Marie Treanor

I first read Treanor's erotic fairy tale retellings she did with Bonnie Dee, and I enjoyed those quite a bit. When I heard about her paranormal vampire novel, BLOOD ON SILK (first in the Awakened by Blood books), I was interested in seeing how it turned out. The blurb makes it sound a bit more typical of vampire romance then it really is—there's a definite bite (get it?) to this book, a darker undertone that I appreciated all the more because I knew it wasn't a stand alone.

At times things were a little frustrating between Elizabeth and Saloman. There was very little discussion between them at first, much of the 'do it this way!' approach from the both of them. However, little by little, things gave way, and I enjoyed their entanglements.

Saloman's continual threat was felt throughout the novel. It was always there, no matter what joy they felt, no matter what love or passion. He meant what he said—he would kill her. Their conversation in the last chapter is the best indicator for what was truly at stake, their personalities, and possibly my favorite exchange because it was so painfully truthful.

Treanor does give us some levity and humorous moments, such as Elizabeth constantly chiding Saloman and pretty much rolling her eyes at his 'I will kill you!' attitude. He's mystified by her fearless (almost reckless) disregard for the fact he is so much more powerful then she. Then there is also the tutoring sessions Saloman undergoes in order to better understand the modern world. He was entombed three centuries ago, so everything is a marvel to him (and not all in good ways).

In all, this was a dark, intense first entry into a new series I'm intrigued by. The first chapter excerpt for the second book, BLOOD SIN, was a tease given everything that occurs in the last two chapters. Here's hoping things look a bit brighter for Elizabeth and Saloman—though truthfully, I can't see how much worse it can get for them relationship-wise.… (más)

2.5/5 stars. I'm not 100% sold on this book. I like Serafina, I like her friends/coworkers. I like that she is a psychic but that she also makes part of her living scamming people who deserve it. (And that presumably that money goes toward supporting her when she helps people who need it but can't afford it.) I would have loved to read more about that.

I did like this particular plotline. I mean, vampires modernizing and trying to take over via banking? Yes, please, and why hasn't that ever happened before. I also liked the outcome with a reunited family.

What I didn't like was Blair, the love-interest, the telepathic (because they don't speak, see) vampire. He was also Blair the overbearing and Blair the a bit creepy at times.

I'm going to read the next book, since I already have it, and see how I feel. I'm hoping for more of Serafina's friends and less Blair.

(Provided by publisher)… (más)