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Dark Mission #1
Blood of the Wicked
When the world went straight to hell, humanity needed a scapegoat to judge, to blame . . . to burn.
As an independent witch living off the grid, Jessie Leigh has spent her life running, trying to blend in among the faceless drudges in the rebuilt city. She thought she was finally safe, but now she's been found in a New Seattle strip club—by a hard-eyed man on a mission to destroy her kind.
A soldier of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause: trawling the fringes of society for the murderous witches who threaten what's left of the world. Forced into a twisting web of half-truths and lies, he has to stay close to the most sensuous and electrifying woman he has ever seen and manipulate her into leading him to the he witch he has to kill: her brother. Silas doesn't know that Jessie's his enemy, only that he wants her, needs her, even as he lies to her... and must protect her until his final breath.
As an independent witch living off the grid, Jessie Leigh has spent her life running, trying to blend in among the faceless drudges in the rebuilt city. She thought she was finally safe, but now she's been found in a New Seattle strip club—by a hard-eyed man on a mission to destroy her kind.
A soldier of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause: trawling the fringes of society for the murderous witches who threaten what's left of the world. Forced into a twisting web of half-truths and lies, he has to stay close to the most sensuous and electrifying woman he has ever seen and manipulate her into leading him to the he witch he has to kill: her brother. Silas doesn't know that Jessie's his enemy, only that he wants her, needs her, even as he lies to her... and must protect her until his final breath.
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
33 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Karina Cooper
23 books265 followersAfter writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (sort of), went to work in the real world (kind of), where she decided that making stuff up was way more fun (true!). She is the author of dark and sexy paranormal romance, steampunk urban fantasy, and writes across multiple genres with mad glee.
One part glamour, one part dork and all imagination, Karina is also a gamer, an airship captain’s wife, and a steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a husband, a menagerie, a severe coffee habit, and a passel of adopted gamer geeks. Visit her at www.karinacooper.com, because she says so.
One part glamour, one part dork and all imagination, Karina is also a gamer, an airship captain’s wife, and a steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a husband, a menagerie, a severe coffee habit, and a passel of adopted gamer geeks. Visit her at www.karinacooper.com, because she says so.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 8, 2011
(2.5 stars) I can be a sap sometimes, and I confess that a good love story can move me to tears. Blood of the Wicked, however, made me cry for all the wrong reasons.
Blood of the Wicked is the first in the Dark Mission paranormal romance series by debut author Karina Cooper. It appears that each installment will be self-contained and focus on a different couple. The setting is an alternate future: witches existed and were known to exist in the story’s past, and then when disasters struck the world’s cities, the witches were blamed for the cataclysms and are now hunted and burned. In New Seattle, built on the ruins of today’s Seattle, we meet our hero and heroine.
Silas is a witch hunter on the trail of a violent coven. To that end, he seeks out Jessie, the sister of one of the coven’s witches, Caleb. He finds her tending bar in a strip club and, to make a long story short, the two end up hunting Caleb together. Silas intends to capture Caleb and have him executed, while Jessie believes her brother is innocent and plans to save him instead. But Jessie has a secret: she is also a witch, and if Silas finds out, it will mean a death sentence.
Cooper’s writing is for the most part very good. New Seattle and the alternate history are interesting, and Cooper skillfully depicts the wet, cold, bleak, chaotic world her characters live in. You don’t even realize how well she describes it until the characters reach a beautiful, wholesome sanctuary that is the polar opposite of the city, and until they are thrust back into New Seattle after that brief idyll. Some of the geographic descriptions and fight scenes can get a little confusing, and Cooper has a few “pet words” that she overuses (“roil” comes to mind), but overall the prose works well.
The problem with Blood of the Wicked is the romance — and as this is a romance novel, that’s not a good thing. Silas is a bigot. I understand that he has a traumatic past involving some evil witches. When being a witch is known with 100% certainty to be genetic, though, and when Silas persists in believing everyone with that genetic marker is irredeemable, that’s bigotry in my book. Even before he finds out Jessie is a witch, he doesn’t always treat her well; he’s troublingly rough with her on several occasions and shames her for the strip-club job. After he finds out — well, that’s where a lot of the crying comes in. The way he treats her (and allows her to be treated by others) after that revelation is extremely upsetting.
All of this would be easier to swallow if Blood of the Wicked weren’t a romance. I can read about all sorts of twisted people in fantasy or general fiction. But when I read romance, I want to root for a couple to get together, and I want to turn the last page thinking they will be happier now that they’ve found each other. When it comes to Silas and Jessie, I have trouble believing it. Silas’ change of heart about witches seems born of panic, or simply put in because it’s necessary to the plot, rather than deeply felt. Even if he means it, though, I’m still not convinced he won’t trot out the strip-club jeers the first time they have an ordinary domestic argument.
Or maybe it would work if it were a stronger romance. The relationship between Silas and Jessie develops over just a few days and consists largely of the two repeatedly getting into danger and then having sex afterward. The connection feels too superficial. Love may conquer many things, but I have less faith in the power of lust and adrenaline.
I can’t deny that Blood of the Wicked took my emotions on an intense roller-coaster ride — and there’s some evocative writing here, especially in the “sanctuary” scenes — but in the end it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Edited to add: Contempt. That's the word I'm looking for. Silas alternates between putting Jessie on a pedestal and having contempt for her. He'll be all "she's innocent," "she's sunshine," etc., mostly based on the way she looks, and then whenever he's faced with the cold hard facts of her life, he's contemptuous. A life that is difficult precisely because of witch hunters, as it happens. Jessie, for her part, just doesn't do much in the story, and I can't figure out why she loves Silas after everything that happened.
Blood of the Wicked is the first in the Dark Mission paranormal romance series by debut author Karina Cooper. It appears that each installment will be self-contained and focus on a different couple. The setting is an alternate future: witches existed and were known to exist in the story’s past, and then when disasters struck the world’s cities, the witches were blamed for the cataclysms and are now hunted and burned. In New Seattle, built on the ruins of today’s Seattle, we meet our hero and heroine.
Silas is a witch hunter on the trail of a violent coven. To that end, he seeks out Jessie, the sister of one of the coven’s witches, Caleb. He finds her tending bar in a strip club and, to make a long story short, the two end up hunting Caleb together. Silas intends to capture Caleb and have him executed, while Jessie believes her brother is innocent and plans to save him instead. But Jessie has a secret: she is also a witch, and if Silas finds out, it will mean a death sentence.
Cooper’s writing is for the most part very good. New Seattle and the alternate history are interesting, and Cooper skillfully depicts the wet, cold, bleak, chaotic world her characters live in. You don’t even realize how well she describes it until the characters reach a beautiful, wholesome sanctuary that is the polar opposite of the city, and until they are thrust back into New Seattle after that brief idyll. Some of the geographic descriptions and fight scenes can get a little confusing, and Cooper has a few “pet words” that she overuses (“roil” comes to mind), but overall the prose works well.
The problem with Blood of the Wicked is the romance — and as this is a romance novel, that’s not a good thing. Silas is a bigot. I understand that he has a traumatic past involving some evil witches. When being a witch is known with 100% certainty to be genetic, though, and when Silas persists in believing everyone with that genetic marker is irredeemable, that’s bigotry in my book. Even before he finds out Jessie is a witch, he doesn’t always treat her well; he’s troublingly rough with her on several occasions and shames her for the strip-club job. After he finds out — well, that’s where a lot of the crying comes in. The way he treats her (and allows her to be treated by others) after that revelation is extremely upsetting.
All of this would be easier to swallow if Blood of the Wicked weren’t a romance. I can read about all sorts of twisted people in fantasy or general fiction. But when I read romance, I want to root for a couple to get together, and I want to turn the last page thinking they will be happier now that they’ve found each other. When it comes to Silas and Jessie, I have trouble believing it. Silas’ change of heart about witches seems born of panic, or simply put in because it’s necessary to the plot, rather than deeply felt. Even if he means it, though, I’m still not convinced he won’t trot out the strip-club jeers the first time they have an ordinary domestic argument.
Or maybe it would work if it were a stronger romance. The relationship between Silas and Jessie develops over just a few days and consists largely of the two repeatedly getting into danger and then having sex afterward. The connection feels too superficial. Love may conquer many things, but I have less faith in the power of lust and adrenaline.
I can’t deny that Blood of the Wicked took my emotions on an intense roller-coaster ride — and there’s some evocative writing here, especially in the “sanctuary” scenes — but in the end it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Edited to add: Contempt. That's the word I'm looking for. Silas alternates between putting Jessie on a pedestal and having contempt for her. He'll be all "she's innocent," "she's sunshine," etc., mostly based on the way she looks, and then whenever he's faced with the cold hard facts of her life, he's contemptuous. A life that is difficult precisely because of witch hunters, as it happens. Jessie, for her part, just doesn't do much in the story, and I can't figure out why she loves Silas after everything that happened.
January 6, 2017
I am really sad that I wasted $8.00 on this book. I hate... HATE the instant attraction thing! It's just a cop out! "Oh! You are part of the group that has hunted my kind for years and killed my mother! ... Well you are quite a hunk. Oh! You are also out to murder my little brother! ... Well I just can't seem to keep my hands off you... I guess I will have to just look pass all that nonsense, it doesnt matter anyway, let's have sex!" BLECH!
May 27, 2011
I really wanted to love this book. The prequel
Before the Witches: An Original Novella
was awesome. It left me wanting more. I thought Blood of the Wicked would be cut from the same cloth, but it had a very different feel. Don't misunderstand... the book isn't bad. I liked it. But I didn't love it.
The story is set about 50 years after a series of cataclysmic events changed the face of the world. Many blame witches for the near-armageddon. And they are persecuted relentlessly. Jessie is a witch in hiding. Silas is a witch-hunter, determined to find Jessie's brother, Caleb. He targets Jessie, not because she is a witch (he doesn't know that she is), but to help track Caleb.
Silas and Jessie are undeniably drawn to each other. He has been hardened by his life, and is worn down physically and emotionally. He's been off the job for 14 years, doing other things. (And it's never really clear to me how "The Mission" got him to come back to find Caleb.) He thinks all witches are evil and with the exception of Jessie, it looks like he's not entirely wrong. You would think that because he's the heroine's brother, Caleb is really a good guy who has been unfairly targeted. You would be wrong. He is horrible. But Jessie doesn't know that. Just as Silas is using her to track his prey, she is using him, hoping to find her brother and save him.
I think my biggest problem with this book was that I found myself confused by some of the world building. I understand that a new Seattle was built above the rubble of the old, and only the upper class live above ground. After a time, I figured that city below ground was the remnants of the Old Seattle (?) but when we started talking about levels in between, I got lost. That was a distraction. So were my questions about Silas. Did he leave the Mission after the big incident where his friends died? Did he hunt witches in Florida? For who? How did they force him back to Seattle? I also had questions about the big ending. Why was Jessie a target? There are other witches who could have served the same purpose. Right? Or why not? Was I not paying close enough attention to the details?
The concept of the series is good. And it's fresh. The book is rather dark, which I like. And the sex is good.. a little rough and demanding. Hot. And morbid anticipation of Silas' discovery that Jessie is witch had me on the edge of my seat. The series has potential. I'll give Lure of the Wicked a try, and see where we go from there. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by Avon/Harper Collins Publishers
The story is set about 50 years after a series of cataclysmic events changed the face of the world. Many blame witches for the near-armageddon. And they are persecuted relentlessly. Jessie is a witch in hiding. Silas is a witch-hunter, determined to find Jessie's brother, Caleb. He targets Jessie, not because she is a witch (he doesn't know that she is), but to help track Caleb.
Silas and Jessie are undeniably drawn to each other. He has been hardened by his life, and is worn down physically and emotionally. He's been off the job for 14 years, doing other things. (And it's never really clear to me how "The Mission" got him to come back to find Caleb.) He thinks all witches are evil and with the exception of Jessie, it looks like he's not entirely wrong. You would think that because he's the heroine's brother, Caleb is really a good guy who has been unfairly targeted. You would be wrong. He is horrible. But Jessie doesn't know that. Just as Silas is using her to track his prey, she is using him, hoping to find her brother and save him.
I think my biggest problem with this book was that I found myself confused by some of the world building. I understand that a new Seattle was built above the rubble of the old, and only the upper class live above ground. After a time, I figured that city below ground was the remnants of the Old Seattle (?) but when we started talking about levels in between, I got lost. That was a distraction. So were my questions about Silas. Did he leave the Mission after the big incident where his friends died? Did he hunt witches in Florida? For who? How did they force him back to Seattle? I also had questions about the big ending. Why was Jessie a target? There are other witches who could have served the same purpose. Right? Or why not? Was I not paying close enough attention to the details?
The concept of the series is good. And it's fresh. The book is rather dark, which I like. And the sex is good.. a little rough and demanding. Hot. And morbid anticipation of Silas' discovery that Jessie is witch had me on the edge of my seat. The series has potential. I'll give Lure of the Wicked a try, and see where we go from there. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by Avon/Harper Collins Publishers
June 12, 2011
Can't say as I can really articulate how I felt about this one, so this review is going to come in dribbles as I refine my thoughts ...
The setup is good, but and there were a few places where I was confused about what was going on.
One of the things that I still don't get, and I read the prequel short, is why are the witches blamed for the destruction that reshaped the world - in the short it was an earthquake and volcano eruption - we also don't get any idea of what it was like for witches before that time or how they had fit into the world before that.
I had issues with both the hero and the heroine, but especially with the heroine, talk about loving men who want to kill her and are not only willing to allow her to die for the greater good, but are willing to allow her to be tortured and die horribly.
I guess the bottom line is that I didn't come out of Blood of the Wicked dying to read the next one and that was before I found out who the star of the next book was going to be - I really did not like that character in this story.
The setup is good, but and there were a few places where I was confused about what was going on.
One of the things that I still don't get, and I read the prequel short, is why are the witches blamed for the destruction that reshaped the world - in the short it was an earthquake and volcano eruption - we also don't get any idea of what it was like for witches before that time or how they had fit into the world before that.
I had issues with both the hero and the heroine, but especially with the heroine, talk about loving men who want to kill her and are not only willing to allow her to die for the greater good, but are willing to allow her to be tortured and die horribly.
I guess the bottom line is that I didn't come out of Blood of the Wicked dying to read the next one and that was before I found out who the star of the next book was going to be - I really did not like that character in this story.
June 11, 2014
I was attracted to this book because of the setting, and wow this book delivered. I have an unabashed love for out-in-the-open urban fantasies, and this book mixed it with a kind of dystopia/quasi-apocalypse feel. Everything was dirty and gritty and dangerous and falling apart, but the book toed the line of making it hard without going so overboard that it went into melodramatic. I loved a lot of the details in here, and their society makes sense.
Our two main leads were fun, as we got to watch them muddle through attempts at mutual lying and secret-keeping. Each of them has a hidden agenda, and that made for some good tension in the relationship. Again, without going completely over-the-top with it, though. Kudos. I thought Silas was a bit bland, with really nothing to set him apart from all the other muscle-y, brooding guys in this genre. On the other hand, if that’s your type, he does fill it out rather nicely. Jessie had the more interesting conflict, and I did greatly reading the chapters that were focused on her. The two of them had decent chemistry together, but…the sex scenes really put me off. Not because they weren’t hot, but rather because they kept bumping uglies at the most inappropriate times possible. Why have a sex scene in the middle of a murderous chase when five pages later they’re back in a safe house? Why not just have sex there? Maybe it’s just me, but that level of self-destructive lust always feels disingenuous.
The plot had a lot of action to keep it moving along, with the romance tucked in here and there but rarely slowing things down. Although I can’t say I was very invested in the mystery. The whole thing was so fantastical that there was no way for me to even try to figure it out. Usually with mysteries the thing keeping me going is seeing if I guessed right, but in this book, that wasn’t an option. Dead bodies all around? Well, it was something magic that we haven’t explained yet, so your only option is to wait in the dark.
Overall a good start to what promises to be an interesting series.
Our two main leads were fun, as we got to watch them muddle through attempts at mutual lying and secret-keeping. Each of them has a hidden agenda, and that made for some good tension in the relationship. Again, without going completely over-the-top with it, though. Kudos. I thought Silas was a bit bland, with really nothing to set him apart from all the other muscle-y, brooding guys in this genre. On the other hand, if that’s your type, he does fill it out rather nicely. Jessie had the more interesting conflict, and I did greatly reading the chapters that were focused on her. The two of them had decent chemistry together, but…the sex scenes really put me off. Not because they weren’t hot, but rather because they kept bumping uglies at the most inappropriate times possible. Why have a sex scene in the middle of a murderous chase when five pages later they’re back in a safe house? Why not just have sex there? Maybe it’s just me, but that level of self-destructive lust always feels disingenuous.
The plot had a lot of action to keep it moving along, with the romance tucked in here and there but rarely slowing things down. Although I can’t say I was very invested in the mystery. The whole thing was so fantastical that there was no way for me to even try to figure it out. Usually with mysteries the thing keeping me going is seeing if I guessed right, but in this book, that wasn’t an option. Dead bodies all around? Well, it was something magic that we haven’t explained yet, so your only option is to wait in the dark.
Overall a good start to what promises to be an interesting series.
May 26, 2011
3.5 Stars
Jessie Leigh is a witch in New Seattle. She has lived place to place, hiding from the Holy Order. Silas Smith, an agent of the Holy Order, is charged with finding Jessie’s witch brother and killing him. Silas finds Jessie, and together they set out to try and find her brother. He doesn’t know that she is a witch, and she doesn’t know he means to kill her brother.
You know how this story goes almost at once. Big burly man sees leggy woman. Leggy woman is hot and burly man is hot, but they are enemies. Sounds like hundreds of other romance novels. What set it apart was the awesome setting. New Seattle was built on the ruins of old Seattle after a major earth quake that split the city in two. There is a huge trench in the middle of the city. It feels very urban, yet this is futuristic. I was more interested in the city than Jessie at first.
I considered Jessie’s attraction to Silas strange at first. He hunts witches, and kills them for a living. Jessie’s family was torn apart because of hunters such as Silas. Her whole very sad history was formed by people like Silas. So when she starts to think about what is under his clothes, it makes me grind my teeth a little. This feeling changes over the course of the novel. Later on I found myself glued to the pages hopeful for things to work out.
The best part of the novel for me was the anticipation. Silas doesn’t know Jessie’s a witch. It is his job to kill witches. That one fact kept me turning the pages. The scenes between them get hot and heavy, which only made the anticipation that much worse. Of course Jessie doesn’t know that Silas is sent to kill her brother. That didn’t excite me as much as Jessie’s secret.
The only problem was that I didn’t really get into Silas, not as much as Jessie did anyway. I am picky with my lead men and Silas grunts to often for my taste. He tends to keep his head in the game or try to, but he came across as a little dense. It wasn’t until a lot later in the book that his connection with Jessie made me root for them. My dissatisfaction also stems from the end. Everything is wrapped up well, but his character seemed very different.
Blood of the Wicked is a typical Paranormal Romance with an awesome back drop. Although the story is typical, it still reeks with anticipation to keep the reader involved. I was not a fan of Silas or his grunting, but did like the two of them together, and the steamy scenes between them. It is a fast paced read. The action is intense, and it does a great job of keeping the reader in the book. I look forward to more from this witch hunting city!
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
Jessie Leigh is a witch in New Seattle. She has lived place to place, hiding from the Holy Order. Silas Smith, an agent of the Holy Order, is charged with finding Jessie’s witch brother and killing him. Silas finds Jessie, and together they set out to try and find her brother. He doesn’t know that she is a witch, and she doesn’t know he means to kill her brother.
You know how this story goes almost at once. Big burly man sees leggy woman. Leggy woman is hot and burly man is hot, but they are enemies. Sounds like hundreds of other romance novels. What set it apart was the awesome setting. New Seattle was built on the ruins of old Seattle after a major earth quake that split the city in two. There is a huge trench in the middle of the city. It feels very urban, yet this is futuristic. I was more interested in the city than Jessie at first.
I considered Jessie’s attraction to Silas strange at first. He hunts witches, and kills them for a living. Jessie’s family was torn apart because of hunters such as Silas. Her whole very sad history was formed by people like Silas. So when she starts to think about what is under his clothes, it makes me grind my teeth a little. This feeling changes over the course of the novel. Later on I found myself glued to the pages hopeful for things to work out.
The best part of the novel for me was the anticipation. Silas doesn’t know Jessie’s a witch. It is his job to kill witches. That one fact kept me turning the pages. The scenes between them get hot and heavy, which only made the anticipation that much worse. Of course Jessie doesn’t know that Silas is sent to kill her brother. That didn’t excite me as much as Jessie’s secret.
The only problem was that I didn’t really get into Silas, not as much as Jessie did anyway. I am picky with my lead men and Silas grunts to often for my taste. He tends to keep his head in the game or try to, but he came across as a little dense. It wasn’t until a lot later in the book that his connection with Jessie made me root for them. My dissatisfaction also stems from the end. Everything is wrapped up well, but his character seemed very different.
Blood of the Wicked is a typical Paranormal Romance with an awesome back drop. Although the story is typical, it still reeks with anticipation to keep the reader involved. I was not a fan of Silas or his grunting, but did like the two of them together, and the steamy scenes between them. It is a fast paced read. The action is intense, and it does a great job of keeping the reader in the book. I look forward to more from this witch hunting city!
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
September 21, 2014
Oh Silas how I wanted to smack you upside your pig head, narrow minded head! Who cares that you are hot! You were an ass! Since Jessie didn't see fit to let you have it at the end of this book , I will!! You were mean and cruel and sooooo very very stupid! I don't know that I forgive you since you never said you were sorry for hurting my girl Jessie. I don't know if I even like you. You are nice to look at, soooooooooo I guess I just ..ugh!! ok ok ...
Here's the thing love the drama. Love that he was an ignorant , arrogant ass. Whatever, but ... what he did at the end when he found out the truth for me was raw.. and my heart broke for Jessie. Love stories like that. But for me I need some closure. I need some ass kissing , I am so damn sorry , please forgive me crap! I was seriously just ready to throttle Jessie at the end. I mean hello all of a sudden he saves you and you are like "Oh baby I m so glad you're ok". "Ohhh love you.. blah.. blah... Silas...Oh I'm so sorry about your brother..... blah, blah..." no I'm sorry what I said or did to you. Nope! To me even though Silas became more tender w/ Jessie the fact that he never said sorry and tried to make things right , and it all was just lovey dovey all of a sudden didn't sit well with me as you can tell. People screw up in real life. But I was raised that you at the end of the day make it right, that is if you know you messed up. It was clear that he knew he screwed up. So WTH?...
Ok that rant is over. lol promise. Now I enjoyed the book until that part at the end. I was on the fence about Jessie's brother. Hated Naomi . Since her book is next I am kinda nervous. Pretty good first book to a new series. Like the idea that witches are to blame and wrongly at that , for all world disasters. The way they are treated and killed is horrible and sad. I enjoyed the world building and will continue on and see where this goes. Look forward to what may happen with the witch hunters and the witches.
Here's the thing love the drama. Love that he was an ignorant , arrogant ass. Whatever, but ... what he did at the end when he found out the truth for me was raw.. and my heart broke for Jessie. Love stories like that. But for me I need some closure. I need some ass kissing , I am so damn sorry , please forgive me crap! I was seriously just ready to throttle Jessie at the end. I mean hello all of a sudden he saves you and you are like "Oh baby I m so glad you're ok". "Ohhh love you.. blah.. blah... Silas...Oh I'm so sorry about your brother..... blah, blah..." no I'm sorry what I said or did to you. Nope! To me even though Silas became more tender w/ Jessie the fact that he never said sorry and tried to make things right , and it all was just lovey dovey all of a sudden didn't sit well with me as you can tell. People screw up in real life. But I was raised that you at the end of the day make it right, that is if you know you messed up. It was clear that he knew he screwed up. So WTH?...
Ok that rant is over. lol promise. Now I enjoyed the book until that part at the end. I was on the fence about Jessie's brother. Hated Naomi . Since her book is next I am kinda nervous. Pretty good first book to a new series. Like the idea that witches are to blame and wrongly at that , for all world disasters. The way they are treated and killed is horrible and sad. I enjoyed the world building and will continue on and see where this goes. Look forward to what may happen with the witch hunters and the witches.
March 12, 2013
Wow, was a bummer. I really wanted to like this book.
This story takes place in an alternate world where earthquakes killed millions of people. Who's fault are the earthquakes? Naturally... witches.
Okay, I'll accept that. The solution to the problem:
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Enter Silas, a witch hunter. He's looking for Jessie, the sister of a known witch Caleb, involved with a deadly coven. But, guess what....
[image error]
More stuff happens, but ultimately most of it is forgettable. I love dystopia. I love romance. Neither were developed enough for me to really care what happens later.
This story takes place in an alternate world where earthquakes killed millions of people. Who's fault are the earthquakes? Naturally... witches.
Okay, I'll accept that. The solution to the problem:
[image error]
Enter Silas, a witch hunter. He's looking for Jessie, the sister of a known witch Caleb, involved with a deadly coven. But, guess what....
[image error]
More stuff happens, but ultimately most of it is forgettable. I love dystopia. I love romance. Neither were developed enough for me to really care what happens later.
April 30, 2011
ARC REVIEW
Jessie Leigh has spent her whole life on the run, living life one day at a time, trying to blend in amongst the havoc and despair among the drudges in the rebuilt city.
Until- Silas Smith finds her in a New Seattle strip club. Silas is a solider of the Holy order- A missionary on a mission to destroy Jessie’s kind, she is a witch. Silas has believed his whole life, that witches must die, and that they are all bad news, him being a witch Hunter who travels society for murderous witches who threaten what is left of their world. Jessie his next target, to find Caleb a witch who murders in cold blood.
Silas is drawn to Jessie, her sex and whisky aroma- her long legs; he finds her the most sensuous woman he has ever met, but what he does not know she is his enemy. Silas has other thoughts in motion, use Jessie to get to Caleb Leigh, Jessie’s brother.
Caleb has been stealing life’s blood, using his witchcrafts and killing innocent people. But why?
The order that Silas works for figures that Jessie is their bait, what better way to find him then through his own blood, his sister. But all is not what it seems … Is blood thicker than water or power!!!
Caleb Leigh belongs to the coven of the Unbinding, a group of witches whom follow Curio and who seek out power and payback. After a turn of events, plans don’t go as fabricated; things are certainly not what they had planned to be or what they seem to be. Silas finds out that Jessie is not who he thought she was and her life is once again in the hand of the prophecy. Will Silas, let Jessie die, or will he believe there’s good in her, or will his hate for witches lead her to her death?
My review.
Certainly an intriguing refreshing new storyline from Karina Cooper. Mystery and murder filled with lush, steamy sexual scenes to give it that little bit of heat, but certainly not the main factor in this story. Enough heat and romance to keep you flipping frantically, but also mystery and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat wandering.
Initially I found it hard to get into the first 100 pages, A little slow paced at first , but After that it was full bore ahead - steady and fluent, until the very end ,I was defiantly eager to find out the ending to this suspensful story.
Karina created her characters, idealistically, Silas the hero we all love in a paranormal romance, definitely not indestructible but the opposite, a warrior that soldiered on like the true missionary he was. ** He was swoon ** material if you may call it that, sexy, hard exterior, but also leaving room for his soft side. He was a determined character, right till the end, kick arse and buff. I liked the way he took charge!! My kinda man..
Jessie, was timid in her own ways, forthcoming with most issues except on telling Silas her true background, but for all else she was caring and honest to herself. Believing in what she saw, and willing to do what it took to save her brother despite his hurt and betrayal towards her.
The exposition flowed fluently, all main characters relating and very idealistic. Climax was fast paced, giving us that edge of excitement and intrigue needed for that edge. End resolution of Blood of the Wicked, a relatively happy one, I’m sure the reader will be pleased, but I am sure this leaves room for more. Questions left unanswered, and still room for growth and potential in book 2. Secondary characters played their part well, important factors to the storyline, present and recognizable. Villains played their part well, evil dwells, lurks and takes your breath away and I’m sure you will find these no different. Overall, Blood of the Wicked was an enjoyable, romance-paranormal filled with action, suspense, murder, mystery, steamy love scenes, and an ending you could would not predict. I look forward to book two.
Jessie Leigh has spent her whole life on the run, living life one day at a time, trying to blend in amongst the havoc and despair among the drudges in the rebuilt city.
Until- Silas Smith finds her in a New Seattle strip club. Silas is a solider of the Holy order- A missionary on a mission to destroy Jessie’s kind, she is a witch. Silas has believed his whole life, that witches must die, and that they are all bad news, him being a witch Hunter who travels society for murderous witches who threaten what is left of their world. Jessie his next target, to find Caleb a witch who murders in cold blood.
Silas is drawn to Jessie, her sex and whisky aroma- her long legs; he finds her the most sensuous woman he has ever met, but what he does not know she is his enemy. Silas has other thoughts in motion, use Jessie to get to Caleb Leigh, Jessie’s brother.
Caleb has been stealing life’s blood, using his witchcrafts and killing innocent people. But why?
The order that Silas works for figures that Jessie is their bait, what better way to find him then through his own blood, his sister. But all is not what it seems … Is blood thicker than water or power!!!
Caleb Leigh belongs to the coven of the Unbinding, a group of witches whom follow Curio and who seek out power and payback. After a turn of events, plans don’t go as fabricated; things are certainly not what they had planned to be or what they seem to be. Silas finds out that Jessie is not who he thought she was and her life is once again in the hand of the prophecy. Will Silas, let Jessie die, or will he believe there’s good in her, or will his hate for witches lead her to her death?
My review.
Certainly an intriguing refreshing new storyline from Karina Cooper. Mystery and murder filled with lush, steamy sexual scenes to give it that little bit of heat, but certainly not the main factor in this story. Enough heat and romance to keep you flipping frantically, but also mystery and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat wandering.
Initially I found it hard to get into the first 100 pages, A little slow paced at first , but After that it was full bore ahead - steady and fluent, until the very end ,I was defiantly eager to find out the ending to this suspensful story.
Karina created her characters, idealistically, Silas the hero we all love in a paranormal romance, definitely not indestructible but the opposite, a warrior that soldiered on like the true missionary he was. ** He was swoon ** material if you may call it that, sexy, hard exterior, but also leaving room for his soft side. He was a determined character, right till the end, kick arse and buff. I liked the way he took charge!! My kinda man..
Jessie, was timid in her own ways, forthcoming with most issues except on telling Silas her true background, but for all else she was caring and honest to herself. Believing in what she saw, and willing to do what it took to save her brother despite his hurt and betrayal towards her.
The exposition flowed fluently, all main characters relating and very idealistic. Climax was fast paced, giving us that edge of excitement and intrigue needed for that edge. End resolution of Blood of the Wicked, a relatively happy one, I’m sure the reader will be pleased, but I am sure this leaves room for more. Questions left unanswered, and still room for growth and potential in book 2. Secondary characters played their part well, important factors to the storyline, present and recognizable. Villains played their part well, evil dwells, lurks and takes your breath away and I’m sure you will find these no different. Overall, Blood of the Wicked was an enjoyable, romance-paranormal filled with action, suspense, murder, mystery, steamy love scenes, and an ending you could would not predict. I look forward to book two.
October 31, 2011
That was a hot book!! “Blood of the Wicked” by Karina Cooper is the first book in the Dark Mission series and it has everything a good paranormal romance book need to be a success: an alpha male leading character, a brave young woman with rough life, a lot of magic and some very hot and steamy erotic scenes!
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic Seattle, when the witches have been accused of destroying the world with a series of earthquakes, tsunamis and all types of natural disaster. Now, the witches are running from witch hunters and the world isn’t the same as before.
In this dark world, Silas Smith is a witch hunter on a mission to find Jessie Leigh’s brother, a witch, who has been accused for many murders. Jessie is also a witch but Silas doesn’t know that. She was trying to hide from the hunters but now she is with the one who wants her brother dead. Although Silas doesn’t know she’s a witch, she knows what he wants from her, but nevertheless she’s falling in love with him. But can these two fight against all the odds and have something good?
Silas is totally badass. Brave, with a past full of fights and many regrets for bad decisions, finds himself to want this woman without knowing why. I loved the development in his character through the book and all his fight with his inner demons.
Jessie is a strong woman without being badass. She has survived many things. Her life wasn’t easy at all and she has to travel and change jobs all the time. She wants Silas so bad, although she knows why he wants to find her brother and that makes it real for me. I was so sad in a scene in which Silas is cruel with her, because she has done nothing wrong. Of course not all witches are bad and she is the best example for this.
“Blood of the Wicked” is a very good book and I believe that all fans of paranormal romance will enjoy!
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic Seattle, when the witches have been accused of destroying the world with a series of earthquakes, tsunamis and all types of natural disaster. Now, the witches are running from witch hunters and the world isn’t the same as before.
In this dark world, Silas Smith is a witch hunter on a mission to find Jessie Leigh’s brother, a witch, who has been accused for many murders. Jessie is also a witch but Silas doesn’t know that. She was trying to hide from the hunters but now she is with the one who wants her brother dead. Although Silas doesn’t know she’s a witch, she knows what he wants from her, but nevertheless she’s falling in love with him. But can these two fight against all the odds and have something good?
Silas is totally badass. Brave, with a past full of fights and many regrets for bad decisions, finds himself to want this woman without knowing why. I loved the development in his character through the book and all his fight with his inner demons.
Jessie is a strong woman without being badass. She has survived many things. Her life wasn’t easy at all and she has to travel and change jobs all the time. She wants Silas so bad, although she knows why he wants to find her brother and that makes it real for me. I was so sad in a scene in which Silas is cruel with her, because she has done nothing wrong. Of course not all witches are bad and she is the best example for this.
“Blood of the Wicked” is a very good book and I believe that all fans of paranormal romance will enjoy!
October 19, 2014
This book is another one where the premise sounded good, the cover really drew me in, but didn't come through in the story. I made it as far as page 70. It was at that point that I realized that I was bored while reading it. Jessie was on the run, apparently being a witch could get you killed. Silas was after her, not sure why yet, but had to do with her brother. Silas seemed to get roped into helping more than he wanted and Jessie found out through her powers. This is where I gave up. Like I said I was pretty bored, didn't really care who these people were that were forcing Silas and Jessie to find Caleb. In the end this one just wasn't for me.
May 28, 2011
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't great either. The biggest problem with this book was that I was pretty annoyed with the female heroine by the end of the book. She supposedly has all of this power that the church and coven want her for, but she doesn't use it to help herself out of the dangerous situations that she finds herself in. She just accepts whatever is thrown at her and hopes for the best. ARGH- this was an extremely frustrating book to read!
June 4, 2012
maybe I am just not in the mood for this type of book....as much as I wanted to like it I found my self skimming I made it to about 37% and gave up...this one is just not for me
January 26, 2013
This one hooked me when I read the blurb and decided to give it a whirl. I am a sucker for unique backdrops and world-building which is what drew me to the genres who specialize in this. This book did not disappoint in that area. But there was also the additional draws of romance, intrigue dystopian, and paranormal elements.
This story was interesting in that the background introductory information was left until after the story got into full swing and then the information was trickled as needed instead of one massive info dump. In the end, there were still portions that were left vague- purposefully I think as I saw hints that there are big revelations to come.
Now, about the story-
Simon Smith has been a witch hunter for a long time. He is more Lone Ranger in his hunting style. He has a bitter attitude times ten on this particular night fueled by the pain from his deteriorating body and because he has been called back to his home turf to which he would have avoided forever if given a choice. He has been assigned to find and bag the sister of a witch so that she can be used to find her brother. Knowing that he will be deceiving the girl to get her to cooperate in something that can only lead to her brother's death does not set well with him though he is committed to the notion that all witches must die.
Simon is part of an universal church organization that sprung up after the devastating earthquakes along the main fault lines that left the world particularly that of New Seattle as it is now. Witches were held responsible for this natural disaster and the witch hunts of old are back in vogue. Simon's group or missionaries as they are called actively seek out witches and put them to death. Now a powerful coven of witches has sprung up in New Seattle and this Caleb Leigh, brother of Jessica Leigh is their only lead.
New Seattle is an ironic name for something that is not all that is pristine and new. If you live in the soaring skyscrapers and world of light above as the wealthy do, it is like that, but if you are poor or average you live in the dark and dingy world built on the rubble of the old city beneath that never really sees the daytime sky and you must scrape for survival. And even lower than this are the dangerous and truly dark unstable levels of the original city and the areas near the great chasm where the fault opened- where people go and never return.
Simon finds his prey, Jessica Leigh, and he is harsh with her because of his own inner uneasiness about the assignment and because he can see that she is full of light and goodness and this will all devastate her. He tries to remain detached with the 'get her, give her over to the mission and get out' plan. But instead, he is ordered to continue to use her and he himself is under scrutiny. By now, Simon is quite the opposite of detached and does the unthinkable- he starts to care.
Jessie has been on the run all her life because she is a witch. She hides what she is and hides well, but the witch hunter finds her and keeps her from escaping him. He doesn't want her; he wants Caleb. Jessie lost track of Caleb, but can't believe he is involved in a dark coven or all the ritual killings that Simon accuses him of being. Stuck with no other alternative, Jessie partners with Simon to find Caleb planning to deal with escape when she can get to her brother. But things start happening. Witches are after her and most terrifying of all a tentative relationship springs up between her and the witch hunter that would see her dead if he knew what she was.
It was a mad rush from beginning to end with that whole Sword of Damocles feel to it as Jessie waits to see if she will escape with Caleb before or after Simon learns that she is a witch. Both of them are well aware that their relationship doesn't stand a chance. For Simon, its because he's going to kill her brother and leave her behind. I loved the feeling of reading along about Simon and Jessie's adventures with the rare dip into what is going on with Caleb and knowing that there are bigger things going on in the shadows than any of them really know. Even when the story finished with its slam bang finish, I was aware due to the foreshadowing throughout the book that bigger stuff is yet to come. Yes, it is a heady feeling going into a new series that leaves me jittery and eager like that.
The characters were great. I loved them even though Simon's behavior with Jessie was parts jerk and pig. Let's just say Simon's character had the biggest growth arc of all and it was fascinating following along as he did slowly, but surely grow. Jessie was a strong and solid character from the get-go. She was my hero. That girl had a real tough row to hoe and she just did it without whining or whoosing out. The secondary characters which amounted to members of Simon's team, the mysterious character who rescued Simon and Jessie (won't say more about this individual for spoiler reasons), Caleb and the bad guys were all of interest in their own ways. I have a feeling I will meet many of them again. Caleb was a character for which I felt conflicted much like Jessie. I really couldn't give him over to being a complete villain, but yet he wasn't hero-stuff either.
I am definitely eager to read more of this series and that's the best compliment I can give this story. I think this has a wide range of appeal because of the way it crosses a few different genres- paranormal and dystopian romance along with a dash of romantic suspense.
This story was interesting in that the background introductory information was left until after the story got into full swing and then the information was trickled as needed instead of one massive info dump. In the end, there were still portions that were left vague- purposefully I think as I saw hints that there are big revelations to come.
Now, about the story-
Simon Smith has been a witch hunter for a long time. He is more Lone Ranger in his hunting style. He has a bitter attitude times ten on this particular night fueled by the pain from his deteriorating body and because he has been called back to his home turf to which he would have avoided forever if given a choice. He has been assigned to find and bag the sister of a witch so that she can be used to find her brother. Knowing that he will be deceiving the girl to get her to cooperate in something that can only lead to her brother's death does not set well with him though he is committed to the notion that all witches must die.
Simon is part of an universal church organization that sprung up after the devastating earthquakes along the main fault lines that left the world particularly that of New Seattle as it is now. Witches were held responsible for this natural disaster and the witch hunts of old are back in vogue. Simon's group or missionaries as they are called actively seek out witches and put them to death. Now a powerful coven of witches has sprung up in New Seattle and this Caleb Leigh, brother of Jessica Leigh is their only lead.
New Seattle is an ironic name for something that is not all that is pristine and new. If you live in the soaring skyscrapers and world of light above as the wealthy do, it is like that, but if you are poor or average you live in the dark and dingy world built on the rubble of the old city beneath that never really sees the daytime sky and you must scrape for survival. And even lower than this are the dangerous and truly dark unstable levels of the original city and the areas near the great chasm where the fault opened- where people go and never return.
Simon finds his prey, Jessica Leigh, and he is harsh with her because of his own inner uneasiness about the assignment and because he can see that she is full of light and goodness and this will all devastate her. He tries to remain detached with the 'get her, give her over to the mission and get out' plan. But instead, he is ordered to continue to use her and he himself is under scrutiny. By now, Simon is quite the opposite of detached and does the unthinkable- he starts to care.
Jessie has been on the run all her life because she is a witch. She hides what she is and hides well, but the witch hunter finds her and keeps her from escaping him. He doesn't want her; he wants Caleb. Jessie lost track of Caleb, but can't believe he is involved in a dark coven or all the ritual killings that Simon accuses him of being. Stuck with no other alternative, Jessie partners with Simon to find Caleb planning to deal with escape when she can get to her brother. But things start happening. Witches are after her and most terrifying of all a tentative relationship springs up between her and the witch hunter that would see her dead if he knew what she was.
It was a mad rush from beginning to end with that whole Sword of Damocles feel to it as Jessie waits to see if she will escape with Caleb before or after Simon learns that she is a witch. Both of them are well aware that their relationship doesn't stand a chance. For Simon, its because he's going to kill her brother and leave her behind. I loved the feeling of reading along about Simon and Jessie's adventures with the rare dip into what is going on with Caleb and knowing that there are bigger things going on in the shadows than any of them really know. Even when the story finished with its slam bang finish, I was aware due to the foreshadowing throughout the book that bigger stuff is yet to come. Yes, it is a heady feeling going into a new series that leaves me jittery and eager like that.
The characters were great. I loved them even though Simon's behavior with Jessie was parts jerk and pig. Let's just say Simon's character had the biggest growth arc of all and it was fascinating following along as he did slowly, but surely grow. Jessie was a strong and solid character from the get-go. She was my hero. That girl had a real tough row to hoe and she just did it without whining or whoosing out. The secondary characters which amounted to members of Simon's team, the mysterious character who rescued Simon and Jessie (won't say more about this individual for spoiler reasons), Caleb and the bad guys were all of interest in their own ways. I have a feeling I will meet many of them again. Caleb was a character for which I felt conflicted much like Jessie. I really couldn't give him over to being a complete villain, but yet he wasn't hero-stuff either.
I am definitely eager to read more of this series and that's the best compliment I can give this story. I think this has a wide range of appeal because of the way it crosses a few different genres- paranormal and dystopian romance along with a dash of romantic suspense.
August 18, 2020
3.5 ⭐
Not great but decent enough to go onto the 2nd in the series
Not great but decent enough to go onto the 2nd in the series
January 14, 2012
One earthquake. One disaster changed the world, and created a divide not only in Seattle, but in society itself. The gritty, decaying underground city plays as big a role as the people who dare to venture through it’s dark streets. The danger and desperation found in layer after layer of the forsaken remnants of the sunken Seattle make it an incredible, tangible background for this story.
“Normal” citizens blamed the witch population for the near-apocalyptic natural disaster that swallowed up the city of Seattle. New buildings and a new way of life were built on it’s remains, and the labyrinth below became both santuary and battleground for those who didn’t fit into the “new order”.
Jessica and Caleb Leigh were born into culture of hate and persecution. Brother and sister witches, forced to hide their gifts and raise themselves in the scarred remains of “old Seattle”. Jessie tried to use the shadows and empty spaces of the city to keep herself and her younger brother safe after their mother’s murder. After years surviving together, Caleb’s ability to see bits of the future convinced him to leave Jessie to protect her from the fate he envisioned.
Jessie’s been living from paycheck to paycheck, temp job to temp job, trying to stay under the radar in the bright, shiny rebuilt city. This all comes crashing to a hault when she’s tracked and found by a member of the “Holy Order of St. Dominic”, a group sworn to find and eliminate witches from society. Silas Smith is called back into the Order after some self imposed time away. He’s given the task of finding Jessie, believing her to simply be the sister of a powerful witch, not realizing she is a witch as well, and using her to find her brother.
The story is filled with half truths and deception from the very beginning. Both Jessie and Silas are sharing only parts of their true intentions with the other, and understandably so. Forced by their life experiences to be enemies, you could say they have some “trust issues”. Both believe they’re doing what’s best, and both needing the other to accomplish their mission. One thing they can’t help but share, however, is their attraction for each other. The intensity of the situations they find themselves in, both of their own making, and against outside forces, is a catalyst for very raw emotion. The relationship between these two isn’t the lovey dovey sweet thing of fairytales, it’s just as gritty and hard as their surroundings. They’re the opposite of what they should want, but exactly what they can’t stop themselves from wanting. The harshness that embodies the bulk of the story makes the times that they almost accidentally have sweet moments that much better.
Throughout the story, we come to find that Silas and Jessie aren’t the only ones with secrets. It seems like everyone in this world is wearing a mask of some sort. Caleb isn’t the little brother Jessie remembers, the “team” Silas works for has their own agenda, and everywhere the pair turns, SOMEONE is out to get them. It’s a non-stop-explosion-filled-car-crashing-tied-and-bound ride that just never lets up. Except, wait… there’s that one time in the “Sexy Times Sanctuary” (Karina’s words, not mine, lol) that was slow and sweet, but it took a near death experience to get them there.
I really enjoyed this book. There were many times where it was a bit darker than what I normally read. And there was a particular scene towards the end when I really, REALLY wanted to stop reading because I was crying like a baby and hated EVERYONE. But there’s a reason for those things to happen, and if you’re not a marshmallow like me, I’m sure you’ll survive it just fine. (Karina still owes me for a half a box of tissues!) The imagery and worldbuilding in this story is really interesting and the characters just feed off of each other.
Luckily, the publisher is fast-tracking the release of the second book in the series, Lure of the Wicked, which will be available on June 28th. I really can’t wait to see what happens in THAT book. It features a character I didn’t care for in this story. Normally that would be a put-off, but I have a feeling, Karina’s going to make it worth my while. And while Karina brings closure to most plot points in this part of the story, I’m looking forward to finding out how the unfinished storylines develop. Right now, I’m going to read the novella that goes back 50 years to the occurance of the earthquake, Before The Witches.
Karina Cooper has given us a fascinating debut. If you’re looking for something a little different, that will keep you on your toes, and give you a couple to root for, this is the story for you.
“Normal” citizens blamed the witch population for the near-apocalyptic natural disaster that swallowed up the city of Seattle. New buildings and a new way of life were built on it’s remains, and the labyrinth below became both santuary and battleground for those who didn’t fit into the “new order”.
Jessica and Caleb Leigh were born into culture of hate and persecution. Brother and sister witches, forced to hide their gifts and raise themselves in the scarred remains of “old Seattle”. Jessie tried to use the shadows and empty spaces of the city to keep herself and her younger brother safe after their mother’s murder. After years surviving together, Caleb’s ability to see bits of the future convinced him to leave Jessie to protect her from the fate he envisioned.
Jessie’s been living from paycheck to paycheck, temp job to temp job, trying to stay under the radar in the bright, shiny rebuilt city. This all comes crashing to a hault when she’s tracked and found by a member of the “Holy Order of St. Dominic”, a group sworn to find and eliminate witches from society. Silas Smith is called back into the Order after some self imposed time away. He’s given the task of finding Jessie, believing her to simply be the sister of a powerful witch, not realizing she is a witch as well, and using her to find her brother.
The story is filled with half truths and deception from the very beginning. Both Jessie and Silas are sharing only parts of their true intentions with the other, and understandably so. Forced by their life experiences to be enemies, you could say they have some “trust issues”. Both believe they’re doing what’s best, and both needing the other to accomplish their mission. One thing they can’t help but share, however, is their attraction for each other. The intensity of the situations they find themselves in, both of their own making, and against outside forces, is a catalyst for very raw emotion. The relationship between these two isn’t the lovey dovey sweet thing of fairytales, it’s just as gritty and hard as their surroundings. They’re the opposite of what they should want, but exactly what they can’t stop themselves from wanting. The harshness that embodies the bulk of the story makes the times that they almost accidentally have sweet moments that much better.
Throughout the story, we come to find that Silas and Jessie aren’t the only ones with secrets. It seems like everyone in this world is wearing a mask of some sort. Caleb isn’t the little brother Jessie remembers, the “team” Silas works for has their own agenda, and everywhere the pair turns, SOMEONE is out to get them. It’s a non-stop-explosion-filled-car-crashing-tied-and-bound ride that just never lets up. Except, wait… there’s that one time in the “Sexy Times Sanctuary” (Karina’s words, not mine, lol) that was slow and sweet, but it took a near death experience to get them there.
I really enjoyed this book. There were many times where it was a bit darker than what I normally read. And there was a particular scene towards the end when I really, REALLY wanted to stop reading because I was crying like a baby and hated EVERYONE. But there’s a reason for those things to happen, and if you’re not a marshmallow like me, I’m sure you’ll survive it just fine. (Karina still owes me for a half a box of tissues!) The imagery and worldbuilding in this story is really interesting and the characters just feed off of each other.
Luckily, the publisher is fast-tracking the release of the second book in the series, Lure of the Wicked, which will be available on June 28th. I really can’t wait to see what happens in THAT book. It features a character I didn’t care for in this story. Normally that would be a put-off, but I have a feeling, Karina’s going to make it worth my while. And while Karina brings closure to most plot points in this part of the story, I’m looking forward to finding out how the unfinished storylines develop. Right now, I’m going to read the novella that goes back 50 years to the occurance of the earthquake, Before The Witches.
Karina Cooper has given us a fascinating debut. If you’re looking for something a little different, that will keep you on your toes, and give you a couple to root for, this is the story for you.
December 23, 2012
I'm not sure how to go about rating this one.
I enjoyed it quite a bit, but the story itself had some problems that required a lot of complicity from me as a reader to be so ready to suspend my disbelief. I loved her prequel novella hoping that the small problems in there would be addressed in the novel. Unfortunately this is not the case. Same problems, just on a bigger scale.
The world building is fractured at best and there's only a very nebulous connection between witches and the post-apocalyptic world. There's no explanation about why Witches were singled out to shoulder the blame for the Cataclysm. Yes, PNR and UF often just drop magical folk on you, but the good ones tell you how they came to be and how they interact with the world and how the world interacts with them. Cooper sets up this post-apocalyptia and we must take it in faith that it all works. And it does, if you accept the premise wholeheartedly. So for the sake of enjoying the story, I did.
What I loved about the novella I love in this book too. Cooper has very immersive writing, which helped me forget some greater plot holes, because she is amazing at setting up the bleak tone and mood of the distopic world and managed her characters so well. We spend allot of time in Jessie and Silas's heads, we get to know them inside and out. Her writing is also very intense, lots of anger, lots of grief, lots of tension filled sex. Though, I will say that I was weirded out by the quick pacing and backwardness of the romance. Couples can get together faster under unique/stressful circumstances in a short story. Not so a novel. They timidly get to know each other later in the novel, after they spend the first six or so chapters lusting after each other. I had noticed this about her novella as well. Cooper doesn't make you wait 3/4 of the way to give you the sex. She gratifies you first then gives you the slow building love after. I'm generally used to this being the other way around. The sex scenes themselves are eloquently graphic, intense and brief. I have to admit, however that I'm not an expert on PNR and tend to read more on the UF side of the spectrum, so maybe this backwardness is typical?
The distopian world is interesting, but we're not told enough about it, and even while Silas and Jessie's intense romance is the Main Point I was often distracted by the fractured world/setting they were in. After a good romance I like to linger on the finer moments of the lovers tale, but at the end of Blood of the Wicked I found myself pondering all these questions I had set aside to enjoy the love story.
Some of these questions are spoilers, so if you're very curious:
So, I really enjoyed it, I'd have given it a 4.5 easily, but these niggling problems force me to drop it to at least 3. I will keep reading the series and hopefully these world building problems will improve.
I enjoyed it quite a bit, but the story itself had some problems that required a lot of complicity from me as a reader to be so ready to suspend my disbelief. I loved her prequel novella hoping that the small problems in there would be addressed in the novel. Unfortunately this is not the case. Same problems, just on a bigger scale.
The world building is fractured at best and there's only a very nebulous connection between witches and the post-apocalyptic world. There's no explanation about why Witches were singled out to shoulder the blame for the Cataclysm. Yes, PNR and UF often just drop magical folk on you, but the good ones tell you how they came to be and how they interact with the world and how the world interacts with them. Cooper sets up this post-apocalyptia and we must take it in faith that it all works. And it does, if you accept the premise wholeheartedly. So for the sake of enjoying the story, I did.
What I loved about the novella I love in this book too. Cooper has very immersive writing, which helped me forget some greater plot holes, because she is amazing at setting up the bleak tone and mood of the distopic world and managed her characters so well. We spend allot of time in Jessie and Silas's heads, we get to know them inside and out. Her writing is also very intense, lots of anger, lots of grief, lots of tension filled sex. Though, I will say that I was weirded out by the quick pacing and backwardness of the romance. Couples can get together faster under unique/stressful circumstances in a short story. Not so a novel. They timidly get to know each other later in the novel, after they spend the first six or so chapters lusting after each other. I had noticed this about her novella as well. Cooper doesn't make you wait 3/4 of the way to give you the sex. She gratifies you first then gives you the slow building love after. I'm generally used to this being the other way around. The sex scenes themselves are eloquently graphic, intense and brief. I have to admit, however that I'm not an expert on PNR and tend to read more on the UF side of the spectrum, so maybe this backwardness is typical?
The distopian world is interesting, but we're not told enough about it, and even while Silas and Jessie's intense romance is the Main Point I was often distracted by the fractured world/setting they were in. After a good romance I like to linger on the finer moments of the lovers tale, but at the end of Blood of the Wicked I found myself pondering all these questions I had set aside to enjoy the love story.
Some of these questions are spoilers, so if you're very curious:
So, I really enjoyed it, I'd have given it a 4.5 easily, but these niggling problems force me to drop it to at least 3. I will keep reading the series and hopefully these world building problems will improve.
June 8, 2011
Blood of the Wicked is a post-apocalyptic romance that showcases a very possible scenario of how the remnants of human race would react after facing Armageddon. Fear and bitterness drive the persecuted witches, while righteousness and vengeance drive the followers of the Holy Order. This story showcases the extremes of primal human emotion when faced with dire circumstances and a bleak setting. I’d put this a few shades darker than JR Ward or KMM’s later “Fever” books – if those were too dark for your liking, BotW will probably be too much for you to handle.
Strip club bartender Jessie Leigh is a woman who is a master of disguises and, more critical to her continued survival, running. Jessie is a witch, but her power does not lie in combat or destruction; her gift is sight. She can “see” events that are going on in the present without being at the location. She has been trying to track her younger brother Caleb, a witch who can see the future, but he has somehow managed to block her sight. He left her a year ago after a cryptic prophecy that would ultimately result in her death – a prophecy that begins to unfold the night a soldier of the Holy Order comes into the club searching for her.
Silas Smith has reluctantly re-entered the fold of the Holy Order of Saint Dominic, a zealous organization that capitalized on the post-apocalyptic chaos and established itself as the power in the new world. Retired for fourteen years after a failure he never forgave himself for, an old colleague has brought him back into the fold to track a killer who has murdered multiple women in brutal ritual slayings – Jessie’s brother Caleb. He intends to use Jessie to track her brother, and isn’t afraid to lie or cheat to attain his goal. He doesn’t know that Jessie’s a witch, and the anticipation of the exposure of that secret is a fun build up that does not disappoint at the revelation.
The initial attraction between these two is purely driven by outside events. Near misses, murder attempts, frustration, and fear cause Silas and Jessie to come together in a sort of frantic affirmation of life and emotion. There is physical attraction, but they are very much using each other in the beginning. The emotional bond develops later, with hardened, cynical Silas seeing Jessie as “sunshine” and Jessie seeing, with her gift and her heart, what drives and motivates Silas.
Blood of the Wicked is probably one of the darkest paranormal romances I have ever read. It was similar to my reaction after watching the first television episode of The Walking Dead - I was taken aback, shocked and horrified in some areas, but completely riveted by the characters and plot. The writing was compelling, and the imagery is some of the most graphic I’ve read. It’s a fresh new angle in the highly congested paranormal romance genre.
Four and a half stars.
Strip club bartender Jessie Leigh is a woman who is a master of disguises and, more critical to her continued survival, running. Jessie is a witch, but her power does not lie in combat or destruction; her gift is sight. She can “see” events that are going on in the present without being at the location. She has been trying to track her younger brother Caleb, a witch who can see the future, but he has somehow managed to block her sight. He left her a year ago after a cryptic prophecy that would ultimately result in her death – a prophecy that begins to unfold the night a soldier of the Holy Order comes into the club searching for her.
Silas Smith has reluctantly re-entered the fold of the Holy Order of Saint Dominic, a zealous organization that capitalized on the post-apocalyptic chaos and established itself as the power in the new world. Retired for fourteen years after a failure he never forgave himself for, an old colleague has brought him back into the fold to track a killer who has murdered multiple women in brutal ritual slayings – Jessie’s brother Caleb. He intends to use Jessie to track her brother, and isn’t afraid to lie or cheat to attain his goal. He doesn’t know that Jessie’s a witch, and the anticipation of the exposure of that secret is a fun build up that does not disappoint at the revelation.
The initial attraction between these two is purely driven by outside events. Near misses, murder attempts, frustration, and fear cause Silas and Jessie to come together in a sort of frantic affirmation of life and emotion. There is physical attraction, but they are very much using each other in the beginning. The emotional bond develops later, with hardened, cynical Silas seeing Jessie as “sunshine” and Jessie seeing, with her gift and her heart, what drives and motivates Silas.
Blood of the Wicked is probably one of the darkest paranormal romances I have ever read. It was similar to my reaction after watching the first television episode of The Walking Dead - I was taken aback, shocked and horrified in some areas, but completely riveted by the characters and plot. The writing was compelling, and the imagery is some of the most graphic I’ve read. It’s a fresh new angle in the highly congested paranormal romance genre.
Four and a half stars.
June 7, 2011
http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com
I was initially drawn to Blood of the Wicked from the cover – gorgeous!
Jessica Leigh is a witch in hiding, living off the grid and working in a strip club as a bartender; she has spent her life on the run or in hiding from the Holy Order, a group of Mercenaries who hunt witches. Her first instinct when she sees Silas sitting in the bar is to change her disguise and run!
Silas Smith is a witch hunter and has been ordered to find and exterminate Caleb Leigh, who happens to be Jessica’s younger brother. There have been a number of murders in the city with tell-tale signs that it is the result of blood rituals being held by witches, Jessie doesn’t believe her brother could be behind these deaths so her sole objective is to find and protect him.
When Silas first sights Jessie, he has no idea at all she is a witch; they are instantly attracted to one another and need to find a way to work together in order to find Caleb, both of course for their different reasons.
I found the world building to be interesting; witches have been blamed for an Armageddon of sorts and hunted and killed for almost 50 years, witches in this book are mostly portrayed as dark and deathly, Jessie seemed to be in the minority.
I would have liked to see or know more about Jessie’s power which was the sight of present, her brother of future; she was supposedly powerful but the only time she seemed to use her ability was to intrude on a meeting Silas was in attendance.
The different parts of the city had my mind reeling; I for some reason kept imagining a shopping mall with numerous levels – top being for rich down to the lower level slums.
I unfortunately wasn’t drawn to the main characters, I love my heroes to be alpha but Silas just came across as mean and nasty; from their fist meeting when he paid a man to confront her and especially his treatment of her when he found out she was a witch, he literally threw her away to be killed and yet she still tried to help him after his betrayal. I also thought it a bit strange that Jessie’s feelings and attraction for him would instantly be so strong when she knew what he was, who he worked for and the sole purpose for wanting her around.
I enjoyed the final confrontation and the true villain was not who I would have expected, Caleb’s reasoning for power was weak; he was a coward and had no respect for his sister. The prophecies he had seen were interesting but no excuse for what he was doing.
As first novels go, this one was pretty good. The action was dark and gritty, the world is fairly complex without being confusing & the writing was solid.
Book 2, Lure of the Wicked will be released June 28th 2011.
I was initially drawn to Blood of the Wicked from the cover – gorgeous!
Jessica Leigh is a witch in hiding, living off the grid and working in a strip club as a bartender; she has spent her life on the run or in hiding from the Holy Order, a group of Mercenaries who hunt witches. Her first instinct when she sees Silas sitting in the bar is to change her disguise and run!
Silas Smith is a witch hunter and has been ordered to find and exterminate Caleb Leigh, who happens to be Jessica’s younger brother. There have been a number of murders in the city with tell-tale signs that it is the result of blood rituals being held by witches, Jessie doesn’t believe her brother could be behind these deaths so her sole objective is to find and protect him.
When Silas first sights Jessie, he has no idea at all she is a witch; they are instantly attracted to one another and need to find a way to work together in order to find Caleb, both of course for their different reasons.
I found the world building to be interesting; witches have been blamed for an Armageddon of sorts and hunted and killed for almost 50 years, witches in this book are mostly portrayed as dark and deathly, Jessie seemed to be in the minority.
I would have liked to see or know more about Jessie’s power which was the sight of present, her brother of future; she was supposedly powerful but the only time she seemed to use her ability was to intrude on a meeting Silas was in attendance.
The different parts of the city had my mind reeling; I for some reason kept imagining a shopping mall with numerous levels – top being for rich down to the lower level slums.
I unfortunately wasn’t drawn to the main characters, I love my heroes to be alpha but Silas just came across as mean and nasty; from their fist meeting when he paid a man to confront her and especially his treatment of her when he found out she was a witch, he literally threw her away to be killed and yet she still tried to help him after his betrayal. I also thought it a bit strange that Jessie’s feelings and attraction for him would instantly be so strong when she knew what he was, who he worked for and the sole purpose for wanting her around.
I enjoyed the final confrontation and the true villain was not who I would have expected, Caleb’s reasoning for power was weak; he was a coward and had no respect for his sister. The prophecies he had seen were interesting but no excuse for what he was doing.
As first novels go, this one was pretty good. The action was dark and gritty, the world is fairly complex without being confusing & the writing was solid.
Book 2, Lure of the Wicked will be released June 28th 2011.
June 27, 2011
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/06/...
Silas Smith, and agent of the Holy Order, is looking for Jessie Leigh’s brother Caleb, who is at the top of the Witches to Be Executed for Crimes Against Humanity list. Not a list I’d want to be on. I’m just sayin’. Jessie’s on the run and has no intentions of being captured by the Order. Caleb vanished a year before, leaving everything and everyone behind, and Jessie hasn’t seen him since. When Agent Smith eventually tracks Jessie down, he can’t deny his attraction to her. Agent Smith is a witch hunter, and Jessie is a witch, so why in the heck is she so attracted to him too? It’s definitely not a match made in heaven, especially since if Silas knew Jessie was a witch, there would be hell to pay. Jessie can’t believe Caleb could be involved in the brutal murders that the Order has been tracking, and will do anything to protect her brother. It’s a race against time for Jessie and Silas to find the truth, because a prophecy has foreseen Jessie’s death, and her secret may get her killed.
I loved Blood of the Wicked. It’s categorized as Paranormal Romance, and there are certainly some steamy scenes (very steamy), but the action takes front and center, and I really enjoyed the author’s rendering of a post apocalyptic Seattle. Seattle has been built up in layers since earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and all manner of “natural” disaster, supposedly caused by witches, nearly destroyed the earth. Humans have rebuilt, but vast wastelands still remain, and the lower levels of Seattle remain full of danger. Ms. Cooper provided just enough world building to whet the appetite, but she has plenty of material to mine in future novels. Jessie is smart and tough, but is still very vulnerable from years of living off the grid to avoid persecution. Silas is a perfect foil, an agent passed his prime, certain this will be his last mission, and doing his best to avoid the undeniable feelings that he has for Jessie. I loved his single minded dedication to the mission, and also to protecting Jessie. Fans of urban fantasy as well as paranormal romance will love this exciting new series, and Ms. Cooper’s writing is not for the faint of heart. There was a lot to love for this reluctant paranormal romance reader, and Karina Cooper paints a gritty, violent picture of the future, which I'll look forward to returning to again and again!
Silas Smith, and agent of the Holy Order, is looking for Jessie Leigh’s brother Caleb, who is at the top of the Witches to Be Executed for Crimes Against Humanity list. Not a list I’d want to be on. I’m just sayin’. Jessie’s on the run and has no intentions of being captured by the Order. Caleb vanished a year before, leaving everything and everyone behind, and Jessie hasn’t seen him since. When Agent Smith eventually tracks Jessie down, he can’t deny his attraction to her. Agent Smith is a witch hunter, and Jessie is a witch, so why in the heck is she so attracted to him too? It’s definitely not a match made in heaven, especially since if Silas knew Jessie was a witch, there would be hell to pay. Jessie can’t believe Caleb could be involved in the brutal murders that the Order has been tracking, and will do anything to protect her brother. It’s a race against time for Jessie and Silas to find the truth, because a prophecy has foreseen Jessie’s death, and her secret may get her killed.
I loved Blood of the Wicked. It’s categorized as Paranormal Romance, and there are certainly some steamy scenes (very steamy), but the action takes front and center, and I really enjoyed the author’s rendering of a post apocalyptic Seattle. Seattle has been built up in layers since earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and all manner of “natural” disaster, supposedly caused by witches, nearly destroyed the earth. Humans have rebuilt, but vast wastelands still remain, and the lower levels of Seattle remain full of danger. Ms. Cooper provided just enough world building to whet the appetite, but she has plenty of material to mine in future novels. Jessie is smart and tough, but is still very vulnerable from years of living off the grid to avoid persecution. Silas is a perfect foil, an agent passed his prime, certain this will be his last mission, and doing his best to avoid the undeniable feelings that he has for Jessie. I loved his single minded dedication to the mission, and also to protecting Jessie. Fans of urban fantasy as well as paranormal romance will love this exciting new series, and Ms. Cooper’s writing is not for the faint of heart. There was a lot to love for this reluctant paranormal romance reader, and Karina Cooper paints a gritty, violent picture of the future, which I'll look forward to returning to again and again!
February 22, 2013
So much of Blood of the Wicked caught me by complete surprise. Nothing was as I assumed it would be. Motives were far different from what I imagined. There were characters I never figured out if they were good, evil, in it for their own gain, or perhaps they just don’t know which they are themselves. Cooper has created a gritty dark, bordering on violent world and I like it. I love dark and twisted tales. The Dark Mission series seems promising in the delivery of plenty more dark and twisted.
Jessie has lived her whole life off the grid and out of the sights of the Order. The Order has one goal, kill all witches. Jessie knows what is in her blood. Running, constant changes of jobs and places to sleep have kept her alive. She used to run with her brother until his prophecies of her death made him flee from her side. Now she just wants to find him and make sure that his prophecies never come to pass.
I would like to have known more about Silas’s past. He is a witch hunter for the Order. I would have loved to have known if there was something in his past that led him to this profession. He is merciless when it comes to the eradication of witches. Is there something in his past that made him this way? His current mission Operation Echo Location has him searching for a witch that will hopefully help him bring down an entire coven of what he sees as pure evil.
Silas was not an easy hero to like. Actually every member of the Order left me wondering who team evil is and who is team good in this world. I loved the fact that every action kept me guessing at motives with this book. He sees things in a hard definitive black and white. I think Matilda should have had the black and white conversation with him. I loved Matilda and hope to see more of her in this series.
Jessie has lived her whole life off the grid and out of the sights of the Order. The Order has one goal, kill all witches. Jessie knows what is in her blood. Running, constant changes of jobs and places to sleep have kept her alive. She used to run with her brother until his prophecies of her death made him flee from her side. Now she just wants to find him and make sure that his prophecies never come to pass.
I would like to have known more about Silas’s past. He is a witch hunter for the Order. I would have loved to have known if there was something in his past that led him to this profession. He is merciless when it comes to the eradication of witches. Is there something in his past that made him this way? His current mission Operation Echo Location has him searching for a witch that will hopefully help him bring down an entire coven of what he sees as pure evil.
Silas was not an easy hero to like. Actually every member of the Order left me wondering who team evil is and who is team good in this world. I loved the fact that every action kept me guessing at motives with this book. He sees things in a hard definitive black and white. I think Matilda should have had the black and white conversation with him. I loved Matilda and hope to see more of her in this series.
November 11, 2016
Interesting World Building
Blood of the Wicked has some very interesting world building. The world is fifty years after California dropped into the ocean and the world has gone to hell in a hand-basket. New Seattle is the last major city and it is ruled by the 'Church' whose missionaries go about hunting down witches and killing them. As witches and their magic is pure evil and the zealots see them as having destroyed the world. Not all of this is clear. Witches bad. Missionary good. Pretty black and white. YIKES!
The author does an good job of throwing a witch in hiding Jessie, and a sexy missionary Silas together. Only problem being that both of these characters lie to each other throughout the book. Jessie lies to save herself and brother. Silas lies because his Church follow the won't suffer a witch to live philosophical slant. Now for a missionary he sure does take the lord's name in vain a lot. He even has sex in a ruined church. Missionary is a term for sanctioned killer. I honestly did see any good guys in this tale, except Jessie and Matilda who are just trying to survive.
I didn't like the character of Silas, but I don't have to like a character to really applaud the world building and plotting. I do want to know more about the Church and it's beliefs, the author defiantly hooked me.
Blood of the Wicked has some very interesting world building. The world is fifty years after California dropped into the ocean and the world has gone to hell in a hand-basket. New Seattle is the last major city and it is ruled by the 'Church' whose missionaries go about hunting down witches and killing them. As witches and their magic is pure evil and the zealots see them as having destroyed the world. Not all of this is clear. Witches bad. Missionary good. Pretty black and white. YIKES!
The author does an good job of throwing a witch in hiding Jessie, and a sexy missionary Silas together. Only problem being that both of these characters lie to each other throughout the book. Jessie lies to save herself and brother. Silas lies because his Church follow the won't suffer a witch to live philosophical slant. Now for a missionary he sure does take the lord's name in vain a lot. He even has sex in a ruined church. Missionary is a term for sanctioned killer. I honestly did see any good guys in this tale, except Jessie and Matilda who are just trying to survive.
I didn't like the character of Silas, but I don't have to like a character to really applaud the world building and plotting. I do want to know more about the Church and it's beliefs, the author defiantly hooked me.
November 25, 2012
I’ve had this book on my TBR pile forever. I won a copy from the author in a contest last year when the book was released and I kept looking at it, and looking at it. Until finally, I just couldn’t look at it any longer. And man I am mad that I waited so long to read it. I loved this book. The world was exactly the type of dark and gritty world that I usually enjoy and the characters were exactly the dark and twisty and secret-ridden type of characters that I love.
I liked Jessie. She was feisty and fresh given her circumstances. She knew what Silas had planned for her and her brother, yet she didn’t act the victim. She gave as good as she got. One thing that bugged me was the fact that Silas was completely blown away by the fact that Jessie was a witch. It was mentioned more than once that it was genetically likely that since her brother was a witch, she would also be a witch, yet he was flabbergasted by the revelation. After all the years he had spent as a witch hunter, you’d think that he would have just assumed that she was a witch until it was proven otherwise. I would have.
I really enjoyed this first book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series which is already on my Kindle waiting for me to make it happen.
I liked Jessie. She was feisty and fresh given her circumstances. She knew what Silas had planned for her and her brother, yet she didn’t act the victim. She gave as good as she got. One thing that bugged me was the fact that Silas was completely blown away by the fact that Jessie was a witch. It was mentioned more than once that it was genetically likely that since her brother was a witch, she would also be a witch, yet he was flabbergasted by the revelation. After all the years he had spent as a witch hunter, you’d think that he would have just assumed that she was a witch until it was proven otherwise. I would have.
I really enjoyed this first book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series which is already on my Kindle waiting for me to make it happen.
July 11, 2012
Ummm, am I missing something here? Most series don't require you to read the novellas to understand what is going on....but in this case I recommend you read "before the witches" BEFORE you read book one of this series. I will let you know how book 2 goes, after I track down the "pre-quil" novella. Not everyone has a NOOK or Kindle, and I really don't want a bunch of novella anthologies of crap I don't want to read on my shelf. But book 1 was good enough to make me want to find the pre-quil. So I guess that tells you how much I liked book 1.
December 31, 2020
Wow, meine erste 1-Punkt-Bewertung. Erhofft hatte ich mir einen Fantasy-Roman in der dystopischen Atmosphäre einer brutalistischen Großstadt ("ein Moloch aus Beton und Stein: Ebene für Ebene windet sich die Stadt in den Himmel" - klang erstmal gut). Abgebrochen habe ich dann nach den ersten 50 Seiten wegen des Groschenroman-klischeehaften, unglaublich unpassenden, leider omnipräsenten Softerotik-Kitsches der Kategorie 'Jäger liebt/begehrt Gejagte (und andersrum)'.
Wie schon gesagt, wurde mir das schon nach den ersten 50 Seiten zu viel und zu dumm; ich habe dann noch per Zufall einige spätere Seiten aufgeschlagen und auf buchstäblich *jeder* dieser Seiten stand etwas von hauteng anliegenden Klamotten, unter denen sich wahlweise durchtrainierte Muskeln (des Hexenjägers) oder lange, schlanke Beine und kleine, feste Brüste (der Hexe) befanden; da wird keuchend geatmet und Beine werden um Hüften geschwungen ... Offensichtlich dauernd.
Wer also einen "romantischen" Groschenroman im urbanen Hexen-Fantasy-Milieu sucht, könnte hier eventuell fündig werden - ich nicht.
Wie schon gesagt, wurde mir das schon nach den ersten 50 Seiten zu viel und zu dumm; ich habe dann noch per Zufall einige spätere Seiten aufgeschlagen und auf buchstäblich *jeder* dieser Seiten stand etwas von hauteng anliegenden Klamotten, unter denen sich wahlweise durchtrainierte Muskeln (des Hexenjägers) oder lange, schlanke Beine und kleine, feste Brüste (der Hexe) befanden; da wird keuchend geatmet und Beine werden um Hüften geschwungen ... Offensichtlich dauernd.
Wer also einen "romantischen" Groschenroman im urbanen Hexen-Fantasy-Milieu sucht, könnte hier eventuell fündig werden - ich nicht.
January 15, 2016
If you would like to see my full review, please visit my blog at:
http://zodiacbookreviews.blogspot.com...
Review:
Characters
After her mother's murder, Jessica Leigh spent her life on the run, raising her younger brother, Caleb, hiding and learning how to lie. And she has become very good at it. With the possibility of being caught by the witch hunters, she's become wary and mistrusting of those around her. Though, when she meets Silas, even as she knows nothing will change and it will only end in heartbreak, she begins to trust and care for him.
As a missionary of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause and his duty to rid the world of witches. And he has seen some of the most monsterous acts done for their rituals. These acts help fuel his belief and desire to fulfill his duty. When he meets Jessica in his mission to find and kill her brother, Caleb, he doesn't know that she's a witch, as well. But he begins to trust and care for her. And when he finally finds out that she's a witch, too, he needs to decided between his duty to the Holy Order and his love for Jessica.
Caleb Leigh is a soothsayer, someone who sees visions of the future, whereas his sister is a seer of the present. When he sees a vision of Jessica's death, he decides to leave her and tells her not to look for him. He joins a coven hoping to eventually bring it down, but in the process has murdered many to gain the power he needs to do so. These acts bring him to the attention of the missionaries of the Holy Order.
Theme
Can love exist in a world that is truly hell on earth?
Blood of the Wicked has the theme of love lasting in a seemingly impossible situation. It's been used in many classic tales , as well as newer stories, so we're quite familiar with it. In Blood of the Wicked, we have the impossible situation of a witch hunter, bound by belief and duty, falling in love with a witch, the sister of the witch he's on a mission to kill, in a world that wants to destroy them both. They both have enemies on both sides closing in on them. What will ultimately decide the outcome is the hunter's choice between his duty and the woman he loves. Will he kill her or save her life?
Plot
The world of this book, as well as some of it's inhabitants, is shrouded in mystery. There's about five paragraphs that tell us a little about the world of the story. A number of disasters ravaged the planet, bringing about destruction. Before the quake that devoured Seattle, witches weren't completely accepted, but they didn't have to hide, either. But once the Holy Order took charge to bring the world to order, with the aid of the government and the Mission, the witch hunts began. What caused the destruction? What exactly is the Holy Order? We know that the Mission was once an extremist terrorist group before the quake, but what was their mission and why did they join with the Holy Order?
Even some of the characters have the shadow of mystery over them. One in particular is our main male character, Silas Smith. We learn a little about his past when he tells Jessie about his first mission, and in an off-hand comment that he never knew his mother, but that's about it. What I really want to know is how he injured his knee.
The main plot is told from the alternating perspectives of Jessica Leigh and Silas Smith as they try to locate Caleb Leigh and survive enemy attacks. But there is a small sub-plot narrated from Caleb's point of view. We see his interactions with the Coven of Unbinding, and his own secret strivings for more power. Whether his want for power is really as unselfish as he claims is up to interpretation. Eventually, the main plot and the sub-plot merge toward the end.
Setting
There are two main settings in this story. There is New Seattle, which Jessica describes the structure as being built like a "layer cake." And then there's Old Seattle, which is the ruins of Seattle before the quake, a mass tomb for those who never made it out.
The lower levels of New Seattle are where the dregs of society dwell. It's like one big red light district. It's a place where the sun rarely, if ever, shines, and the perfect place to go if you want to hide. The upper levels of New Seattle are where the rich, privileged, and powerful make their home. On the very top of New Seattle is the Glass City. To many, the Glass City would be awe-inspiring, but for those in the lower levels, it's just a reminder of what they don't have. And for witches it represents their death.
Old Seattle is located deep within the trench created when the San Andreas Fault split and swallowed the city. It's a mass tomb for the two million plus who couldn't make it out of the city. It's dangerous and unstable and avoided, unless you have a death wish. But what Jessie finds there makes her feel an indescribable joy. In the forgotten city that should have abandoned all hope, the earth is reclaiming. Moss and roots are overtaking and bringing the city life again.
There is a sub-setting that takes place at Matilda's home. It's a secret sanctuary that only Matilda knows that way to. The only thing we know about the location is that it's in the trench somewhere. The sanctuary is a beautiful place with hot springs and flowers not seen in New Seattle. A truly mysterious and awe-inspiring place that is a true oasis for those Matilda allows entry. There's only one rule in Matilda's home: lies are not tolerated. And you are to never reveal it's existence to anyone.
My Final Thoughts:
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because I truly loved it. I like stories where love is tested. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. Add to that the supernatural element of witches, the historical element of the witch hunts, and a dash of dystopian rule, and you've got a really entertaining story.
http://zodiacbookreviews.blogspot.com...
Review:
Characters
After her mother's murder, Jessica Leigh spent her life on the run, raising her younger brother, Caleb, hiding and learning how to lie. And she has become very good at it. With the possibility of being caught by the witch hunters, she's become wary and mistrusting of those around her. Though, when she meets Silas, even as she knows nothing will change and it will only end in heartbreak, she begins to trust and care for him.
As a missionary of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause and his duty to rid the world of witches. And he has seen some of the most monsterous acts done for their rituals. These acts help fuel his belief and desire to fulfill his duty. When he meets Jessica in his mission to find and kill her brother, Caleb, he doesn't know that she's a witch, as well. But he begins to trust and care for her. And when he finally finds out that she's a witch, too, he needs to decided between his duty to the Holy Order and his love for Jessica.
Caleb Leigh is a soothsayer, someone who sees visions of the future, whereas his sister is a seer of the present. When he sees a vision of Jessica's death, he decides to leave her and tells her not to look for him. He joins a coven hoping to eventually bring it down, but in the process has murdered many to gain the power he needs to do so. These acts bring him to the attention of the missionaries of the Holy Order.
Theme
Can love exist in a world that is truly hell on earth?
Blood of the Wicked has the theme of love lasting in a seemingly impossible situation. It's been used in many classic tales , as well as newer stories, so we're quite familiar with it. In Blood of the Wicked, we have the impossible situation of a witch hunter, bound by belief and duty, falling in love with a witch, the sister of the witch he's on a mission to kill, in a world that wants to destroy them both. They both have enemies on both sides closing in on them. What will ultimately decide the outcome is the hunter's choice between his duty and the woman he loves. Will he kill her or save her life?
Plot
The world of this book, as well as some of it's inhabitants, is shrouded in mystery. There's about five paragraphs that tell us a little about the world of the story. A number of disasters ravaged the planet, bringing about destruction. Before the quake that devoured Seattle, witches weren't completely accepted, but they didn't have to hide, either. But once the Holy Order took charge to bring the world to order, with the aid of the government and the Mission, the witch hunts began. What caused the destruction? What exactly is the Holy Order? We know that the Mission was once an extremist terrorist group before the quake, but what was their mission and why did they join with the Holy Order?
Even some of the characters have the shadow of mystery over them. One in particular is our main male character, Silas Smith. We learn a little about his past when he tells Jessie about his first mission, and in an off-hand comment that he never knew his mother, but that's about it. What I really want to know is how he injured his knee.
The main plot is told from the alternating perspectives of Jessica Leigh and Silas Smith as they try to locate Caleb Leigh and survive enemy attacks. But there is a small sub-plot narrated from Caleb's point of view. We see his interactions with the Coven of Unbinding, and his own secret strivings for more power. Whether his want for power is really as unselfish as he claims is up to interpretation. Eventually, the main plot and the sub-plot merge toward the end.
Setting
There are two main settings in this story. There is New Seattle, which Jessica describes the structure as being built like a "layer cake." And then there's Old Seattle, which is the ruins of Seattle before the quake, a mass tomb for those who never made it out.
The lower levels of New Seattle are where the dregs of society dwell. It's like one big red light district. It's a place where the sun rarely, if ever, shines, and the perfect place to go if you want to hide. The upper levels of New Seattle are where the rich, privileged, and powerful make their home. On the very top of New Seattle is the Glass City. To many, the Glass City would be awe-inspiring, but for those in the lower levels, it's just a reminder of what they don't have. And for witches it represents their death.
Old Seattle is located deep within the trench created when the San Andreas Fault split and swallowed the city. It's a mass tomb for the two million plus who couldn't make it out of the city. It's dangerous and unstable and avoided, unless you have a death wish. But what Jessie finds there makes her feel an indescribable joy. In the forgotten city that should have abandoned all hope, the earth is reclaiming. Moss and roots are overtaking and bringing the city life again.
There is a sub-setting that takes place at Matilda's home. It's a secret sanctuary that only Matilda knows that way to. The only thing we know about the location is that it's in the trench somewhere. The sanctuary is a beautiful place with hot springs and flowers not seen in New Seattle. A truly mysterious and awe-inspiring place that is a true oasis for those Matilda allows entry. There's only one rule in Matilda's home: lies are not tolerated. And you are to never reveal it's existence to anyone.
My Final Thoughts:
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because I truly loved it. I like stories where love is tested. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. Add to that the supernatural element of witches, the historical element of the witch hunts, and a dash of dystopian rule, and you've got a really entertaining story.
September 19, 2019
Really a 3.5 book. This book 1 in the series, and it started off well. The main characters of Silas and Jessica are interesting, and the plot is started well, book 2 picks up where book 1 ends.
This book presents a unique take on what would happen if the BIG EARTHQUAKE finally struck on the west coast. It presents a new version of Washington state, one in which witches and witch hunters become dominant figures. Silas Smith was born after the quake on the top side, an orphan that was trained by the Holy Order of St. Dominic to be a witch hunter. Silas is the order personified, he does not see how his injured body can hurt him in the future, how it could cut his mission short. Jessica Leigh is the opposite, she runs, and runs often. She is back in Washington to try to find her brother Caleb, both are natural witches, and mission one is to run and hide from the witch hunters who would kill them on site if possible.
This story by Karina Cooper was interesting, the two main characters of Silas and Jessica are so different that you know that alone will be the draw for each other. The story was good, and here is to a continuation of this adventure.
This book presents a unique take on what would happen if the BIG EARTHQUAKE finally struck on the west coast. It presents a new version of Washington state, one in which witches and witch hunters become dominant figures. Silas Smith was born after the quake on the top side, an orphan that was trained by the Holy Order of St. Dominic to be a witch hunter. Silas is the order personified, he does not see how his injured body can hurt him in the future, how it could cut his mission short. Jessica Leigh is the opposite, she runs, and runs often. She is back in Washington to try to find her brother Caleb, both are natural witches, and mission one is to run and hide from the witch hunters who would kill them on site if possible.
This story by Karina Cooper was interesting, the two main characters of Silas and Jessica are so different that you know that alone will be the draw for each other. The story was good, and here is to a continuation of this adventure.
March 17, 2020
Romance/sex aside, this book had an interesting story line. Honestly, that was surprising to me as paranormal romances of this nature tend to have all sex and no story. As far as the "romance" element, well, it was the typical "need" between two enemies that comes out of nowhere. Which is then followed by "love", even though they know each other for like three days and most of it was brooding or fornicating. At the end of it all, the storyline out-shone the romance/sex, which made this book a good read.
July 4, 2021
The characters were good, the story was interesting. My main complaints really just came from the fact that despite having legitimate reasons for Jessie to hate Silas, she very quickly gives into her lust for him, in moments where it didn't make sense. Plus once the truth comes out Silas gets over it rather quickly. I liked it enough to give the second book a chance.
May 2, 2019
This book was OK but I don’t know if I would read it again. It hhad some pretty good action scenes but in some places I think the author over explain things. I am not sure whether or not I am going to read the next book in the series.
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