Customer Reviews

New Blood

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I very much enjoyed Miss Dayton's new book, New Blood. It is quite different from her previous Rose series but I think fans of that series will enjoy this as well. Amanusa lives a solitary life in the woods, only having contact with others when they need her healing magic, when a strange man (Jax) appears. She is literally unable to get rid of him and begins to believe his tale that she is a blood sorceress and he is her servant; a claim that is very dangerous in a land filled with magic hating Inquisitors. On top of this, Amanusa harbors a dislike of all men based on her past and Jax has suffered plenty at the hands of his last owner. What follows is their tale as they flee the law, explore her new powers and re-introduce blood magic to society. The setting is 1600s in Europe but with a magical twist. It was interesting to see how the author incorporated magic into this society and its rigid rules, especially in regards to women. The magic itself is fascinating and Dayton splits it into unique specialties. My favorite aspect of the story was the development of the relationship between Jax and Amanusa. Both have been abused in the past and learn to trust and eventually love each other. There are many other books with damaged heroes/heroines but often they tend to over react in almost stereotypical ways (anybody who reads romance knows what I mean). Not so here, both characters seemed very `real' to me and their reactions reasonable given their histories and society. I loved Jax; he never pushed Amanusa around but took charge when he needed to. Amanusa is a strong female but never feisty. There are also several secondary characters I enjoyed and I am looking forward to the next book in the series not only to, hopefully, read their stories but to see how a larger plot issue is solved.

Warning: there are references to rape in this book; nothing graphic but I know some people like to be forewarned

I enjoyed New Blood immensely. I must say, however, that if you are a die hard romance reader, then you will likely not enjoy it for the romance aspect of it. The romance is there but subtle, but it does become the main focus more than halfway through the book. And it was mightily satisfying. Not in the hot and steamy sort of way, but in the fulfilling heart-warming sort of way. The romance was kinda weaved into the overall plot and I thought it was great. The creativity of the world was strongly focused on, and I found it to be quite unique and very fresh.

There are four different types of magic users--Conjurers, Wizards, Alchemists and the very rare Blood Sorceresses. Actually, the non-existent blood sorceresses since the last one Yvaine was burned at the stake over two hundred years ago. But before she died, she poured all her knowledge into her blood servant, Jax, and sent him out to find her successor. The task taking him two hundred years to finally complete.

There is one aspect of this alternate reality that held true--women are less than men. So when it came to practicing magic, women were shunned. But what the politicians within the magical community, as well as the latent people, were not aware of, was that all four magical groups were needed in order to keep a safe balance amongst the land. Over the years magicians attempted to become blood sorcerers but could not figure out why that magical talent could only be performed by women. That I found to be the most fascinating aspect of this world. Only women can use this powerful magic.

Gail Dayton takes you on a fantastical journey through an alternate world where magic is inherent within the land and there are folks that have the ability to siphon and use that magic. The foundation of this alternate world was one that lured me in slowly but then fought halfway through to put the book down. I didn't want to. New Blood was an extraordinary tale of magic and the power of women. I've not read anything quite like this one. No doubt, it's a world I look forward to journeying into once more in Heart's Blood.

I hope there is more regarding the odd contraptions that were found in the Dead Zones. It wasn't explained in New Blood what the purpose of those things were. I hope it's not a loose end that will never be further expanded on and explained. I was intrigued but left hanging! But I found the book to be amazing and a well satisfying read nonetheless. 4.5/5

Plot Summary: Magic is alive and acknowledged in the 19th century, but in Amanusa's little back corner of Austria it's illegal for women to practice magic. When a strange Englishman appears at her cottage and talks of her being a blood sorceress, Amanusa recoils from the idea. Jax has been searching for a successor for over 200 years, ever since his last sorceress was slain. When hostile rebels and magical Inquisitors threaten them both, Jax and Amanusa must flee to Paris, where a great magical council is meeting to solve the problem of the encroaching dead zones. To take her place, Amanusa must convince this sexist, bigoted, all-male body that she is a valid magic practitioner.

This intro book was too long in my opinion, but author Gail Dayton has laid out a complex magical world that held my interest. Tor is calling this a paranormal romance, and I sorta, kinda, agree. This book falls into that same no-man's land as Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger; it's half historical fantasy and half paranormal romance. Oh, and with a dash of steampunk sprinkled throughout. I must say that I enjoy this combination a lot, and I think these authors have bright futures.

I've been drawn to the cover ever since I first saw it, because I like gore, and having the heroine in a white, blood-splattered frock was eye-catching to say the least. It's an accurate detail because Amanusa is a blood sorceress, which is a highly misunderstood branch of magic. Everyone believes blood sorcery is inherently evil, including Amanusa herself, and Jax has a hard time convincing her otherwise.

In most romances the guy is usually the one holding all the cards - wealth, power, and status - but Ms. Dayton has flipped this story on end. Jax is a bound blood servant, and instead of arriving at the beginning of the story with everything intact, he must slowly build up to becoming his own man again. I enjoyed the novelty of it, and his broken past as a virtual slave gave him a powerful connection to Amanusa, who's own tragic youth is slowly revealed.

What I'm really looking forward to is the next book, Heart's Blood, because now that I have the gist behind this fantasy vision, I want to see how far Ms. Dayton will take it. There are four branches of magic, each complex and distinct, and only the blood sorcery was explored in depth. There is a disturbing rise of dead zones all over the world, where the magic has vanished, and vicious machines rule. All of that was left hanging at the end of this introduction book, so there's a lot to explore.

New Blood by Gail Dayton has the kind of unforgettable characters that make you sorry to turn the last page. The heroine, Amanusa, is a reluctant successor to the last blood sorceress (who was burned at the stake two hundred years before this story begins). In a world that shuns or even bans blood magic because it is "women's magic," Amanusa finds herself heir to a power that is stronger than most male magicians can wield. A power that has been silent for two centuries.
I genuinely liked Amanusa and I didn't expect to, given the amount of blood that becomes an ever-present part of the scenery in the story. I'm not a fan of savage, blood-and-guts mayhem. But Amanusa is no vampire, gruesomely feeding off prey. The blood needed for her sorcery must be given willingly and is usually not enough to harm the giver. Enter the story's older-than-dirt hero, Jax. Handsome, charismatic Jax was bound as a servant to the last blood sorceress and, after two hundred years searching, has finally discovered her successor. And who wouldn't want a hunk willing to shed blood for you whenever you asked?
But when Amanusa seeks justice by unleashing her new power against those who destroyed her family, she and Jax are forced to flee across Europe - from Austria to France, through lands where every living thing has died and only perverted mechanical creatures are left hiding in darkness. Even the most powerful magicians can't fight this encroaching annihilation. But without even trying, Amanusa is able to hold back the destruction. That should make her a hero, no?
Unfortunately, Amanusa and Jax must battle prejudice as well as truly nasty villains who have no qualms about torture and murder. As they work together, they become more than mistress and servant, more even than a team. They are bound to each other by something that transcends magic - love. Their tentative, reluctant romance wraps around and through the supernatural elements of the story. The disparate ingredients of the plot mix so well that it's hard to say if New Blood is a paranormal romance with scifi elements, or a steampunk adventure with a cool love story. And, in fact, it's being marketed in publications aimed at both of those reader groups.
There are lots of loose ends in New Blood but I'm hoping that's because this is only the first part of a terrific series. I want to know more about those twisted machines, and Jax (of course), and what Amanusa will do once she's finally... oops, almost gave the ending away. Yes, I really liked these characters. I didn't want to say good-bye.
By the way, although New Blood is set in a recognizably late Victorian timeframe, fans of Dayton's Rose series will find the same imaginative world-building and attention to detail that marks all her work.

This was a very good book despite the hideous cover.The premise of a blood sorceress and her blood servant was fresh and engaging. It had the right mix between romance and fantasy. Both our heroine and hero come from scarred and abusive backgrounds. She is oblivious to the fact that she holds magical powers until she is found by Jax,her blood servant. The adventure and relationship starts from there.The concept of a blood sorceress was new and kept me reading until I finished the book in one long sitting.

The fantasy and adventure keep the book moving. The relationship and romance keep your interest engaged as well. I would call categorize this book more as romantic fantasy as opposed to a paranormal romance.

On an aside- the heroine is described as having almost white blond hair. Why is there a hideous portrait of a dark haired women on the cover?!I guess the old adage of "don't judge a book by it's cover" holds true in this case.

Amanusa is a half-English, half-Romanian healer/hedge-witch living in a small cottage in the forest in Transylvania. When she was a child her family was killed by the rebels roaming the hills, rebels who still plague her, demanding she tend to their wounds after she learned her skills from the former local wise-woman.

Into her life stumbles Jax, an Englishman and bound servant to the last blood sorceress who, before she was killed in the 1600's, commanded him to search for her apprentice/successor and give her the knowledge she placed in his head. He has been searching for some two centuries. Blood sorcery has a dark reputation, but Jax explains that what most people believe is untrue; it's a magic that works with life and for life, and any blood used is minimal and must be freely given. Amanusa does not trust men, due to her horrific past with the rebels, but she no longer wants to be prey to the same vicious men--and she also wants justice for her murdered family.

Together, she and Jax face the rapacious rebels and ruthless Austrian Inquisitors--and the danger of the spreading Dead Zones with their mechanical creatures--and flee to Paris, hoping to claim a position among the Conclave of magic users and help them, despite their hatred of blood sorcerers, to save them all from the Dead Zones.

Both Jax and Amanusa grow as characters and their actions and relationship is fascinating and feels authentic. Despite both being damaged, their hearts are good and they both continue to fight for each other and for what is right. Jax's role as a bound servant to blood sorceresses makes for a very different angle than the typical hero. And it is Amanusa who is the focus and the power in their relationship. The secondary characters are all interesting, too, although a few of the villains tend toward the two-dimensional. The world-building is solid, making for a strong fantasy plot that should please those who wish for a more complex story than just the romance.

I was extremely happy to have stumbled upon this book in the bookstore. It was a very satisfying read, full of danger and adventure and magic and a few steampunk elements, as well as a good romance. I was happy to learn that a sequel is in the works as I did not want the book to end and because there is clearly much more to explore in the world and the events and between the two main characters and their friends.

What I liked about the book:
1. Steampunk background setting.
2. The strong alternating 1st POV between the male, Jax, and the female, Amanusa, characters.
3. Book length was good, 8662 bits on my kindle edition.
4. Characterizations were strong and consistent throughout the book.
5. The magical descriptions were thorough and the best part of the book.
6. World building was sufficient in creating four magical guilds.
7. Appreciated not a single vampire or werewolf, people are the main villains of this story.
8. HEA ending.

What I didn't like about the book:
1. Essentially this was a Fantasy Romance, character driven novel.
2. The main magical nemesis was unsolved at the end. Maybe to be addressed in future installments?
3. Besides wearing Victorian clothing, travelling on trains, and the cool tinker machines (magical enemy) from "dead" magical zones, there was very little in the style of Steampunk, to me.
4. There was a lot of kidnapping in this book. I don't really like this much in books, especially when there is torture involved. I like adventure aspects better.

Even though I really liked it, it still wasn't quite as good as MK Hobson's series or the Buroker's Flash Gold series for me, but I feel Gail Dayton contribution is better than the Brook or Spencer series. Overall, I am excited to read more and new authors of Steampunk. It's still my favorite genre.

I can't remember where I heard about this book, but it stuck in my head until I saw it at a traveling book shop, so I snagged it - especially after attending a steampunk panel and finding it on a list of steampunk books! The writing is both modern and period in that it is easy to read but also relates to the alternate time period in a way that is not altogether anachronistic - but organic.

The Setting - is in an alternate 19th Century Europe where magic in its four forms has had a leg hacked off two hundred years ago. It is a rich world of magic and history. The story begins in the Austrian Empire where women are denied the power of magic, and travels to Paris where a woman may practice magic, though she may not be readily accepted as the characters show us. The steampunk elements come into play mostly where the magic dead zones come into play. I won't spoil the surprise, but it has me curious about what continues to happen in Heart's Blood.

The Characters - will make you fall in love with them. The book opens from the viewpoint of Jax, finally at the end of his search when he meets Amanusa for the first time. He is a man who has lived beyond his years, bound into service that will continue until he is no longer of use. Amanusa is a woman ridden with a terrible history. It's very hard for me to read books that feature rape and abuse as plot devices, but the way it is handled in New Blood is touching. I really, really, really liked how the characters spent months together in Austria, then traveling and in Paris before they actually fell in love with each other. It was a slow process; none of that instant clicking or primal urges kicking off a whirlwind romance that culminates in a coupling a few hours later and a wedding the next day. Jax and Amanusa grow as people together in the story, and that's what will have me rereading it in months to come.

The Plot - is wrapped up in Amanusa's future and the dead zones. As the last blood sorceress, Amanusa must learn things and not always in an easy way. She has to struggle with her own conscience and doing things in such a way that sit right with her morally - which totally throw Jax for a loop. It's rather cute. The magical dead zones I assume branch over into the next book since they are not erased in this book, though thanks to Amanusa there is an immediate solution at hand. I liked how New Blood didn't have just one plot; there were several. It was as much about the characters journeys and the difficulties they faced as the threat to magic in their world.

Read it. Really, you'll love it. I've lost count of how many times I've read it to-date...

Amanusa Whitcomb lives on her own in a little cottage in the forests of Transylvania. One day Jax wanders out of the forest, tells her she's the next blood sorceress and collapses at her feet. Horror stories abound about blood sorceresses so Amanusa is not best-pleased, to put it mildly. All she wants to do is get rid of him. Unfortunately, he's been bound to her and can't just go away and leave her to her charms and potions.

I'm not going to provide a complete synopsis because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. The best part of the book is the unfolding of these two characters--the reader's opportunity to get to know them as they get to know one another, and I really admire Dayton's ability to describe a loving relationship--but the world itself is interesting, and with my love of historical fiction, a real winner. The story is set in an alternate history/fantasy world with four main schools of magic (including alchemy, which gives it, along with some odd mechanical monsters and the historical setting, a little bit of a steampunk feel).

I love this book. Gail Dayton rarely disappoints, and this introduction to her new series is wonderful. I'm going to go buy the second one as soon as I hit publish on this review.

I have gradually been won over to some paranormal romance books and now have some favorite paranormal romance authors. I never miss a book by Robin Owens, Jayne Castle, or Nalini Singh. After reading New Blood Gail Dayton will join that list.

New Blood is set in the mid-1800's in a world where there are four kinds of magic's; alchemy, conjury, wizardry, and blood sorcery. One kind, blood magic was lost when the last blood sorceress waited to long to find an apprentice. One of her last acts was to give her knowledge to her blood servant Jax and send him out to find a new blood sorceress. Amanusa thinks she is just a minor witch until Jax finds and greets her as a blood sorceress. Together they start on a journey that will take them across Europe where together they find friends, face enemies, bring overdue justice and work to stop the spread of machines that eat magic.

Gail Dayton has taken our world and given it a twist by adding magic. The result is a believable story filled with great characters. Each plot elements adds to the story while the building relationship between Jax and Amanusa. New Blood is a well-written book that has action, adventure, excitement and romance. In other words, everything you want in a paranormal romance.