Customer Reviews

Blood Lines (BLOOD SERIES)

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

 

 

This is the third book in a series about Vicki Nelson, PI, and Henry Fitzroy, romance writer, bastard son of Henry VIII, and vampire. The titles, by the way, have nothing to do with the plot - other than the word Blood, there's no reason this one is Blood _Lines_ while another is Blood _Trail_. Those who already know that they like vampire novels, anything at all that features a vampire, can skip this review, and likewise, those who hate the whole idea of vampires can skip it. But for those trying to decide whether or not to read more of this genre, or whether the one vampire novel you've already read was a fluke, it may help to have some ways to categorize these novels. Thus: BunRab's Standard Vampire Classification Guide. First, most authors of vampire novels approach from one of the main genres of genre fiction; thus their background may be primarily in romance, or in science fiction/fantasy, or in murder mysteries, or in horror. Second, many vampire novels come in series; knowing whether this is one of a series, and where in the series it falls, may be helpful. Then we have some particular characteristics: - Is the vampire character (or characters) a "good guy" or a "bad guy"? Or are there some of each? - Are there continuing characters besides the vampire, through the series? - Are there other types of supernatural beings besides vampires? - Can the vampire stand daylight under some circumstances, or not stand daylight at all? - Does the vampire have a few other supernatural characteristics, many other supernatural characteristics, or none other than just being a vampire? (E.g., super strength, change into an animal, turn invisible) - Does the vampire have a regular job and place in society, or is being a vampire his or her entire raison d'etre? - Does the vampire literally drink blood, or is there some other (perhaps metaphorical) method of feeding? - Is sex a major plot element, a minor plot element, or nonexistent? - Is the entire vampire feeding act a metaphor for sex, part of a standard sex act, or unrelated to sex? - Is the story set in one historical period, more than one historical period, or entirely in the present day? - Does the story have elements of humor, or is it strictly serious? - Is the writing style good, or is the writing just there to manage to hold together the plot and characters?

Tanya Huff's series about the vampire Henry Fitzroy starts from the mystery and thriller genres (Huff also writes Fantasy), and is a continuing series. Fitzroy is a good guy, just leading a quiet life. The continuing characters include several types of humans: police officers, detectives, street people, family members. There are other supernatural characters, usually only one type per book (e.g., werewolves). Henry definitely can't stand daylight at all; it literally burns him. He has extraordinary strength and speed, and a sort of hypnotic influence but no "magic" powers. In fact, other than the existence of a few types of supernatural beings, there is little supernatural going in in the series - it's everyday modern Toronto, not a fantasy world. He's got a day job - er, make that a night job: he's a writer. He drinks blood, usually from consenting adults, sometimes associated with sex, but not necessarily. There is sex in the books, but it's a minor plot element, not graphically detailed. These stories are there for the mystery/thriller elements; romance is only a sideline. Huff allows the characters to have a sense of humor: witty dialogue, a way with words. Some of the characters are set up for humor and farce as well, although not in a crude or gross way. The writing is well above average for "genre fiction" and the books are quite enjoyable to read.

In each of the books in the series, we get introduced to one other sort of supernatural character. In the first book it was demons, in the second, werewolves - and now it's a mummy. That's right, an Egyptian mummy, complete with curse attached - sort of. The mummy isn't exactly dead, you see; he's been dreaming and plotting in there all these millennia, and once he gets out, he has distinct plans for Toronto. Starting with the police department, where he has a nasty impact on the day to day life of Vicki's lover, detective Mike Celluci. He also has an unusual effect on Henry - who hasn't seen the sun in several centuries, and is rather puzzled to suddenly begin dreaming of the hot Egyptian sun. Henry, Vicki, Mike, and Tony team up, as usual, to pool their respective abilities and save each other's butts from odd situations (for example, Vicki gets thrown in jail at one point!) complete with the usual witty dialogue. One small quibble- I don't think it's quite that likely that the entire law enforcement apparatus of the city and the province could turn that strange without more people noticing- but hey, it's a small quibble. It's still a good read.

I have to confess. I am just as addicted to mummies as I am to vampires. Possibly even worse. Ever since I was completely terrified by both Karloff's and Chaney's portrayals of Kharis I have been a loyal pop-corn chomping mummy fan. So I took great delight in discovering that the latest opponent of Vicki Nelson, Mike Celluci, and Henry Fitzroy is an ancient Egyptian wizard who is so old that his origins go back to pre-dynastic times. Eventually he challenged the gods themselves and was promptly trapped, wrapped, and entombed alive. Several thousand years later the Royal Ontario Museum purchases his sarcophagus and brings it back to Toronto.

Opening the sarcophagus triggers a series of eerie events. Two men die of 'heart failure' and then the whole museum staff suffers from selective memory lost as the mummy reawakens, feeds, and prepares to reinstate his god's reign on earth. Taking the name Anwar Tawfik the mummy uses its command of sorcery and hypnosis to extend its power and to feed on its favorite delicacy, young and infant children.

Mike Celluci is the first to suspect, when he finds clues at the museum that simply do not agree with the testimony of the staff. And then Henry Fitzroy is suddenly haunted with dreams of a burning sun. Dreams so vivid that Henry doubts his own sanity and fears the he will be driven to suicide. Vicki is enlisted by both men to help with the investigation and to keep Henry from committing auto-da-fe. As usual, when these three are involved the tension of the love triangle adds suspense and humor to their otherwise grim struggle.

Tawfik successfully takes over the police department and turns Mike and Vicki into fugitives. In addition, he plans to make a feast out of Henry's ka (Egyptian soul). Absorbing Henry, Tawfik figures, will give him such a boost that he can get rid of his unpleasant deity and move up himself. He is also planning to perform a ceremony that will cement his powers and make him virtually unstoppable. Careful detection, as well as considerable luck, are our heroes primary resources in defeating their strongest opponent so far and preventing a supernatural disaster.

"Blood Lines," third in this series carves out some new territory. The series shifts from simply being Vicki's story to making Celluci and Henry equal characters. For the same reason, Henry's powers as a 450 year old vampire are downplayed to increase the part the others play in the final cataclysm. This means good character development and a rich and varied plot. All in all a very enjoyable novel, and the best so far.

Henry (Romance writing Vampire) Victory (ex-cop now Detective) Mike (Cop) all work together to over come a Ancient Evil Priest to a long forgotten god.... Henry thinks he's "losing it" because he has started to dream of The Sun. In his fear that he'll kill himself he calls on Vicki for help, as she strives to keep him safe, Mike starts finding odd events in 2 "Heart-Attack" victims deaths. Soon all three paths are crossing, converging to this power raising super-natural evil. Cleverly written, wonderful blend of all my favorite genre of books; Romance, ScFi, Horror & Mystery... Fun, scary & a wee bit sexy.

Blood Lines (1993) is the third fantasy novel in the Blood series, following Blood Trail. In the previous volume, Vicki Nelson, Henry Fitzroy and Mike Celluci helped save the life of young Peter Heerkens. Then she thoroughly confused the crime scene and called in the firemen and the provincial police.

In this novel, Doctor Elias Rax is Curator of Egyptology of the Royal Ontario Museum. He acquires a sarcophagus from the Monclair family estate and has it carefully removed to the ROM. When it arrives, the entire Egyptology Department is waiting by the loading dock. They follow the crate as the preparators take it up to the workroom.

Doctor Rachael Shane is the assistant curator. She greets him at the loading dock and they start the process of opening the sarcophagus on the following day. Doris Percarich and the graduate students record the scene as Rax removes the seal. Then they slowly clear the mortar from around the lid. After that, the working day is done and they leave the stone box unopened.

Reid Ellis is a janitor in the ROM. He thoroughly enjoys his job, especially the Egyptology department. So he saves the Egyptology workroom for last. The next morning, his body is found there. He apparently died of a heart attack.

The next morning, the Egyptology staff resumed their task. After five hours of tedious effort, Doctor Rax becomes impatient and has the sarcophagus lid opened. The mummy lies thickly swathed in ancient linen. The corpse lacks a death mask and the features show in relief through the cloth.

The following day, the body of Doctor Rax is found in his workroom by a researcher. Apparently he has died of a heart attack. Still, two deaths in as many days are rather much. Mike Celluci and his partner investigate the case.

In this story, the ROM Egyptology staff declares that the sarcophagus was empty. Their minds have been wiped of knowledge about the mummy. The body has been revitalized by the two deaths and his mind has absorbed the memories of his victims.

The priest of Akhekh takes the name of Anwar Tawfik. He hasn't used his true name since the time of the first Pharaoh. By the time the priest of Thoth found and bound him, his true name was no longer known.

Tawfik's first task is to find worshippers for his god. His continued existence has kept his god alive, but more energy will be needed to allow Akhekh to thrive. He can sustain himself on the ka of his victims, but his god needs more.

Henry Fitzroy becomes aware of Tawfik through his dreams. Despite having not seen the sun for centuries, now he is dreaming of it. He gradually understands that he is tapping another's dreams.

Vicki is aware of the mummy case and then learns that Mike is assigned to it. She keeps abreast of the investigation. But then she personally witnesses the priest stripping an infant of his ka.

This tale takes Vicki, Mike and Henry through a hunt for an ancient god and his priest. Vicki encounters the priest several times without recognizing him. Then they learn of a big meeting with a special speaker.

The ancient priest has survived through magic and has other spells that he can use. His god gives him various powers to use as needed. Enjoy!

Highly recommended for Huff fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of preternatural entities, police procedurals, and a bit of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

This is the third book in a series by Tanya Huff.When a long dead evil Mummy comes to town, it's up to the trio,Vicki-PI, Henry-Vampire and Mike-cop, to find him, before anyone else gets killed. Also, is Henry giving himself up to the sun? You have to read and find out. :)

"Blood Lines" by Tanya Huff is the third instalment in her wonderful "Blood" series, and it is another great read. It contains a thrilling and suspenseful plot perfectly blended with the tantalizing love triangle between Private Investigator Vicki Nelson, 450 year-old vampire romance writer Henry Fitzroy, and homicide detective Mike Celluci. "Blood Lines" is an excellent addition to the series and is sure to be widely enjoyed.

The story begins with the arrival of an Egyptian sarcophagus at the Royal Ontario Museum. The staff is excited about what and who it may contain, but they don't know the half of it. For the mummy lying inside is an ancient Egyptian wizard who challenged the gods at the height of his power and was subsequently entombed alive. For thousands of years he has lain in darkness, unable to escape his living death, until now.

Strange and frightening things begin happening at the museum after the sarcophagus is opened and the mummy uncovered. Two men die sudden and inexplicable deaths and then the entire museum staff selectively forgets that there ever was a mummy. Because the ancient wizard, now awake and planning his overthrow of the city and the reinstatement of his dark god's reign, has been growing stronger by feeding on the lives of those around him. Armed with knowledge of the 20th century stolen from his victims, the mummy takes the name Anwar Tawfik and goes out into the city. And so this ancient evil is loosed upon an unsuspecting Toronto.

Mike Celluci, Vicki Nelson's ex-partner on the force and sometime lover, can see that something is not right. He finds clues at the museum that deny the statements given by the museum staff, and after the things he's seen in the recent past, Mike's willing to believe in a supernatural explanation. Henry Fitzroy, Vicki's other lover and the bastard son of Henry VIII, no less, is haunted by dreams of a blazing desert sun. And being a vampire, this is pretty terrifying for Henry, who believes that his recurring dream signifies some hidden desire to commit suicide. So Henry enlists Vicki's help to watch over him and keep him from frying himself, and Mike recruits her to help him find out what is going on.

As Tawfik becomes more and more powerful, he gains control of some people in high places, leaving Vicki, Mike, and Henry to fight him all alone. And it's not long before the clues, Henry's instincts, and some blind luck add up to give these three a fairly accurate picture of what's going on. Tawfik is so power hungry that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, and his plans include a ceremony that will make him almost unstoppable.

So it's up to Vicki, Mike, and Henry to find a way to stop Tawfik and save Toronto. The suspense builds very effectively, and Huff takes her readers on a thrilling adventure. "Blood Lines" is intriguing, tightly plotted, and exciting. Not to mention the fabulous romance between Henry and Vicki (my favourite couple) and Mike and Vicki, which provides some intense sexual tension along with some highly amusing moments that balance the horror and suspense perfectly.

All in all, "Blood Lines" is an entertaining and worthwhile read. Vicki is a fantastic heroine. She's strong and stubborn, but not without vulnerabilities. I adore Henry, and can't help but like Mike. The story is a fascinating mix of horror, mystery, fantasy, and romance and Huff makes it work beautifully. The entire "Blood" series is worth reading, though I strongly advise you read them in order. "Blood Lines" will not disappoint, so pick it up today and enjoy!

This book starts where the last of the Vicki Nelson books leave off. Henry, the vampire and the bastard son of Henry VIII is having dreams about the sun. He enlists Vicki's help to find the reason behind these nightmares. What they find is a life stealing mummy intent on taking over the city. While this book does not quite measure up to the previous two novels it does a good job a bringing the main characters to the next level of familiarity with the reader. This is an enjoyable series that proves that Ms. Huff is one of the better authors in this genre. A must read for any fan of horror or detective novels.

Excellent Series - This is the third novel in Tanya Huff's excellent vampire series. This book and the entire series gets 5+ stars. It's excellent! (If you have not read the entire series, you must read it, you will not be disappointed. The series order: Blood Price, Blood Trail, Blood Lines, Blood Pact and Blood Debt).

This third book continues with Vicki, an ex cop turned private investigator, who had to leave the police force because she is losing her night vision. From previous novels you met Henry, a 400 year old vampire who is also a romantic writer, and Vicki's friend and lover. Also, you met Mike, Vicki's ex-partner, who is also involved with Vicki.

This third novel begans with Henry. Once Henry became a vampire he stopped having dreams. Suddenly Henry is dreaming again, and the dreams are slowly driving him mad. He is dreaming of the sun, and very afraid. He does not know if he is losing his mind, or if this is signaling his upcoming death. He calls Vicki for help.

At the same time Mike is working on a weird case involving two deaths at a museum both involving heart failure. This seems strange to Mike. As he contnues the investigation, he realizes something not quite human may be causing these deaths. Mike asks Vicki for help, and soon it will take Mike, Henry and Vicki working together to keep more people from dying. Also there are complications with all three of them working together because the two men are becoming jealous of each other as their attraction to Vicki grows.

Excellent excellent book!

This is going to be my last Vicki Nelson book. I didn't love the last
one either, but I decided to try one more. And I wish I hadn't.

Vicki and crew are up against a mummy this go around. I actually found
the basic plot to be interesting as the mummy sought to gather
followers for his god using magic and mine control. What I really
didn't like was Vicki and Henry.

I've struggled with finding Vicki likable in previous books, but this
time, she is an aggressive nightmare. She is so bossy and plain mean.
She swears as often as she breaths. Plus the fact that she sleeps
one night with Mike and the next with Henry without even a tiny pang
of conscience. Henry meanwhile is also sleeping with a boy who
prostitutes himself on the streets. Vicki doesn't seem to care about
this arrangement, as she is leaving Henry she passes the boy as he
arrives outside Henry's apartment about to 'burst his jeans in
excitement'. Even when she can 'smell sex on Henry' when Henry comes
to her.
This is all too ugly for me.

Sexual Content:
All sorts of sexual partnerships occur in this book but none are described.

This is one of those books where you're not really sure if it was good or very good. I found that I really liked the three main characters and am interested in how they started out together and how it all ends. Since finishing Blood Lines I have placed an order for the other four books in the series - so that tells me I considered it good. The real telling point for me was when I finished Blood Lines and couldn't bring myself to put it in the "used bookstore" bag. If you are going to read the series, please start with the first book and read them in order. Where that is not really necessary, it does give you some of the history behind the Henry, Vickie and Celluci and they do make some references to past experiences. All in all - I don't think this is a series that should be passed up.