer to some rather painfully weary tropes that Silvers' has otherwise long avoided, it makes one wonder just where the series is supposed to go that makes these choices worthwhile, both in and outside the narrative.
This not a discredit to his ability or quality as an author, rest assured. Its entirely possible that any reader could take all of this in and not feel it the way I do. Perhaps its simply a reflection of reading so much of his writing overall that it weighs heavier on me, of just where I am in life right now as a person, but this is the first time reading any of his books that my gut reaction has been "I don't really know if I want to see where this is going, if it's like this". And of an otherwise favorite author's work, that seems like something worth mentioning.
The latest foray into the life and struggle of the world's true First Vampire only gets messier, and it picks up not moments after the last one let off. Sorin Ambrogio truly can't catch a break with how everything jumps from one chaotic mess to the next, though in again a very different flavor from the chaos Silvers' has wrought in his mainline Templeverse series. Between threats of two different covens of witches, attempts from the captured Dracula to break free of his immediately recent imprisonment and the machinations of the Greek gods thrown right back into the mix, he's given not a moment to breathe, and for every new thing that happens, it seems to eek out a price for every twist and revelation. The usual mayhem persists, in and out of battle, and the more Sorin gleans about his true origins and the work in the background from his bloody, painful past, the more dead-set he becomes on pushing for a battle to dethrone the gods themselves in his quest for vengeance craved and justice due.
Overall the book rings in as another tightly packed explosion of action, magical escapades and the typical Silvers' penchant for flipping the stage. On its own merits as a stand-alone installment and the third in its series, it works as another gripping story that refuses to let you go until the final pages.
That all said, there is an evident spike in tone, and perhaps of its own accord or of its development from what was originally built as a trilogy now being stretched into a longer series, this tone is rather heavily applied and strikes back to a number of similar feeling moments I have begun to see a pattern with in Silvers' writing in a given series. As an author Silvers has always championed the flawed protagonists, those who are no shining paragons of righteousness and justice, but people with faults, failures and darker sides to them that lead them to making hard choices even when sometimes there are better, clearer options they discard out of hand. Nonetheless they are still good people at heart, trying to make the world a better place for their loved ones and people who haven't the strength or means to make a difference by themselves. That has always been a highlight of his stories and the way the characters change and grow has always been one of the stronger facets of how he paces and structures each installment in the grand whole of his series' narratives.
But of late there have been said moments, and here Sorin experiences not one but two of the most brutal yet in quick succession. Given Silvers' enjoyment of heavy foreshadowing and sudden twists set up in one book only paying off three or more books later, it can be hard to tell when a given incident is blunt and contained or subtle and long reaching. I've credited him for it more often than not. The trouble is that these moments have complied to such a degree overall in his writing, speaking of the story of Sorin and the Templeverse as a whole, that its lead to make some aspects of the narrative start to ring rather hollow. Things like justice, vengeance, growth, self-understanding and love are rallied for heavily in Silvers' writing, but when you've dozens of established examples of a few but others given one set-up after another seeming to just loop back on themselves in an endless cycle, it starts to feel more like lip-service and not much else.
I have no doubt of Silvers' abilities as an author, and in that a belief that he has a clear picture of what he wants for his series and how to carry it out for the most part. But when some aspects start to feel like they're drifting closer to some rather painfully weary tropes that Silvers' has otherwise long avoided, it makes one wonder just where the series is supposed to go that makes these choices worthwhile, both in and outside the narrative.
This not a discredit to his ability or quality as an author, rest assured. Its entirely possible that any reader could take all of this in and not feel it the way I do. Perhaps its simply a reflection of reading so much of his writing overall that it weighs heavier on me, of just where I am in life right now as a person, but this is the first time reading any of his books that my gut reaction has been "I don't really know if I want to see where this is going, if it's like this". And of an otherwise favorite author's work, that seems like something worth mentioning.
January 7, 2020
DEVIL’S BLOOD
Sorin has issues, truly. Battling Dracula, witches and Greek gods aren’t enough. He also has to struggle with his own parentage, whether or not he’s a baby daddy, and his relationships with the women in his life. Oh, and a giant ghost wolf?
Devil’s blood gets manic, maybe a little shocking, and even wildly inappropriate. Beneath it all run the threads common to Silver’s writing: the importance of family (blood and otherwise), loyalty, self-sacrifice…
The tone of Devil’s Blood felt very different to me from the previous books. I’m still digesting it all, deciding how I feel about the book, and the series. That said, it was a fun read, with surprises, shocks, gore, love… Get onboard, enjoy the ride, and decide for yourself.
Sorin has issues, truly. Battling Dracula, witches and Greek gods aren’t enough. He also has to struggle with his own parentage, whether or not he’s a baby daddy, and his relationships with the women in his life. Oh, and a giant ghost wolf?
Devil’s blood gets manic, maybe a little shocking, and even wildly inappropriate. Beneath it all run the threads common to Silver’s writing: the importance of family (blood and otherwise), loyalty, self-sacrifice…
The tone of Devil’s Blood felt very different to me from the previous books. I’m still digesting it all, deciding how I feel about the book, and the series. That said, it was a fun read, with surprises, shocks, gore, love… Get onboard, enjoy the ride, and decide for yourself.
January 12, 2020
I want more!
The word monkey has done it again! The rollercoaster ride known as a Shayne Silvers book had so many unexpected twists and turns, my head is reeling! I can't wait for the next installment.
The word monkey has done it again! The rollercoaster ride known as a Shayne Silvers book had so many unexpected twists and turns, my head is reeling! I can't wait for the next installment.
January 10, 2020
Great story! So you think that you know all about vampires? Read Shayne Silvers’ different and mesmerizing take on vampire history and their origins. Great plot. Great characters. Twists and turns. So much action!
January 7, 2020
This entire story was captivating from beginning to end. Intricately woven. As usual, no detail was random, facts revealed later within the story. Hilarious, heart-wrenching, vindicating, and at times chaotic but with form. A storytelling victory.
May 25, 2020
An entertaining read that I'm still trying to determine how much I really liked it. I'm not sure I like how certain characters who I felt would be key in this novel were pretty much sidelined, not to mention where they ended up.
But one plot hole stuck out to me and I had to re-read the last of the prior book and beginning of this one to figure out what I missed. I must still be missing something. And all in all, it's a minor detail but it stuck with me and bugged me through the whole book for some reason.
Near the end of book 2,
But one plot hole stuck out to me and I had to re-read the last of the prior book and beginning of this one to figure out what I missed. I must still be missing something. And all in all, it's a minor detail but it stuck with me and bugged me through the whole book for some reason.
Near the end of book 2,
April 28, 2020
Seriously...I have no idea how I managed to end this one. This book has the biggest PIS I have run around so far. Not to mention the fact that the author can't go streight to the point and needs to create all kinds of distraction just to delay a simple action. There is way to much rambling in some situations, overexplenation of scenes, and once again the 'TEASE' is umbecoming. If you are not going to use something why make it a point??? Yes I am mad as hell about how the whole thing with 'The Devils', even more the sheer level of stupidity that lead to it. The big twist at the end was unnecesarily if that was to be the end point. So the positive points of this series are still there altough the author kind of crapped on it a little bit with some nonesense logic, but the bad heavely outweigths it for me. The charactere went from decently portrayed to WTF are they doing??? The interactions followed the same path, the pacing somehow had to be rushed in this one but it fitted the timeline. Even so I didn't enjoy this one and I doubt I will keep up wth this series.
January 15, 2020
After reading the first one I was hooked... even more so when SS went back and decided to do a re-write for the last two. I was still hooked. However, for the first time in all of his books I can’t give this a 5 star review!!! It all seemed rushed! Which is sad and disappointing. I wanted the fight with Dracula to be epic.. I didn’t like how the feathers were just glossed over. Maybe a chapter of that. SS does a very good job at writing his books and be able able to link it to something very human that no one talks about. This one fell short. Hopefully in the next book we can get back to the SS we all know and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2020
Aphrodite Rocks
This book is definitely not going to end how you think it might. In general I do not know how else to sum up this book than my initial reaction of "huh! Well that was... Something."
However, Aphrodite took the stage as the goddess with the mostest!! Shayne writes her character beautifully and brings out aspects that have never truly been portrayed before. This alone is worth the read.
Plus there is a fantastic self mock\cameo in the book that is not to be missed.
This book is definitely not going to end how you think it might. In general I do not know how else to sum up this book than my initial reaction of "huh! Well that was... Something."
However, Aphrodite took the stage as the goddess with the mostest!! Shayne writes her character beautifully and brings out aspects that have never truly been portrayed before. This alone is worth the read.
Plus there is a fantastic self mock\cameo in the book that is not to be missed.
February 13, 2020
Series End...
This whole series was sort of blasé. Not the speed and intensity that the Templeverse gives you by drawing you in with character development and situations. From book 1 I knew it was gonna be an "intermission" type of book, something to read to pass the time waiting for more Nate Temple or Callie books.. Sorin Ambrogio isn't like any other vampire ever written in any books, so with that, that's that.
This whole series was sort of blasé. Not the speed and intensity that the Templeverse gives you by drawing you in with character development and situations. From book 1 I knew it was gonna be an "intermission" type of book, something to read to pass the time waiting for more Nate Temple or Callie books.. Sorin Ambrogio isn't like any other vampire ever written in any books, so with that, that's that.
Read
February 10, 2023HOLY SHIT!! Didn’t see those twists coming. Another addictive read
October 26, 2020
Damn. I really, really liked those books but the ending was disappointing as hell.
January 24, 2020
Devil’s Blood: Shade of Devil Book 3 - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Long ago, Count Dracula was the First Vampire, Sorin Ambrogio's second-in-command, who then went rogue, leading to the deaths of Sorin's family and, as punishment was imprisoned in Sorin's Castle Ambrogio. The whole site was finally transferred to Central Park in New York, so the premise goes in Shayne Silvers' epic series, Shade of Devil, of which Devil's Blood is the third and last of the trilogy...(no! no! I hear your anguished cry).
Cursed by the Ancient Greek gods Artemis and Apollo, Sorin was killed and later brought back to life, bringing us through the starting point of Sorin's story in the first two volumes, so we now have the grand denouement in the third.
After many trials and tribulations, Sorin must prove his worth to these same Gods, in order to keep Dracula imprisoned and also try to bring back to life his Sorin's Devils, killed in battle.
Sorin and his foul-mouthed unicorn must together face off against two covens of witches, The Cauldron and the Sisters of Mercy, in a final conflict. Can justice be done, or will Sorin be left alone?
Although part of the Templeverse, Shayne Silvers has shown his talent and diversity in creating a new pantheon of characters, totally different to Nate Temple and his particular style of adventure.
A very long book at 460 pages, but Devil's Blood is so engaging and captivating, that you'll be sorry to see the end of Sorin's story - or is it? Even a cold-blooded undead blood-sucker can have feelings of love and longing for their children, (especially given their normally near-immortal lifespan) when they are believed lost forever. Friends may come and go and even betray you when you let your guard down, yet still be mourned in a strange kind of way for the lost familiarity.
Devil’s Blood, by the esteemed fantasy writer Shayne Silvers,will get under your skin and worm its way into your brain in the most satisfyingly unexpected way and it's guaranteed to be the most exciting vampire story you'll read in a very long time. Get all 3 books and don't forget the garlic!
Long ago, Count Dracula was the First Vampire, Sorin Ambrogio's second-in-command, who then went rogue, leading to the deaths of Sorin's family and, as punishment was imprisoned in Sorin's Castle Ambrogio. The whole site was finally transferred to Central Park in New York, so the premise goes in Shayne Silvers' epic series, Shade of Devil, of which Devil's Blood is the third and last of the trilogy...(no! no! I hear your anguished cry).
Cursed by the Ancient Greek gods Artemis and Apollo, Sorin was killed and later brought back to life, bringing us through the starting point of Sorin's story in the first two volumes, so we now have the grand denouement in the third.
After many trials and tribulations, Sorin must prove his worth to these same Gods, in order to keep Dracula imprisoned and also try to bring back to life his Sorin's Devils, killed in battle.
Sorin and his foul-mouthed unicorn must together face off against two covens of witches, The Cauldron and the Sisters of Mercy, in a final conflict. Can justice be done, or will Sorin be left alone?
Although part of the Templeverse, Shayne Silvers has shown his talent and diversity in creating a new pantheon of characters, totally different to Nate Temple and his particular style of adventure.
A very long book at 460 pages, but Devil's Blood is so engaging and captivating, that you'll be sorry to see the end of Sorin's story - or is it? Even a cold-blooded undead blood-sucker can have feelings of love and longing for their children, (especially given their normally near-immortal lifespan) when they are believed lost forever. Friends may come and go and even betray you when you let your guard down, yet still be mourned in a strange kind of way for the lost familiarity.
Devil’s Blood, by the esteemed fantasy writer Shayne Silvers,will get under your skin and worm its way into your brain in the most satisfyingly unexpected way and it's guaranteed to be the most exciting vampire story you'll read in a very long time. Get all 3 books and don't forget the garlic!
September 15, 2021
A funny and heart wrenching finale
Sorin and the others take on Dracula, the witches, and the Olympian gods themselves! New friends, new enemies and many revelations revealed!
Sorin is such a likeable character through the entire series, and the cast of side characters makes it that much more enjoyable to read despite it being so short. His growing relationships with Victoria and Natalie, as well as Nosh, Nero and a select few others. While it was a good read, I think there was so much left out including a few side characters just abandoned.
“Don’t let the fires of vengeance change you into something worse than the target of your hatred. Vengeance must be cold and rational—it must become justice.”
As I stated in my first 2 reviews of this series, I feel like all these were too short and could’ve been one large book or at least 2 books with a 3rd touching more on an even bigger battle with the gods as a consequence of the actions.
I wanted to leave a better review because this was actually a very enjoyable read from start to finish, but I was just left feeling like it was an unfinished story.
Sorin and the others take on Dracula, the witches, and the Olympian gods themselves! New friends, new enemies and many revelations revealed!
Sorin is such a likeable character through the entire series, and the cast of side characters makes it that much more enjoyable to read despite it being so short. His growing relationships with Victoria and Natalie, as well as Nosh, Nero and a select few others. While it was a good read, I think there was so much left out including a few side characters just abandoned.
“Don’t let the fires of vengeance change you into something worse than the target of your hatred. Vengeance must be cold and rational—it must become justice.”
As I stated in my first 2 reviews of this series, I feel like all these were too short and could’ve been one large book or at least 2 books with a 3rd touching more on an even bigger battle with the gods as a consequence of the actions.
I wanted to leave a better review because this was actually a very enjoyable read from start to finish, but I was just left feeling like it was an unfinished story.
August 20, 2020
Best one of them all.
Now that Ssorin has found that he is related to the gods he does not like it. His family is full of killers. Some of his family want him dead and some want to help him. Sorin is the new generation among the gods of Olympus. Things are about to change among the gods. Sorin learns that most of the powers are due to him being a demigod not the curse put upon him from some of his family. Not only is Sorin fighting with the gods, but he is having to fight with two factions of witches. His devils have been kidnaped, his son’s girlfriend has been kidnaped, and he has found his thought to be dead friend. This book was a good ending to Dracula. It was hinted at that there was going to be a war with the gods of Olympus. I hope there are other books in this series about that.
Now that Ssorin has found that he is related to the gods he does not like it. His family is full of killers. Some of his family want him dead and some want to help him. Sorin is the new generation among the gods of Olympus. Things are about to change among the gods. Sorin learns that most of the powers are due to him being a demigod not the curse put upon him from some of his family. Not only is Sorin fighting with the gods, but he is having to fight with two factions of witches. His devils have been kidnaped, his son’s girlfriend has been kidnaped, and he has found his thought to be dead friend. This book was a good ending to Dracula. It was hinted at that there was going to be a war with the gods of Olympus. I hope there are other books in this series about that.
July 18, 2020
Laugh or Cry?
I don't know whether to laugh with delight at finishing this GREAT series or cry 😢 because the "goodest" series I have had the luck to encounter is just one of many this great author has written!!! This series made me laugh, cry and many soulful sighs! Witches, warlocks, shamans, werewolves,mortals, Olympians, devils....they are all in there and so much more.Love, lust,family feuds, animosity, heartbreak, and poignant heartbreak coupled with the slow reblooming of hope and a new and old love in one. Now on to a new series by my latest favorite author...couldn't possibly be better but would love for it to be a "new repeat"! Thanks ever so much, Shayne!!! - Maggie
I don't know whether to laugh with delight at finishing this GREAT series or cry 😢 because the "goodest" series I have had the luck to encounter is just one of many this great author has written!!! This series made me laugh, cry and many soulful sighs! Witches, warlocks, shamans, werewolves,mortals, Olympians, devils....they are all in there and so much more.Love, lust,family feuds, animosity, heartbreak, and poignant heartbreak coupled with the slow reblooming of hope and a new and old love in one. Now on to a new series by my latest favorite author...couldn't possibly be better but would love for it to be a "new repeat"! Thanks ever so much, Shayne!!! - Maggie
February 14, 2021
So disappointed.
I have read Shayne Silvers Nate Temple books, I stopped because I was getting burned out. But I enjoyed them so I decided to try this new series. I enjoyed the first two. This last one was such a disappointment to me. ( Spoiler) he killed the good characters off. The sexual tension was chronic and confusing. Like his characters are better if they are frustrated or something. That is why I gave this book two stars. Someone should tell him he doesn’t have to detail it, just allude to the fact of the act. I think I might be done with this author. But all the books I read with the exception of this one were good. I recommend this series and the author.
I have read Shayne Silvers Nate Temple books, I stopped because I was getting burned out. But I enjoyed them so I decided to try this new series. I enjoyed the first two. This last one was such a disappointment to me. ( Spoiler) he killed the good characters off. The sexual tension was chronic and confusing. Like his characters are better if they are frustrated or something. That is why I gave this book two stars. Someone should tell him he doesn’t have to detail it, just allude to the fact of the act. I think I might be done with this author. But all the books I read with the exception of this one were good. I recommend this series and the author.
February 13, 2020
SO. FREAKING. AWESOME.
I am a huge fan of everything Shayne Silvers has written. I started at the beginning of the Nate Temple series, and quickly found a new favorite author.
I highly recommend this series as well, as it allows the reader to experience even more of Silver's imagination, and seriously accomplished writing skills.
I can't give a higher recommendation for anyone who enjoys... Well... Reading.
That goes for every book he has released on Kindle (which is all of his published work as far as I am aware.)
Start reading TODAY! (But start with book one ;-) )
I am a huge fan of everything Shayne Silvers has written. I started at the beginning of the Nate Temple series, and quickly found a new favorite author.
I highly recommend this series as well, as it allows the reader to experience even more of Silver's imagination, and seriously accomplished writing skills.
I can't give a higher recommendation for anyone who enjoys... Well... Reading.
That goes for every book he has released on Kindle (which is all of his published work as far as I am aware.)
Start reading TODAY! (But start with book one ;-) )
January 29, 2020
Shakes the mythical world to its foundation
Gods and goddesses can be cruel creatures, and perhaps none more so than the Olympians. Sorin has quite a battle to face, what with both dark and light witches coming after him, not to mention Dracula and the Olympians. But he has powerful allies, and he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve.
Shayne Silvers has created an entire new world separate from the Templeverse. In his usual masterful style, he jerks the reader from laughter to tears and from anger to peace with no more than an arsenal of words. Sorin has become one of my favorite characters.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, this series is well worth your time and money. Mr. Silvers has produced another fan-pleaser.
Gods and goddesses can be cruel creatures, and perhaps none more so than the Olympians. Sorin has quite a battle to face, what with both dark and light witches coming after him, not to mention Dracula and the Olympians. But he has powerful allies, and he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve.
Shayne Silvers has created an entire new world separate from the Templeverse. In his usual masterful style, he jerks the reader from laughter to tears and from anger to peace with no more than an arsenal of words. Sorin has become one of my favorite characters.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, this series is well worth your time and money. Mr. Silvers has produced another fan-pleaser.
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