Bloodspell [Paperback]

I can't stand reading a book with wimpy characters that you just want to grab by the shoulders and shake some sense in to them. Bloodspell isn't that type of book -- AT ALL.

Instead, the main character is real, and strong. Even if she doesn't know it at first. I LOVE Victoria. Love love love her. I sort of want to be her best friend, or I REALLY want to be her best friend.

This book is a super fun read, so fresh and unique. The author has created a winner here.

This book was sent to me for a review. I never heard of it before holding it in my hands. I fell in love with the cover. It's one of those books that if you are walking through the store you have to buy just for the cover. Then I read the description on that back and I had to read it. I knew from reading just that small part that it was going to be different.

It all starts with an outcast named Victoria (Tori); she is almost sexually attacked by a class mate and next thing she knows she wakes up in the hospital with her Aunt Holly standing by her. As the memories of that day start to resurface she knew she was different. Then her 17th birthday hits and everything changes.

Tori starts a new school and makes some new, some what, friends. She starts to feel included then she meets the all mysteries handsome, Christian Devereux. They instantly make a connection that they both try to fight. While Tori tries to get Christian's attention one of her friend's brother, Gabriel, tries to get her's, and if that wasn't enough Christian's twin brother, Lucian, also wants her.

Tori is at a crossroads in her life and has to decide who she is at the same time she has to figure out how to stay alive and not kill the ones she loves.

I was sucked into this book. I have ready many paranormal books and always run into the issue of being somewhat the same. Bloodspell is not one of those books. It puts a new twist into the mystical world of Vampires, Witches, Werewolves, and all mystical creatures. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh new perspective to a world that we all love hiding in.

5 out of 5.

One thing I think sums this book up best is a statement in the Langdon Street Press' publicity page for Bloodspell and it says this: "Bloodspell is a story of feeling like an outsider, a love story and a story of triumph over adversity. Don't fall victim to what you are, but find the courage and strength to define who you are."

That truly sums up this book. But in a way it oversimplifies. I found this book to be very complex and engaging. It does hold true to the above statement. Victoria or "Tori" is an outsider and she is trying to figure out why and how to come to terms with who and what she is. When she starts attending a new school, she starts to fit in better and finds herself intrigued by a student at the nearby college who is often at the high school helping out, Christian. And there begins their love story. But their love story if fraught with difficulties. I like how this book made it different by each of them having their doubts at different times. It wasn't him always saying they couldn't be together or her always saying it. They both had doubts because of what they were and laws that governed witches and vampires.

I also found the witch and vampire element to be refreshing. I know there are witches in the Sookie Stackhouse series along with the vampires but I haven't seen this element as much in young adult fiction. It felt fresh and new. I especially like that the main focus was on Victoria and her learning to be a witch and control her special powers.

The first third of the book starts the world building and the defining of the characters which is enjoyable. But after about 100 pages this book really takes off and is action-filled. No long sappy scenes for the whole book - this is more about Tori finding herself and helping Christian and others as well. There are some great scenes where these two declare their love and while it's always in the background, I never felt the love story was the true focus. The focus was more on the inner struggles and that really made the book.

If you enjoy books with good character development and a lot of action then this is a book for you. I like how the ending is pretty much sewn up, but there are some open threads I could see possibly leading to another book, which would be awesome, but if there is not another book in the works involving Christian and Tori, I would be okay with that as well.

Some of my favorite quotes, first one that shows the struggle Tori faces (and how well the author puts it in Tori's words):

"Tori, she attacked you. You defended yourself and she lost. That was it," he said.

"You don't understand. I took her magic into myself, and even though it was filthy and cloying, I liked it. I liked the feeling of power and when I killed her I liked it even more! I loved it. It was so easy ... I reveled in taking ... the taking ..." Victoria gasped, unable to finish. "The blood takes and feeds ... and I am helpless against it."

Another fun quote that pokes fun at vampire lore and mainstream media at the moment (I think it shows the author has a great sense of humor). This is Christian talking about hiding being a vampire with Tori:

"Their scientists and forensic experts have the tools and technology now, not to mention all the books and films flaunting our secrets!"