A Book Obsession..: Jaye Wells

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Review: Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

, by KT

Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane #5

The epic conclusion to the amazing Sabina Kane urban fantasy series.

Sabina Kane is on the hunt. Her prey: Cain, the father of the vampire race and the one who murdered her family and her friends. Unfortunately, Cain is hunting Sabina, too. The one man who holds the key to defeating Cain is, of course, Abel. A mage with secrets to spare and, hopefully, the power to match it. Unfortunately, for Sabina, he's in Rome and may not want to be found.

Sabina sets out for Italy with her friends, Giguhl and Adam Lazarus, to track down the only man who can get her the revenge she hungers for. But will he help her or oppose her? And just who is Abel, really? Worst of all, when Sabina figures out the goddess Lilith has a plan for her-she realizes this trip is getting deadlier by the minute.

As they say: when in Rome-SURVIVE.

After the harrowing events of the last installment, Sabina has only one goal in mind. Revenge against Cain, for destroying everything she holds dear. She's bound and determined to kill him, even if it is the last thing she ever does. Problem is that doing so comes with the steep price of the deaths of the seven people closest to her, a sacrifice she isn't willing to make. But a powerful mage that goes by the name of Abel may just know of another way to defeat Cain. Problem is, he has his own agenda and secrets that will forever change everything Sabina has ever known. It will be a fight to the bitter end with everything and everyone on the line.

As I think back to where this series started, I cannot believe just how much Sabina has grown. Don't get me wrong, she is still the same Sabina at the core, stubborn, obstinate, and one heck of a fighter. But the past few months have really shown her so much that she been able to finally let go of a great deal of her anger to become who she was really meant to be. In fact, she's grown so much that everyone else is finally taking her seriously and giving her the respect she deserves. But, more importantly she has finally started to accept herself, both the good and the bad, and she is so much stronger for it. In addition to her own self-acceptance, she has also learned some very hard lessons, including how to trust others and knowing when to ask and accept help.

Everything in this series to date has been leading up to the final showdown with Cain. I especially enjoyed the pacing of the build up to that final battle and then the aftermath was handled. In many final installments, 3/4 of the story will preparation leading into an extremely intense ending that a lot of time ends rather abruptly, not leaving the reader much of a cool down before everything is said and done. In Blue-Blooded Vamp, the pacing was much more even as the action was incredibly intense throughout the entire book rather than just the ending. Then one the final showdown was completed, the story continued for a while in resolution, giving that much needed break from the action while still continuing on. What was even better was the inclusion of the epilogue. I am a huge huge fan of these, as I love the chance to see where the characters end up in the future after their troubles are finally behind them. I'm a sucker for a happy ever after, no matter what form it takes.

I got everything I could have wanted and more from this final installment in the Sabina Kane series. Everything about it just screams epic and intense making for a seriously thrilling roller coaster of a read. Yet in between the almost non-stop action there are still stolen moments of emotion that really pulled my heartstrings, and only dragged me further into the story. Blue-Blooded Vamp could not possibly have been any more perfect of a conclusion to the amazing Sabina Kane series.

(Received a copy from Netgalley)

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Silver-Tongued Devil (Early Review)

, by KT

Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane #4

Life is looking up for Sabina Kane. Now that her scheming grandmother is dead, the threat of war has passed and the rulers of the dark races are about to sign a treaty to ensure ongoing peace. Her relationship with sexy mage Adam Lazarus is strong and all her friends are around her. Even her magic training is progressing further than she ever expected. The only two dark spots in her otherwise settled life are her guilt over her sister Maisie's fragile mental state and Sabina's own sinking sense that she's got unfinished business with Cain, the mysterious cult leader she let get away months earlier. When a string of murders rock the New York dark races community and threatens to stall the peace negotiations, Sabina finds herself helping to find the killer. Her investigation leads her down troubling paths that have her questioning everything - and everyone - she knows. And the closer she gets to the murderer, the more Sabina realizes this is one foe she may not able to kill.

Life should have been much calmer now that Sabina's evil grandmother is finally dead. All the dark races are in peace talks with a treaty to be soon signed. She also has friends to rely on and Adam at her side. Even her magical training is going well. However, things are still very strained with her twin sister as Maisie tumbles further and further down a self-destructive path. Then come the horrific dreams about Cain who keeps reminding her that he isn't finished with her. As she scrambles to find the culprit of murders that threaten the tenuous peace, she discovers thing that leaves her questioning everything she has come to know. The plot goes deeper than she realizes, and this time it may cost her more than she is willing to give.

Silver-Tongued Devil read like a setup for the grand finale in the next book, which is to be the last in the series. However, unlike many other "setup" books that I have read, Silver-Tongued Devil did not have a dull moment. In fact, it was a pretty big game changer. At times it felt like the author decided to put everyone's roles and relationships into a blend and push puree. From Giguhl's change into a confidant and powerful weapon, to Rhea's complete support and faith in Sabina even against roles of authority, all of my assumptions have been irrevocably changed. However there was one change in "status" that really hit hard for me. After all Adam and Sabina have gone through I had hoped they would get some time in bliss without more roadblocks. I just didn't get my wish as some past secrets are revealed and it threatens to completely tear them apart. I must admit that I knew this day would come, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. There is a slight bright side to this fallout, because now that all the building issues are finally out in the open, perhaps in time they can overcome them. I can only hope.

As much as Sabina has been dragging her feet about buying into her prophesied role as the chosen one, I think that is going to change. In Silver-Tongued Devil, she starts to really show progress, especially when she trusts her instincts about Cain, despite everyone else thinking she is over-reacting. I did find it be be a little strange that they would believe Maisie could have prophetic dreams, but that Sabina's own dreams hold no meaning. I realize it is easier to just brush her off than face the horrors of the possibility of Cain escaping, but there is a difference between confidence in something not being possible, and being purposely obtuse. You would think they would have learned to trust their "chosen" a little more by now. But then again I can't blame them too much on account of Sabina's lack of team player skills. Perhaps in time that will change.

As I look back over the previous books in the series, I realize each installment has had more of an emotional attachment than the last, and Silver-Tongued Devil continues that trend. After finishing this book, I am sitting here with so many emotions running through me. It is simply amazing that this book can leave me feeling devastated, yet also somehow hopeful at the same time. As heartbreaking as some of the events were, I understand why they had to happen, and that knowledge is what drives my hope for the future. All in all Silver-Tongued Devil is another stellar installment in this fantastic series. Once it grabs a hold of you it won't let get go until the very end, and even then it will leave you reeling from the depths of emotion. Ms. Jaye Wells, my hat goes off to you.

(Received a copy from Netgalley)

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Green-Eyed Demon (Early Review)

, by KT

Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane #3

The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. She has to save her sister from her mysterious captors. And in order to do that, she has to broker a deal between the mages and the vampires before all hell breaks loose.

But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about, she's got to save herself from the ghosts of her past. Because the past is haunting her. Literally.

At the end of the last book, Sabina's cruel vampire grandmother had kidnapped her twin, Maisie. Sabina, being a natural loner wanted to set out on her own to rescue Maisie, but she quickly learns she isn't in this alone. Her demonic minion Giguhl, and almost her almost lover, Adam wouldn't even think of abandoning her or Maisie now. As they set out to find and rescue Maisie, they form plan after plan that each wind out not working quite the way they imagined, but they will never give up. Meanwhile, the Fae Queen is taking advantage of the Mage's circumstances by establishing dominance over them, and expecting all of the Mages to fall in line like little minions. With everyone seeming to be against them, it's up to the three of them to save Maisie before it is too late. Oh yeah, and serve a nice dish of revenge to her grandmother, as revenge is best served hot!

I was really impressed with the amount of growth Sabina's character did in this book. In the past she was cold and almost uncaring. Of course that was a necessity due to her profession as an assassin. However in this book she really opened herself up and let herself finally care for others. Once she opened the gates, an entire flood of emotions came through, and while it was really hard for her to handle at times, I'm really glad she finally made some real connections. Of course, me being a romance fan, I most enjoyed the connection between her and Adam, but the rest were really great as well. She has finally learned that while caring for others can make you vulnerable, the amount of strength gained is tenfold over any vulnerability.

Sabina has always had a problem with authority, but the Fae Queen may have just taken one step too far when she drops Maisie's safety from priority. It is never wise to tick off an accomplished assassin, but luckily for the Queen, Sabina's attention was already focused on finding Maisie and revenge against her grandmother. Since Sabina's character has grown so much, I don't think she would take immediate action against the queen, but I know she will never forget the callous attitude the queen had towards Maisie's life. While Sabina has matured from her "shoot now ask questions later attitude," I think she is actually becoming even more dangerous. When you take into account her massive experience in assasinations, and add in her Mage side's Chthonic powers, combined with a level head, she will be one unstoppable force. I have a feeling that her Chthonic powers will play a large role in future books as this is what makes her both unique and desirable to both sides. The boundaries of these powers are unknown at this point, but they could potentially be almost limitless as she continues to fulfill her destiny.

This book opened up a whole new world of both possibilities and new dangers. There were several unexpected twists and turns that makes me wonder just what is in store for Sabina in the future. I'm very interested to see if she continues on this new path of level-headedness, or if she reverts back to her old self. Somehow I don't think she will revert now that she has the support she needs, but only time will tell. This series has only gotten better with each book, and if the trend continues, the next one promises to be one heck of a book. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Definitely a must read!

Received from Netgalley

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The Mage in Black

, by KT

The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane #2

Sabina Kane doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she’s some kind of ‘Chosen’ who’ll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn’t care who chose her, she’s not into destiny.

But the mages aren’t Sabina’s only problem. In New York’s Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she’d take a bite out of the Big Apple – but it looks like it wants to bite back.

Sabina has major trust issues in this book. It is no wonder she has a hard time accepting her father's family after finding out she has been lied to and manipulated her entire life by her mother's family. She has a terrible temper and is very sarcastic, but that's only her "tough as nails" exterior, inside there is a world of hurt and pain. That facade does get a little old at times as she cannot seem to have a conversation without being snarky, but it is somewhat understandable as it is her version of "armor" to protect herself. As the book goes on, she starts to show more of her true feeling underneath.

Even though there wasn't any real progress in a relationship between Adam and Sabina, I felt more of a potential between them than in the prior book. Unfortunately, it is only a potential at this point, he was absent for too much of the book for anything to happen. Despite his absence, Sabina starts to allow herself to feel something for him and realizes at this point in her life, he is the only person she trusts to any extent. I hope in future books we get to see more of them actually together.

The mage's treatment of her irked me. If Sabina is supposed to be this "chosen" one, why does everyone seem to blow her off and act like she is an imbecile because she has lived differently than them. You would think if they believe she is that important, the mages would want to listen to her, so their dismissing behavior does not make sense to me. She does seem to gain some respect as the book goes on, but it just isn't enough in my opinion. She's either important to them, or she isn't. They cannot expect her to be this "chosen" one without their complete support.

This book was fast paced and jammed pack with action from beginning to end. Despite a few grievances, this is a pretty good book, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment.

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Red-Headed Stepchild

, by KT

Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane #1

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn’t really fit in. And being an assassin – the only profession fit for an outcast – doesn’t help matters. But she’s never brought her work home. Until now.

Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex, and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she’s on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal …

This time, it’s personal.

Sabina is an assassin, the only career she was allowed to have because of her mixed heritage. The entire vampire race, looks down upon her as if she were contaminated. It has been forbidden for Mages and Vampires to mate. Since Sabina is the result of such a couple, she is continually "punished" for her parent's sins. She has been trying to make her grandmother, the leader of the vampires, proud of her all her life. But no matter how hard Sabina tries, her stone cold grandmother only has disdain for her because of her mixed blood. She has always taken assassination jobs without question, but her latest assignment and meeting the mysterious mage Adam, makes her start to question her loyalties.

I really enjoyed Sabina's character. She's sassy and strong, as well as an accomplished assassin, but she isn't overly tough. Some female characters are so "tough" they hardly seem to have a feminine side, but this isn't the case with Sabina, she definitely has a softer side. She is very loyal despite her rather tough upbringing, She may be a little bullheaded about that loyalty, and refuses to think ill of her grandmother, but ultimately does not stop her from seeing the truth. I love how she realizes the difference between loyalty and blindly following something.

My main complaint about this book would be the lack of romance, or at least a real possibility of romance in the future. I don't mind a lack of romance in a book as long as future books seem to be leading towards a real potential between two characters. There was a slight sexual tension between Sabina and Adam, but it just wasn't enough to get me sucked into the idea of the two of them together. Adam's very mysterious, and I think I would need to know more about him to really feel a true attraction between the two.

The book was very good and ended well. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me sucked into the book from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing where Sabina chooses to place her alliances in the next book.

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