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Night's Cold Kiss (Dark Brethren, #1)

Tracey O'Hara

Why we're reading this: Night's Cold Kiss is a fast-paced debut novel. A mixture of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, the boo…more
[close] Night's Cold Kiss is a fast-paced debut novel. A mixture of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, the book hooks you from the start and does not let go even as it roars to the finish.
Since witnessing the murder of her mother, Antoinette Petrescu has burned with fiery hatred for the vampire race—even for Christian Laroque, the noble, dangerously handsome Aeternus who rescued her. Now an elite Venator, Antoinette must reluctantly accept Christian's help to achieve her vengeance—even as he plots to use the beautiful, unsuspecting warrior as bait to draw out the bloodthirsty dreniacs.

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Feb 02, 2010 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it

I am always excited to find an Australian author who is published in the PNR/UF genre. Australian publishers tend to be all about the mainstream, so it's a rare thing.
Night's Cool Kiss is the first in the Dark Brethren series, and O'Hara has imagined a world of slayers, blood lusting vampires and shape shifters with her own creative twist.
For Antoinette Petrescu, whose mother was murdered in front of her, becoming a Venator gave her permission to avenge her mother's death at the hands of a Necr I am always excited to find an Australian author who is published in the PNR/UF genre. Australian publishers tend to be all about the mainstream, so it's a rare thing.
Night's Cool Kiss is the first in the Dark Brethren series, and O'Hara has imagined a world of slayers, blood lusting vampires and shape shifters with her own creative twist.
For Antoinette Petrescu, whose mother was murdered in front of her, becoming a Venator gave her permission to avenge her mother's death at the hands of a Necrodreniac, a killer vampire. Antoinette has a reputation as one of the best vampire hunters in the Guild but her prejudice extends to the Aeternus, vampires who co-operate within society. When the Dreniac, who killed her mother and was believed dead, surfaces Antoinette is the target of his psychopathic killing spree. To stop him, she has to team up with Christian, an Aeternus with a fearsome reputation, as well as untangle the mystery of her father's disappearance and political corruption.
Night's Cold Kiss is described as Dark Urban Fantasy. The sex and violence is too explicit to comfortably fit in the paranormal romance genre but neither do I feel it truly sits well in the Urban Fantasy genre. Though Antoinette is said to have the ability and attitude to look after herself, the plot has her relying heavily on interference from another character (almost always male) to survive or escape almost every confrontation. The story places a lot of emphasis on the partnership of Antoinette and Christian rather than fully realising Antoinette's strengths. Still, I found Antoinette's character interesting and sympathised with her motivations. Christian is the modern model of a vampire hero - a tortured past, outrageously handsome, rich, deadly etc. The development of their romantic relationship is quick but not rushed, the intimate scenes are well written but there is nothing particularly special about their connection.
As with many debut books of planned series, the information given to detail the world can sometimes crowd the plot or characters. O'Hara has developed a world with complex political systems and specific language which requires the reader to carefully consider the details given. The paranormal world co-exists with humanity but there are factions and resources that are specific to the alien culture. There are a lot of imagined terms used in the book but I think that in general the story provides enough context for the reader (and if not a glossary can be found at the end of the book). There are some unique touches, such as the heightened connection with animals that I hope is explored further. Viktor's pet dog, Cerebus is almost a character in his own right.
I found myself drawn into the dark and gritty world the characters inhabit. The plot is interesting and plays out logically. Vital threads are wrapped up but others are left to be, I assume, continued in later books. The pace is good and I found it a quick and well written read.
Night's Cold Kiss is a solid start to a new series that has piqued my interest in it's potential. It's blend of gritty fantasy with strong romantic elements offers something for fans of the PNR and UF genre who appreciate aspects of each. I look forward to the release of
Death's Sweet Embrace this month. ...more

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