Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Crouching Tiger Forbidden-Vampire Kerrelyn

Crouching Tiger Forbidden Vampire
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon, Dec 30 2014, $7.99
ISBN: 9780062107770

Vietnam War marine veteran Russell Hankelburg awakens after a nearly four decade slumber to learn his loved ones were either dead or moved on and that Master Han turned him into a vampire.  He thirsts to kill his creator, but also learns that the mark on his wrist shows that his vicious vile vampiric master owns him as an expendable slave.

While Russell diligently continues his hunt of three years, he encounters obsessed Jia the were-tiger whose thirst for revenge against the vampire who slaughtered her parents rivals his.  Their respective quests collide when each realizes they stalk the same malicious malevolent monster.  Rather than trip over each other, Russell and Jia reluctantly agree to join forces in order to destroy Master Han.  Russell insists on rules to insure they focus on the mission even if her eyes hypnotize him into craving something much more daring, delicate and delightful that also will anger her family who arranged a marriage for her.

Although somewhat typical of the romantic urban fantasy subgenre, the sixteenth and final Love at Stake drama is a thrilling climax to a strong decade long saga.  The lead couple is a nice pairing highlighted by readers waiting seemingly forever for Russell’s tale.  Series fans will appreciate the final stake though a twisting climatic farewell tour subplot comes across as a rushed curtain call.


Harriet Klausner

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