Customer Reviews

Out for Blood (Drake Chronicles)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This third installment of THE DRAKE CHRONICLES is told by Hunter, a Helio-Ra Academy vampire hunter, and Quinn, a Drake vampire.

Students at the academy are mysteriously becoming ill and dying. And supposedly no one knows why. But Hunter knows something suspicious is going on. Meanwhile, thanks to Kieran, a longtime friend, Hunter is introduced to the Drake family and, more importantly, to Quinn. And while fighting his growing feelings for her, Quinn helps Hunter discover what is going down at the school and helps save her life.

Okay, so I have to be honest. I remembered loving the first two books in THE DRAKE CHRONICLES but I couldn't remember why. I didn't remember much of the plot or any of the characters, just the overall feeling of liking it. And once I dove into this third installment of the series, I immediately remembered why. The story and the characters are just fun!

I love the characters. Once again, this story goes back and forth between two characters, a male and a female. The story starts off with tension between the two and ends up with a romance. Throw in humor and kick-butt characters, and that's my kind of book!

I had half of this storyline figured out, and half not. I guessed about the illness pretty early on, but not who was behind it. That came as a complete shock to me at the end. And I read in the interview in the back of the book that there will be another book in the series about Quinn's twin brother, Conner, and I can't wait!

Reviewed by: Andrea

I have gotten rather attached to this series, so I was pretty excited when I found this book at my online library. (I officially love my Nook!) I have really liked the first two books in the series, so I kind of already knew I was going to like this one. I also can hardly wait for the next book in the series! Which apparently, will be about Connor.

The story basically follows Hunter Wild, a vampire hunter who was introduced in the previous book. She is a no-nonsense tough girl with an inner girly side, which gave her a bit of depth. She was raised by her grandfather, who hates all vampires whereas Hunter sees the shades of grey. She finds herself drawn to Quinn Drake, a playboy vampire who likes a good fight and a good time. After being thrown together several times, they are pulled into a mystery surrounding the vampire hunting school Hunter attends. Hunter's friend, Chloe, starts acting odd, another school mate turns into a Hel-Bar and attacks on the school are increasing. With Quinn's help as well as a crew of friends, Hunter is determined to save her school and her friends. As she investigates, she and Quinn grow closer and closer. However, her digging lands draws her deeper into a plot that could get her killed.

I loved the mystery in this book and I was always wondering what was going on. (Mysteries make me super anxious. I am always on edge, needing to know what is happening). I also really enjoyed Hunter's friends, especially Chloe and Jenna. They were both witty, tough girls that added to the story. Quinn was always one of my favorites of the brothers, so I was excited to read his story. I also like that the book shows what is going on with Lucy, Nicholas, Solange and Kieran. Lucy and Nicholas were my favorites so far, so I like seeing them peppered into the other books.

I would give this book four stars overall. It was a fun, quick read that I could easily see myself reading over and over again. As mentioned before, I can't wait until the next books in the series come out and to see how it all ends. I hope that the latter books are as good as the previous ones. I love the Drakes, finding their interactions amusing. I also enjoy the people they are paired with. Huzzah to tough heroines and dead sexy boys!

Finally! This book is totally reminiscent of Alexandra Harvey's first book in this series, Hearts at Stake, and I'm so glad I didn't pass it by! Hunter is one tough cookie with a good dose of common sense, which was a great balance for Quinn's devil may care attitude. Both worked well together, and unlike the second installment in the Drake Chronicles, Quinn's point of view wasn't...stuffy as Logan's felt nor did Hunter have that much baggage. Hunter is a Helios-Ra agent who is attending her last year of schooling at the Helios-Ra Academy, and soon realizes something is not totally right with both her best friend, and her fellow classmates. A pill seems to surfacing around the school that is making the kids sick and vampires explode, and it's up to Hunter and her close friends to find out who's behind it without getting caught or killed in the process. Not only does Hunter have to deal with best friends gone loco, fighting Hel-Blar, and putting up with a happy vampire killing grandpa who decided Quinn would make a nice target, but also with her own feelings toward that particular vampire. As things start to get hectic, emotions are flying wild, and those Hunter once thought an enemy turns out to be her saving grace. This book is full of the same wry wit, and sarcastic attitudes that I loved in Hearts at Stake, and we also see a lot more of other character's involved in this one, which only makes it better.

This is the first book I've read in the The Drake Chronicles and I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Not only that, I really enjoyed Alyxandra's writing style. I never felt lost on what was going on. While Out for Blood is the third book in The Drake Chronicles, the story stood well on it's own and even makes some references to previous characters that I didn't find confusing at all, as Alyxandra gives a great brief history as to what happened to them.

As I said, I haven't read the first two books (but now I'm going to go pick them up), and can't tell you how much the story changes, but I will say that I really enjoyed getting to know Hunter. Hunter lives up to her name, as she's an awesome butt kicking vampire killer with a lot of snark and a little bit of attitude that I totally respected. I like that she is a fearless leader when she needs to, as in she steps up to the plate and has no issues with killing a bad vamp when she needs to. I like that she's smart and thinks things through. Her voice is one that really made the book an enjoyable read, as well as the hot vampire, Quinn Drake.

I like that Hunter comes from a well known family of die hard vampire killers and Quinn is from a well known family of vampires. Both Quinn and Hunter respect the treaty that's been made that keeps them from killing each other. I suspect Quinn is a character who may have annoyed me in the first two books, as he's good looking and knows it and has women falling at his feet. It's not until he meets Hunter does he change. I really enjoyed the alternating points of view, as I was able to understand both characters more and watch their inner battles. They both fight against their natural instincts around each other and falling in love. Their chemistry is great!

I also liked the secondary character, like Kieran, Hunter's best friend and "brother". With the two points of views, Alyxandra also allowed me to see how the hunters and the Drake family are battling the war on the Hel- Blar vampires, and aiding each other. I'm picky when it comes to vampire books, but this is one book I'm glad I didn't brush aside. It's a fun read with great characters, romance and action. I recommend picking up Out for Blood! There is some mild language, but nothing too bad.

I love this series! I think it's an unique idea to flesh the background characters out in their own individual stories. The Drake brothers each have the own personality, but we don't know much about them all yet. Plus each book brings more of the story to life. And each faction has had a place in the story.

I loved Hunter. She reminds me a lot of Lucy except were Hunter was trained to kill vampires from an early age. I like how normal she seems but with a lot of expectations on her shoulders. She's responsible, but willing to accept that sometimes change is good. Things to always have to be done the same way. I liked seeing the inner workings of the Helios-Ra academy.

I wasn't sure about Quinn. He seemed your typical arrogant male who also happens to be a vampire. He used this to his liking. But, I think Hunter is just the sort of women he needs to put him in his place. He's an interesting addition to the Drake household. He attitude about things seems different that the characters we know so far.

I was intrigued with how things are going with Solage. Something is different about her besides what we learned in this book. I'll be looking forward to what future books say about her. I'm also interested in the parents. They still seem to be background characters. I would be intrigued to see what they think about all their children seeming to find partners so quickly (and with people I'm sure they see as unsuitable at first).

First came Nicholas and Lucy, then we met Logan and Isabeau and got a sneak peek at Solange and Kieran. Now it's Hunter and Quinn's turn.

Hunter Wild comes from a long and distinguished line of vampire hunters in the Helios-Ra - and yes she is aware of the irony of her name. Raised by her grandfather to be the very best fighter she can be, Hunter is one of the top students at the Helios-Ra Academy. Her training and her desire to take down vampires has always been priority number one. That is until she meets Quinn Drake.

From the moment they meet, Quinn gets under her skin. Everything about him affects her - from the way he looks to his ever-present smirk to the way all the girls seem to fall at his feet to the fact that he calls her "Buffy."

Quinn Drake and his brother Connor are identical twins. But that's where the similarity ends. Quinn's long hair, charm and appeal to females - human and vampire alike - make him the more popular of the two Drake brothers. Where Quinn loves a good fight, Connor prefers to stay in his room playing around on his computers.

Although his sister Solange is involved with vampire hunter Kieran Black, Quinn is definitely not one to settle on just one girl and especially not a vampire hunter. But Hunter presents a challenge to him by not immediately succumbing to his charm, and he loves a challenge.

***

Out for Blood, the third story in the Drake Chronicles, gives us yet another look at the Drake family - this time at Quinn, the most charismatic of all the brothers Drake. It is another entertaining addition to this series that "chronicles" the different members of the Drake family.

The story is a light and fun read that will keep you up-to-date on the family we first met in Hearts at Stake (entitled My Love Lies Bleeding in the UK). In this book, however, more of the focus is on Hunter's character and the events at the Helios-Ra Academy than on Quinn and the Drake clan. But, some of the best scenes in the story are those where Quinn and Hunter are fighting off the Hel-Blar or engaging in some passionate kisses.

Out for Blood moves the continuing story along in addition to adding in new characters and elements, making this series more complex as we learn more about the Helios-Ra and just what lengths they will go to in order to battle their vampire enemies.

Hunter is a strong and determined female character but is also loyal, open-minded and very likable. And Quinn, who is already very delectable, is that much more so because of his immediate connection with and devotion to Hunter. While the pair may not have quite the same appeal as Nicholas and Lucy, they are another perfect couple.

Author Alyxandra Harvey has written a very addictive series. It may not have the depth of some of the other series being written, but it is just as enjoyable. Her writing has moments of both humor - such as when Quinn compares his reaction to the smell of blood to a human's reaction to a grilled cheese sandwich - and beauty.

He was dangerous like water, soft and smooth, even as it filled up your lungs, relentlessly stealing your breath away. (Hunter describing Quinn.)

There are (hopefully) several books left in this series. We still have a few Drake brothers to meet, unanswered questions about the mass numbers of Hel-Blar, the strange development with Solange, a Blood Moon event and possibly a love connection made with Connor and Chloe (Hunter's roommate).

The series is a "must read" for readers who like the vampire genre and who are maybe looking for something a bit less serious.

The next book in the series, Bleeding Hearts will be available in November 2011. (Just in time for the Blood Moon event.)

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

Buffy fans are going to love the romance between vampire slayer Hunter Wild and vampire Quinn Drake in OUT FOR BLOOD (he even teasingly calls her Buffy while she calls him Lestat, although he came off more like a lothario version of Spike IMO).

Hunter is an immensely likeable character. She's capable, compassionate, and just the right amount of snarky. She's been trained by her grandpa since she was little to be as fierce and lethal as the vampires she's sworn to kill, but she is still very much all girl, with a weakness for feminine clothes and a secret collection of romance novels.

Quinn Drake was not as likable, at least not initially, but he grew on me big time. Player doesn't begin to describe him. The first third of OUT FOR BLOOD has him literally tripping over different girls, slipping off with one in the woods while winking at Hunter one night, and sandwiched between two more the next (again while winking at Hunter). Hunter doesn't play games with herself or Quinn and calls him out on his manwhore behavior--which I loved her for--and Quinn is quick to completely abandon his player ways in favor of something infinitely more rewarding with Hunter.

OUT FOR BLOOD is the best in the series so far with an exciting suspense plot at the Helios-Ra Academy and a sizzling forbidden romance. It's also the most mature as the couple are both eighteen, although the sexual content doesn't go beyond some seriously steamy kissing (their kiss in Hunter's dorm room is dangerously hot). All the previously leads are accounted for as well, and all but Lucy come off well (Lucy thankfully gets little page time as she is unrecognizably annoying this time). All this means I'm psyched for the next Drake Chronicles installment, BLEEDING HEART, which is due out November 2011.

Sexual Content: Kissing.

Lets just say I love The Drake Chronicles. All of them. I want to get Bleeding Hearts next! I think its nice that some vampire hunters fall in love with the Drake kids. Some lol!

Alyxandra Harvey has done it again with her new installment in the Drake Chronicles. The novel, like the previous, is basically one action packed page after another.

Like Harvey's previous novels in the series, the Drake boys are some of the best male characters around. Their wit, banter, and passion cannot be passed up. In Out for Blood, readers (finally) get to see more of Quinn Drake. And while he is not my favorite Drake, he is definitely in the up there in the ranks. As for his love interest, Hunter, I have to admit that I admire her considerably. She is definitely the type of girl that could easily fit into the "one of the boys" category. A strong character that holds her own against the Drakes, and I think that is saying something.

Now, to be honest, I am not sure how I feel about the series as a whole. To evaluate each novel separately, they are great. Lots of action. Characters that are entertaining, full of depth and life, and banter that can be so funny that my eyes tear up. But as the evolution of the series continues, there is not really too much new material that is introduced from novel to novel in regards to the overall plot. And I think at this point, the only thing that keeps me coming back is the enjoyment that I get from a Harvey novel and the Drake boys.

All in all, Out for Blood is a very enjoyable read. True, it is not my all time favorite of the series. But it is still a well-written novel that added a new aspect to the series as a whole. If you haven't given the series a try yet, I definitely recommend that you do.

Why I read this: I really love this series and was excited to read the latest.

Plot: Another butt-kicking plot, this one features Hunter, a member of Helios-Ra who is going to school to become great at killing vampires. She supports the alliance with the new Drake family, but her grandfather doesn't. I'm sure when she falls in love with one, he won't be too happy either. Told in two viewpoints, we get to watch Hunter as she kicks serious butt and Quinn as he slowly falls for the girl who won't fall to his good looks too easily. I love this mix of plot and romance and really how awesome the female characters are.

I also love the plot twists with the influence of a new pill on the students. Definitely parallels to some of the high school we have all been to. Although, I don't remember kicking any vampire butt personally. A fast plot and a fun budding romance, this is yet another great addition to a series that I'm really loving.

Characters: I really enjoyed Hunter's background and personality. It's nice to see a little bit more from the point of view of a girl who knows she doesn't have it altogether, but everyone thinks she does. I like her strength and her kind of put-off opinion of herself as just doing what she needs to.

I also love Quinn - although who can really deny that any of these vampires are anything but gorgeous. He's definitely one of the more arrogant of the brothers and it's nice to see him fall for someone instead of doing his usual lady-killer ways.
Relatability:

Cover Commentary: I think it ruins a bit of how you think of them. Those are definitely not the characters I pictured in my head. But I don't really think in terms of people, but sort of comicky people (must be my graphic novel loving side coming out).