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The Nightkeepers #5
Blood Spells
Mayan lore and modern science warn that 12/21/2012 will bring a global cataclysm. Dark forces stand poised to crush mankind. The only hope rests with a secret group of modern magic-wielders called the Nightkeepers. But as Patience White-Eagle and her husband, Brandt, team up as a mated warrior pair, they will face a deadly threat that will test their powers-and their love...
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2010
13 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Andersen
76 books635 followersJessica S. Andersen is an American writer of mystery and medical romances. She obtained a PhD in Genetics, but when she finally settles on a single career, she will have been many things: a doctor of molecular genetics, a patent agent, a freelance editor, a professional horse trainer and riding coach, a fiance and the proud owner of a pair of corgis. But if you ask her who she is, Jessica will say, "I'm a writer. The rest is all background research."
Jessica lives in a smal farm in eastern Conneticut with her own personal hero, Brian, as well as the corgis, two cats and a handful of young horses, who she claims are investments but never seem to get sold.
Jessica lives in a smal farm in eastern Conneticut with her own personal hero, Brian, as well as the corgis, two cats and a handful of young horses, who she claims are investments but never seem to get sold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 6, 2011
Full review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog....
My Review:
Patience and Brandt...out of all the NightKeepers, their happily-ever-after should have been the easiest. They actually found each other and married long before the magic barrier came down. They were "meant to be" since they knew each other as lifemates before either one of them ever knew that the other was a NightKeeper. That's the logical assumptions, but ever since they discovered their joint NightKeeper heritage, their marriage has begun a slow but steady downhill slide.
This book starts out with all the heartbreak and angst that comes from a marriage that's falling apart and I truly thought that I was going to end up hating this book. But then Patience started to grow and develop into her own independent person instead of being the down-trodden victim. Also, the reasons for the downfall of their marriage start to become apparent. Suddenly, I was loving this book and especially Patience for the woman that she is stepping up and becoming.
Patience & Brandt have twin boys that have had to go into hiding. It's been 2 years since either of them have had contact with the boys and that is causing huge amounts of stress especially for Patience. Brandt has dealt with it by being a guy- focusing on the reason that the boys are gone, not the emotional impact of that absence like Patience has.
Overall, this book is really about Patience (notice that this is the only NightKeepers book...so far...with a female on it) and her growth into becoming her own person and being able to stand on her own two feet. At the end there is more about the romance between Patience and Brandt and, when it came, it was astounding in it's beauty. Really emotional- I got teary-eyed several times at the end of this book. I like that at the core of all these books is the philosophy that all of these people are strong, but they are so much stronger with the love of their mate to support them. It's a huge team, but within it are the mini-teams of each of the mated couples which makes ALL of them that much better. Such an amazing theme for a romantic series.
My Review:
Patience and Brandt...out of all the NightKeepers, their happily-ever-after should have been the easiest. They actually found each other and married long before the magic barrier came down. They were "meant to be" since they knew each other as lifemates before either one of them ever knew that the other was a NightKeeper. That's the logical assumptions, but ever since they discovered their joint NightKeeper heritage, their marriage has begun a slow but steady downhill slide.
This book starts out with all the heartbreak and angst that comes from a marriage that's falling apart and I truly thought that I was going to end up hating this book. But then Patience started to grow and develop into her own independent person instead of being the down-trodden victim. Also, the reasons for the downfall of their marriage start to become apparent. Suddenly, I was loving this book and especially Patience for the woman that she is stepping up and becoming.
Patience & Brandt have twin boys that have had to go into hiding. It's been 2 years since either of them have had contact with the boys and that is causing huge amounts of stress especially for Patience. Brandt has dealt with it by being a guy- focusing on the reason that the boys are gone, not the emotional impact of that absence like Patience has.
Overall, this book is really about Patience (notice that this is the only NightKeepers book...so far...with a female on it) and her growth into becoming her own person and being able to stand on her own two feet. At the end there is more about the romance between Patience and Brandt and, when it came, it was astounding in it's beauty. Really emotional- I got teary-eyed several times at the end of this book. I like that at the core of all these books is the philosophy that all of these people are strong, but they are so much stronger with the love of their mate to support them. It's a huge team, but within it are the mini-teams of each of the mated couples which makes ALL of them that much better. Such an amazing theme for a romantic series.
October 28, 2010
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Mythology junkies like me are in for a sweet treat with BLOOD SPELLS the latest book in the Final Prophesy series about the Nightkeepers, a group of warrior mages whose duty it is to keep demons trapped in the underworld, because the entire series is based on the myths of the Mayan Empire, specifically the 2012 Doomsday prophesy. Anderson shows off a skillful understanding of Mayan lore and weaves a very complex world together in her action packed paranormal romance.
The larger story deals with the Nightkeepers rush to stop an Aztec demon from breaking out of his prison and destroying all life on earth. The more intimate story involves Patience and Brandt’s journey to revive a love they’ve long since lost. Many of the scenes between them had a Time Traveler's Wife quality to them as they magically revisited moments from their lives including the one night neither of them can remember: the night they met.
Although each book focuses on a new couple, long time fans of the series will have an edge on us newbies as there is a lot of information to absorb in a very short amount of time. Extensive character histories, intricate magic systems, and a complex mythology based on a real historical culture. There is a glossary in the back that was extremely helpful, but even being somewhat familiar with Mayan mythology, I found it challenging to keep up.
If you’re looking for an elaborate world system based on the bloody but fascinating Mayan mythology (with a demonic twist), an epic second chance romance, with plenty of supporting characters, then BLOOD SPELLS will be like Christmas coming early. I’m intrigued enough that I’ll be starting back with the first Final Prophecy book, NIGHTKEEPERS, while waiting for STORMKISSED in June 2011.
Sexual Content: Several graphic sex scenes
Mythology junkies like me are in for a sweet treat with BLOOD SPELLS the latest book in the Final Prophesy series about the Nightkeepers, a group of warrior mages whose duty it is to keep demons trapped in the underworld, because the entire series is based on the myths of the Mayan Empire, specifically the 2012 Doomsday prophesy. Anderson shows off a skillful understanding of Mayan lore and weaves a very complex world together in her action packed paranormal romance.
The larger story deals with the Nightkeepers rush to stop an Aztec demon from breaking out of his prison and destroying all life on earth. The more intimate story involves Patience and Brandt’s journey to revive a love they’ve long since lost. Many of the scenes between them had a Time Traveler's Wife quality to them as they magically revisited moments from their lives including the one night neither of them can remember: the night they met.
Although each book focuses on a new couple, long time fans of the series will have an edge on us newbies as there is a lot of information to absorb in a very short amount of time. Extensive character histories, intricate magic systems, and a complex mythology based on a real historical culture. There is a glossary in the back that was extremely helpful, but even being somewhat familiar with Mayan mythology, I found it challenging to keep up.
If you’re looking for an elaborate world system based on the bloody but fascinating Mayan mythology (with a demonic twist), an epic second chance romance, with plenty of supporting characters, then BLOOD SPELLS will be like Christmas coming early. I’m intrigued enough that I’ll be starting back with the first Final Prophecy book, NIGHTKEEPERS, while waiting for STORMKISSED in June 2011.
Sexual Content: Several graphic sex scenes
April 19, 2012
4,5 stars
And we're down to one year only. The Nightkeepers continue to amaze me with each book. Andersen's writing is fabulous and I can't seem to stop reading these books.
I absolutely loved Patience and Brandt's story. They qualify as my favourite couple until now. :)
They're the living proof that love exists but its something that we have to work to maintain.
And we're down to one year only. The Nightkeepers continue to amaze me with each book. Andersen's writing is fabulous and I can't seem to stop reading these books.
I absolutely loved Patience and Brandt's story. They qualify as my favourite couple until now. :)
They're the living proof that love exists but its something that we have to work to maintain.
Want to read
October 15, 2010Is that Taylor Swift on the cover? HAhaHAha!
December 20, 2010
"Blood Spells" was a Awesome read, it is by far my favorite in this series! Each one just keeps getting better and better!!
September 1, 2021
The Nightkeepers perform the Triad ritual but things don’t go the way they’re supposed to. In fact, it couldn’t be much worse when one of them ends up unconscious and the other two chosen aren’t even there. And time is running out as it gets closer to doomsday… Patience fights for her family even harder, but maybe it’s her that has to change.
The battles at El Rey and in Mexico City were exciting and interestingly different. But Patience and Brandt are both idiots. The moaning and groaning seemed forced, not natural.
Fave scenes: Brandt and Patience finding the magic doorway, memory of leaving the cave after the fight with the makol, all the secrets coming out and ‘I. Don’t. Give. Up.’
The battles at El Rey and in Mexico City were exciting and interestingly different. But Patience and Brandt are both idiots. The moaning and groaning seemed forced, not natural.
Fave scenes: Brandt and Patience finding the magic doorway, memory of leaving the cave after the fight with the makol, all the secrets coming out and ‘I. Don’t. Give. Up.’
September 15, 2024
deviates slightly from previous installments since the main couple already knew each other so it isn't focused on the initial romance.
March 7, 2013
I have loved Patience in the previous books, and her husband Brandt is such a cold fish, putting his duties as a Nightwalker before his wife and kids. Patience really has trouble with the fact that her children are in hiding, and she is not allowed to talk to them, to see them, to hold them. I can totally feel her pain in that, even though I have no children. I really thought she would leave all this Nightwalker stuff behind her, and go to her children.
But she beat the depression, and keeps trying to reach her husband, to start over together and put the Nightwalkers and their battle first.
When this book begins, they are about to do the Triad spell, asking the Gods to grant three of their members the powers and knowledge of their ancestors. Which is very dangerous, and has only been done twice before in history. Some went mad, some died, and only 1 became successful. Patience really doesn’t want to be one of them, nor does she want it for Brandt. It is not easy to live with all your ancestors in your head!
But when the Gods choose Rabbit first, and he fails due to his connection to Iago, they invade Brandt, leaving him in a coma. The other two members of the Triad are Anna and Mendez, which is a big problem for the Nightwalkers. Anna doesn’t want to be a part of them anymore, she wants to live a normal life with her husband, and Mendez is a dangerous criminal and not a part of them either, although he does have the power and physique.
Patience’s Nahwal tells her that Brandt needs to make piece with his ancestors, and acknowledge his debt to the gods. Patience has to help him remember. But she doesn’t know herself. Desperate, as she has no clue what to do, she uses her tarot cards, and gets the same advice over and over. Use a mirror. She asks Lucius if he can find out anything about a mirror spell, and he did find something like that in the Library recently but didn’t think it important at the time.
With the help of the spell, Patience revisits the day they met, a day both of them can’t remember, and it helps bring Brandt out of his coma. The spell ends too soon, she has only seen a small portion of that day and evening. They still don’t know enough, especially when Brandt was locked in a dream loop of when he almost drowned as a teenager, and his two best friends paid the price. So Brandt and Patience decide to go back to the place they first met, and got married. Hoping it will trigger more memories, as time is running out for the Triad spell to work. Anna is in the hospital in a critical condition, and Mendez and his deranged winikin are on the run. They will have to find them, and bring them to Skywatch, fast.
I enjoyed finding out what happened to Brandt and Patience all those years ago, and how Brandt changed into such a cold men after they joined the Nightkeepers. The part were Iago has kidnapped their winikin and children, that was truly frightening. Rabbit and his girlfriend keep growing as characters as well, and I enjoy being a witness to that. I am very curious about Mendez, who tells them that he has mended his wicked ways. Is he for real, or will he make things even more difficult for the others?
I like Patience, she is strong and resilient, and won’t give up on her marriage to be nothing more than a warrior. Still, she is a good warrior, and knows how to fight. In the end, love is the most important thing. Brandt is a very stubborn male, even when he regains his memories, and knows what has to be done, he refuses. Afraid that Patience or one of his children will be taken from him next. Until there is no other choice open for him …
I really do enjoy this series, and look forward to reading the next book soon.
9 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
But she beat the depression, and keeps trying to reach her husband, to start over together and put the Nightwalkers and their battle first.
When this book begins, they are about to do the Triad spell, asking the Gods to grant three of their members the powers and knowledge of their ancestors. Which is very dangerous, and has only been done twice before in history. Some went mad, some died, and only 1 became successful. Patience really doesn’t want to be one of them, nor does she want it for Brandt. It is not easy to live with all your ancestors in your head!
But when the Gods choose Rabbit first, and he fails due to his connection to Iago, they invade Brandt, leaving him in a coma. The other two members of the Triad are Anna and Mendez, which is a big problem for the Nightwalkers. Anna doesn’t want to be a part of them anymore, she wants to live a normal life with her husband, and Mendez is a dangerous criminal and not a part of them either, although he does have the power and physique.
Patience’s Nahwal tells her that Brandt needs to make piece with his ancestors, and acknowledge his debt to the gods. Patience has to help him remember. But she doesn’t know herself. Desperate, as she has no clue what to do, she uses her tarot cards, and gets the same advice over and over. Use a mirror. She asks Lucius if he can find out anything about a mirror spell, and he did find something like that in the Library recently but didn’t think it important at the time.
With the help of the spell, Patience revisits the day they met, a day both of them can’t remember, and it helps bring Brandt out of his coma. The spell ends too soon, she has only seen a small portion of that day and evening. They still don’t know enough, especially when Brandt was locked in a dream loop of when he almost drowned as a teenager, and his two best friends paid the price. So Brandt and Patience decide to go back to the place they first met, and got married. Hoping it will trigger more memories, as time is running out for the Triad spell to work. Anna is in the hospital in a critical condition, and Mendez and his deranged winikin are on the run. They will have to find them, and bring them to Skywatch, fast.
I enjoyed finding out what happened to Brandt and Patience all those years ago, and how Brandt changed into such a cold men after they joined the Nightkeepers. The part were Iago has kidnapped their winikin and children, that was truly frightening. Rabbit and his girlfriend keep growing as characters as well, and I enjoy being a witness to that. I am very curious about Mendez, who tells them that he has mended his wicked ways. Is he for real, or will he make things even more difficult for the others?
I like Patience, she is strong and resilient, and won’t give up on her marriage to be nothing more than a warrior. Still, she is a good warrior, and knows how to fight. In the end, love is the most important thing. Brandt is a very stubborn male, even when he regains his memories, and knows what has to be done, he refuses. Afraid that Patience or one of his children will be taken from him next. Until there is no other choice open for him …
I really do enjoy this series, and look forward to reading the next book soon.
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
February 22, 2012
I accidentally found this book in the library when I went to the adult-romance section because it was my first time to go to that branch and I didn't know where the YA section was. My attention was caught by the cover because it was one of the few books there that didn't have couples in compromising positions. The title
Blood Spells
and the summary at the book also seemed to offer a good story complete with magic, love story, drama and action.
Here are some of my comments:
1. Strange, while I was reading this I couldn't help but feel like I was reading the adult version of The Mortal Instruments . It wasn't as if the writing styles of Jessica Andersen and Cassandra Clare were similar, but there was this vibe I couldn't explain exactly. Maybe it was because both stories were entwined with magic, myth and faith. They both also dealt with warriors devoted to protect the world from demons and dark magic. The two series also revolved around star-crossed lover, which brings me to my next comment...
2. I enjoyed the love story of Brandt and Patience. I get entertained whenever I read complicated love stories where both parties thought their partners were not into them anymore but the truth was that they were actually longing for each other but they just couldn't express their true feelings due to internal and external factors. I also love Rabbit's and Myrinne's relationship.
3. The love scenes were hot but not gross. They needed the "sex magic" (first time to hear that one :D) to activate their magi powers to during the eclipse-solstice battle.
4. I love the concept of love, however, when they used the power of love to save the world, it kinda get corny for me.
5. The characters often swear like it was always part of the conversation. It was OK if the characters were speaking it but not when the story was being narrated by the author. It felt like an informal narration due to that.
6. The author likes hanging sentences to much that sometimes I couldn't understand what was happening. It seemed like she expected the readers to always predict the train of thoughts of each characters.
7. There were some concepts and myths that I couldn't understand probably because I didn't have the background of the entire Nightkeepers series. Blood Spells was the 5th book in the series and I wasn't able to read the first four books.
8. It was so sad that Woody died.
9. At first I was so appaled that the characters always had to cut their palms for blood linking and blood spells. But then I remembered that the title of the book was Blood Spells so it made sense. I wish they didn't have to do that everytime they go to a battle. I feel the pain for them. Imagine, they cut their palms so often, how could the wounds heal properly? I just wish they have another way of making sacrifices. Oh well, no pain no gain.
10. I love some of the characters' unsual names such as Patience Iguana, Brandt White-Eagle, Rabbit and Striking "Strike" Jaguar.
11. There was a glossary at the back for the unusual terms but it was incomplete so I still couldn't understand some words. Maybe if I read the first four books I would be able to comprehend it more.
The ending was corny for me but I still enjoyed the entire story. I'd like to read the comments of other readers who also love The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices to see if they agree with me that this book had the same feel as Cassandra Clare's novels. Or, well, maybe it's just me. I'm just curious. Maybe I was just longing for the next book of Ms. Clare's series to come out. :)
Here are some of my comments:
1. Strange, while I was reading this I couldn't help but feel like I was reading the adult version of The Mortal Instruments . It wasn't as if the writing styles of Jessica Andersen and Cassandra Clare were similar, but there was this vibe I couldn't explain exactly. Maybe it was because both stories were entwined with magic, myth and faith. They both also dealt with warriors devoted to protect the world from demons and dark magic. The two series also revolved around star-crossed lover, which brings me to my next comment...
2. I enjoyed the love story of Brandt and Patience. I get entertained whenever I read complicated love stories where both parties thought their partners were not into them anymore but the truth was that they were actually longing for each other but they just couldn't express their true feelings due to internal and external factors. I also love Rabbit's and Myrinne's relationship.
3. The love scenes were hot but not gross. They needed the "sex magic" (first time to hear that one :D) to activate their magi powers to during the eclipse-solstice battle.
4. I love the concept of love, however, when they used the power of love to save the world, it kinda get corny for me.
5. The characters often swear like it was always part of the conversation. It was OK if the characters were speaking it but not when the story was being narrated by the author. It felt like an informal narration due to that.
6. The author likes hanging sentences to much that sometimes I couldn't understand what was happening. It seemed like she expected the readers to always predict the train of thoughts of each characters.
7. There were some concepts and myths that I couldn't understand probably because I didn't have the background of the entire Nightkeepers series. Blood Spells was the 5th book in the series and I wasn't able to read the first four books.
8. It was so sad that Woody died.
9. At first I was so appaled that the characters always had to cut their palms for blood linking and blood spells. But then I remembered that the title of the book was Blood Spells so it made sense. I wish they didn't have to do that everytime they go to a battle. I feel the pain for them. Imagine, they cut their palms so often, how could the wounds heal properly? I just wish they have another way of making sacrifices. Oh well, no pain no gain.
10. I love some of the characters' unsual names such as Patience Iguana, Brandt White-Eagle, Rabbit and Striking "Strike" Jaguar.
11. There was a glossary at the back for the unusual terms but it was incomplete so I still couldn't understand some words. Maybe if I read the first four books I would be able to comprehend it more.
The ending was corny for me but I still enjoyed the entire story. I'd like to read the comments of other readers who also love The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices to see if they agree with me that this book had the same feel as Cassandra Clare's novels. Or, well, maybe it's just me. I'm just curious. Maybe I was just longing for the next book of Ms. Clare's series to come out. :)
December 4, 2010
3.5 Stars
Patience is a warrior and is expected to put the needs of the Nightkeepers first but she can't simply stop being a mother and wife. Aside from having to decide between his wife and his Nightkeeper duties on a daily basis, Brandt will need to find a way to reclaim lost memories, reconcile with his ancestors and gain their wisdom in order to became a weapon the Nightkeepers desperately need.
An ancient Aztec god-king is out to destroy the Nightkeepers and Patience and Brandt will need to put aside their marital problems and work as a team. But when lost memories are regained they learn that in order to for Brandt to gain his powers it will require a heartbreaking sacrifice.
This book is unique to this series because Patience and Brandt are already married, unlike in the other books where each character starts out alone and is mated by the end. Their marriage has been rocky and they have been growing apart for some time now. Between having their sons sent away with no contact for their own protection, to having to put their needs and marriage on the back burner in order to focus on stopping the end of the world in 2012 which is predicted by the Mayan calendar, Patience and Brandt's marriage seems to be hanging by a thread. Patience wants to have her children back and the marriage she once had and Brandt thinks that everything personal needs to be put on hold. When Brandt becomes a triad member and must find a way to communicate with his ancestors in order to gain their knowledge, they both must figure out how to remember a very important event that for some reason they forget. The night they met. This memory brings everything to a head and it gets emotional. Secrets are revealed and everything is finally out in the open.
The romance is ever present but does not over shadow the main story line to the series. The Nightkeepers must stop an Aztec demon from bringing down the barrier that will allow evil gods to cross over into our world. I love the complexity and depth that Jessica Andersen puts into her books. This is not just another 'bad guys must defeat good guys' series. There is a lot of Mayan history and lore involved. At times there is too much information and names thrown out there which is why I also like the romance part of this series. It balances everything out and shows you another side to some really good and well written characters. The glossary that is at the end of the book also helps.
Blood Spells is the latest book in Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series and for anyone who hasn't already read the previous books, I highly suggest starting from the beginning. Like I said there is a lot to this series and it would be easy to get confused if you jumped right into the middle of things. The history and action in this series hooks you in and the romance and interesting characters keep you wanting more. I wouldn't label this book strictly as paranormal romance or science fiction but as a pleasant mix of both.
~Stephanie G
Patience is a warrior and is expected to put the needs of the Nightkeepers first but she can't simply stop being a mother and wife. Aside from having to decide between his wife and his Nightkeeper duties on a daily basis, Brandt will need to find a way to reclaim lost memories, reconcile with his ancestors and gain their wisdom in order to became a weapon the Nightkeepers desperately need.
An ancient Aztec god-king is out to destroy the Nightkeepers and Patience and Brandt will need to put aside their marital problems and work as a team. But when lost memories are regained they learn that in order to for Brandt to gain his powers it will require a heartbreaking sacrifice.
This book is unique to this series because Patience and Brandt are already married, unlike in the other books where each character starts out alone and is mated by the end. Their marriage has been rocky and they have been growing apart for some time now. Between having their sons sent away with no contact for their own protection, to having to put their needs and marriage on the back burner in order to focus on stopping the end of the world in 2012 which is predicted by the Mayan calendar, Patience and Brandt's marriage seems to be hanging by a thread. Patience wants to have her children back and the marriage she once had and Brandt thinks that everything personal needs to be put on hold. When Brandt becomes a triad member and must find a way to communicate with his ancestors in order to gain their knowledge, they both must figure out how to remember a very important event that for some reason they forget. The night they met. This memory brings everything to a head and it gets emotional. Secrets are revealed and everything is finally out in the open.
The romance is ever present but does not over shadow the main story line to the series. The Nightkeepers must stop an Aztec demon from bringing down the barrier that will allow evil gods to cross over into our world. I love the complexity and depth that Jessica Andersen puts into her books. This is not just another 'bad guys must defeat good guys' series. There is a lot of Mayan history and lore involved. At times there is too much information and names thrown out there which is why I also like the romance part of this series. It balances everything out and shows you another side to some really good and well written characters. The glossary that is at the end of the book also helps.
Blood Spells is the latest book in Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series and for anyone who hasn't already read the previous books, I highly suggest starting from the beginning. Like I said there is a lot to this series and it would be easy to get confused if you jumped right into the middle of things. The history and action in this series hooks you in and the romance and interesting characters keep you wanting more. I wouldn't label this book strictly as paranormal romance or science fiction but as a pleasant mix of both.
~Stephanie G
January 16, 2011
Another fascinating look at Mayan mythology by Jessica Andersen. An unusual entry in the Nightkeepers series involving already married couple Brandt and Patience White-Eagle who have drifted apart since the Nightkeepers came together. Brandt believes that they need to put the Nightkeepers cause first and their marriage second. Patience wants Brandt to put her and their twins, Braden and Harry first. Patience is also only now emerging from the depression that has gripped her for the past two years since the twins were sent away for their own safety by Brandt and Striking Jaguar (Strike), the Nightkeeper king. The novel begins with the Nightkeepers performing a ceremony to identify the Triad mages who will be essential in the days leading up to the final confrontation. Brandt, Anna, and Snake Mendez are identified as the chosen mages. Anna and Mendez (Dez), who were not present at the ceremony, are rendered comatose. Brandt fails to connect with his ancestors in order to unlock the powers of a Triad mage. Patience is charged by her "nahwal," spirit entity with the knowledge of her bloodline, to help Brandt "remember the debt he owes."
Extensively researched and well-written tale that blends mystery, action, suspense, and romance. Brandt and Patience each make their peace with their roles of spouse, parent, and warrior, Iago suffers an enormous setback, and Rabbit learns a little more of his mother's people. Things may be improving for the Nightkeepers, Anna and Dez eventually regain consciousness with Dez now committed to the Nightkeeper cause. The next book in the series, Storm Kissed, will be Dez' and Reece Montana's story.
This is a fantastic series, but I would warn readers to begin at the very beginning and read the books in order. There are too many spoilers in later books, as well as background plots running throughout the series, plus a large cast that you gradually get to know book by book for it not to be confusing it the reader jumps around reading the books out of order. If you read the books in order, the stories will be immmensely satisfying.
Extensively researched and well-written tale that blends mystery, action, suspense, and romance. Brandt and Patience each make their peace with their roles of spouse, parent, and warrior, Iago suffers an enormous setback, and Rabbit learns a little more of his mother's people. Things may be improving for the Nightkeepers, Anna and Dez eventually regain consciousness with Dez now committed to the Nightkeeper cause. The next book in the series, Storm Kissed, will be Dez' and Reece Montana's story.
This is a fantastic series, but I would warn readers to begin at the very beginning and read the books in order. There are too many spoilers in later books, as well as background plots running throughout the series, plus a large cast that you gradually get to know book by book for it not to be confusing it the reader jumps around reading the books out of order. If you read the books in order, the stories will be immmensely satisfying.
April 15, 2014
I started reading this series as the author has the seal of approval of the WARDen (aka J.R Ward) whom I love, so I was keen to give it a go.
This is book 5 in the series about a group of Night-Keepers trying to stop the 2012 doomsday prophecy.
This book is unique in the paranormal genre as it is very heavy in south american lore (especially relating to their belief system and gods). It is VERY detailed (as opposed to most books that gloss over the back story). I have to confess that after 5 books, most of what they are talking about is over my head and I am still not really sure what happened in this book. I feel like if this was a movie, I would be the constant talker asking the poor sap next to me what the hell is happening: "Why did he just cut him arm and spray blood everywhere", "What is a triad mage", "Why did they burn down the village and sacrifice all the people"...yeah...I would be kicked out of the movie so quickly.
To me, there is a fine balance between too little lore and too much lore. I hate the books with too little lore as you can not immerse yourself in the world. However, books with too much lore I find very hard to make an emotional connection with the book. For me, this series falls in the later. There is too much lore (FOR ME!) and thus I read the books very clinically, but not emotionally. However, the author has a PhD in Genetics, so you can understand (and respect the hell out of) the detail and the research. It is in her nature to be thorough. She also has a pair of corgis...so yeah...I do love her :-)
Even though each book is about a different nightkeeper couple, the romance is very understated and it is more about personal discovery and adventure. I will keep reading the series, but it is not a series I would jump up and down about and recommend with hand on heart.
This is book 5 in the series about a group of Night-Keepers trying to stop the 2012 doomsday prophecy.
This book is unique in the paranormal genre as it is very heavy in south american lore (especially relating to their belief system and gods). It is VERY detailed (as opposed to most books that gloss over the back story). I have to confess that after 5 books, most of what they are talking about is over my head and I am still not really sure what happened in this book. I feel like if this was a movie, I would be the constant talker asking the poor sap next to me what the hell is happening: "Why did he just cut him arm and spray blood everywhere", "What is a triad mage", "Why did they burn down the village and sacrifice all the people"...yeah...I would be kicked out of the movie so quickly.
To me, there is a fine balance between too little lore and too much lore. I hate the books with too little lore as you can not immerse yourself in the world. However, books with too much lore I find very hard to make an emotional connection with the book. For me, this series falls in the later. There is too much lore (FOR ME!) and thus I read the books very clinically, but not emotionally. However, the author has a PhD in Genetics, so you can understand (and respect the hell out of) the detail and the research. It is in her nature to be thorough. She also has a pair of corgis...so yeah...I do love her :-)
Even though each book is about a different nightkeeper couple, the romance is very understated and it is more about personal discovery and adventure. I will keep reading the series, but it is not a series I would jump up and down about and recommend with hand on heart.
May 23, 2012
Well, this was the Nightkeeper book I had been waiting for, pretty much from the beginning. Brandt and Patience, the mated Nightkeeper mages who found each other before the magic came back online intrigued me from the beginning. The way that their happy family seemed to be splitting as the Nightkeepers became a team was making me very sad, and so I couldn't wait for things to get better. And this book was worth the wait. This is, right now, my favorite Nightkeeper book so far (though I have a feeling that Rabbit's may eventually trump it if I can get over my feelings for Myrinne...) {Update - This has since been trumped by Dez's story, Storm Kissed, and even Rabbit won't be able to trump him!}
Patience and Brandt met in Cancun on spring break, years before the magic came back online calling to the Nightkeepers. Though neither one knew the other was a Nightkeeper, they had gotten their bloodline marks and their jun tan in a night they thought was a drunken haze. They woke up together, with these strange new tattoos, and had been together since. But the stress of the Nightkeeper life at Skywatch has taken its toll. Their twin sons, Braden and Harry, the last purebred Nightkeeper youths, have been sent into hiding for their own protection. Patience is struggling with a marriage that was once rock solid and is now falling apart, missing her sons, and fighting an overwhelming depression.
For the full review, go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
Patience and Brandt met in Cancun on spring break, years before the magic came back online calling to the Nightkeepers. Though neither one knew the other was a Nightkeeper, they had gotten their bloodline marks and their jun tan in a night they thought was a drunken haze. They woke up together, with these strange new tattoos, and had been together since. But the stress of the Nightkeeper life at Skywatch has taken its toll. Their twin sons, Braden and Harry, the last purebred Nightkeeper youths, have been sent into hiding for their own protection. Patience is struggling with a marriage that was once rock solid and is now falling apart, missing her sons, and fighting an overwhelming depression.
For the full review, go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
March 8, 2012
I have been wanting to read a book with Patience and Brandt. It seems like once they both realized that the other was a Nightkeeper their relationship started to fail and once they moved to Skywatch things got bad, and then when they had to send the boys away...well it was worse. Then on top of it all they still have no recollection of what happened when they first met.
There was so much to cover in this book, they had to fix things between themselves, remember the past, and then set things right with the gods. And then all of this needs to happen on a magical deadline for power days.
Even as they work through things, they keep hurting each other. So much of things have been one step forward, two steps back. At one point Patience mentions how the second chance isn't really a second chance but a fifth or sixth. It is only when they can truly tell the truth and accept themselves and each other that things start to get better.
With as much as happens to Patience and Brandt, there is a lot going on with the others too, Rabbit, Strike, and Jox. As the time gets closer the threads that connect them all become tighter and tighter.
This book brings really shows the difference between the winkin and the Nightkeepers. At the end thought the difference doesn't matter, they all know that even though the winkin don't always physically fight, they do make big contributions and pay the price too.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
There was so much to cover in this book, they had to fix things between themselves, remember the past, and then set things right with the gods. And then all of this needs to happen on a magical deadline for power days.
Even as they work through things, they keep hurting each other. So much of things have been one step forward, two steps back. At one point Patience mentions how the second chance isn't really a second chance but a fifth or sixth. It is only when they can truly tell the truth and accept themselves and each other that things start to get better.
With as much as happens to Patience and Brandt, there is a lot going on with the others too, Rabbit, Strike, and Jox. As the time gets closer the threads that connect them all become tighter and tighter.
This book brings really shows the difference between the winkin and the Nightkeepers. At the end thought the difference doesn't matter, they all know that even though the winkin don't always physically fight, they do make big contributions and pay the price too.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
April 12, 2012
Blood Spells was Patience and Brandt’s storyline. Though in Demonkeepers, you knew by Patience sneakily finding the whereabouts of her children, that the next book would be hers. I actually wasn’t looking forward to their story, as throughout the series, they were the quietest. But upon finishing Blood Spells I loved their story, as Patience and Brandt turned out to be a great couple. Though already married before the Nightkeepers were brought together, they started to distance themselves, especially after the twins were sent away for safety.
What made this story different was that it showed a different aspect of the difficulties of fighting this war, since they had children and the emotional turmoil that made it that more difficult for them. They both had to face their past and begin to trust one another to bring themselves together again. Brandt becomes the first member of the Triad and Patience with her great ability (invisibility) was a great warrior. Good story, and loved the interaction with the other members. Sad though, that my gut feeling that Anna will die is coming to fruitation. Rabbit is destined to be the most powerful warrior by the end. Great ending with Hannah and Jox, though I question this, with Anna sick, the war, and Strike needing him. But I guess he deserves happiness and he will take care of the twins.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 26, 2010
When we met Patience and Brandt n the first book they were already married with kids, but didn't realease that they shared a Nightkeeper heritage until they both (separately) heeded the call to join their Nightkeeper brethren at Skywatch. And while it would seem like they have an advantage over their newly mated brethren, Patience and Brandt's marriage began coming apart at the seems when their twins are sent away for safety and since their ways of coping (and trying to get their kids back) are at odds, the pair is barely holding together by a thread.
From a romance standpoint Blood wasn't as satisfying as some of the previous stories especially when the happily-ever-after wasn't and though it helped that there wasn't as much of the Mayan myth parts were lighter, the series arc conflict was even thinner than usual. What I did like is that we finally find out how Patience and Brandt got together in the first place as they work past the memory spell which left them wondering how they work up married with matching tatoos after a 'drunken' night in Cancun.
Even though it wasn't my favorite of these romances with warrior mages fighting to stave off the 2012 Mayan end of days prophesy, I ultimately I did ended up liking Blood spells.
From a romance standpoint Blood wasn't as satisfying as some of the previous stories especially when the happily-ever-after wasn't and though it helped that there wasn't as much of the Mayan myth parts were lighter, the series arc conflict was even thinner than usual. What I did like is that we finally find out how Patience and Brandt got together in the first place as they work past the memory spell which left them wondering how they work up married with matching tatoos after a 'drunken' night in Cancun.
Even though it wasn't my favorite of these romances with warrior mages fighting to stave off the 2012 Mayan end of days prophesy, I ultimately I did ended up liking Blood spells.
October 7, 2015
Blood Spells
3 Stars
The detailed world building and on going story arc revolving around the 2012 Mayan Doomsday prophecy are excellent, but the characters always seem to fall flat. Patience and Brandt are no exception.
Even though their second chances romance has potential and the flashback scenes to the beginning of their relationship are engaging, neither Brandt nor Patience manages to make me care about them one way or the other.
While Patience seems to have gotten over her self-indulgent whining from the first books, Brandt is still cold and distant. He needs to learn not only to love and accept his wife, but to trust in her and in himself as well otherwise he will never become the warrior he is destined to be. Unfortunately, the constant one step forward, two steps backs structure of their romance begins to grate after a while and their ultimate reconciliation is not all that believable.
There are also updates to Rabbit and Myrrine’s story although there is something about her character that has always turned me off. Hopefully by the time their book comes around, she will have grown on me. Dez’s book is next and I’m looking forward to learning more about the mostly absent Nightkeeper.
3 Stars
The detailed world building and on going story arc revolving around the 2012 Mayan Doomsday prophecy are excellent, but the characters always seem to fall flat. Patience and Brandt are no exception.
Even though their second chances romance has potential and the flashback scenes to the beginning of their relationship are engaging, neither Brandt nor Patience manages to make me care about them one way or the other.
While Patience seems to have gotten over her self-indulgent whining from the first books, Brandt is still cold and distant. He needs to learn not only to love and accept his wife, but to trust in her and in himself as well otherwise he will never become the warrior he is destined to be. Unfortunately, the constant one step forward, two steps backs structure of their romance begins to grate after a while and their ultimate reconciliation is not all that believable.
There are also updates to Rabbit and Myrrine’s story although there is something about her character that has always turned me off. Hopefully by the time their book comes around, she will have grown on me. Dez’s book is next and I’m looking forward to learning more about the mostly absent Nightkeeper.
January 2, 2011
I really like this series. I was prepared to really like this book. Although there were parts I liked -- most of the scenes containing Rabbit were stellar, I'm eager to know where he fits in the larger scheme of things -- I just didn't connect with this book as I did the others. There are lots of characters with whom to keep track, and I wish I had re-read the series before picking this one up. Note to self: Re-read the series before Storm Kissed hits the shelves June 7, 2011.
It's a thinking person’s series with lots of characters, lots of action, lots of legend- and history-rich passages. I'm thinking this is my least favorite book in the series, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth the read. You'll want to read the series in order, as newer books build on prior story lines.
December 15, 2010
Well, as predicted, I didn't like this one as much as the previous books in the Final Prophecy series. And as predicted, I didn't like it because of Patience. I just didn't get her. I know she was a wife and mother, but being one of the FEW(!) Nightkeepers left, she should've thought differently, acted differently, reasoned differently. But no, she firmly stuck with her wife and mother mentality, thinking her picture of normalcy (which was an illusion, by the way) was more important than the fate of the world. And resented her husband for not seeing things as she did.
So, as far as main-story-arc-progression went, this book was good, a nice new installment in the series (and I now cannot wait for "Snake's" story). But taken as a stand-alone story...Not so much.
So, as far as main-story-arc-progression went, this book was good, a nice new installment in the series (and I now cannot wait for "Snake's" story). But taken as a stand-alone story...Not so much.
November 24, 2010
Blood Spells is the fifth book in Jessica Andersen’s series The Novels of the Final Prophecy; and I think it’s one of the best. With lots of action, adventure, romance, vows taken and vows broken, rebuilding of relationships, blood oaths and blood spells, magic and mystery and of course the Mayan 2012 Doomsday prophecy, Blood Spells is an exciting and thrilling read. It’s also a story about a love that is broken and the journey to repair. I found this one both poignant and exciting with much revealed and more to wonder. Read full review here: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
December 2, 2010
OMG fabulous book! Lots of action throughout and I am really glad to see Brandt anLovd Patience come together in the end and finally get to see their boys, even for a brief time. :-) Lots of other stuff going on with the other nightkeepers as well and especially Rabbit. He sure kicked some butt in this one. I'm very interested to see what will happen with poor Anna and especially Dez. Can't wait for the next one!! Absolutely LOVED the ending to this book with Jox and Hannah...they are finally together!! :-) Yah and awwwwwwwwwww..... ~sniffle~
May 17, 2011
This one lifts a little of the doom and gloom, though its still dark, to focus on Patience and Brandt, the married Nightkeepers with the twins, to explore their past and how they can fix their future. Liked how we got to see a little more of Rabbits history and got a glimpse into the grey area that he inhabits, being a half-blood. It seemed a little more hopeful, and I'm really looking forward to Mendez's story next.
June 28, 2011
After 4 books of nightkeeper goodness we all know the deal. 1 Book = 1 Couple. I have to say that this book evolves around the most annoying (for me that is) couple of the nightkeepers. In the beginning i don't even want to read it for that reason. BUT! i got to admit that Bloodspells is the best book in the series this far! You have twists and turns all the way till an absolutely amazing end. I'm looking forward to the next book in line, so keep em coming :)
November 9, 2010
I really liked this series before but this book just didn't work for me at all. I mean its different because its starting in the middle of a marriage, with children, which could have worked but didn't. There was very little romance/sex which sucked and it just felt like a filler story to me :( doesn't mean i wouldn't read another one if mendez gets a story though
December 4, 2012
Another worthy installment!!
This one wasn't my favorite though, I found because they we an already mated pair we didn't get to see them fall for each other, but we did get to see them fall back in love which was nice.
Excellent series, strong characters, interesting storyline, good addition of past characters.
This one wasn't my favorite though, I found because they we an already mated pair we didn't get to see them fall for each other, but we did get to see them fall back in love which was nice.
Excellent series, strong characters, interesting storyline, good addition of past characters.
March 26, 2012
A typical Nightkeepers instalment with the featured couple having to work through their differences to be able to fully draw on their magic and triumph over the bad guys. A little slow through the middle an action packed and revealing finish bumps Blood Spells up to a four star read. If you are enjoying the Nightkeepers series this one doesn't disappoint.
May 9, 2014
Patience and Brandt had grown apart and not having her twins with her was not actually helping their relationship she felt that Brandt did not understand her need to know what was happening to her children. In this 5th Nightkeepers book their relationship is being tested and Patience will need to put the safety of her boys before her need to be with them.
July 25, 2014
I really like Patience alot she met Brandt and they instantly fell for each other. They do not remember that night though. Now they are the parents of twin boys and are Nightkeepers and there responsibility is so overwhelming that they have forgotten there own marriage. But that could be a deadly mistake. Best story so far.
November 13, 2010
Really enjoyed this one... they seem to get better and better. I enjoy seeing the end time approach and how the nightkeepers respond to that by getting closer and more powerful. Thank goodness Patience and Brandt cleared out some of their fog. Can't wait to get to know Dez in the next book.
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