****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Okay so that is they gist of it, such an awesome story. I love the way that the vamps and the weres and even goblins were strung together to all come from a single plague. The world that was created was just amazing. Steampunk all the way except the year is 2012. There are still carriages but also gadgets like updated cellphones and mp3 players. The dress is mixed Victorian era with a futuristic edge. Courtesans existed, high tech clubs existed, and royal balls existed. I felt I was inside the world as I read through the book. It was very creative, loud, and colorful.I loved the characters. I loved the main character Xandra; she is strong, independent, sarcastic, fun, and she kicks-butt. She doesn't quit or give up and she is very loyal to her family and her country, which causes a real dilemma when she is in the middle of the two. She was a very strong and likable heroine. The best in show for characters goes out to..... Vex he werewolf aristo. He stole my heart from the moment he entered onto the page. Hot, arrogant in the sexy way, very manly and chivalrous, he had it all for me. The relationship between these two felt very real to me and I loved how playful and yet devoted it was.The pacing of this story was pretty good. It was a bit slow in the beginning but once it picked up it didn't slow down. The writing jargon as also a bit confusing in times and even though there is a glossary in the back, not everything was included. There was a bunch to take in on how the aristos, the half breeds, and the goblins worked but eventually it all smoothed out for me and became easy happy sailing. There was a very healthy mixture of romance, mystery, and action for me and that healthy mixer is what made it a real page turner for me. I was very pleased with this book and can't wait for the next installment that comes out in February. So far away.
