Having read Michelle’s first book in the Night School series earlier this year, I was looking forward to catching up with vampire slayer, Dasheen Bellamy (nickname, Angel), and the Night School at Ame Academy in Kindred.
Last time around, I wanted to find out more about Elin, Ismet and Bella Donna (half human/half vampire, Jinn and natural born vampire, respectively). I was happy to discover more about these ladies in Kindred. The end of the last novella saw Angel meet Rafael, literally the boy from her dreams, and we were left wondering what exactly their connection was. Yay for us girls, Rafael is back and ready to work with Angel.
Almost immediately, we learn that a big, bad fight is coming. Angel is still reeling from learning about the supernatural world and her central role as a Vampire Hunter. She has a unique ability for a Hunter; her blood kills vampires. She’s also dealing with a younger brother who’s mid transition, and she makes it her mission to save him from becoming a monster.
Of Angel’s three supernatural friends, Elin was my favourite. Her fashion sense – toga style dresses teamed with combat boots, marks her out as one cool chick. I enjoyed reading about her Bulgarian background. I was also quite jealous of her ability to eat as much as she likes and never gain weight! Her line, “The whole Edward and Bella scenario doesn’t work right now” had me smiling. Then we have Bella Donna who is superficial, cold and difficult to relate to, and Ismet, the wisest of the three, always analysing and planning. Each of these powerful woman works alongside Angel to save Jordan and protect the humans from supernatural attacks.
When I started to learn about Rafael’s and Angel’s past, I had the same initial ick reaction as when I read about Jacob and Renesmee in the Twilight books. But I got over it. :) Going back into Dasheen’s/Angel’s earlier life intrigued me, but I can’t say much about it without giving away her story. I did have to pay keen attention to follow the different supernatural and preternatural races, but learning about the various lineages was interesting.
The phantom little girl with worms for a face has to get a mention. She freaked me out in the first book, and she still scares me. Kindred is a short and sweet read. Bring on book three I say. One element I would have liked to see more of was action in the form of a battle. A lot of Kindred delved into the past rather than moving forward, so I hope to see more action in the next instalment.
The first novella was simply a vampire story. Kindred goes beyond that. There are layers of mythology beneath the surface and a greater fantasy aspect here with godlike beings and all types of otherworldly creatures.
Quote that made me laugh:
I moved to him and said, “Jordan, Jordan.” Those surrounding him hissed, but after one look at Rafael who must have had on his evil Thunder face, they scampered away.
A quick and fun read that left me anticipating part three. I also enjoyed the blog style of this book. ****
Check it out on Amazon or add it to your Goodreads TBR list.
Has this piqued your interest? What was the last vampire book you read?
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