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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Marvellous Mix of Mystery, Fantasy, and Romance!, Oct 4 2002
"Blood Price" by Tanya Huff is the first book in a five book series revolving around Vicki Nelson, an ex-policewoman turned Private Investigator because of a degenerative condition that is slowly causing her to go blind. Add in Henry Fitzroy, a 450-year-old vampire romance writer and bastard son of Henry VIII and Mike Celluci, Vicki's ex-partner on the force and sometime lover, and you have the recipe for a compelling, exciting, and fun story. Huff has created an intriguing group of main characters and set them in the midst of a suspenseful and well-written mystery. Sure to please readers of fantasy, mystery, and even romance genres, "Blood Price" is one great read. Something is stalking the streets of Toronto at night, tearing out throats and draining bodies of blood. After Vicki discovers the first body in a subway station, she is reunited with Mike Celluci, the primary homicide detective on the case, who she hasn't seen in the eight months since she resigned from the force. These two can't seem to talk to each other for long without yelling, but underneath all the anger, they still hold a deep affection for one another. Vicki quickly begins to believe that the killer is far from human, but Mike stubbornly refuses to believe in a supernatural possibility. The media has started crying vampire, which is where Henry Fitzroy comes in. He has long since learned to survive without killing, and happily co-exists with the 3 million citizens of Toronto. However, the vampire frenzy the media has created is exactly what Henry doesn't want, for it is more than likely to bring about his demise. Vicki and Henry meet under less than ideal circumstances when Vicki comes across Henry leaning over the newest mutilated body. In order to convince her he's not the killer, Henry reveals his secret to Vicki, who he immediately feels drawn to. It's not long before these two team up, and start hunting the killer together. Henry knows just what it is, a demon, being called into service by an unknown human. And what's worse is that this lesser demon is the minion of a greater demon, and the killings are writing the name of that greater demon on the city of Toronto. Once the name is complete, it will open the doorway to Hell on Earth, and the start of Armageddon. And the world's only chance lies in the hands of one vampire, who can't work days, and a night-blind ex-cop. But Henry and Vicki make a great team, and they aren't about to give up without a fight. The chemistry Huff develops between Vicki and Henry is electric, and I can't wait to see what develops between them in later books. Vicki is a wonderful heroine, she's got plenty of vulnerabilities but she's still very tough and very determined. I adore Henry; he is a refreshingly different kind of vampire, and a fascinating character. The flashes of his past are expertly handled and really help the reader understand him better. Mike Celluci is also well drawn, and his interactions with Vicki are often humorous and always interesting. The story effectively builds to a thrilling climax and Huff provides readers with a satisfying conclusion. "Blood Price" is a hugely entertaining and tightly plotted book. The story is filled with suspenseful brushes with death and chilling scenes of undiluted evil, but Huff skilfully blends these with some very funny moments to keep the tone from getting too dark. "Blood Price" is just an all-around excellent read, sure to amuse, intrigue, and entertain readers everywhere. It's a book you don't want to miss and I most definitely recommend it!
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