Title: Blood Rights (House of Comarre #1)
Author: Kristen Painter
Publisher: Orbit - an imprint of Hachette Book Group
Release date: October 1, 2011
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I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author to review. This is my honest opinion.
Description (from Goodreads):
Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle's body bears the telltale marks of a comarré -- a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world...and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.
Now, Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.
Review:
Completely fascinating!
I was so excited when Kristen (the author herself! Aahhh!) asked me if I wanted a review copy of this book! I may have even googled her email address to make sure it was some scammer or creepo wanting my address because I was shocked that it was really her. :P I was a little scared to get her book and not like it. I am a pretty nice person and I can't stand hurting someone's feelings, especially on something like a book, where they have put so much of themselves into it. Plus, it has one of the most awesome covers! I was afraid that the book wouldn't live up to the amazing-ness that is that gorgeous cover.
I worried for nothing! I loved everything about this book. The cover
and the story are both equally stunning.
One of my favorite things about Blood Rights was the world they lived in. The vampires have a royal hierarchy, and they even have differing levels on whom they feed upon. The commare are the top tier of the vampires prey. They are decorated in gold signum (lacy gold markings that are kind of like tattoos), and are treated really well by their vampire patrons. This definitely was unlike any book I've ever read.
The characters were also great. I loved Chrysabelle! She was strong and smart, and yet still a bit naive and sheltered. Mal was dark and moody, yet so wrong about how he sees himself. This story is told by multiple points of view, and it was done fabulously. It built up suspense and enriched the story so much more than it would have been if it had been just from Chrysabelle's point of view.
This was the first book in a good, long time that I had to force myself to not devour in one sitting. You know when you find a book or series that is just so awesome that you have to try really hard to pace yourself and not rush through the whole book at blinding speed? Blood Rights was that for me. I never wanted it to end! Thank goodness there will be more books after this one.
The story builds at a slow, mesmerizing simmer. I loved how Kristen took her time building up the world, the characters, and the storyline. Yet, at the same time it was never boring! I just wanted to soak up every last detail. There were jaw-dropping twists and turns that I never saw coming.
I know, I know, I am gushing about this book! Honestly though, it's one of my favorite books of this year. I highly recommend you pick this up. It's awesome.
