The Blood Series Boxed Set (Books 1-3) - New Adult Dark Vampire Romance

The series start really good, interresting story and nice characters. A bit unusual in how the werewolfs change from human shape to werewolf, and for my taste a bit to gross, but I kept on reading and liked it. By the time I got to the third book I skipped more then I read and at the end I was disapointed that the story was still not finished.

The good: The storyline so far (I haven't finished the 2d book yet) is pretty good. A little convoluted and a lot going on but it's a little different take on the were and vamp story, along with the blood singer storyline makes it interesting. I hope there are more than just the 2 books. The bad (though not too bad): The author is very wordy and sometimes the expressions and descriptions are just ridiculous. Could have written this book with about 1/3 of the words used and it would have been great. Maybe could be a little more real in how the characters talked. I understand some characters not using the "f" word, but I can't imagine a werewolf who has the mindset of a rapist and murderer using terms like "effing" instead of the actual "f'" word. The author did use the actual "f" word I think once, but mostly it was "eff" or "effing". Which is ok, but not believable if coming from a psycho-werewolf. Just my opinion.

The story line was engaging and fluid with few bumps along the way though there were moments that could have been left out. Too many jumps to other character perspectives. Check for word placement and grammar. So thankful these were free would not have been pleased to buy these at 4 dollars a pop.

Friends, I couldn't get past the second chapter. It would be better if there was a single narrator or just a single plot line. There are seven in the first ten pages (including the death of the main character's parents and fiancé in two separate events).

Blood Singers:

Blodgett has broached the vampire/were genre in her latest novel, Blood Singers, giving readers a unique perspective of the two factions. She does a superb job presenting each distinct group within her novel, fleshing them out to the point that they become almost tangible. The characters seem to leap off the pages as the story unfolds, diving deeper into the past while focusing on the present and future to come.

Blodgett uses a wonderful technique in her storytelling, focusing on the present, but giving the reader small glimpses into the past as well. This allows two different stories, two different worlds, if you will, to co-exist as Julia deals with the present, the revelation that vampires and weres do exist, and her remembrance of the past, what seems like a lifetime ago when Julia was carefree and deeply in love. The suspense builds as the reader is given small glimpses into past events, piecing them together in order to figure out how Julia came to be where she is when the story opens. From the very beginning, the reader is cast deep into the action of the story as the vampires and weres go to war over blood, but it isn’t until Julia’s background is laid bare for the reader that all the pieces begin to fit together.

Julia is a very strong, resolute character. Though she is scared and longs for her life that once was, she does not lose faith or breakdown. Instead, she takes a stand against both factions, and though she is only one against many, she does not back down. I really liked this about Julia and was excited that Blodgett chose to create such a strong female lead. After the loss of her husband, friends, and life as she knew it, it would have been understandable if Julia gave in to the forces around her, but her spunk and constant fight to maintain control of her destiny made her a very well rounded character that captures the readers’ attention.

Blodgett’s explanation of the sub-human group, the Singers, was especially intriguing and eye opening. I enjoyed the descriptions of their abilities and how they fit into the world around them, and I also enjoyed getting to know the vast array of characters that set the stage for this intriguing novel. Complete with a twist at the end that leaves readers yearning for more, Blodgett has written another masterpiece, and I cannot wait to learn more about the groups and Julia’s plight in the next novel.

Blood Song:

Did you read the synopsis? Did you? Because it’s amazing. I love how Blodgett is able to create different stories that continuously evolve within her novels, all destined to meet at the climactic point of the story, intertwining it all together and leaving the reader breathless. While they seem removed from one another, the story breaking from one character’s plight to the next, Blodgett always brings it together so seamlessly and I absolutely love her books. Especially this one. With Julia working hard to remain in control and choose her own path, Cynthia wandering the streets, hiding from the weres and looking for her best friend, Jason attempting to get back his mate, and Scott attempting to ignore his bond, the novel unfolds impossibly fast, whisking the reader away on a supernatural ride that is sure to please.

In this novel, three supernatural groups take the forefront and Blodgett does a phenomenal job making them extremely real. The weres, lacking females and a softer side, are intent on mating with Julia as they believe the bond will allow them to shift without the need of the moon. Likewise, the meek, though duty bound Blood Singers believe Julia to be the Queen they have waiting a millennia for, highly gifted and meant to bond with one of their Blood Singers to strengthen her powers and awaken as their protector against those who would harm them. And the vampires, dangerous in their own right, especially to one another, believe Julia will allow them to live amongst the daylight, no longer forced to walk the earth at night. Of all these groups, I find the Blood Singers to be the most interesting, not only because Julia is one of them, but because it’s a completely unique paranormal group with extraordinary powers that readers won’t find in most novels.

Julia, of course, is still my favorite. I love her strong personality and will power, attempting to do what is right, but also remain true to herself. I can’t imagine being told that I was bonded with a certain person and that was it, even if I did have a strong pull towards them, and I love that Blodgett keeps the reader guessing who Julia will end up with throughout the entire novel: William, the kind, compassionate vampire that shares her blood and truly cares for her… Jason, her husband turned feral by the unforgiving weres, or Scott, her destined mate according to the Blood singers… only time will tell.

Wow. After all the good reviews I really expected something more. But perhaps this really ought to be a "teenager" book. The story line is erratic. Some scenes are are drawn out, others skipped over. Constantly changing time line. All that aside, though, the main character is one of the most unlikable I have ever come across. Whiny, sniveling and always hurting over something or other. Described as "stubborn" and "strong". Yet constantly crying over this thing, that guy, this hurt or that memory. Crying, sick, hurt, crying, weak, starving, crying... Wash, repeat. And THAT is supposed to be the girl everyone wants ??? Exactly what for ? The only believable character so far is Scott. For not being able to stand her. Just about every other character has at least some substance. She has none. The book would be far more believable if they all tried their hardest to get rid of her and pass her off to one another. I'm only into the beginning of the second book and yes...she is sick and crying and weak. And everybody wants her. sigh...

Blood Singers is a brilliant story involving my 2 fave paranormal groups; Vamps & Weres, and introducing, the Blood Singers, a race of supernatural whose very being helps the vamps survive on the human cattle by balancing the funky blood; the singers blood sings to both were & vamp. We discover both we're & vamp are trying to find the "Rare One"- a blood singer who's prophecised in the 3 races as being their salvation. Enter Julia.....
This is an amazing book of action & adventure with romance & snark thrown in the mix. An awesome story, particularly addictive leaving me wanting to know more and more! I loved it and am going to read Blood Song right now!! "
I love this series!!! I had trouble putting it down!
Julia has one hell of a complicated life!! With Were's Vamps and Singers needing her to fulfil their races prophecies, the fight to claim her has come to a head!
Blood Song is action packed and full of intrigue, romance and heart wrenching situations, nobody wants to find themselves in. By the way, I was rooting for Scott the whole time! And Jacquiline is a bitch from hell!
I can't wait for Blood Chosen!”

This series should be horrible. The plot a crazy love quadrangle, every monster trope known all pieced together in a rather crazy world. And yet, I could not put this book down. The writing is fast paced, the characters are deep, and when I'm reading it, the world makes sense. I look forward to reading this author again. I hope next time she gets a plot worthy of her stellar talent. Twilight fans will LOVE this one.