9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Her best yet!!, December 16, 2000
This review is from: The Vampire Legacy (Blood Ties, #3) (Paperback)
I first want to start off by saying that Blood Ties is Karen E. Taylor's best book yet! Before I go on, I'll give a short rundown on the book. This is the 3rd book in The Vampire Legacy. In this installment, the Carde, a secret society of vampires, ask Deirdre and Mitch to catch someone who is killing humans and vampires. The book leads up to an exciting showdown that could cost Deidre and Mitch their life.
There are so many wonderful things about this book. One strong point is that Deirdre gets to lean more about what it's like to be a vampire, and the powers that she has, and the power of what she has to discover. I liked how the reader learns about Deirdre, as she learns about herself. I also liked how the reader gets to see how alone Deidre was when she was first given the dark gift. Let's face it, she had nobody to show her the ropes. With Mitch, it's a different story, he has Deirdre and The Cadre and the journals that Max had to show him how to be a vampire. I dare say that Deidre was a bit jealous of that.
I was very impressed with Mitch and how he he has handled the Dark Gift of being a vampire. There were a couple of times when I was under the impression that he though the humans were below the vampires on the food chain (no pun intended). I also liked how he was able to learn so much so fast on being a vampire.
I *loved* the character of Vivienne. What a playful little vampire. *LOL* She has sexuality and charm and loves to tease. I hope that we get to know more of her history.
I also liked how Deirdre feels responsible for the killings. Deirdre feels a "Blood Tie" with the killer (I can't say who it is) b/c she helped create him. Even though it was an accident, she still feels that she's to blame for what happened. At first She feels compassion towrds the killer, b/c he has had nobldy to show him (the killer) how to be a vampire. The compassion that Deirdre feels can be the described as the compassion a mother feels for her child.
I also like the way Larry, doesn't like being a vampire. Even though he wanted to be one, and Deirdre tried to tell him what a hell it is, and he wouldn't listen. When the reality of being a vampire hits him, he realizes that Deirdre was right.
One of the strengths of Karen's books is that they all play off each other. One book sets up the next, and Blood Ties is no exception. Her skill as a writer make this a pleasure to read with the plot twists that keeps you hooked till the last page.
After you read the frist two (Blood Secret and Bitter Blood) I highly suggest you read this book. Heck, read the frist two books, just to take pleasure in reading this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Karen E. Taylor's work grows better all the time, November 2, 1998
By A Customer
If you have read the first two books in Karen E. Taylor's VAMPIRE LEGACY series (BLOOD SECRETS and BITTER BLOOD, now back in print), the third needs no introduction. BLOOD TIES continues the story of Deirdre Griffin, a vampiress born in 1832, and the man she loves, former New York City detective Mitch Greer. Once again the two must deal with The Cadre, an ancient organization that oversees the activities of the undead and punishes those who fail to abide by its dictates.
Someone, or something, has found a way to kill vampires that even The Cadre cannot explain or defend itself against. With the aid of a human physician and an ageless French seductress, Deirdre and Mitch hunt their adversary and find themselves hunted in return.
Ms. Taylor's writing appeals to a wide range of readers, from lovers of romantic adventure to devotees of vampire fiction. In addition to the VAMPIRE LEGACY series, her recent publications include short pieces anthologized in 100 WICKED LITTLE WITCH STORIES, 100 VICIOUS LITTLE VAMPIRE STORIES, and HORRORS! 365 SCARY STORIES, all edited by Stefan Dziemianowicz, Robert Weinberg, & Martin H. Greenburg; LOVE BITES and SEDUCTIVE SPECTRES, both edited by Amarantha Knight (Masquerade); and RETURN OF THE DINOSAURS edited by Mike Resnick & Martin H. Greenberg (DAW).
It's difficult to form an unbiased opinion of Karen E. Taylor's work. Once you've read any of it, you're likely to develop an immediate bias and actively seek out more.
Why do I award Ms. Taylor's novels only four stars out of five? Because as good as her storytelling is now, I anticipate it being even better in years to come. BLOOD SECRETS is a fine first novel; BITTER BLOOD and BLOOD TIES display her growth as a writer; and I don't want to be crowded into awarding her future novels six stars out of five.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Third, March 6, 2004
This review is from: The Vampire Legacy (Blood Ties, #3) (Paperback)
This books starts off great. The first chapter is so well written that you are instantly drawn in. However, I was a little disappointed at how she ended the book. Everything has this nice neat package ending that is extremely quick in comparision to the build up. It was nice though to see some of the other vampires, Viv really steals the show. When does she not? Anyway, it is the best book so far.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
