Bloodline

Branded #3

by David Bussell

When someone carves a death threat into her boyfriend’s chest, Abbey Beckett embarks on a vendetta of epic proportions.

Determined to slay the lowlife who hurt her man, she tears into a clan of formidable vampires, only to discover that the person she’s chasing is operating independently and unsanctioned.

A new threat has stepped from the shadows; one that has tasted the blood of London, and won’t stop until it has sucked down every last drop.

Is Abbey ready to take on a menace of this magnitude, or will a city be consumed by darkness?

218 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

About the author

​David Bussell is a best-selling British author renowned for his contributions to the urban fantasy genre. He is the co-creator of the Uncanny Kingdom, a series that explores a secret Britain teeming with paranormal suspense stories. His notable works include the "Spectral Detective" series. David's writing prowess has been recognized with the P.G. Wodehouse New Comic Writer Award. Beyond his literary achievements, he is an avid fencer, a lover of synthwave music, and a committed comic book fan.

Reviews

[Cailin]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and, as usual, the Uncanny Kingdom has blown me away with shocking twists, turns, revelations, ups and downs.

Stabby Abbey, you have to love that, and her entourage of bad guy fighters are up to their ears in evil, deceit, and unfinished business this time around. (Pop-ins from characters in previous and much loved books really made my day) The road is never easy, but nothing stops Abbey for long when vampires are on the loose.

I enjoyed this amazing addition to the Uncanny world and I seriously am impatiently awaiting more! I NEED to know what happens next!!!!

[Janet]

Straight back into the action, following on from where Turned finished. Poor Neil has been in the wars again so Abbey is out for revenge and she's not short of targets. Chasing around London with Gen by her side, "Stabby Abbey" is kicking arse and taking names. The Clansmen don't know what's hit them but is it enough? Abbey may be looking in the wrong direction but she certainly throws herself into the chase wholeheartedly. And my day was made by yet another cameo from a favourite character of mine from the Uncanny Kingdom (and one of his reluctant side-kicks, who would definitely baulk at being called that!).
The story has twists and turns, the relationships between the characters are progressing, and Gen is unexpectedly mellowing slightly. I love how Stabby Abbey is coming to terms with her new reality and finding out what powers she actually has. She runs at everything full tilt throughout the story right up until the end, which I really did not see coming and quite frankly left me gaping in shock. David Bussell knows how to grab your attention and hold it from first page to last and this book kept me up till the early hours, unable to put it down.
Each series set in the Uncanny Kingdom is marvellous and you should read them all now. David Bussell and M.V. Stott are authors not to be missed.

[The Mysterious Reader]

As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to science fiction, David Bussell, and his Uncanny Kingdoms partner-in-crime MV Stott, are the platinum standard. All of their books are wonderfully original even while at the same set in different series that are linked by a common multiverse. It’s a neat trick and works great when paired with a story that is both well plotted and written. That was certainly the case with his Branded series, of which Bloodline is the third book. This was one truly fun novel and definitely recommended. It had just what I wanted, was well written, and had a great plot full of perfectly heated romance. I simply adored its leads Abbey Beckett. She’s definitely the perfect blend of Buffy (an all time face) and British snark that is promised. The cast of supporting characters were also simply superb. “Vendetta of epic proportions?” You bet, and an epic pleasure to follow along. What more I could one ask for? But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - this book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.

[Christinaraven]

Abby and the gang are back and trying to hunt down the evil Judas clan, specifically the one who branded Neil. The story was funny, sad, full of action, and lots of dying vampires. Abby was a hoot as usual as her inner monologues making me laugh. Of course there was a twist and a surprise or two also. Just a wild crazy Uncanny story that kept me entertained. Cannot wait to see what happens next. It was good as expected.

[PJ Lea]

Absolutely brilliant, as always! Exciting and action filled, I do love a book with plenty of sarcasm.

[Phthon]

That. Was. Awesome! Abbey is the most awesomely normal character yet totally unique! I love this whole series and can not wait to read more!

[Stan Hutchings]

The Judas Clan are bloodsucking monsters with a taste for blood that's matched only by their hunger for riches. They've marked Niel with a threat, 'Blood for Blood'. So Abbey AKA Nightstalker decides, let's bring the hurt to the vamps, no more mucking about. Whoever was leaving her death threats spelled out in flesh and guts were going to wind up on the wrong end of her dagger. It turned out to be Savina Iscariot, the first female vampire, come to enlist the Nightstalker in her vendetta against the Judas Clan. While eating at Cath's Caff, Jake Fletcher, the Spectral Detective, made an appearance to all but Neil, who doesn't have the Sight yet. He, too, has a bone to pick with Savina. So with some help from Jake and Jazz Hands, Abbey, Gen, Viz and Neil against Judas and his clan, and Savina and her clan for the grand showdown. For a nominal 'Horror' story, there is a lot of humor in descriptions, dialog, situations and characters' interactions.

[Helgaleena Healingline]

I was willing to let the cliff-hanger endings go in the previous two books in hopes of a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy, but NO. Instead this volume delivers an even larger cliff-hanger. Also I am beginning to tire of the conceit of an Old Testament God in this universe, who excommunicates angels for being gay, and is definitively male in gender.

Since the heavies in this volume are also female vampires intent on destroying all males of any species, because vampires are lacking in sexual dimorphism, I found myself as exasperated with the misogyny as Abbey is with the unrelenting routine slaughter that begins the book. I thought we'd finally get to the point. I don't know if I'm willing to hang on for another three volumes.

[Ms. Cyn]

Frustrated with this character

I was a bit disappointed this time around. The direction the character is taking has made me dislike this series. I am hopeful that Abby will redeem herself but she is so foolish. Even after all this time she's making mistakes and hasnt even learned all of her powers, yet she is still so cocky. It doesn't make sense to me.

[Tracy Marrs]

Bloodline is book 3 of this addictive, action-packed series with twists and turns that have you turning page after page. Unable to put it down! I received an advanced copy of this book and I voluntarily leave my review.

[cathy hunter]

Uncannily good story!

I chose a 5star review because this book stands out in it's subgenre of urban fantasy. It provides a powerful heroine, action- packed plotting, and a little humor. I am a ret. English teacher who says yeah for the authors' writing skills.

[Silver Surfer]

This has been a cracking fantasy, book three in the series and it didn’t disappoint. Abbey still learning slowly and the vampires are getting more powerful. Roll on book four. Highly recommended.

[Sherri Shade]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

OMG! Talk about a cliffhanger, I can't wait for the next book in this series. This is my favorite in the Branded books so far.

[Tim Gray]

Great little series - highly enjoyable.