Wages of Sin (Cin Craven, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Jenna Maclaine (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 29, 2008

Dulcinea Craven descends from a long line of witches, and she has just inherited wild, untrained magical powers that she has no idea how to control. Now a ruthless vampire and an age-old demon are determined to enslave Cin and steal her power for their own. Her only hope is The Righteous, a band of warrior vampires who slay the rogue undead. Among them is Michael, a fierce swordsman who inflames Cin’s most primal hungers. Showing her a sensual pleasure beyond anything in the mortal realm, she must choose between the human existence she has always known, and immortality as a vampire—a new life filled with forbidden urges, dark yearning, and unearthly passions…

 

Jenna Maclaine's Wages of Sin is “A wonderful blend of fantasy, romance, and intoxicating adventure, wickedly spiced with danger” (Gena Showalter, New York Times bestselling author).

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Maclaine's attention to detail and description brings this sexy, adventurous paranormal romance debut to life. In early 1800s England, Dulcinea MacGregor Craven inherits not only a small fortune but magical powers when a tragic accident kills her parents. However, at just 22, she has no clue how to tame her newfound magic. When her former suitor Lord Sebastian Montford turns out to be a vampire in cahoots with an ancient demon, Cin is forced to hide among the Righteous, a band of vampires sworn to protect the innocent. Righteous warrior Michael soon sparks a different kind of magic inside Cin's heart as she is forced to make a choice that can ensure the survival of those she loves but will shatter the only world she's ever known. Clever Cin matches sass and bravery with an innocence and vulnerability that will allow her to grow and develop through what promises to be a highly entertaining series. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“A wonderful blend of fantasy, romance, and intoxicating adventure, wickedly spiced with danger.” —Gena Showalter, New York Times bestselling author

"Maclaine’s attention to detail and description brings this sexy, adventurous paranormal romance to life…Clever Cin matches sass and bravery with an innocence and vulnerability that will allow her to grow and develop through what promises to be a highly entertaining series.” –Publishers Weekly

“An imaginative new series…With danger omnipresent, compelling characters keep the story lively and the relationships intriguing.  Here’s to the next installment.” –Romantic Times

“I enjoyed the hero, the heroine, the plot, the secondary characters, the setting, the pacing…you name it, I liked it.  Do yourself a favor…if you’re looking for something different in the paranormal or historical romance arena, pick up Wages of Sin” –Good Reads Reviews

"WAGES OF SIN boasts a unique plot and setting, as well as a diverse and well developed cast of characters.  Filled with danger, passion, and magic, WAGES OF SIN is sure to please fans of paranormal romance.  I highly recommend it." --Romance Reviews Today

 

"I am a particular fan of vampire stories in which vampires are defenders of humanity, to the point of slaying their own kind. Those books are few and far between, but when they come along, they tend to be quality and this is no exception. The author's ability to build a complex world where there is well defined good vs. evil makes her prose strong and vivid. Seeing how Dulcinea, or Cin as she comes to be called, evolves will be intriguing." --Huntress Reviews 

“A great love story…I can't wait to find out what happens next with The Righteous. A definite keeper!” –Night Owl Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312946163
• ISBN-13: 978-0312946166
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 4 x 6.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #839,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jenna Maclaine has a BA in history from North Georgia College & State University. When she isn't writing she spends her time caring for the 80+ animals that share her family farm in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit her website at www.jennamaclaine.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy Vampire and Witch Romance June 20, 2006

By Elaine C McTyer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found this book by accident. I had never heard of the author but someone suggested the book on a list I read. I have to say I was wonderfully surprised, this is a wonderful mixture of fantasy, and romance set in the regency period. I would not have believed it would blend togather so gracefully. I loved the book and will definitely follow the author.

Dulcie is an aristocrat, the daughter of a vis-count. Her parents die in an accident when she is 22 and immediately her life changes for the worse. Suddenly she is persued by a childhood friend who is now a vampire. All of the women in her family are witches, and now she comes into her own power, when the power of her mother comes to her and awakens her sleeping gifts. This is the reason her former friend wants her, he wants her power for his master, a demon trapped in our world.

Michael is a vampire. He is a member of The Righteous, he, Justine, and Devlin are the executioners of the vampires, they destroy those who kill humans. He is fasinated by Dulcie, but he was a low born Scot, who died at Falkirk, Devlin admired his swordmanship and turned him to save his life. Now he fights with Devlin and Justine.

When Dulcie is first attacked by her former suitor, Sebastion, she seeks aid from her friends and servants. In London she seeks the help of an old friend who is an appothicary, and a witch himself, Mr.Pendergast and his nephew Archie. They tell her about The Righteous, and suggest that she summon them and tell them her problems. The summoning goes very well but not quite as expected. She summons Michael and the others are not far behind. How to explain her needs and who she is before they kill her takes alittle doing.... But finally they agree to help her and that is when they discover they face a demon not a vampire, a vampire demon.

The pace was fast, the plot intriguing, and the romance hot. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. With all the faux vampire romances out there, this one is fresh and tasty. Do not miss it. Read more ›

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, especially for Vampire Slayer fans February 11, 2006

By danltd

Format:Paperback

A well written, fast-paced novel about witches, good and bad vampires, and other creatures of the night. Interesting characters, well constructed plot, great imagery, and spiced with flashes of humor and a little sex. I can't wait for the sequel.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable! March 24, 2006

By Chris in Denver

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I first got this book, I didn't think I would like it - I thought Uh-ho, one of those lame historical romance books with a little bit of a vampire twist - why did I order this? But then I really ended up enjoying it. The heroine's love interest is a hottie, and I always enjoy fantasy and magic, but the story still leaned a little too much towards a romance novel for me to give it 5 stars (you know, she's the innocent, her lover is all gallant) - I hope the story progresses beyond that a little more if there is a next in the series. I did really like the heroine's strong side.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Original, Compelling, and Very Enjoyable December 6, 2006

By Lauren Sophie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I debated buying this book for a long time, mostly because the price tag is pretty high. But I'm so glad I went ahead and finally took the risk. This is a very smoothly written, character-driven blend of historical romance, magic, vampire lore, and suspense. There are a ton of paranormal romance series out there, and I think this is the start to one of the best.

The first person narrative was difficult to get into at first, but in the end, I liked the way hearing the story in Dulcie's voice pulled me in. All the characters were interesting and well developed, including the servants, and the main love story is both sweet and passionate. Once in a while the dialogue or references-- like a character saying "great" sarcastically or Dulcie calculating Michael's height in terms of feet-- are too modern to belong in a story set in 19th century England, but that's a very minor quibble. Overall, this is a great debut novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't hesitate! October 13, 2006

By A. Guirlinger

Format:Paperback

Truly, a great book. I hesitated in ordering it for a while (unknown author, high price for a paperback, etc..) but I finally caved, desperate for something new to entertain me. This was a riveting story and I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the series.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Adventure! August 21, 2006

By Sandra Hart

Format:Paperback

Jenna Maclaine has written a supernatural adventure with vampires, demons and witches which will capture your mind and take you on an exciting and dangerous adventure. I couldn't put the book down since I just wanted to see what happened to Dulcie. Gave the book to my mom and she also loved the story. I totally loved the vampire, Michael! Loved the humor! This is a book you don't want to miss. Great job, Jenna!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars superb romantic fantasy August 9, 2008

By Harriet Klausner #1 HALL OF FAME

Format:Mass Market Paperback

In 1815 England, witch Dulcinea "Cin" Macgregor Craven loves her parents. So when they are murdered she is distraught with grief. However, she has no time to mourn her loss as an evil unwanted vampire stalks her; ultimately biting her.

Cin knows she cannot fight off her adversary alone. She has heard myths about The Righteous Vampires; a trio who resolved to do the honorable thing righting wrongs if they can when their species does harm. Cin conjures up a spell that brings them to her. They agree to help her, but quickly realize they are not dealing with just a vampire; her monster is in servitude to a powerful demon. One of her three protectors, Michael, who is attracted to the witch, vows his undead life to keep her safe.

This is the first act of the Cin Craven romantic fantasy saga and if it is any indication of the series, sub-genre fans are in for quite a treat. The story line is filled with action from the moment "Dulcie' as her beloved mom called her realizes her parents are dead and she is under supernatural attack. Cin is terrific as she tells her story in a first person account that brings to life the undead, the witches, and the undead witches. Jenna Maclaine provides an entertaining opening entry that will thrill readers who wonder what GRAVE SINS is coming next to Cin.

Harriet Klausner