Ash’s review of Death’s Sweet Embrace (Dark Brethren, Book 3) by Tracey O’Hara
Urban Fantasy published by Harper Voyager 25 Jan 11
To be honest, I don’t remember much of the first book. It’s been awhile and the details have just escaped me. I couldn’t remember the world or the characters. Luckily this one also has a glossary, and the story sucked me in right away, even without me remembering important things.
The main characters this time are Kitt and Raven. These two are Animalians, one feline and another canine, who have a history together. I did immediately like Kitt. She is a strong person but she isn’t all powerful, and while she can hold her own in a fight, she knows she isn’t a fighter. I also love Raven. He is mostly a mystery, but there is never any doubt that he loves Kitt. Their scenes are emotional and I’m really rooting for them to be together. Now, it’s not a romance book, but their relationship plays a role in the overall story. It’s just the right amount to satisfy the romance junkie in me.
The parts told from Antoinette’s POV just get in the way. I know I didn’t like her much in the first book, and while she’s not as bad here, her little side story is just a distraction. It pales in comparison to the rest of the story. I think she is someone who is better as a secondary character. It makes me wonder why the blurb, and the little teaser in the front of the book, make it seem like it’s still told by Antoinette. Just another pet peeve of mine, and I hope we won’t be going back to her in the next book.
The serial killer storyline is done really well. I never would have guessed who it turns out to be, and it is a twist that totally threw me. The books starts with the killer and the opening scene is enough to almost make me nauseous, but in a good way, if that makes sense.
Tracey O’Hara keeps vampires and shapeshifters fresh, and the world seems to be building with each book. I like the whole cast and reading Death’s Sweet Embrace is like watching a favorite TV show. I enjoyed every bit and I can’t wait to see them again.
Grade: B+
Summary:
After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace.
Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers.
A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
