Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Haven: Lowtown
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.lindsayjpryor.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Wales; married.
EDUCATION:Holds M.S. degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Formerly a teacher for eighteen years.
AVOCATIONS:Reading, watching films, trekking.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
British writer Lindsay J. Pryor is the author of the paranormal series “Blackthorn,” as well as a spin-off volume from that series, Haven: A Lowtown Novel. Pryor remarked on her early desire to become a writer in in an interview in Chelle’s Book Reviews website: “I’ve always written stories. I wrote my first sci-fi book when I was nine. It’s been my primary hobby and outlet for as long as I can remember. Coming up with story ideas has always been more of a compulsion than a choice, which is why, for years, I wrote purely for the pleasure of it. When I was 13, I remember telling my careers adviser that I wanted to write books. I was advised to opt for a more sustainable career. Even when I relented and paved out a career for myself in teaching, I still wrote every spare minute I had.”
After being a finalist in an international romance writing competition for two consecutive years, she was approached by Bookouture, a new British imprint, to become their initial author, and this led to publication of her debut novel, Blood Shadows, first in the “Blackthorn” series, a “dark, multi-layered Gothic paranormal romance set in a gritty and dystopian urban world,” as Pryor described it in her online Chelle’s Book Reviews interview. “I basically write for anyone who likes an intense and complex interwoven story, enjoy plot twists, getting deep inside the heads of characters, and who don’t mind the darker side of romance,” she further commented in the same interview.
Blood Shadows
Set in the dystopian world of Blackthorn, Blood Shadows features Cailtin Parish who is able to read the shadows of beings of a “third species, and had thus become one of the most powerful agents in the Vampire Control Unit. For years she has been trying to capture the master vampire, Kane Malloy, but has not succeeded. Yet Caitlin’s mission to find Kane also has personal resonance. Her parents were both killed under mysterious circumstances seven years apart, and she believes that without Kane’s help, she will be the next to die. Worse, she has only four days to find and make a deal with Kane, a vampire who hates all that Caitlin stands for.
“I loved that the author didn’t feel the need to toe the line and soft pedal bad behavior,” noted a reviewer in the online Fiction Vixen. “Bad guys, good guys, it didn’t matter. Anyone was fair game for a reveal that could completely change your opinion of them. … If you’re looking for a new PNR series that has a dark world and complicated characters, then you’ll want to grab a copy of this.” Similarly, a Talk Nerdy With Us website writer commented: “Fortunately, with some snappy dialogue and intense sexual tension between them, they manage to keep each page turning. A very well plotted read with lots of twists and turns that tie up nicely at the end. A fabulous read!”
Blood Roses and Blood Torn
Blood Roses continues the series, focusing on another paranormal romance in the alternate world of Blackthorn with its “third species” forced to live in a repressive regime controlled by humans in a dark world order. In this second installment, Leila is a serryn witch whose blood is poisonous to vampires. She longs for a quiet life, but Caleb, a vampire, is not about to let that happen, for he needs just such a despised witch to save his mortally ill brother. To gain Leila’s help, Caleb is holding her sister hostage.
A Fiction Vixen reviewer had praise for this series addition, noting: “The world building is fantastic. Vampires and werewolves are so over used in both paranormal romance and urban fantasy that it’s unusual to find a new series containing both that captures my attention so fully. I can see how Ms. Pryor is bringing plot threads and characters together to create a very interesting story arc.” On the other hand, a Bad Bird Reads website contributor found the book “disgusting.” The contributor added: “I will say the writing was good. There was nothing technically wrong with Blood Roses when it came to plotting and structure. This author knows how to write. It was the story and characters that made this book a crash and burn scenario.”
Blood Torn features another unlikely attraction between lycan, or werewolf, pack leader Jask and serryn witch Sophia. Reviewing the novel in her blog, Fiona Chapman–Writer, Chapman noted: “Pryor creates strong, but seriously flawed heroines, on a mission to take down the enemy they’re destined to fall in love with, but not without consequence. She likes to put some serious obstacles in the way of these couples, leaving you wondering how on earth they’re going to come through it unscathed. … Once again, a fabulous installment from Ms. Pryor. Absolutely spectacular.”
Blood Deep and Blood Dark
In Blood Deep, yet another third species is introduced, the angels, and Jessie is one of these, held captive by the dangerous con Pummel. Enter Eden, tattooed and acting the part of a bad guy to infiltrate Pummel’s organization. An Curfew Enforcement agent, Eden is tasked with freeing Jessie in order to take her to those figuring out how to rid Blackthorn of the third species. “Blood Deep does not disappoint,” noted an Author Visits website critic.
Blood Dark, the fifth series installment, takes readers back to the initial characters, Caitlin and Kane with new secrets revealed. “Blood Dark gave me everything I could have wished for and more….excitement, chills, cold-shower moments and YES even tears,” commented Lindsey Clarke in her blog, Lindsey Clarke: The Urban Fantasist. Similarly, in her blog, Chapman observed: “I LOVED it. I frowned. I gasped. I cried. I had my hand clamped over my mouth on a plane from Inverness to London. Then it ended. I closed the book, and then I mourned for a brief period. You know–that book hangover period.”
Blood Instinct and Blood Bound
Blood Instinct revisits the earlier series protagonists pack leader Jask and serryn witch Sophia, working together to prevent an invasion form the Global Council and also to stop a dark and dangerous power awakening inside Sophia. “I have never read a book with such a beautifully crafted plot,” commented Tracey Rogers on the Tracey Rogers Blog. “It’s a thrill a minute with plot twists I never expected. Imagine binge watching every finale of The Walking Dead, multiply the tension by a hundred and you’re a bit closer to imagining life during Blood Instinct.”
The seventh installment, Blood Bound, takes readers into the further adventures of Eden and Jessie, with the pair dealing with their greatest challenge ever in order to save Blackthorn. “Blood Bound is a heart-racing, soul-pounding instalment and thoroughly deserving of five shiny, sparkling stars,” noted Clarke in her blog.
Haven
Pryor’s 2018 novel, Haven, is set in the same paranormal word as the “Blackthorn” series, taking place in Lowtown, a neighboring district. Lowtown is equally dark and gritty and, like Blackthorn, the third species are also oppressed there. This district is somewhat different in that poor humans cohabitate with the few vampires who have somehow earned the approval of the government. Ember is attempting to better herself and move to the more respectable Midtown. With only a few days left until this move, she saves the life of Nate, a vampire, and becomes the focus of a crime family that wants the magical powers Ember did not even know she possessed. Now she and Nate must work together to survive and escape Lowtown.
A Publishers Weekly reviewer had a varied assessment of Haven, calling it a “swift-moving but predictable paranormal romance.” The reviewer added: “Sadly, the core romance and obligatory sex scenes feel perfunctory at best, and the resolution makes little sense given the characters’ established motivations.” Higher praise was offered by a Royal Reviews website writer who commented: “The plot, the characters and the engaging writing make Haven a worthwhile read. … You will find yourself drawn into this world of ‘us’ versus ‘them’–a simple oft repeated theme but one that is well executed.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 5, 2018, review of Haven: A Lowtown Novel, p. 48.
ONLINE
Author Visits, http://www.theauthorvisits.com/ (October 24, 2014), review of Blood Deep.
Bad Bird Reads, https://badbirdreads.com/ (October 27, 2013), review of Blood Roses.
Chelle’s Book Reviews, http://chellesbookreviews.blogspot.com/ (September 21, 2016), “Q&A Interview with Lindsay J.Pryor.”
Feeling Fictional, http://www.feelingfictional.com/ (November 4, 2016), review of Blood Shadows.
Fiction Vixen, http://fictionvixen.com/ (December 11, 2012), review of Blood Shadows; (April 26, 2013), review of Blood Roses.
Fiona Chapman–Writer, https://fiona-chapman.com/ (May 6, 2014), review of Blood Deep; (January 23, 2017), review of Blood Dark; (November 11, 2017), review of Haven.
Lindsey Clarke: The Urban Fantasist, https://lindseyclarke.wordpress.com/ (September 22, 2015), review of Blood Dark; (May 5, 2016), review of Blood Instinct; (September 17, 2016), review of Blood Bound.
Lindsay J. Pryor website, http://www.lindsayjpryor.com (July 29, 2018).
Paranormal Romance Slut, https://paranormalromanceslut.com/ (September 5, 2017), review of Blood Bound.
Royal Reviews, http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/ (November 29, 2017), review of Haven.
Talk Nerdy with Us, http://talknerdywithus.com/ (April 24, 2013), Rae Rivers, review of Blood Shadows.
Tracey Rogers Blog, http://traceyrogers.wixsite.com/ (May 9, 2016), review of Blood Instinct.
Introducing Lindsay J. Pryor
To download high res author photo please click HERE
Lindsay J. Pryor
has been creating stories since she wasnine years old, when she quickly decided that fantasy wasmore interesting than reality. She thought she’d grow outof it but hasn’t yet.Despite years of bashing out stories on an old typewriter, it
was the death of her father in 2007 that nally convinced
Lindsay to try and become a published author.
“One of the last things my dad said to me was to do whatI wanted to do in life. After he passed away, I pulled outall my scribbles from over the years and got back to writingwhat I loved most - paranormal romance.”
When not writing or teaching, Lindsay indulges her fascination with mythology and supports local animalrescue and rehabilitation work.
Biography
Sign up to be the first to hear about Lindsay's NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/150twsa
Lindsay J. Pryor is the author of the Amazon bestselling BLACKTHORN series, her dark, complex and gritty urban PNR having achieved numerous Gothic and PNR number ones in both the UK and the US.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband, their rescue bunny and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
To find out more about Lindsay or her books, please visit www.lindsayjpryor.com.
BLACKTHORN is Lindsay's debut series. Due to the overarching plot, the books are best read in order. The series concludes with Book 8.
Book 1 - BLOOD SHADOWS
Book 2 - BLOOD ROSES
Book 3 - BLOOD TORN
Book 4 - BLOOD DEEP
Book 5 - BLOOD DARK
Book 6 - BLOOD INSTINCT
Book 7 - BLOOD BOUND
Book 8 - BLOOD BROKEN (Release date TBC)
Sign up to be the first to hear about Lindsay's NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/150twsa
Lindsay J. Pryor is the author of the Amazon bestselling BLACKTHORN series, her dark, complex and gritty urban paranormal romances having achieved numerous Gothic and PNR number ones in both the UK and the US. LOWTOWN, a spin-off from the Blackthorn world, is her upcoming urban fantasy series of standalone books.
Quickly deciding that fantasy was more interesting than reality, Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Communication and is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. She taught for eighteen years before becoming a full-time author.
Lindsay was born and grew up in Wales and now lives in South West England with her husband, their rescue bunny and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
BLACKTHORN is published by Bookouture. Her LOWTOWN novels are being published by Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group).
To find out more about Lindsay and her books, please visit her website: lindsayjpryor.com
QUOTE:
I’ve always written stories. I wrote my first sci-fi book when I was nine. It’s been my primary hobby and outlet for as long as I can remember. Coming up with story ideas has always been more of a compulsion than a choice, which is why, for years, I wrote purely for the pleasure of it.
When I was 13, I remember telling my careers adviser that I wanted to write books. I was advised to opt for a more sustainable career. Even when I relented and paved out a career for myself in teaching, I still wrote every spare minute I had. I basically write for anyone who likes an intense and complex interwoven story, enjoy plot twists, getting deep inside the heads of characters, and who don’t mind the darker side of romance.
dark, multi-layered Gothic paranormal romance set in the gritty and dystopian urban world
September 21, 2016
Q&A INTERVIEW WITH LINDSAY J.PRYOR
I am super excited today to be joined by Lindsay J. Pryor author of BLACKTHORN series on Publication day. Blood Bound, book #7 is out today and you can grab your copy on the link below. Lindsay has kindly offered to take part in my Q&A interview. So without further ado I would like to welcome Lindsay J. Pryor.
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
Morning thank you for joining me this morning
Morning, Shell. I’m really happy to be here. Thanks for the invitation.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and background?
I’ve been writing for over thirty years and have been published for the last four. I currently write dark, multi-layered Gothic paranormal romance set in the gritty and dystopian urban world of BLACKTHORN. An Amazon bestselling series, it has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the US.
I was discovered through an international romance writing competition after being a finalist for two years running. I was approached by Bookouture and asked to be their launch author back in 2012.
Although I now write full-time, I’m a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. I taught for eighteen years, primarily to improve literacy for children with special needs. I was born and grew up in Wales but now live in England with my husband, our rescue bunny and a plethora of wild woodland creatures.
When I’m not writing, I’m reading or watching films. I love nature and walking so, when the weather’s reasonable, I trek along coastlines, through woods or over the moors. I definitely like the quiet life!
When did you know that you wanted to become a writer? and how did you go about it?
I’ve always written stories. I wrote my first sci-fi book when I was nine. It’s been my primary hobby and outlet for as long as I can remember. Coming up with story ideas has always been more of a compulsion than a choice, which is why, for years, I wrote purely for the pleasure of it.
When I was 13, I remember telling my careers adviser that I wanted to write books. I was advised to opt for a more sustainable career. Even when I relented and paved out a career for myself in teaching, I still wrote every spare minute I had. I wrote stories throughout my teenage years into my early twenties, as well as writing, performing and directing mini-plays in my local church hall. I opted to study Psychology and Communication at university because I thought it would better help me understand the characters I write about. I then went on to qualify as an English teacher.
It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I decided to start pursuing publication. A handful of submissions of later and, despite being very lucky to get some positive responses about my potential, I knew I was nowhere near ready. I left things lie for a number of years as I worked on developing my writing and deciding what genre to focus on and, basically, simply enjoying the pleasure of the process.
It wasn’t until I was in my late thirties that I saw a call out for the New Voices competition in Writing Magazine, and one of the prizes was editorial feedback. I entered for two consecutive years and was voted into the final by readers and editors both times. Bookouture discovered me because of that competition. Today marks my seventh book published with them.
Can you tell us what genre your books are and the audience you write for?
My books are dark paranormal romance. My audience are prolific readers with eclectic tastes – PNRs, Urban Fantasy, romance, soft fantasy, Gothic, sci-fi, thrillers, erotica, classic literature. I have both male and female readers who span an age-range (though I only recommend my books for 18+). As one of my readers put in his review on Amazon.com:
“Lindsay Pryor makes it very probable that Blackthorn would appeal to the more traditionally genre restrictive readers who generally like to stick to only their preferred genres (for example it definitely spans across the genres of paranormal/urban fantasy, dark fantasy, science fiction, action/adventure, fiction, romance/erotica and crime/forensics).”
I basically write for anyone who likes an intense and complex interwoven story, enjoy plot twists, getting deep inside the heads of characters, and who don’t mind the darker side of romance.
What is your writing process? and how long does it take?
I had a very specific process for Blackthorn because of the overarching plot that runs through the eight books.
As a general rule though, I spend a considerable amount of time staring into space and scribbling notes about character, strength of conflict, and key plot points that mark their journey. Once I have the three key turning points in the story, I start to write a rough outline. I never start writing until I know where a story is going. At that point, I play each scene through like a film in my head, over and over again until I’ve nailed the focus of it. I do a lot of that late at night and first thing in the morning.
When I’m underway, I tend to write a few thousand words each day to maintain the pace of the story. My books average 100-120k which can take me anything from 6 to 12 weeks on average.
The real work doesn’t start until the first draft is down and I’ve finished telling myself the story. I then go over and over the story, omitting and adding scenes and layering in detail. I work in loops, such as from the end of the book to the beginning or from the middle to the end. Then I begin the official editing.
Are your characters based on anyone you know or are they just fictional?
They’re most definitely all fictional.
Have you wrote about a personal experience in your novels?
My books are littered with personal experiences and observations of some of the core themes of my series: prejudice, discrimination, the invalidity of assumptions, the effect of social hierarchy and the impact of the lack of fair opportunities. Also how love, loyalty and compassion can fight through the toughest of times.
Ultimately though, a writer’s job is to empathise. You don’t need the personal experience – you just need to be able to imagine how it would feel. Saying that, I do have one scene where one of my characters stands on a shard of glass. I once spent the night in A&E after doing to same. I can still remember lying in agony on the hospital bed as the glass was removed. I made a mental note of every sensation in case I needed to use it in a story one day.
What research do you do?
I’ve been fascinated by mythology and the paranormal for over thirty years now. My favourite books as a child were The Enchanted Wood, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and The Worst Witch. It all stemmed from there.
When I studied for my Psychology degree, I read into parapsychology on the side and even did some ghost hunting off the back of it. Books (both reference and fiction), TV and films have all been a source of extending my knowledge as much as possible – especially so I can turn things on their head and approach things from a different angle.
Who would you like to co-write with and why?
Oh my goodness, what a question! The scope! I’m going to break away from books as that’s too predictable and say I’d love to write an episode of The Walking Dead. If Robert Kirkman is available
What's your favorite book?
Wuthering Heights. For me, the beauty of Wuthering Heights was Emily Bronte’s willingness to push aside what is deemed appropriate and right as to how heroes and heroines should behave and interact on the page to, instead, focusing on enabling the rawness and power of the romance to take centre stage above social conventions. The reader is left knowing that Heathcliff loved Catherine and Catherine loved Heathcliff – a love that survived beyond the end. Albeit dark and tumultuous and destructive, ultimately their love was meant to be.
What's your favorite food?
Most things Italian, especially anything vegetarian.
What's your favorite film?
Argh, another killer! I’m a HUGE film fan. Heck, if I have to choose, I’m going to go for As Good as it Gets, but that’s closely followed by The Lost Boys, Mad Max Fury Road, Stardust, World War Z and Lucky Number Slevin.
What's your favorite song?
You’re torturing me with these favourites! It depends on my mood. I love belting out 80’s soft rock (tunelessly), 30 Seconds to Mars, Kings of Leon, The Beatles, Queen, Adam Lambert, My Chemical Romance, even Genesis. Argh, it’s too close a call between John Lennon’s Imagine, Blackbird by The Beatles and Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush.
How can readers find out more information about yourself and your books?
You can visit my website. Everything you could need to know is there. My other main place is my FB page where I regularly chat to my readers. I receive a lot of emails too, so never hesitate to get in touch if you prefer a less public forum.
QUOTE:
swift-moving but predictable paranormal romance
Sadly, the core romance and obligatory sex scenes feel perfunctory at best, and the resolution makes little sense given the characters' established motivations.
Haven: Lowtown, Book 1
Publishers Weekly. 265.6 (Feb. 5, 2018): p48.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Haven: Lowtown, Book 1
Lindsay J. Pryor. Piatkus, $13.99 trade paper
(384p) ISBN 978-0-349-41697-7
Pryor expands on her class-driven near-future world with this swift-moving but predictable paranormal romance, which is meant to be read on its own but doesn't explain enough of the world to be truly accessible to those have haven't read the related Blackthorn series. In this dystopian setting, humans reacted to learning about vampires and lycans in their midst by cracking down on them and establishing administrative districts where humans rule and paranormal ("third species") entities are oppressed. Blackthorn is a closely patrolled ghetto for human criminals and vampires; neighboring Lowtown is almost as miserable, a grim district populated mostly by poor humans and the few vampires who have earned government approval. Ember Challice just wants to escape the squalor of Lowtown for the comfort and respectability of Mid town, and she 5 a mere handful of days away from the completion of her plan. But when she saves vampire Nate's life, she's drawn into a deadly intrigue involving a local crime family, who desire her for a magical power she never realized she possessed. Now Ember and Nate must work together to survive, especially if she's ever to be free of Lowtown, but a forbidden romance blooming between them could destroy all their dreams. Sadly, the core romance and obligatory sex scenes feel perfunctory at best, and the resolution makes little sense given the characters' established motivations. Only longtime series fans are likely to continue following this spin-off. (Mar.).
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Haven: Lowtown, Book 1." Publishers Weekly, 5 Feb. 2018, p. 48. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A526810403/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=872e3de9. Accessed 15 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A526810403
BOOK REVIEW: HAVEN, BY LINDSAY J. PRYOR
NOVEMBER 11, 2017 | FIONACHAPMAN
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
She’s done it again.
It never fails to amaze me the incredible skill that Lindsay J. Pryor has for creating a world – a world that’s been in the making for a very long time. Settings and plot lines and districts and locales, full-bodied characters with enough history to fill a library.
The dedication she’s made to her stories; her characters, and the world in which they are embroiled, is incredible.
Haven is the first standalone book in Ms. Pryor’s new series: Lowtown; a spin-off to the incredibly addictive Blackthorn series.
Except herein lies the difference. The Blackthorn novels span an 8-book series (the desperately-awaited finale currently in the making), with overarching storylines weaved within an incredibly intricate plot. And while each book leaves you with that odd thrill mixed with a sense of desperation, of NEEDING to know what happens in the next book in the series, sometimes you need a well-rounded novel to give you that fully-satisfied feeling of starter, main course and dessert. A novel like Haven.
However, the gratification we crave is always just that one step ahead where Haven is concerned; there are plenty of sharp twists and turns and shock revelations to leave you guessing right up until the last minute, to keep you turning the page and in danger of a serious lack of sleep.
True to form, Ms Pryor has beautifully gift-wrapped (and the wrapping is certainly appreciated when it comes to one particular male lead) and delivered us some wonderful characters with issues akin to real life – and they’re not your average human-nature problems. These character flaws go deep – she’s not afraid to pack the layers.
Because this novel is not just about romance. Or the paranormal. It’s about power, about real-life struggles. About danger. Death. Destruction. And all the crap the universe could possibly throw at you in one lifetime.
It’s clever. It’s dark. It’s intense.
Honestly? You need to read this book now. Click here for buy links.
(Thank you to Piatkus Fiction for supplying me with a no-obligation paperback copy of this delicious novel, in return for which I gratefully leave my review.)
The blurb
A spin-off from the bestselling Blackthorn series by Lindsay J. Pryor, set in Lowtown, the neighbouring district to Blackthorn. The product of a brutal class system, the dark, gritty world of Lowtown will grip you and never let you go.
Every few days the handsome stranger comes into the café in Lowtown for an hour a time. Most of the time he keeps himself to himself – one drink and he leaves. Sometimes people meet with him but about what remains elusive, the edge of mystery and danger adding to his allure.
Not that Ember is allowed to think about him. She’s finally on the cusp of gaining her citizenship and escaping Lowtown for good, so she can’t be seen to be involved with a vampire – evidence of one single bite would be the end of her prospects. But when those prospects are rocked by her links to the district’s dark underbelly, the stranger she must avoid could be her absolution – and she could be his . . .
QUOTE:
The plot,the characters and the engaging writing make ‘Haven’ a worthwhile read. You will find yourself drawn into this world of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ - a simple oft repeated theme but one that is well executed.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Haven by Lindsay J. Pryor
Title: Haven
Author: Lindsay J. Pryor
Publisher: 31st October 2017 by Hachette Australia
Pages: 288 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: fantasy, paranormal, dystopian, science fiction
My Rating: 4 crowns
Synopsis:
A spin-off from the bestselling Blackthorn series by Lindsay J. Pryor, set in Lowtown, the neighbouring district to Blackthorn. The product of a brutal class system, the dark, gritty world of Lowtown will grip you and never let you go.
Every few days the handsome stranger comes into the café in Lowtown for an hour a time. Most of the time he keeps himself to himself - one drink and he leaves. Sometimes people meet with him but about what remains elusive, the edge of mystery and danger adding to his allure.
Not that Ember is allowed to think about him. She's finally on the cusp of gaining her citizenship and escaping Lowtown for good, so she can't be seen to be involved with a vampire - evidence of one single bite would be the end of her prospects. But when those prospects are rocked by her links to the district's dark underbelly, the stranger she must avoid could be her absolution - and she could be his . . .
My Thoughts
‘Haven’, Lindsay J. Pryor’s first standalone Lowtown novel is a worthwhile read. The best way I can sum it up is to say it is a mix of ‘Insurgent’ meets ‘Discovery of Witches’. This is best described as an urban fantasy novel with a bit of paranormal and romantic elements thrown into the mix - and the end result is interesting.
‘But she had no initiated powers anyway. She wouldn’t know what to do with them even if she did have. She didn’t even know what kind of witch she was’.
The author takes you to another world she has created (I have read no other Pryor books and this was never an issue) and most certainly she drops you slap bang right into the middle of all the action. The writing is engaging as you feel for the residents of Lowtown, their fear and desperation are palpable. At a deeper level, ‘Haven’ is about the dark and cruel side of humanity, rather than the focus being purely on the paranormal and the likes of witches or vampires etc. I liked that - corruption and control is at the heart of this novel.
‘Does the morality behind killing someone vary according to the reason?’
The plot,the characters and the engaging writing make ‘Haven’ a worthwhile read. The new angle concerning the political and whole social injustice theme was interesting. Forgotten races, extortion and crime and the golden ticket chance to escape it. Yet amongst all this permeates integrity and hope, loyalty and love - a good balance of evil versus good. You will find yourself drawn into this world of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ - a simple oft repeated theme but one that is well executed.
‘And without doing what you do, what do you have left? Because you don’t have anything else, do you? Even this haven that you claim gives you freedom stops you from being a part of things.’
Visit Helen @ Great Reads & Tea Leaves
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
QUOTE:
I loved that the author didn’t feel the need to toe the line and soft pedal bad behavior. Bad guys, good guys, it didn’t matter. Anyone was fair game for a reveal that could completely change your opinion of them.
If you’re looking for a new PNR series that has a dark world and complicated characters, then you’ll want to grab a copy of this.
Review: Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor
December 11, 2012
Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor
I’ve got to say, there’s nothing I appreciate more in a Paranormal Romance than a sense of darkness and grittiness. Other than awesome character development and a great romance, of course. 😉 I was so pleased to discover that here! I’m a fan of multiple lighter PNRs but I always crave higher stakes. In a world full of supernatural creatures with unimaginable powers, I have little doubt that there would be power plays, jostling for position, and constant tension. Add in humans, who have a history of fearing and villainizing anything different than themselves, even within their own species, and I have no doubt that the world would not be the easy, happy place it’s often portrayed as in the PNR genre. So to discover that grittiness here? Ahhh, so lovely.
Caitlin, a shadow reader for the Vampire Control Unit, is on the hunt for master vampire Kane. Her agency has been trying to bust him for years, but no one has been successful. No one has much faith in Caitlin, given that shadow readers usually stay in interrogation, but she’s given the chance anyway. Things are not quite what they seem, though. Despite what her boss thinks, Caitlin has another reason for wanting to get her hands on Kane. Something has been whittling down her family every few years and now she’s the last one left. She knows she’s next and she’s desperate to find a way to kill the monster. She figures that Kane is just the vampire to help her. Unfortunately for her, she’s not the only one with hidden motives. It’s her bad luck that Kane has a reason for letting her get that close.
Kane was a fabulous character. The reader remained uncertain of his loyalties right alongside Caitlin and we didn’t get to see his true plan until Caitlin saw it too. I loved that so much of his true motivation was a mystery. The tension between Caitlin and Kane was thick and leaving the reader in the dark helped carry that tension and kept us from getting too comfortable in the darkness of their world.
The attraction between Caitlin and Kane was strong and I was confident that things would eventually work out, but the author didn’t make things easy. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that the main characters were constantly at cross purposes. The fell in love despite themselves and it was all the more satisfying for it. Caitlin knew exactly why Kane was holding her and exactly how he planned to manipulate her emotionally into getting what he wanted. She stood firm against him and Kane was left to struggle with his ultimate goal versus her wellbeing. Their realistic struggle with their goals and the worry about outside opinion made the last scene (where they embrace their HEA) perfect for them. There were no hearts and flowers to fix the darkness. It was just them, their emotions, and having the balls to be together no matter what. I am very curious to see if we’ll hear any more about them in future books.
I loved that the author didn’t feel the need to toe the line and soft pedal bad behavior. Bad guys, good guys, it didn’t matter. Anyone was fair game for a reveal that could completely change your opinion of them. I thought for sure the author would somehow ease back into a softer reasoning about why Caitlin’s family was being killed, but she didn’t. The author wasn’t afraid to villainize people and she gets major props from me for that. I enjoyed Caitlin’s character a lot and understood her conflicted emotions when she learns a grim truth about some of the people she knows, but I was not happy with her when she was so friendly and willing to work with a particular someone from her past. You’ll know who I’m talking about when you see them. *cough*douchebag*cough* I wanted Caitlin to take more of a stand and be stronger about her feelings. It all felt too accepting and nice for me.
Despite how much I loved this story, I felt that things got a bit confusing toward the end. There was so much going on, and things kept twisting to reveal a new side to a plot, that I felt things got a bit away from the author. Occasionally I had to stop and say, “huh?” and reread a section to really understand what had led them to that point. This wasn’t an issue through most of the story, it just got a little hard to track when all the pieces started to come together. It’s my one major complaint of the story. The rest of the book was strong enough that it didn’t impact my overall rating much.
If you’re looking for a new PNR series that has a dark world and complicated characters, then you’ll want to grab a copy of this. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Favorite Quote:
”I’m already inside your head. And your body’s most definitely next.”
Rating: A
Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor
November 27th 2012 by Bookouture
Friday, 4 November 2016
Review: Blood Shadows - Lindsay J Pryor
For vengeance - would you trust a vampire?
For justice - could you betray your family?
For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in?
Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed seven years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for.
Or die.
Blackthorn Series:
Blood Shadows
Blood Roses
Blood Torn
Blood Deep
Blood Dark
Blood Instinct
Blood Bound
Visit Lindsay J Pryor's website for more information
Review:
I actually read this book back in June (yes, I'm ridiculously behind on my review writing again!) after finding out that the main character Kane beat out both Barrons AND Kate Daniels in the Alpha Showdown. Those are two of my favourite characters ever so for them to be beaten by someone from a series I'd never even heard of before had me incredibly intrigued. I'll admit that I went into this with very high expectations and perhaps that's why I ended up feeling disappointed but to be honest I don't think that's the only issue. Obviously this series has plenty of superfans but so far I'm just not feeling it.
I think my biggest issues were actually with the heroine of the story Caitlin. Let's face it, she's an idiot. If this was a horror story then she'd have been the first person to die and even though this is a paranormal romance it's still a miracle that she survived to the end. At the beginning we're told how she's a badass vampire hunter who has trained her whole life and is great at her job. She complains about always being underestimated because she's a small woman but within the first couple of chapters she's proved that she has absolutely no skill whatsoever and I wouldn't be surprised if she's a complete laughing stock amongst her colleagues. The second Kane enters the picture Caitlin loses her ability to think because she can't see past her libido. He has her pinned to the wall and is making threats to kill her and all she can do is think about how gorgeous he is. Even when Kane kidnaps her she has no sense of self-preservation, she doesn't fear for her life or try to plan an escape because she's too busy staring at his lickable abs. If you looked up "Too Stupid to Live" in a dictionary you'd find a picture of Caitlin's face and her actions just get worse as the story continues. It might not be quite so bad if she wasn't constantly trying to tell readers how amazing she is but she's completely oblivious to her own stupidity.
Kane interested me a little more, he has the whole brooding alpha male thing down pat but he doesn't ooze sex appeal like Barrons and I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between him and Caitlin so I never got fully sucked in by his character. Apparently he gets much more interesting in his next book but the next three books are all about different protagonists so it's going to take a while before we circle back to Kane to find out if that's true or not. There were things I liked about the world and I'm kind of curious to see if the series gets better, especially since this was the author's debut novel, but I just don't feel in any rush to pick up the sequel. I might get around to it one day but it could end up being one of those series that just never makes it to the top of the TBR pile.
Source: Purchased
Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.
QUOTE:
Fortunately, with some snappy dialogue and intense sexual tension between them, they manage to keep each page turning.
A very well plotted read with lots of twists and turns that tie up nicely at the end. A fabulous read!
Book Review: Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor
by Rae Rivers April 24, 2013, 10:43 pm 0
Blood Shadows
Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor
Published by Bookouture 2012
Available at Amazon
Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for.
Or die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lindsay J. Pryor has developed a captivating story set within a fictional setting of Blackthorn in which the Vampire Control Unit agents are trying to control the various rival groups of Supernatural creatures.
Caitlin works for the VCU as a shadow reader and along with her unit, has been obsessed with bringing down a master vampire, Kane. Caitlin lives and breathes her job but has an ulterior motive behind finding Kane. An evil creature has been killing off her family and she knows that she’s next in line. Her time is running out and she suspects that Kane might be the one vampire who can help her destroy the creature before it destroys her.
Kane has an ulterior motive of his own and allows her to get close. He’s dark, sexy, tortured, and keeps his intentions and motives a mystery throughout most of the book. He’s the ultimate bad boy – and yet he’s irresistible.
The two seem to disappear into their own world within the dark and gritty Blackthorn and through a series of interesting revelations; the author reveals glimpses into both characters and their motives for seeking each other out. Their attraction is instant, despite their circumstance, and they fall in love, despite Caitlin knowing why Kane is holding her and what he intends to do with her. I loved the way he was left torn between his intended goal versus her safety and wellbeing. There are a few flashes of action but also several quieter scenes where Caitlin and Kane are isolated from the world. Fortunately, with some snappy dialogue and intense sexual tension between them, they manage to keep each page turning.
A very well plotted read with lots of twists and turns that tie up nicely at the end. A fabulous read!
Blood Shadows is the first book in the Blackthorn series. Blood Roses will be released in April 2013.
QUOTE:
I will say the writing was good. There was nothing technically wrong with Blood Roses when it came to plotting and structure. This author knows how to write.
The Bad
disgusting
It was the story and characters that made this book a crash and burn scenario.
Review: Blood Roses by Lindsay J. Pryor
Posted October 27th, 2013 in book review / 12 comments
BLOOD ROSES
Blackthorn Series #2
by Lindsay J. Pryor
Publisher: Bookouture (April 2013)
Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Adult
Format: eBook (398 pages)
Source: Free book from author for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)
Summary
“She was supposed to kill vampires, not save them. Those were the rules. That was the lore.”
A rare and powerful witch whose blood is lethal to vampires, Leila has always viewed her serryn abilities as a curse. After seeing her mother slaughtered as a child, Leila longs for a safe, quiet life.
That wish is shattered by Caleb Dehain – a vampire with a dark past and a darker heart. The most feared serryn hunter of his generation, Caleb now needs the help of one of the witches he despises to save his dying brother.
A serryn who has no reason to help him. Except that he has her sister.
Caleb and Leila are each other’s worst nightmare – but the slow-burning spark of attraction between them is undeniable. Will Leila’s blood be his damnation? Or could her kiss be his salvation?
At A Glance
Why? I just don’t understand how Blood Roses can be considered enjoyable. I never read a book that made me this sick to my stomach.
The Good
I will say the writing was good. There was nothing technically wrong with Blood Roses when it came to plotting and structure. This author knows how to write.
The Bad
It was the story and characters that made this book a crash and burn scenario.
Spoilers! I must warn you, there will be spoilers in my review. I have never done this before but I am going through the main points and story elements in this book, including the end, so I can show you how ridicules this story is. I usually don’t condone giving away the story, but there is no other way.
Also, I have not read the first book of the series but this series can be read as a bunch of stand alones because each book has a new couple. So my understanding of this book and world was not hindered in any way from not reading the first book.
Caleb is holding Leila’s sister hostage. Leila must find a spell to save Caleb’s brother from dying or her sister will be killed by Caleb. Leila agrees as long as her and her sister are let go afterward. Leila lives up to her side of the bargain but Caleb does not. Caleb imprisons Leila in a torture chamber once he finds out her secret. Leila is a serryn. Most of her kind hunts and kills vampires, which is easy for them since their blood is a death sentence for vampires. Leila does not practice her heritage. Caleb does not care. He wants all her kind to suffer no matter what. Then Caleb finds out that Leila’s death would mean his kind can rise as rulers and enslave humans as blood cows. He wants this so bad. So he plans to drain Leila and kill her to become the the leader of his kind and make humans bow down to him. That’s the gist of the story.
So this is suppose to be a paranormal romance. So, stupid me, I thought that Caleb was going to realize that he loves Leila more than the need to enslave all humans and give power only to the vampires. NOPE. Not at all. Caleb proceeds to keep Leila prisoner, rape her (oh well, she didn’t say no so that was okay according to Caleb), and constantly mindf**k her into thinking she was the one in the wrong for not wanting to die for his race of slaughters, and that he is the most noble and amazing person in the world. Over and over again Leila is in a position to kill Caleb and end his horribleness, but guess what boys and girls, her special serryn heritage makes her want him no matter her true feelings. Convenient, right? She just craves her torturer/rapist. The vampire who over and over again uses her sister as a bargaining chip. Over and over again he talks about how he will kill all her sisters, torture them just to make her do what he says. How romantic. And every time she let’s him go without killing him in exchange for not going through with the plan to kill her. He, of course, goes back on his word and pretty much says, “Nope, still going to kill you you silly, b*tch. “
By the end, Leila is resigned to let him kill her because we find out the process might kill him too. So at least she is saving the world from enslavement. Caleb stops for about a second before draining her dry, and within that time he finds out he might die too. And guess what? He is MAD at HER for not telling him that when he was brutally killing her, he might die too. OMFG!!!!! But wait, there’s more. This is were Caleb redeems himself. He says, “You know what, babe, I will give you a week to find a different way to help me enslave your people and slaughter humans without killing you. But I give you only a week to do this, or I will kill you anyways. And I will keep your sister as leverage, of course. Awwww, how sweet, right? *vomits*
Is this not the sweetest paranormal romance you ever heard of?
The Snuggly
Vomits!!!! Pukes some more!!!! Bile!!!
Final Thoughts
I can’t help but have strong feelings for this book. I just thought it was disgusting. I know some people will like it and not see it the way I did, and that’s cool. But I wanted to make sure my readers knew what Blood Roses entails before they even thought about reading it. I hope I didn’t offend anyone in spoiling the story. I never, ever do this, but some books make you so passionate (in a bad way) you can’t hold yourself back no matter what. Don’t read this book.
Quotes
“I’m more than twisted. I’m the worst kind of vampire… But you’re the one who’s craving me, so what does that make you?”
“We die, you die. You die, we survive. I think there’s a pecking order in that, don’t you?”
“I will not be threatened. Do you understand me?’
He leaned closer again, his lips less than a couple of inches from hers. ‘Now try saying it without trembling.”
“Playing the martyr doesn’t suit you, Leila.’
‘Maybe not, but playing the complete and utter bastard clearly suits you.”
QUOTE:
the world building is fantastic. Vampires and werewolves are so over used in both paranormal romance and urban fantasy that it’s unusual to find a new series containing both that captures my attention so fully. I can see how Ms. Pryor is bringing plot threads and characters together to create a very interesting story arc.
Review: Blood Roses by Lindsay J. Pryor
April 26, 2013
BLOOD ROSESAfter finishing Blood Roses I had to sit down and really think about how to write this review and what rating I wanted to settle on. I very much enjoyed the first book in the series, Blood Shadows. Dark, very well written, with fully fleshed out characters that were so intriguing. I also enjoyed the world building and found the plot to be suspenseful. While the first book dealt with humans, their law enforcement and control of what they call the “third species”, book two delves deeper into the vampire culture. It’s just as dark, the hero is more of an anti-hero, but the love story between Leila and Caleb, while hot, is not a tender romance.
Our heroine is a witch who gets a call from her wayward sister asking for help. To help she must venture into vampire territory and rescue her from one of the most dangerous vampires alive. Leila is a witch, but she’s also something more, a fabled serryn whose blood is lethal to vampires. She’s kept what she really is from her sisters and has tried to live as quiet a life as possible, surrounded by books, always staying in the upper crust part of town where she has less of a chance of encountering the things that scare her the most. When she gets to Blackthorn she must save the life of a vampire who has drunk a woman to death and as a result now lies near death himself. She is terrified of his brother Caleb and of what he might do to her and her sister if she can’t perform her duties. When she succeeds Caleb realizes she is much more powerful than she leads everyone to believe. They start out as enemies and soon find out there is much more between them than what they originally thought. They are both instrumental parts in a prophecy that will ultimately decide the fate of both vampires and humans.
Caleb and Leila play a dangerous game. Their entire relationship from beginning to end is based on who can outsmart the other and which one of them will be the winner in their struggle for control. He is stronger and in a position of power, but Leila is desperate to save her life. Caleb is loyal to his species and has spent a lifetime tracking down and killing serryns. He has a terribly violent past with them, both on the giving and receiving end. Leila has been raised on the hatred of all things vampire and she also has had some pretty brutal past experiences. There is no trust in their relationship, no softness and almost all the kindness shown is to get something in return. They have a scary sort of chemistry and as a result some pretty intense sexual encounters. Caleb is cruel and taunting and harsh in his treatment of her and yet I kept wondering what he would do next.
Almost the entire book takes place in his penthouse above his club where he is holding her prisoner and happens over just a few days. While I love a darker romance, I wanted there to be at least some tenderness between the two of them. There were times I felt they were on the cusp of something and then they would revert back to the manipulations and mind games. I just never knew what they actually felt for each other. Caleb is loyal to his brother and the vampires and is willing to sacrifice Leila. He never moves away from this belief. Even at the end. Leila is loyal to her sisters and the human race and isn’t willing to give in either. The supposed HEA confused me a bit, and left me unsatisfied. It didn’t feel authentic and their professions of love almost unwilling. I needed more, a little gentleness, some deeper commitment to their future, just something more. An epilogue would have been much appreciated.
One thing I will say, the world building is fantastic. Vampires and werewolves are so over used in both paranormal romance and urban fantasy that it’s unusual to find a new series containing both that captures my attention so fully. I can see how Ms. Pryor is bringing plot threads and characters together to create a very interesting story arc. The H/h from the first book are mentioned, and I foresee them playing a pivotal role in upcoming installments. The ending, or lack of one really, of Blood Roses leads me to believe that Caleb and Leila will also be a major part in how this series story arc plays out. Regardless of how unsatisfied I was with the ending to Leila and Caleb’s book, I am still entranced with this world and am looking forward to the next release. Book three comes out this fall and I will most definitely be putting it on my to read list. Final Grade- B-/C+
Favorite Quote:
“I don’t know if letting you live is the most selfish or selfless act I’ve ever committed. I don’t know if you’ll by my salvation or my damnation, but I can’t be without you, Leila.”
Rating: B-/C+
Blood Roses by Lindsay J. Pryor
April 26th 2013 by Bookouture
QUOTE:
Blood Deep does not disappoint
The Author Visits Reviews Blood Deep
1 Comment
Blood Deep Book Cover Title: Blood Deep
Series: The Blackthorn Series (Book #4)
Author: Lindsay J. Pryor
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Gothic Romance
Publisher: Bookouture
Release Date: October 24, 2014
Format: eBook
Pages: 415
NOTE: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
The tattoos covering Eden Reece’s arm tell the tale of a con with an appetite for danger. Even so, arriving at The Circus – the criminal heart of Blackthorn – and demanding an audience with the notorious Pummel, is the sign of a death wish.
Jessie knows that Eden is trouble. Serious trouble. Held captive by Pummel, despite her powers, she also knows how dangerous a game Eden is playing. Yet she can’t ignore a connection far deeper than the physical spark between them – because Jessie has seen Eden before...
Jessie is the only one who can help Eden save those he loves. But as he uncovers her secrets one by one, he can’t ignore the emotions she stirs in him – feelings neither of them dare face. He risks death. If she trusts him, she risks a fate far worse.
As Pummel’s twisted plans become clear, there’s no doubt all hell risks breaking out in Blackthorn. With time running out, together Jessie and Eden might be the only ones who can stop it.
Note: The Author Visits received a copy of Blood Deep in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, the fourth installment in The Blackthorn series, Blood Deep by Lindsay J. Pryor has arrived and was well worth waiting for.
I finished Eden and Jessie's story within twenty-four hours of receiving my copy and I was not disappointed. Blood Deep centers around Eden, an undercover Curfew Enforcement agent and Jessie, a woman with a secret, held against her will by Pummel, a wicked con (convict) in the deplorable Blackthorn district.
Eden's special assignment is just one angle of a sinister plot set in motion in the war against the third species (vampires and lycans) and has everything to do with a prophecy that is unraveling at warp speed, one that threatens the powerful race of humankind.
Enter Jessie. Her secret is one that if uncovered, can be used in the annihilation of the non-humans and Eden has been sent in to infiltrate Pummel's inner circle and bring Jessie in to the very people who want to take out the third species.
Eden and Jessie share an instant attraction but Jessie is weary of this new "con" realizing quickly, there is something different about the handsome human.
Once the pace picked up and I got past the relationship building between Eden and Jessie, the intricately designed plot twists fueled the pages of Blood Deep and I was unable to put the book down.
Jask Tao makes an appearance in the later part of Blood Deep, playing a critical role in the storyline while also helping to set the stage for the next Blackthorn installment. I love how Pryor cohesively weaves in major characters from the past three books in the series and plants the seeds for the next stage in the impending war between the humans and the third species.
Blood Deep introduces another third species, the angels. With a power so rare, their existence has been kept a secret that if unearthed, can turn advantageous to whichever side manages to contain their powers. Jessie is an angel under Pummel's unfortunate control and unbeknownst to her, she is also a pawn in a two-way plot that both Eden and Pummel are a part of.
We are also introduced to the fourth species, a wickedly foul race who begin "leaking" into the world of Blackthorn.
Pryor has packed a lot of story into Blood Deep. The writing is consistent as it has been across all her novels, but the tone of the book has shifted to one with more of an urban flare.
Although the book has its fair share of romance, there was more time spent on story telling which I appreciated and I suspect that had everything to do with Jessie's storyline.
It did take me a little longer to find my reading rhythm with Blood Deep. The first several chapters where Eden is making his case for becoming a Pummel insider while trying to get a handle on Jessie were a bit elongated. There were also some superfluous scenes with ancillary characters I could have lived without.
Still, Blood Deep does not disappoint and I am looking forward to book five in The Blackthorn Series. The plotting becomes more substantial with each iteration and I can't wait to see how the story lines converge and conclude in the future.
My rating? A must read. If you haven't picked up The Blackthorn Series, what are you waiting for?
The Author Visits Reviews Blood Deep
LJP Blood Deep Final Review Side Banner
About Lindsay J. Pryor
Lindsay Pryor's PicLindsay J. Pryor writes dark, intense, multi-layered paranormal romance set in the dystopian world of Blackthorn.
Blackthorn really captured the imagination of Lindsay’s publisher as a fantastically vivid and complex world, one which readers will utterly lose themselves in. She paints this multi-layered world effortlessly, and uses it as the setting for intense forbidden romances.
Lindsay’s Blackthorn series regularly tops Amazon’s U.S. and U.K Gothic romance charts. Blood Shadows has been number 1 in the vampire romance chart and the number 1 ‘Most Wished For’ paranormal romance on Amazon UK. She has also skirted the top 100 in Amazon’s overall kindle charts in both the US and the UK.
Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old, when she quickly decided that fantasy was more interesting than reality. She thought she’d grow out of it but hasn’t yet.
Lindsay holds an honours science degree in Psychology and Communication, is a qualified lecturer and English teacher. She currently teaches children with special needs. When not writing or teaching, Lindsay indulges her fascination with mythology and is a keen supporter of animal welfare. She’s Welsh but now lives in the South West of England with her husband and their rescue bunny.
Follow Lindsay
QUOTE:
Pryor creates strong, but seriously flawed heroines, on a mission to take down the enemy they’re destined to fall in love with, but not without consequence.
She likes to put some serious obstacles in the way of these couples, leaving you wondering how on earth they’re going to come through it unscathed.
Once again, a fabulous installment from Ms. Pryor. Absolutely spectacular.
BOOK REVIEW: BLOOD TORN BY LINDSAY J. PRYOR
MARCH 6, 2014 | FIONACHAPMAN
Blood Torn (Blackthorn, #3)Blood Torn by Lindsay J. Pryor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I make no secret of the fact I am a big fan of Ms. Pryor’s world of Blackthorn. The first book in the series, Blood Shadows, was a whirlwind, gripping story about fierce, feisty agent Caitlin Parish – from the Third Species Control Division – intent on bringing down the notorious master vampire, Kane Malloy. This story almost prevented me from preparing the kids’ dinner a few nights in a row.
Then came the second book, Blood Roses, and the incredibly dark vampire, Caleb Dehain, who I absolutely loved. I think I loved Blood Roses, with Caleb and Leila – a serryn born to destroy him – more than I loved Blood Shadows (although I’d never have guessed it at the time).
Ms. Pryor creates strong, but seriously flawed heroines, on a mission to take down the enemy they’re destined to fall in love with, but not without consequence.
She likes to put some serious obstacles in the way of these couples, leaving you wondering how on earth they’re going to come through it unscathed.
I got my ‘claws’ into Blood Torn by downloading it as soon as it was released, and spent an entire evening into the early hours reading the first half. I’d have pulled an all-nighter if I could, because the threads Ms. Pryor kept spinning kept me turning, page after page after page with questions, desperate to know what happened next.
The first two books follow the story of two of the key players – the two most powerful vampires – in Blackthorn.
Blood Torn, on the other hand, is all about sexy Lycan leader Jask Tao, and Phia McKay; the sharp, impulsive younger sister of Leila from Blood Roses, and she’s intent on bringing down ALL of the Third Species leaders. What she doesn’t count on, though, is Jask being a force to be reckoned with, someone who challenges her very being, her reason for existing and all of her values. He breaks her down, gets under her skin, and gets into her head and she’s powerless to stop him, although she certainly gives it her best shot. As with all of Ms. Pryor’s books, we are left with a Happy For Now, but there are some mammoth challenges left in the way, all leading up to what I expect will be a massive show-down – yet to be revealed. Once I’d experienced all the action and conflict (and not to mention steamy scenes) unfold between Jask and Phia, a feeling of deep unease crept over me at the prospect of the next book. Because while we have a Happy For Now, Ms. Pryor has laid the path for an even darker journey into the next book, a taster of which is provided at the end of Blood Torn. I read the first chapter horrified, then gasped as it came to an abrupt end. Because, although disturbingly dark, I was so embroiled in the lives of the characters of Blood Torn, so wrapped up in their world, that when I got to the next part of the story, I simply wasn’t ready to leave Blackthorn. Alas, I shall just have to wait until Blood Deep is released. Or read all three books again.
Once again, a fabulous instalment from Ms. Pryor. Absolutely spectacular.
QUOTE:
Blood Dark gave me everything I could have wished for and more….excitement, chills, cold-shower moments and YES even tears!
Blood Dark by Lindsay J. Pryor – Review Time!
September 22, 2015Lindsey Clarke
It dawned on me while reading Blood Dark – the latest instalment of Lindsay J Pryor’s gritty, dystopian paranormal saga Blackthorn – that this series has become the ONLY series that I jump on as soon as it’s released. It’s the one I count down the days to a new release. It’s the one I devour as soon as it’s published. It’s the one I pimp out to anyone who will listen. In fact, I can’t quite remember a time when Blackthorn didn’t exist. It’s become one of those landmark book discoveries of my life – sitting alongside childhood classics from the likes of Enid Blyton and Judy Blume to my first foray into adult horror from King, Koonzt and Herbert.
It also dawned on me while reading, that Blood Dark is definitely my favourite of the series so far – and yes, I am well aware I say that every time but this time I really mean it. Now, of course, I have a feeling I’ll be living my own Groundhog Day after the next release, but right now, it’s definitely all about Blood Dark.
Why? Because after four books in which Lindsay has introduced us to the world of Blackthorn, its residents, its dangers, its politics, its uber hot heroes (or anti-heroes if you prefer) and kick-ass heroines, book five is where it really all starts to come together! It’s always a mystery to me how Lindsay manages to keep upping the ante each time because quite often sequels (and long-running series in particular) have a tendency to fall a bit flat, failing to recapture that magic of the first book and veering off on a long-winded and slightly disappointing tangent, but there’s never been any fear of that with Blackthorn! Each book is more intoxicating than the last and with each book comes more threads expertly woven together until we have an intricate spiders web of intrigue, mystery, excitement and (yes, yes, yes!) super hotness.
Blood Dark takes us back to where it all started, with the irrestibly dark Kane Malloy and everyone’s favourite VCU agent Caitlin Parish and I must admit, having falling in love with each of Lindsay’s main men in turn, I was pleasantly surprised to discover my love for Malloy was completely rekindled – sorry Jask (I still love you!). As always with Blackthorn, Blood Dark had me trying to second guess every move and word of Kane and Caitlin, as they try to live with the aftermath of all the revelations of Blood Shadows (Book one). I’m not going to go into detail on the story itself because that’s just going to lead me down Spoiler Street and let’s face it. nobody wants to go there, but suffice to say, as with all the Blackthorn books, I spent the whole time never knowing quite who to trust and rejoicing in the fact that Blackthorn is always so tantalisingly unpredictable. Chuck in the ever present shadow of the sinister Global Council, the ghoulish quality of the chilling fourth species showing up in every nook and cranny and not to mention the chance to get all our Blackthorn boys together, if you haven’t shown your allegiance to Team Blackthorn yet, now is definitely the time to don your fan girl t-shirt!
Blood Dark gave me everything I could have wished for and more….excitement, chills, cold-shower moments and YES even tears!
A five star read all the way – in fact, if I could, I’d give it a gazillion more!
Now all I have to do is wait for the next instalment …..*sighs*
QUOTE:
I LOVED it. I frowned. I gasped. I cried. I had my hand clamped over my mouth on a plane from Inverness to London. Then it ended. I closed the book, and then I mourned for a brief period. You know – that book hangover period.
BOOK REVIEW: BLOOD DARK BY LINDSAY J. PRYOR
JANUARY 23, 2017 | FIONACHAPMAN
Blood Dark (Blackthorn, #5)Blood Dark by Lindsay J. Pryor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every time I read a new instalment in the Blackthorn series, it’s touch and go whether they will top my favourite (which happens to be Blood Roses – the second book in the series of eight). I love all of the Blackthorn books that I’ve read so far – they never cease to keep you on the page, turning the leaves long after you should have put the book down and go to sleep… or feed the kids… or the cats… or do the weekly food shop (you know, the boring-but-necessary stuff). But it’s always been Blood Roses for me. The ultimate will-they-won’t-they love affair, the kind of love that’s impossible to survive against the odds, and leaves you hanging like an unspent intake of breath. If there was ever a contest for the best in the series, for me, it’s Blood Roses. Hands down. The emotional turmoil and suspense in THAT book tops them all.
Until now.
Blood Dark is the fifth instalment of the Blackthorn series, and brings us back to Kane and Caitlin, who we saw in the first book of the series. The pair have an undeniable chemistry, which we were privy to in Blood Shadows. As a VCU (Vampire Control Unit) agent, Caitlin Parish is the most unlikely candidate for a relationship with Kane Malloy – the most wanted vampire by the head of the Global Council. And her decision to return to work after the dangers they faced and battled together is driving a wedge between them. Kane has his own demons to deal with – literally – and the ultimate struggle for this hero/heroine is that they still can’t seem to trust each other, especially as they both seem to be on different sides. It’s not just a battle of vampires vs. humans in this series, or indeed this story, as Lindsay J. Pryor introduces us to more of the intricately described – and terrifying – fourth species (monsters to any Blackthorn virgins). As a master vampire, it’s Kane’s job to keep Blackthorn safe, but his relationship with Caitlin is complicating matters. He’s got an important job to do, and being with Caitlin is not only putting her life in danger, but also the future of Blackthorn. The whole book is a rollercoaster of emotional tension, but it was the twist at the end that got me. I’ve since read Blood Instinct – book number six – but Blood Dark is still very much at the forefront of my mind. Kane Malloy is a classic alpha male hero – you know he’s bad, he can be really bad – but this book gives us what many Kane fans will already have guessed; that underneath it all is a tortured bad boy who really just wants to love and be loved in return. It’s got it all – the suspense, the horror, the heat, the ‘ahhh’ moments, and best of all, the ‘oh my god I can’t believe the author has just done that to me!’ moment.
I LOVED it. I frowned. I gasped. I cried. I had my hand clamped over my mouth on a plane from Inverness to London. Then it ended. I closed the book, and then I mourned for a brief period. You know – that book hangover period.
And then I downloaded the next one.
If you haven’t tried Blackthorn yet, isn’t it about time you did?
View all my reviews
The following text is from the book description on Amazon.co.uk. See below for buy link:
‘There are guardian angels, and there are monsters with wings’
Caitlin Parish should have been the last person to fall for a vampire. A member of the Vampire Control Unit, her relationship with master vampire Kane Malloy had explosive consequences. Caitlin’s colleagues count her as the enemy. And now she’s going back.
Kane has made powerful enemies of his own – and is being targeted by the head of the Global Council, Sirius Throme. With the stakes higher than ever before, Kane knows caring for Caitlin makes him vulnerable. Worse, her decision to return to VCU feels like betrayal.
With Throme threatening to tear Blackthorn apart, and the prophesied vampire leader finally revealed, Kane and Caitlin must both fight with everything they have to stop an all out war. But they’re fighting on opposite sides…
Right when she needs him most, Caitlin makes a shocking discovery about Kane. Has he been playing her all along? And can she trust him with her life when he won’t even trust her with the truth?
The choice Caitlin makes will change the game in Blackthorn forever.
Download Blood Dark from Amazon here.
If you’re a Blackthorn virgin, click here to begin your journey into the world of Blackthorn with Blood Shadows.
QUOTE:
I have never read a book with such a beautifully crafted plot. It's a thrill a minute with plot twists I never expected. Imagine binge watching every finale of The Walking Dead, multiply the tension by a hundred and you're a bit closer to imagining life during Blood Instinct.
Reviews
Review - Blood Instinct by Lindsay J. Pryor
May 9, 2016
Hello and welcome to my first review in my new home! And what a way to begin, with Blood Instinct, book 6 in my favourite paranormal series, Blackthorn. I seriously could not wait to get my hands on the next instalment by British author, Lindsay J. Pryor. Anyone who knows me will know how much I fan-girl over both this series and the author. Both are amazing! And the wait was more than worth it. Here's why...
Blurb
‘I think what is inside of you triggers the worst of me’
Sophia McKay has always had a reckless streak, but falling for lycan leader Jask Tao gave her something to live for. Now, cursed with a serryn bloodline, a darkness inside Phia is awakening. A darkness she knows could prove deadly to those she loves most.
Approaching a blue moon, Jask Tao and his pack are living close to the edge due to a delay getting the herbs required to stop their morphing. Worse still, the growing strength of Phia’s serryn powers are dangerously provoking the lycan in Jask.
At a time when Jask and Phia need each other more than ever, their very passion has become a poison that puts both their lives at risk.
With Sirius Throme, leader of the Global Council, on the verge of invading Blackthorn – working together is the only chance of survival. But Jask is holding on to a secret that could just blow everything apart.
And so is Phia.
Will the truth destroy them all?
A thrilling, action-packed and sinfully seductive paranormal read – where passions in Blackthorn ignite.
BUY LINKS: AmazonUK | AmazonUS
REVIEW
Blood Instinct is exhilarating beyond words!
I would say 'be still my beating heart' - except my heart seemed to have left my chest several chapters in and hasn't been seen since. I believe Jask may have it.
In Blood Instinct we revisit Jask and Phia. Jask Tao, my favourite lycan leader, has to protect his pack and his serryn mate, Sophia McKay, from those determined to end the prophecy and those as equally determined to bring it to fruition. Except life in Blackthorn is never easy, particularly when on the cusp of a blue moon - a time most difficult for lycans. And more so when their limited meds seem to be ineffective.
Phia seems to be losing hope, but Jask needs her to fight, to stay 'them' despite the odds stacking against them and secrets being spilled that could affect the fragile alliances between the third species. Not to mention Sirius Throme and Feinith, who are lurking in the background, eagerly awaiting the downfalls of the Blackthorn key players. But there is a fight building inside Phia - the serryn in Phia is rising. The blue moon ignites Jask's lycan instincts. With a serryn fighting for control and a lycan clawing for release - will they lose themselves and each other? There's a battle ahead and twists of fate that place Blackthorn and the prophecy on a knife edge of balance.
I have never read a book with such a beautifully crafted plot. It's a thrill a minute with plot twists I never expected. Imagine binge watching every finale of The Walking Dead, multiply the tension by a hundred and you're a bit closer to imagining life during Blood Instinct. And my cry-o-meter was off the charts! My goodness, this book has all the feels and feel I absolutely did. Tremendously!
Blackthorn just got darker and much more compelling. All credit to Lindsay J. Pryor for setting such a remarkable pace with each book. Not once has the plot faltered. I have no idea where the finale will end in this battle of souls and shadows. Who will survive? I really don't know. Will I survive the end? Debatable. But I do know I will be there, hanging on to each magnificent word.
5 Butterfly Rating!
If you haven't yet had the pleasure of Blackthorn, here's a summary of this dark, dystopian world...
The series has an overarching plot which continues throughout each book, so each book is best read in order...
About the author
Lindsay J. Pryor currently writes dark, intense, multi-layered Gothic Paranormal Romance set in the gritty and dystopian urban world of Blackthorn.
Discovered after being a twice-finalist in an international romance writing competition, Lindsay’s Blackthorn series really captured the imagination of her publisher as a fantastically vivid and complex world, one which readers will utterly lose themselves in.
With six-figure sales and books sold in several countries, Lindsay is one of the UK’s bestselling PNR authors. Her Blackthorn series regularly tops Amazon’s US and UK Gothic Romance charts where it has reached #1 on numerous occasions. Books from her series have also reached #1 in five sub-genres of Paranormal Romance, including being a #1 Vampire Romance bestseller in both the UK and the US. Her debut was a #1 ‘Most Wished For’ Paranormal Romance on Amazon UK. Blackthorn has achieved success in the main kindle charts too, reaching the Top 50 in the US, the Top 20 in Canada, and has skirted the Top 100 on Amazon UK.
Lindsay has been creating stories since she was nine years old, when she quickly decided that fantasy was more interesting than reality. She thought she’d grow out of it but, more than thirty years later, writing remains her passion.
Lindsay holds a BSc Honours degree in Psychology and Communication and two post graduate qualifications. She is a qualified Psychology lecturer and English teacher. Before becoming a full-time author, Lindsay taught for eighteen years, primarily to improve literacy for children with special needs. She was born and grew up in Wales but now lives in England with her husband, their rescue bunny, and a plethora of wild woodland creatures. She is a keen supporter of animal welfare.
Main Website - http://www.lindsayjpryor.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/lindsayjpryor.author
Twitter - http://twitter.com/lindsayjpryor
Pinterest - http://uk.pinterest.com/lindsayjpryor
LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/lindsayjpryor
Google+ - http://plus.google.com/+LindsayJPryor
What Readers are saying about Blackthorn
‘Wow wow wow, she has done it again! …If you haven't already read this series, and are a fan of paranormal books, I have just one question for you. Why haven't you read this series yet??!!… my all time favourite book series ever.’ Fiona’s Book Reviews
‘The highly anticipated sixth book in the Blackthorn series WILL HAVE YOUR MIND RACING AND YOUR HEART IN YOUR THROAT!’ My Bookworm Blogger
‘I'm still kind of reeling from shock … jaw-dropping!’ Just Talking About Books
‘The previous books had readers swimming in Lindsay J. Pryor’s world, this time Blackthorn completely submerges you. Where her last book had my heart pounding and made me all sweaty, Blood Instinct is brain scrambling and gut wrenching. A week later, I’m still looking for the factory reset button. Big Little Sister Blog
‘Quite frankly, open up a Lindsay J Pryor book, and you’re opening up a three-dimensional feast for the senses and if you’re going to step into that world, well, you’d better be prepared to start running because the action in Blackthorn never stops … if you want an intoxicating read that will leave you breathless and reeling for days afterwards, then Blood Instinct is the book for you.’ Lindsey Clarke
‘If you enjoy dark paranormal tales, then the world of Blackthorn is where you’ll want to visit with the latest novel in this series, Blood Instinct. I don’t think I could recommend this story or this series highly enough. Once you’ve stepped into Blackthorn you’re hooked for life.’
What readers are saying about Lindsay J. Pryor
‘I am completely enthralled with this paranormal series. You get so wrapped up in the story and characters that you lose track of time… This is one of my favorite series so far this year!’ Paranormal Book Club
‘I don’t think I have read such a finely executed dark PNR world before … The world-building is spectacular. The characters are enthralling and addicting… Plain fabulousness.’ Gaga Over Books
Good news! If you are new to Blackthorn, book 1 in the series, Blood Shadows, is only 99p!!! (For a limited time only) Quick - go grab Kane. I promise you won't regret it!
Blurb
Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for. Or die.
BUY LINKS: AmazonUK | AmazonUS
Review time! Blood Instinct by Lindsay J Pryor
May 5, 2016Lindsey Clarke
Logging onto my WordPress blog in what was simply forever, I couldn’t help but smile when I realised the last blog post I made was a review for Lindsay J Pryor’s last instalment of the deeply delicious Blackthorn series. I should, of course, blog here more often, but if I only ever venture into the world of WordPress to review Lindsay’s books, then that’s totally fine with me and well worth the visit.
So in my last review of Blood Dark, I made a point of declaring that it was Lindsay’s best work to date and that no doubt, I’d be saying the same thing for the next release and guess what? Yup. I was right. I’d love to say that I hold some supernatural psychic abilities to predict the future and THAT’S how I knew the sixth instalment in the series would be the best yet, but I’m afraid it has more to do with Lindsay’s talent and far less to do with my superhero spidey senses. The plain facts are that Lindsay is to writing, what Helen Mirren is to acting – a freaking do-no-wrong goddess!!!
Having been a fan since Blood Shadows, I don’t think I could ever have predicted just how the story would unfold. For me, it’s gone from a dark and gritty paranormal romance set in the dangerous backstreets of a fictional world, to something that has reached epic proportions, where the sizzling relationships between our characters sits alongside key themes of social inequality, segregation, prejudice and supremacism. Now I know that might seem a little heavy for your average PNR, but the facts are that Blackthorn has NEVER been your average PNR and I believe, it’s part and parcel of what has kept me desperate for more after each release. What’s intrinsically powerful about Blackthorn is that it creates incredible empathy and passion in its readers – the world that Lindsay has created in Blackthorn, with its devilish politics, power plays and twists, had made a massive difference to the allure of the series and Lindsay’s world-building skills, in my opinion, are not praised nearly enough. Yes, we know she can write captivating characters. Yes, we know she can write hot scenes to rival JR Ward. Yes, we know she can inspire FEELS by the bucketload. But it’s the world that she has created behind all that, which provides the whole backdrop to the story – this is what makes it so blooming REAL. Quite frankly, open up a Lindsay J Pryor book, and you’re opening up a three-dimensional feast for the senses and if you’re going to step into that world, well, you’d better be prepared to start running because the action in Blackthorn never stops.
This is definitely the case with Blood Instinct. Back to everybody’s favourite lycan, Jask Tao (he’s certainly mine!) and his partner Sophia, we find Jask battling to prevent his pack from being unjustly slaughtered by the powerful political forces at work in Blackthorn, while Sophia is battling forces of a very different kind. I loved the dark turn their relationship took in this book, it was at times difficult to stomach but captivating none-the-less, when being together became far more risky for them – Jask and Phia have always been effortlessly hot, but Blood Instinct takes things to a much darker and more gut-wrenching level. Combined with the ever present threat of the vampire prophecy and the sinister presence of the fourth species lurking in the shadows, the action in this book was so exciting and so thrilling that I almost wished I could strap myself in, just in case I fell off the sofa in shock of it all. In fact, I’m not even sure how I managed to reach the end without turning blue and passing out, because I definitely felt I should be holding my breath throughout!
As usual, I’m not going to say too much else regarding the plot, mainly because by book six, it’s REALLY hard to discuss without hitting everyone around the face with big fat spoilers, so I’ll just say that if you want an intoxicating read that will leave you breathless and reeling for days afterwards, then Blood Instinct is the book for you.
Just don’t forget the safety harness.
Five beautiful big glittery stars for this wickedly wonderful read!
QUOTE:
Blood Bound is a heart-racing, soul-pounding instalment and thoroughly deserving of five shiny, sparkling stars!
Review Time! Blood Bound – Lindsay J Pryor
September 17, 2016Lindsey Clarke
blood-bound
Sequels are tough to write, there’s no doubt about that. Writing a sequel to a successful, well-received, debut novel is even tougher, but when you are seven books into a series? Even some of the most famous writers of the past forty years (I’m naming no names!) can struggle with that kind of pressure, so for Lindsay J Pryor to still maintain the adrenalin-filled, fast-paced buzz of her four-year old debut Blood Shadows is seriously no mean feat.
There’s always something rather wonderful about discovering a new author when they debut, diving headlong into the pages of a book that seems so fresh and exciting and knowing that you have found a new fictional world and characters that will go down on your all-time favourites list, and it’s been an absolute pleasure over the past four years to stick with Lindsay’s Blackthorn series and feel the thrill of an imminent new release. But, to be fair, I could have said that about a lot of authors over the years, because debut novels and new literary voices are always exciting – the difference with Blackthorn, is that Lindsay’s writing just seems to get better and better with each new book in the series. With each book, the tone gets a little darker, Lindsay gets a little braver with just how far she’s going to push her readers and there’s nothing I appreciate more than a writer who is willing to not just push the boundaries, but to hurdle right over them, not to be controversial, mind you – because it has to be right for the story – but to take a story in a more challenging and unpredictable direction.
Blood Bound starts where we left off in Blood Instinct, with the war mounting between the third species and the effortlessly twisted Sirius Throme, who seems to know just how to outwit his enemies at every turn. Forced to try and find a way out of Blackthorn via the tunnel system and now faced with another potential threat much closer to home, Eden, ex-Curfew Enforcement Officer and angel envoi Jessie embark on a mission that threatens to tear them apart forever.
I’ll admit that of all the Blackthorn pairings, Eden and Jessie were never really my favourite, having had my heart claimed already by Jask and Phia (swoon Jask!), but I have to say that Lindsay really turned my head with these two in Blood Bound. At times, the imagery that exploded out of the pages was hard to ‘watch’, particularly with the short, choppy chapters that Lindsay uses so well that you can’t help but feel like you’re watching a movie, seeing the action switch back and forth at speed between the characters, but I realised partway through that I was wincing and shifting uncomfortably in my chair much more than I would usually, because I’d grown to really love Eden and Jessie as characters. I saw depth here that maybe hadn’t captivated me the first time round in Blood Deep. I felt connected to them in a way that hadn’t been obvious to me before and it wasn’t long before I wished I could reach in and save them both, even if it was strangely and morbidly fascinating to witness all the trauma and horrors that both were forced to experience.
In all honesty, I had thought to myself prior to reading Blood Bound, that to have Eden and Jessie as the focus in the penultimate book was possibly going to be hard work for me, but as usual, in her own inimitable style, Lindsay has once again pulled me in and reminded me just why Blackthorn is still my favourite PNR series of all time.
The hot scenes were hotter than ever. The action scenes were gripping and edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster rides. And just when you think Lindsay can’t surprise you with any more plot twists, you get hit between the eyes by some new, jaw-dropping revelation that has you reeling because you just never saw it coming. Seven books into the series and I am still, completely and utterly addicted to Blackthorn. That, my friends, is testament to great writing and that is why you should all pick up this series today and fall in love just as I and many other Blackthorn fans have.
Blood Bound is a heart-racing, soul-pounding instalment and thoroughly deserving of five shiny, sparkling stars!
Blood Bound – Blackthorn #7 – Lindsay J. Pryor
This book was much better than the last book but I may have judged the last book a little more harshly because I couldn’t stand the main female character.
Eden and Jessie were featured in a previous book and this book featured them again. Jessie is an envoi, a type of angel, who gave her tears to Eden and his niece Honey to save their lives only to find out that those tears may end up killing them anyway.
They are hiding below the city in tunnels along with the lycans and Kane, a master vampire, from the human army led by the evil Sirius Throme. Jessie has found out that Sirius has enhanced his human army by giving them angel tears but his past experiments had killed his subjects until he learned to give them a supplement of something along with the tears. Jessie did not do this with Eden or Honey and now it is too late so she decides to go up top into the city of Blackthorn where all sorts of dangers exist to find some hidden files from someone who had done extensive research into the subject to try and find if there is another cure. Eden decides to go with her.
Torren, a particularly nasty angel who has a grudge against Jessie and who just happens to be the area’s angel leader, abducts Jessie and Eden. Torren is the one who bound Jessie and took away a lot of her memory from her previous life when she lived with the angels. Binding her meant that he made a talisman necklace with a substance inside it that made it so that she could only go a certain distance from the necklace. A con named Pummel acquired the necklace and became Jessie’s master for fifty years until Eden came along and saved her. She has worn the necklace ever since. Now, Torren has the necklace. Torren can’t kill Eden because he is vital to the prophecy that effects the third species including angels but he can kill Jessie who is not vital.
What he ends up doing is wiping out ten years of Eden’s memory which is before he became the man he is today, before Honey was born and before he became an Curfew Enforcement Officer. Torren then hands Jessie and Eden over to Homer and Mya, two cons who know exactly who they are and will make them suffer before they kill them. Jessie cannot tell Eden anything or they will kill them both right away.
Since Eden does not remember who he is and has tattoos with numbers showing his crimes on his arm from going deep undercover, Homer and Mya convince him that he is a con and he is Homer’s second. Mya tells him she is his girl.
I almost cried at some of the things Jessie had to endure, watching Eden with Mya and thinking he was a con. All I wanted out of this book was to see Homer, Torren and Mya to die. That sounds bad but that is what happens in books.
There are other evil characters in this book too who I would like to see get their just rewards like Sirius and Feinith. Both have caused way too much pain in the world.
I don’t know how much further this story can go without wrapping up soon. We’ll see what happens.