Sandy M’s review of Blood Sin (Awakened by Blood, Book 2) by Marie Treanor
Urban Fantasy published by NAL 5 Apr 11

I have found myself totally taken by Saloman, the hero of this series by Marie Treanor. His arrogance is in the stratosphere. His sensuality shoots beyond the stars. His aspirations to take over the world, to take care of those inferior humans, has Elizabeth up in arms, causing her dilemma of loving the crazy vampire or staking him to assure free will and independence aren’t excised from humanity. Neither are easy goals to have.

When Saloman saunters back into her life, Elizabeth is ecstatic, sure he has come for her. But she soon learns that isn’t the case. The exasperating man hasn’t given in one iota when it comes to his driving need to take over so he can rule his way. Thrown into the mix this time is a power-hungry senator who wants immortality, a distant cousin of Elizabeth’s who’s on Saloman’s revenge list, and an ancient sword that holds untold influence and is the topic of a dangerous ownership battle. Josh, Elizabeth’s cousin, believes the sword is his since his family has safeguarded it for eons. Senator Dante wants it only for what it can give him. But it’s Saloman who is determined to have it in his hands once again for his own reasons.

The sword is stolen and the race is on to find out if it will eventually be used for good or ill. Saloman makes his way to America to confront those vampires against him, asking Elizabeth to accompany him to continue their recently found camaraderie in battle, but Elizabeth goes with the understanding she’s searching for Josh only. Spending time with Saloman is a dream come true, however, and she’s living for the moment every night they spend together. Even Saloman begins to look forward and cherish those homey times, thinking he could live in this way the rest of his forever.

Twists and turns are woven throughout, just as in the first book. Saloman is always unpredictable. He’s the only one who knows what he’ll do and what’s in store for him, making his own fate. Except when it comes to Elizabeth. She’s not sure she’d want immortality if he asks, but she does want to be asked. I, of course, want her to go for it, be with her vampire into eternity. Darn her morals and principles! I was hoping by the end of this book Saloman and Elizabeth would have come together more. Their few times together are intense and sizzling, but I want more. Now. So it’s going to be interesting to see what Ms. Treanor has for us in the next book when it comes to these two.

Though we do have to wait for that last book and we’re left hanging again, it’s the epilogue and the excerpt that follows that gives a snippet to keep our interest and anticipation high. I have a feeling explosiveness is an understatement at what will happen next. But how I’m looking forward to it.

Grade: A

Summary:

Even if you walk in the light, you can dwell in the dark.

Months after her dangerous encounter with vampire overlord Saloman, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is still trying to cope with both the demands of her ancestral bloodline—which marks her as a vampire hunter — and the overpowering desire she feels for the immortal she brought back from the grave. But she is not alone in her fascination with Saloman.

When Elizabeth tracks down a distant cousin from America, she learns he possesses an antique sword that has caught the interest of the Grand Master of the American hunters. It is the ancient and mystical sword of Saloman — a treasure of vast occult powers and a prize beyond measure to both vampires and humans. Now the race is on for possession of the sword.

Even as her enemies and allies shift their allegiances and battle for supremacy, Elizabeth must decide which will rule her own perilous fate: unwanted loyalty or unholy love.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Blood Eternal – October 2011