Customer Reviews

Traitor to the Blood (The Noble Dead)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is one of the more interesting series to appear on the fantasy horizon. It is the story of Magiere, who is a Dhampir - human child of a vampire, and her companion Leesil - a half elf. When we first met them in Dhampir they are running a bogus vampire scam, pretending to do away with vampires in order to extort cash. When the game suddenly becomes real our petty villains become heroes and the story gradually shifts gears to the quest of each character to discover the truth about themselves. Over the rest of the volumes the tone has changed from happy-go-lucky adventure to a serious study of two individuals with dark secrets, whose best friend is Chap, a dog that is something more than a cute pet.

Leesil and Magiere cross a medieval Rumanian world that is full of otherworld folk, wierd creatures, and the wars of men. It is a brutal place, and the opportunities for adventure are endless. They are joined by Wynn, a scholar, who becomes the group's historian, gathering information about the world less traveled and the behavior of Dhampirs. Wynn has a very peculiar sense of right and wrong - more often than not Leesil and Magiere finds themselves catapulted into a crisis by her manipulations.

Just as Sister of the Dead was the story of Magiere's discoveries about herself, Traitor to the Blood is about Leesil's return to his birthplace in the lands of Lord Darmouth. It is from there that Leesil originally fled, putting his parents at risk to their vengeful master, and it is there he must return to find out what happened when he left, and if either parent survived. But Leesil's curiosity becomes a compulsion, and between his principles and Wynn's, Magiere has her hands full trying to keep everyone alive.

The story has everything a fantasy should - vampires, elves, magic, and a fair amount of politics as Magiere, Chap, Leesil, and Wynn are drawn deep into the undercurrents of a tyrannical the realm. Darmouth and his minions play a deadly game with the Dhampir and her friends, and plot follows counterplot in a genuinely complex piece of fantasy work. The Hendee's get top marks for the latest adventure in the Noble Dead series, and there is still more to come.

Traitor to the Blood is the fourth book in the Noble Dead series by Barb and J.C. Hendee. The first book is Dhamphir, the second is Thief of Lives and the third if Sister of the Dead. If you are considering reading this book, I strongly urge you read the other three first. While you may get the general idea of this story, by reading the other three the story will be much more satisfying and enjoyable for you.

The plot in this book seems to be much more involved that the first three books. In the first three, the plot seemed rather linear and there weren't many subplots. They were still very good books, don't get me wrong. In this book however, it seems the Hendee's made a conscience effort to really have a solid foundation in which to throw their characters. There are several subplots in this book that only add to the mystery of the situation and even within the last one-hundred pages yet another subplot is thrown in for good measure. With all this talk of multiple subplots, you might be thinking this book is confusing. It's really not. The plot, and subplots, are laid out in such a way (and explained) that there is really no confusion. They are merely added elements to the overall story and help explain different characters motivation and feelings.

For the most part the characters in this book as carryovers from the previous three books. Of course, being that the heroes are in a different place now, there are some new additions, but the main cast largely remains the same. This is a good thing though, because it allows the Hendee's to delve deeper into who the characters really are instead of having to explain about new characters all the time. There is a lot of character development in this book for a number of characters. However, there is no secret, this book largely focuses on Leesil and his mission to find his parents. These characters, from the heroes to the villains are very well written and this only adds to the fantastic story of the book, and series. These are not your two dimensional, cliché ridden characters from some other fantasy books that are being published now.

I do have one minor criticism about this book. In the previous books there has always been some levity and humor sprinkled in. That's fine, in fact I enjoy that. However, there was one scene in this book that seemed to be written strictly for the humorous aspect, and it just didn't seem to fit with the part of the story it was placed in. It kind of threw me off a little bit. Again, not a huge deal, but one worth mentioning.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and this series. The Noble Dead series is one of the most underrated fantasy series going on today. There is not much, if any, publicity surrounding the series. In fact, I heard about Dhamphir from another author when I asked about good vampire fantasy books. Sometimes, word of mouth is the best advertising one can get. So, I will close with this. If you like vampire novels and you like fantasy novels don't hesitate at all to jump into this series. You won't be disappointed. They truly are diamonds in the rough and make for some very enjoyable reading.

This, the fourth noble dead book begins right where the last one left off. I love that about these books, there is a certain saftey in knowing that no time or events elapse between readings.
On to the meat and potatoes of the matter. For those of us that are real fans of the series this book should keep your attention, answer some questions, and further develop the characters and side plots. If you are a wishy washy fan you might find this story to be a bit to be to much talk. Like the first book in the series there is some action at the begining, and then a considerable lull until the last hundred pages or so. The quality and intensity of the last fifty pages will keep you turning pages with great anticipation.
So on the whole the book is worth the time, its a long read, but if you have invested the time in the characters it is a must. You finally see some more of Leesil's inner deamons.

I waited a year for TRAITOR TO THE BLOOD to be release. I wish I was still waiting. This is the most contrive piece of trash I ever read. I'm so mad about this book that I need to take my time explaining what's wrong with it.
First let's talk about Leesil. This man is madly in love with Magiere and has put himself in danger time after time to keep her safe. In this book he takes her to the most dangerous place he knows to find out what happen to his parents. He's not going there to rescue them but to just get info so he may alleviate the guilt he feels for fleeing. Why is this action contrived? The last book explained to us that his mother was still alive and in the elfin lands, if he went there she could tell him what happen after he left. Did he do this? No. He gets a hair up his butt and goes to Venjetz. Why? I don't know. The cost to benefit is never explained fully. Could it be the Hendees just wanted the group in peril. There is no other reason for the group to go to Venjetz. Leesil is well known there. If he is caught he and his love will be killed. There is know one there he can trust because the king keeps family members of anyone who could help hostage. Did they go to Venjetz because the Hendees thought they might get another book in?
Next when did two X con-artist start to care about the geopolitical fall out of over throwing a tyrant . This is the most contrive part of the story Leesil must now protect the man who killed his parent and ruined his life. Why? You may ask, " To protect the peasant population of this country from civil war". A peasant population that is being brutalized, starved and murder by their tyrant king. You would think with what Leesil knows about this guy he would help start the civil war. No. It doesn't matter how many innocent people must die. The tyrant must be saved at all cost. Give me a break. If they were going to use this ploy they could have shown a king that did not know any other way to rule. One who had a deep love for his kingdom and thought keeping it together justified anything he did. Did they do this? No, we get a villain that is complete self center and morally corrupt .
The Hendees have turned all their main characters into thirteen year old girls going through addolesant guilt. Each page is so full emotional turmoil that you start wondering if this is fantasy Novel or group therapy . Even the dog is going through a moral dilemma. In most fantasy books the weaker characters start taking on the characteristics of the stronger character. They find emotional strength to over come their personal demons. In this book , which is the forth book, the strong characters are getting weaker and weaker characters are just irritating. None of protagonists are growing emotionally, they're just living in the pain of the past, if this was the first book that would be fine but this is the fourth. The characters aren't just stagnant but are regressing to a hopelessness that greater then they felt in earlier books. What was the point of putting Leesil and Magiere together if they don't gain strength from each other.
I love reading and respect all writers because they have achieved something I never could, they've written a book. But writers must also respect their readers and the Hendees did not with this novel.

The Hendee's have hit their stride with this book. It follows their usual pattern of building the story up in the first 4 or 5 chapters, and then it really gets rolling. It is difficult to put down. This story is a bit different than the previous books in the series, there are fewer battles with vampires, but it is a bit darker from a psychological perspective, and full of political intrigue. The characters continue to be developed, and more about of each of them is revealed, as well as the introduction of a couple of interesting new ones. I am really looking forward to see where the story goes from here.

Leesil and Magiere travel with their sidekick Gabrielle-oops, Wynn, to Leesil's old homeland to look for his long lost parents. Along the way they see evidence of the king's paranoid evil ways. Leesil reminisces about his childhood under the evil ruler and the horrific crimes he is forced to commit to protect his parents. Flashbacks occur frequently throughout the narrative which add tragedy and poignancy to this novel.

First, I really adore Leesil and Magiere as a couple. They are extremely cute together, and I particularly love Leesil and his conflicted nature. The angst is piled high in this one, as Leesil is full of guilt for the murders he is forced to commit, and he retreats from Magiere. Magiere tries to help him, but becomes frustrated when nothing seems to work.

The romance between these two characters is understated and touching. I like how protective Magiere is, and the gentle way they touch each other through the book. However, I would really like at least 1 decent sex scene. They are interrupted and sex is implied throughout the story, and while I know this isn't romance, the sexual tension is strong between these two, and a somewhat more detailed scene would not be amiss.

***Spoilers***
I have to say Wynn has always been rather annoying to me. She is somewhat less annoying in this one, but it is very clear that the authors are gearing up for a spinoff featuring her. Too much time is spent with Wynn, rescuing Wynn, seeing to her needs, and she is still wangsting about the death of Chane from the previous story.

Second, I just find Chane creepy. I know he is Wynn's love interest, but the guy is so violent and grossly so, I just didn't care about him. Also Westiel. These two skulk around the entire book and really don't do much. They could've easily been edited out.

Finally: the plot involving `not killing the evil bad guy.' Eh. I think the authors dug deep with that one. The lord of the city was violent, oppressive, and a monster. Of course he had to die. The whole ending with Leesil trying to save him, seemed a bit out of character. While it is possible the common folk might suffer, it is also possible Osmata would make a better leader. I felt letting a paranoid crazy person who collected heads live was a bit much. Magiere and Leesil are clever. They should've come up with something a bit better, such as disabling the crazy man and letting his consort rule. It just seemed like a last minute `gotcha' to add a bit more angst to the tale.

While I did enjoy traitor to the blood, and in fact think it is one of the better novels I've read all this year, I felt the ending and the wangst over murdering the villain was a bit silly.

Still I enjoyed seeing Leesil and Magiere in action, even if it was somewhat hampered by Wynn.

Traitor Of The Blood is the forth book in the Noble Dead series.

In this novel we see Leesil going in search of the fate of his missing mother and father, after Leesil escaped the dreaded clutches of his master the brutal war lord, Lord Dormouth. Leesil takes his lover Magiere and two friends Wynn and Chap into the Warlands to face almost certain peril, here they will all face evil warriors, elvin assassins and dreaded shape shifters, as always the two evil Noble Dead Chane and Welstiel are on there tale.

This is another great edition to the Noble Dead series, plenty of action and adventure, as with book three you get a real sence into the history of one of the main characters Leesil. A great series that is well worth reading, i'm looking forward to reading book five, Rebel Fay.

...so I have to be choosy about which books I am willing to spend my free time with. I have to admit, I typically stay away from a series - if for no other reason than because school take precedence, and I am not able to read one right after the other-more like one at the end of every semester, but this series is quite the exception. I have sped through 3 books already just on this current Christmas break and have THOROUGHLY enjoyed them. I can't put it down. I would definately recommend reading them in order, and they are VERY enjoyable!

It's true that this book does not advance the main plot established in the last three, but if you read Sister of the Blood you'd know that this was coming. Leesil, Magiere, Wynn, and Chap go to Leesil's homeland to find out what happened to his parents. Throughout the entire book, the vampires become a much, much less major role the in the story. The two aspects that I love about Barb and JC Hendee's writing is wonderfully shown throughout this book - The story is told from multiple perspectives, and the action scenes are written with very vivid detail. Lastly, the last few chapters of the book are very exciting and I found myself unable to put it down.

So the book is different, but I don't think it would be any less enjoyable to fans of the series.

Step into the magical world of the Noble Dead. Traitor to the Blood is the forth novel in the series by Barb and J.C. Hendee which follows the adventures of Magiere (a dhampir, half-human/half-vampire), Leesil (a half-human/half-elf), and their equally unique companions. In this story, former-assassin Leesil tries to track down his parents that he left behind years ago. Meanwhile, he and Magiere are trailed by her half-brother, Welstiel, who is trying to use Magiere for his own gain. They also face many foes: a ruthless overlord, a woman that Leesil orphaned set on revenge, a group of elven assassins, and a mysterious shape-shifting couple forced into servitude, just to name a few.

This installment delves deeper into each character, but especially Leesil since this book focuses on his tortured past and what has shaped him into the man he is. And each book in the series gets better with more character development, more complex storylines, more mythological lore, and more action. Any fan of vampire stories or the fantasy genre in general will love this series.