Under the Blood Red Moon [Paperback]

Mina Hepsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2008

Cursed with the ability to hear the thoughts of others, beautiful Angelica Shelton Belanov feels most comfortable when hidden away in the library of her father's English country estate. Now family duty requires that she make an appearance at a glittering gala, mingling with the cream of London society in hopes of finding a suitable husband. Assailed by the unwanted “chatter” of many minds, Angelica finds relief in the company of a handsome aristocratic stranger who remains, refreshingly, an enigma.

But Prince Alexander is not like other men. The powerful leader of an Eastern clan of immortals, he has come to London to hunt down a rogue vampire who threatens the survival of his dwindling kind. Angelica can sense that Alexander is dangerous, a mystery to be unraveled at her own peril. Yet desire sears them both—she, the bewitching telepath, and he, the fearless leader who must learn to trust his heart. And unrestrained passion has strict demands that could cost them both their lives...and their souls.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hande Zapsu who writes as Mina Hepsen, was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Growing up between Munich and Istanbul, she was influenced by her father (a Turkish politician) and went on to Boston where she did a B.A. in Political Science and Political Philosophy at Tufts University. Always a big fan of travelling, she then moved to Miami for a year before going on to Edinburgh, Scotland where she lives currently.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061373257
• ISBN-13: 978-0061373251
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,761,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new breed of Vampires, November 16, 2008

By 

Patrick J. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Blood Red Moon (Paperback)

I had never read this type of book before and really didn't think it would be my kind of thing but I was completely wrong!! This book had none of the stereotypical ideas about Vampires - no fear of garlic and sunlight and drinking human blood is distinctly taboo. The book is set in the early 1870's in London and it is obvious that the author extensively researched the time period which is definitely to the book's credit. The plot is fast paced and there is a really good twist at the end (never saw that one coming!). On the whole this is a pacy, well written and interesting novel and one which I would defibitely recommend. I am looking forward to more of the same from this author.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Historical Romance with a nice twist, September 30, 2008

By 

drebbles (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Under the Blood Red Moon (Paperback)

Princess Angelica Shelton Belanov would much rather be hiding away in the library of her family's English country estate than mingling with London society. But she needs to find a husband fast, so she reluctantly attends balls and other society gatherings, a chore made more difficult because of her ability to hear the thoughts of others. She thinks she is unique until she meets Prince Alexander Kourakin who can also read minds. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but Alexander has no time for love - he is the leader of a vampire clan and is hunting both a rogue vampire and a vampire slayer. Angelica and Alexander seem to be made for each other, but will circumstances keep them apart?

"Under the Blood Red Moon" is a historical romance novel with a nice twist. Set in the Victorian era, author Mina Hepsen does a nice job of capturing that era - a period of time when the only goal for women was to find a husband and produce an heir. Angelica is a strong heroine - intelligent, tormented by her ability to read people's minds, and very protective of her brother Mikhail who is not healthy. Alexander is a strong hero - as leader of the vampire clan he knows his love for Angelica is forbidden since he must marry another vampire and have a vampire baby in order for his clan to continue. He is still torn by the death of his sister years ago and determined to save his people from the slayer. The paranormal elements are well done with Hepsen doing some tweaking of the vampire myth -I loved her explanation of how vampires have been able to live among humans and escape detection all these years. There are some genuine thrilling moments in the book, especially towards the end, that will keep readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.

For the most part "Under the Blood Red Moon" is a well-written and engrossing novel. However, there were a few things I didn't like about the book. Angelica habit of quoting authors while talking to people got old fast. While trying to figure out the identity of the slayer is one of the fun parts of the book for readers, there is a major red herring about one of the characters that is never fully resolved. Angelica's Aunt tells her an important piece of information that, while crucial to the plot, comes far too late in the book and is awkwardly inserted - it should have been foreshadowed more. Finally, the ending seemed abrupt to me.

Despite some flaws, "Under the Blood Red Moon" is a nicely done historical romance with a unique twist.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exciting paranormal Victorian romantic suspense thriller, September 30, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Blood Red Moon (Paperback)

In 1871 half Russian Princess Angelica Belanov detests going to parties, events, or anything with crowds because of her ability to hear what people think. The chatter is overwhelming her mind; her preference is to avoid society and hide at her Russian father's English estate reading a book. However, with the family fortune in jeopardy with the disappearance of three ships they own, she is in London with her brother Prince Mikhail seeking a wealthy spouse. However, the silent noise from others is driving her crazy.

Also in London is the head of the Eastern Vampire Clans Prince Alexander, who is on the trail of a serial killing vampire Sergey; he and his clans and those of the Northern Clans worry about their species dwindling numbers and Sergey exposing them to humans. When Alexander meets Angelica, they telepathically communicate. He assumes she is a vampire like him, but soon realizes she is a mortal. As she learns he is vampire, they fall in love with Servey and an ally stalking them.

Readers will fully enjoy this exciting paranormal Victorian romantic suspense thriller as Mina Hepsen makes vampires living in Europe seem genuine and even more so Angelica's ESP skills as the supporting details are wonderfully interwoven into a strong tale. The lead couple is a strong pairing and the support cast enhances the belief in the supernatural as natural. Sub-genre fans will welcome Ms. Hepsen with accolades and look forward for more exhilarating novels from her.

Harriet Klausner