K. D. McQuain

NYV: Punk by KD McQuain

I'm not sure what I thought of this novel. It seemed awesome via the cover, the synopsis and what some of my reader friends said about the book but overall this book wasn't a hit with me.

This novel follows Christian, our lead who goes off in search of a coming of age story for himself. This book twists into an interesting fantasy novel that not only follows Christian growing as a character but involves some vampires and fantasy all splashed into these fine pages of this book.

I found this book to be super slow at the start, which made me drift off as I read it. Eventually, near the very end of the book, it picked up and finally peaked my interests but it just didn't hit well with me. I love a book that's fast paced or hooks me instantly, not one that takes ages for me to finally feel like I want to read it (not that I have to).

The writing style is great, though. The descriptions (in general, characters, violence, sex, all of them really) were truly unbelievable. For someone's first book, it's really memorizing. You almost felt like you were in the story - and I applaud KD for that. To be able to write and describe so beautifully on your first novel? Bonus points for you sir!

I really enjoyed reading K.D's take on this story. The language and style fits right with the tone of the novel. I thought this novel was going to be a Young Adult novel, but then it got quite explicit at some times... Perhaps a better rating for this novel is needed? I saw it in an indie book store floating in the YA section... Maybe not?

This book is a series, and I do think it's a worthy read. I just wanted something a little more fast paced. I found it to be a unique take on vampires and I really hope more people pick up this author! There's talent waiting, and imagine what this author can do once he starts writing more? This is only one of the first books for this guy! Talent normally goes up, and this book was definitely well written.

I would definitely want to read the second book if I can ever get my hands on it. While this book bored me at the beginning, I'm definitely hooked now. Fantastic read!

Four out of five stars - due to the slow start of the novel.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.… (más)

AMYM: The Mamluk Who Defied Death (1.5 in the New York Vampire Series) is a new novel/story by K.D. McQuain!!

I'm very honored that K.D. McQuain sent me this story/novel (how long have I been doing reviews and I never get the correct wording for what a book technically is) and I was super excited to pick it up! I had to hold back since I was busy and had to actually "adult", so when it was finally my day off it was one of the first things on my to-do list!!

I love the font that the chapter numbers are written in - it doesn't affect the story, but the vibe and style it gives it is excellent!

K.D. McQuain is one of those authors that you don't really hear about, but when you come in touch with his work you are BLOWN AWAY. Not only does this man write a great fantasy/vampire novel, but his erotic/romance scenes are beyond what I expect from someone writing a vampire novel. You don't see very many authors who can combine multiple genres (if you wish to word it that way) together. His story telling is so descriptive, and not in a bad way. It's not like layers and layers of adjectives, it's as if you are in the story. And he's only on "book two" of his writing career? That's hard to believe! The talent radiating out of this author is absolutely ridiculous.

It gives me a Game of Thrones kind of vibe, but these stories are so much easier to get through. There's paranormal aspects, the vampire side (obviously), some action/adventure, and steamy scenes.

I find the plots and subplots of this story work well with each other. Amym wanting to rule, his relationship with Ketevan, his relationship with his mistress, and the general "day to day" life of Amym all work together and weave together perfectly in this short story. I didn't find myself getting bored or confused like I have in other stories that are written in similar fashions.

The only part of these stories I have "issues" with is all the terminology. I'm okay with going back through a previous book or looking up words I don't know, but I'm not sure if all readers will be okay with that. The lore and mythology of these stories are one of the great aspects that I enjoy, but some readers may not be as interested in all the terminology that appears in these novels.

Overall, this book was great! I really enjoyed reading another tale in the New York Vampire series and I can't wait for more K.D. McQuain to give us some more books to read!!

Four out of five stars.… (más)

NYV: Goth is a great addition to the New York Vampire series by K.D. McQuain.

I have been waiting anxiously for this sequel for quite a while, and I have to say it didn't disappoint! This sequel is darker, more twisted and absolutely brutal!

Yet again, we follow Chris in his new vampire life - he's a little older, a little wiser and still getting into trouble. This book packs on the drama, the sex, the blood and the gore. As he tries to find his place in this world, performing a job alongside Amym and Joyce, trouble ensues.

This book is one hundred percent an R rated novel - there's lots of sex scenes and lots of blood and guts. This book is not for the light-hearted, but it's still quite the treat! The mature tone makes this book an interesting read since we are following a teenager. At times, I forgot that Chris was a teenager despite his actions reflecting his age pretty well. I still love Amym in this book, and I wish we got more from his side of the story. His little novella (#1.5 in this series) was really awesome - if you haven't read that book, pick it up! Seriously, it's great!

I loved that Chris is growing as a character. He wasn't my favourite in the first novel, but he's grown on me quite a bit. He has realistic emotions and reactions in a book that's fantastical. I hope K.D. McQuain continues with this series and continues growing and developing Chris. He's becoming one truly interesting character.

My issues with the book were as followed: I always seem to have difficulty figuring out how to pronounce the names of the characters. Googling them rarely helps me, so it's more of a personal 'con' of the book. I'd love to see how K.D. had pronounced them as he was writing - that'd help silly old me out. My other con is that I wanted a little more from the side stories. They were really interesting, but I just wanted... more. Maybe I'm just greedy because I like K.D.'s writing style.

Overall, this book was a dark yet fun ride! It's another 'Reader Beware' book - it's really dark, it has rape and murder and lots of R rated content that might not be suitable for all ages or personalities

I would recommend this book if you like R rated vampire books (no glitter here folks!), drama and horror mashed together, or want a new series to jump into. I would recommend reading the first book so you really get the whole picture of this series, but you could definitely follow along with this story without any prior knowledge.

Four out of five stars!

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

I have been a fan of K.D. McQuain's for quite some time. This incredible author was one of the first authors to request one of my reviews at the beginning of my book blog journey. His books were also some of the first books of my review list that I knew I had to keep reading. You sometimes get lucky and find that author that writes as if they are writing with you in mind. K.D's style just gets me, and every time I dive into a K.D. McQuain book, I know I'm in for a great read!

Now time for Capitol Punishment, a piece of historical fiction focusing on the LGBTQ community. This is a step away from the fantasy, vampire books and a step towards coming of age, activism, and a take on the 1970s. If you want to feel all the feels, this book is for you. It's R rated and raunchy (as one would expect), but also touches on so many important aspects of a young LGBTQ man's life - experimentation, coming of age, your first love, your first loss, and the gay community. The 1970s were an interesting time with lots of homophobes prancing around, but it was also a time where many LGBTQ individuals started allowing themselves to come out more (even if the world was mighty messy).

Caleb is our lead, and this is his journey in his sexuality and his life. He goes from rebellious teenager with an urge to discover himself in grande New York, to a brilliant man focusing on change. He goes through a self-discovery full of drugs, one night stands, and sex clubs. Eventually, he grows into a man seeking his first love and redeeming many dark moments that get thrown his way (whether they are his dark moments or not). His story told by K.D. McQuain brings enough shock factor but also teary eyed hope. I was honestly marvelled by how incredible this book was. It covers so much in the almost 400 pages and shows how much K.D.'s writing has improved over the years. All of the applause his way, because this book sits in my top reads for 2022.

This book doesn't gloss over the dark and imperfect side of things. While New York may seem all glitz and glamour, the dark and honest side of this story really brings out what it may have been like to be LGBTQ in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a different environment then, but one we need to reflect on now to learn from. From the bullies and jerks, to the limited rights and the fear and loss surrounding AIDs...We had and still do have a long way to go. This book packs an emotional punch in the gut from all sides.

Emotional. Raw. Revenge. Freedom. Justice. Rights.

If you want a glimpse into the LGBTQ movement in the 1970s, this is the book for you. New York has never shined so bright.

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free from the author, K.D. McQuain, in exchange of an honest review.… (más)