Synopsis:
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 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.
My Review
How this book has evaded my radar for so long I will never know. I was asked if I would review this and after reading the blurb I was all in. I love paranormal romance books, I have read so many over the years and love discovering a new author/series.
Those who are fans of the genre will know the basic plot line, however, this book will throw you many curve balls.
The Set Up
Caitlin is a member of the Vampire Control Unit (VCU) and feels she has something to prove. She is a shadow reader, able to read the shadows of the third species (think vampire, lycans etc.). This is why she was accepted into the VCU, she’s the strongest shadow reader they have.
She’s a great female character. She’s strong, principled and fights for what is right but has a very vulnerable side. Caitlin has great depth to her and that always makes for a better read.
She is out to prove herself and has taken on the case of Kane Malloy. The vampire no one has yet been able to bring in. She has become obsessed with his case, it all consumes her.
Kane, a master vampire on a vengeance mission since the death of his sister. When the book starts you only see Kane from Caitlin’s point of view, from what she has learnt from the files. Yes he has a fearsome reputation, but as the story progresses you learn so much more about him.
The World
This was interesting, it almost reads as a dystopian future. Areas are split into locales, for humans depending on your wealth you can live in a purely human ‘safe’ locale. Right down to ones purely consisting of criminals and the third species.
It’s very easy to follow, and helps that all the action takes place in two main locales.
The Story
So far I don’t feel I’ve done the book justice. This is so much more than a para romance. The building relationship between Caitlin and Kane is complex. Each involved on either side of a conspiracy that Caitlin know’s nothing about, nor does she know just how far that goes. Her world is about to be shattered.
The book sends you on many twists and turns. Other characters are introduced which I feel will be integral to the rest of the series. The main story is wrapped up this one book, however, Lindsay has set up an over arching bigger plot. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Final Thoughts
This is a dark, gritty and intense novel. I read this in two sittings, unwilling to put it down for any longer than necessary. The sex scenes are hot – all important in a para romance for me. Kane and Caitlin are believable as characters, as in the romance between them. The other’s you come across are also well fleshed out.
Blood Shadows will get you thinking, it is a really good read and if you are a fan of the genre it is one you must pick up. I personally cannot wait to return to Blackthorn and find out what Lindsay has next for us.
Many thanks to Kim and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Great review
Thank you