Yeah, those of you who follow me closely know I wouldn’t throw that out there lightly, but there it is! I’d heard good things about the series but I wasn’t in the hugest rush to read it. Man am I SO glad I got around to it!
Delilah Dawson introduces us to a new world through the eyes of Letitia Everett (aka Tish), a nurse who spends most of her time tending to patients in reality, including her terminally ill grandmother. That is until she stumbles upon this interesting ruby locket at an estate sale. Unbeknownst to her it happens to be enchanted, and once she falls asleep it thrusts her into an alternate world called Sang where she meets Criminy Stain, a rebellious gypsy Bludman (aka vampire) who has been waiting for her for a long time. After all, he’s the one that had the locket spell cast to deliver the love of his life to him.
He leads a travelling circus mixed with fellow Bludman and Pinkies (aka humans) alike. Tish will fit right in as she realizes her powers as a Glancer, where she can see into someone’s past and future with just one touch. It’s a valuable ability and she learns her own fate when she touches Criminy, seeing her ultimate doom. Anchored between both worlds through wearing the locket, she can decide what she wants, but when the locket is stolen she goes on a journey with Criminy to find it. They face many enemies by land and sea, their ultimate target being the evil and manipulative Magistrate who hates all Bludmen and has a plan to eradicate them all from Sang. If they succeed, she must decide on a normal structured life or an unpredictable destiny with the person she was least expecting to love. Is Tish meant for all of this?
I won’t answer that question here, but I can just say that I loved loved LOVED this book! Dawson has an amazing imagination and has crafted a truly unique world with the Blud series. I wasn’t sure how much I could get into the world-building because Steampunk novels can be too heavy on the details for my liking. But she was able to harness it and describe everything effectively while still keeping my attention. I seriously don’t recall being bored at all and that’s saying a lot.
I liked that the Bludmen are really different for a change. Instead of being at the top of the food chain and rich like vampires in normal series, their race is oppressed and their people are considered second class citizens. Let’s not even get into the topic of a Bludmen becoming involved with a Pinky. It’s super taboo and usually the two races aren’t attracted to one another (well, aside from Bludmen seeing them as food of course). Because of this I enjoyed watching the tensions mount between the two.
Criminy Stain. Just one word to describe him: AMAZING!! I just don’t know if we can get enough of this character. He is so unique in a genre where it’s only getting more difficult to separate the best from the rest. He’s a born leader, honorable and adventurous; he cares about his people and hates that they’re suffering, but even still he doesn’t become emo and self-loathing. He maintains a great sense of humor throughout it all. I probably haven’t read about a more dynamic character since Algaliarept from The Hollows. The only downside is that I’m not sure what the second book will have in store. The book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but I just can’t tell what’s going to happen next for him since the second book seems to shift focus. To ignore this character is to ignore a goldmine. He’s got potential to be a fan favorite, like a Jericho Barrons, Algaliarept, Jean Claude, Curran, the list goes on.
I think the love story between Criminy and Letitia is very well done and not too heavy on that sap. It’s definitely more of a romantic adventure so a lot of the focus is on the adventure side of things, which is just how I like it. All the while the feelings build allowing things to happen at the right time.
I really wish this series came out bi-annually simply because of him. Maybe we can coax the author into writing up some short stories or vignettes.
This series is one where I would love to see a movie adaptation created for it. It could be a big hit, seeing all of this come to life. I just can’t gush enough and I’ve decided to hold a giveaway right now! I can’t wait much longer for more of you to read it so….
Giveaway
I will select two winners for this and they may choose either the paperback or the ebook. I am collecting entries through May 4th. I will announce the winners on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
How to Enter (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY): My giveaways are only open to followers of Your Urban Fantasy who are 18 years of age or older. In order to enter YOU MUST COMMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT POST! If you’re a new member, sign up on the right panel to follow my blog via email and/or Twitter. (Make sure you check your email to confirm your subscription. You should receive a notification immediately, so check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away). Current followers can just say so in their post and your entry will be added. Overall, there are up to 3 chances to win:
- Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED)
- Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry)
- “Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry)
While I do appreciate RSS subscribers, I cannot confirm your status as a follower so your entry will not count (sorry!); however, you are welcome to sign up by email and Twitter or Facebook.
this book looks like an amazing read. I’d like the hard cover if I win.
I follow on e-mail NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow on Twitter @NoraAdrienne
and YES I LIKED your Facebook page. I’m also a fellow wordpress.com blogger.
Thanks, Nora! It’s only available in paperback right now though (to my knowledge), lol. Good luck!
My mistake, I’m on a back up computer and the monitor is only 18″ vs my 22″ monster.
I want this book sooooooo bad 🙂 thanks for the chance. I follow by email and FB sstogner1 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Sharon! It’s sooo good! <3
Follow you on email: kashtastic@gmail.com, liked you on facebook (kate bell) and follow you on twitter (chiefmatekate)
I feel somewhat shallow because I think this book is worth reading for the cover alone. I know they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but this one is gorgeous.
LOL, no worries, Kate! This lives up to the hype for sure. He’s gorgeous, if a little unruly.
Follow via e-mail drtracieprovost@yahoo.com and have liked you on Facebook. Thanks for keeping us up on all the new books!
Thanks, Tracie!!
Here’s to hope floating. I will keep my fingers crossed for this one.
4everbooked@gmail.com I already follow your reviews on Goodreads so I am looking forward to a broader experience with this site.
Good luck, JD! I mostly do post my review from GR onto here, but I’ll occasionally bust out with some topics and giveaways and then when it comes to The Hollows I’m on it like white on rice. Did you see all of my APB coverage?
http://vampirenovelfan.wordpress.com/the-hollows-corner-everything-rachel-morgan/
Please enter me! This looks like a great book – like I needed a new series to start! 😉
I’m a follower
Beyerlein@sbcglobal.net
You’re in, Mandy! Thanks!
Thanks for the review and giveaway. It does sound like a great read. Current follower by email, twitter, and facebook.
It’s totally worth it whether you win or not, Julie!
This looks like a great read! Thank you for providing a giveaway.
You’re welcome, Barbara! That ring is really pretty in your profile.
I’ve been hearing some seriously awesome things about this book. It really does sound amazing! Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity. 😀
I follow w/ email: bonnieregan@gmail.com
And on twitter: @missbonnie13
Thanks!
Yeah it’s totally worth it, Bonnie! Thanks for following!
This book looks so good! I followed blog by email, twitter, & liked on facebook. 😀
Thanks, Sarah!
i so want to read this book and i would like it in paperback if i win. i following your blog by email mcr_lover_88@yahoo.com and i liked you on facebook under Brei-Ayn Nichole Moscato
Thanks, Brei. It is totally worth it!
Fingers are crossed. I like the cover! 😉 Story sounds very good too and being highly recommended by you is a bonus!
🙂 It’s fabulous. I like the cover too.
I think I want to try this one!
You won’t regret it!
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d like to try this one, it really sounds amazing, and I might like it too since it’s you’re favorite,lol. I am a follower of your blog and I also liked your Facebook page. Thanks again. 😉
Thanks so much, Jona! Good luck!! I am almost positive you’ll love it.
great giveaway!!! I would love to win!!
Thanks! Best of luck! Win or no, you should definitely crack this one open.
I saw your status on this book earlier on goodreads. Needless to say I have already added it to my TBR list..sounds like an amazing read! Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
^_^ Yeah it’s fantastic stuff.
shauna (dot) louise (dot) marie @ googlemail (dot) com
Thanks!!
Thanks, Shauna! Good luck!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Already a follower through email: autumnflower6ATaolDOTcom
Twitter follower: @JenniferBielman
Liked in FB: Jennifer Bielman
No problem, Jennifer. Good luck!
This sounds sooo good, thank you for the giveaways 🙂
E-Mail: lekidney@gmail.com
Twitter: sleepyninnie
FB: Nici Hartmann
It really is. The sooner everybody reads it, the better!
email subscriber: dwndrgn at hotmail
fb: april vrugtman
Thanks! Love your avatar!
I already follow you by email frnnmiller@gmail.com, twitter @frannymiller and I already like your facebook page.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Franny Miller
Thanks for the continued support, Franny!
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. I am following your blog, follow you on twitter and liked the page 🙂
Thanks, Brooke! Good luck!
I’m so glad you liked it! Mentioning Criminy in the same sentence with Barrons is a great honor. =) Thanks for a great review!
Thanks so much for dropping by! I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true! Criminy is just fantastic and I totally look forward to see him and the other characters of Sang again. He’s difficult to forget, just like the greats.
I want this book! I want a new series to start also!
You’ll be starting right from the top on this one!
Looks like a good book.
You shan’t be disappointed 🙂
I’m glad to hear you liked it so much. I have it on my kindle already and am in the process of working my way towards reading it. Love to hear that Criminy is on the same kind of level as Al, Barrons, Curran and Jean-Claude.
He so is. Please keep me posted once you’ve read it!
Sounds interesting and definitely different than a lot of the stuff out there. Thanks for the chance to win the book 🙂
It really is Jessica. A total breath of fresh air.
Just signed up via email, facebook, and twitter! I have heard so many good things about this book I would love to win it! 🙂
Good luck, little read! It is great. I’m on the bandwagon!
Alright, you’ve definitely piqued my interest. -grin-
I hope you love it as much as I did!
Always like winning books. Already a follower in my e-mail just liked you on facebook.
Me too, Noreen! Good luck!
Ooh this sounds really interesting! I definitely have to check this one out. I’m slways looking for new twists on the usual vampire lore.
I think this will be right up your alley, Anya!
I followed on twitter and this blog, plus I liked you on facebook!
Now give me my book!! This looks so good!! 🙂
Thanks, Kenya! You gotta pray to the excel gods on this one, lol. I’m looking forward to YOUR next book, too!
This one looks awesome! I love your review!
Im a follower for all three!
Thanks, Hazel. Your avatar is adorable!
I’m a follower and I liked on FB. I had never heard of this author or the book but you have me very curious about this story now!
Thanks for the continued support, Gwen. I think you’ll really like this. It’s just fantastic.
I followed on twitter and this blog, plus I liked you on facebook!
This looks so good!!!!!~(**~)
Good luck, Jamie! Thanks for following! I like your avatar.
Okay, I do need to win this as I can’t find it at the library…
Yeah it’s pretty new. But I recommend you request it so your library can order it. Good luck!
Already did…I just hate waiting…sigh…
Looking forward to reading this one can’t wait!! Please pick me!!
Foloow on Twitter and FB
You gotta pray to th excel gods on this one! Thanks for following!
This sounds right up my street! Always looking for inspiration…………….
Win or no, let me know how you like it, Sharon!
I would like to thank you for such an increadible book giveaway, and i would be exceedingly greatful if you could put my name forward for this giveaway. I am a huge fan of this particular genre & i am hence definately adding it to my to-read list! Thank you Xx
Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
You’re welcome, Lucinda. Thanks for following and I wish you luck! You’re on the list! This is a gem for sure if you love this genre as much as I do!
I’ve heard really good things about this book, and will definitely bump it up on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway offer!! I look forward to following your blog!
I’m about to give it a re-read I loved it so much, lol.
Email follower.
Thank you for the recommendation – I had kept this off of my TBR list because of the cheezy cover but since you rate it so highly I’ve now added it. Of course, it would be even better if I won a copy!
Thanks, April. I actually like the cover in this case, but I’m normally pretty picky about them (though I may still read a book if the ratings are high enough). Heck, if you see my reviews for the Vampires in America books that I did recently you will see I’m always commenting about those covers…which are just awful and there’s no way around it, lol.
I kind of like the cover. makes me think Jack the Ripper vampire. I am a new follower of your on twitter and email. Love your blog, very pretty:) Croosing my fingers toes and eyes to win after reading your great review:)
laura thomas
Thanks, Laura! I appreciate the support and compliment! I was hoping for that urban fantasy feel so if it accomplishes that then I’m happy. Good luck and I hope you like it here!
I have this on my TBR list! Love Steampunk! I get your email, follow via facebook and twitter. I’m a good little stalker =)
LOL Thanks, Nikki! Hope to see you around! Steampunk can be hit or miss for me, but this one is definitely a hit. I hope you’ve read the Vampire Empire books as well. http://vampirenovelfan.wordpress.com/category/urban-fantasy-and-paranormal-books/vampire-empire-trilogy-the-greyfriar/
They are wonderful too. A little slower to pull me in but I love it all the same.
Thanks Erika! I never would’ve thought this was so good. The steampunk aspect kept me away totally. I’m just not into it. The world building sounds great though, and if there’s a character the caliber of Al and Curran around, I am there! On the TBR list for sure.
Oh and I love the cover! Has a very Dark Shadows meets A Clockwork Orange vibe to it to me.
Sounds like a great book. I follow by email and twitter and like you on facebook.
hey, thanks for the chance to win the book. Sounds like a good read. I’m following this Blog and your Twitter. and also done the ‘liked’ thing on Facebook 🙂
Loved the review.Will be picking up if I don’t win. I’ve been following this blog for a while, I’m following you on Twitter and Goodreads. I’ll have to check out the facebook thing.
I could have sworn I already entered this, but I don’t see my comment. Oh well here I go again … I follow via email and liked you on facebook and Twitter. I am too freaking excited to read this book, everyone I know has raved!!
I would really love this nbook.
Yes one more day to enter! I love this book!