Bloodfever

So I just finished the book last night - finished it in about 8 hours. In my review of Darkfever, I stated that Mac had a lot of growing up to do; she was much to `spoiled valley-girl like for me. I couldn't identify with her, I really didn't like her or feel much empathy for what was happening to her. However, I told myself to wait and see how/if Mac changes in this book, and let that determine if I will continue reading this series. Well, KMM has pulled it off, and Mac's character has definitely grown, and developed to the point that I really truly like her now. She has become more serious and spunky. She's thinking for herself, and not letting anyone walk all over her. She's matured from the 22 y/o manicure-obsessed brat she came across as in DF. In this stage of the story, KMM has added more characters, thrown in some interesting twists, and developed just a bit more of the relationship with Mac, Barrons and V'lane, and there could be a third love interest that KMM introduces. Mac can't trust anyone because there are no clear motives and everyone's in the game for their own reasons. But Mac's motives don't appear to be entirely pure either. I wonder what Mac really plans on doing with the Sinsar Dubh, if she manages to get her hands on it? KMM has tied up very few loose ends, and has created even more. She hasn't resolved any of the issues brought up in DF, and created more. This is exactly what I look for in a series - if all the questions are answered too early, why bother to continue reading? Anyone expecting resolutions will be disappointed. For those looking for a bit of the romance between Mac and Barrons, there are two scenes that show more of the sexual tension - one of which is positively explosive. We get a brief shot of a softer side of Barrons than we previously had, making me think that Barrons isn't so tough and unemotional afterall. Anyone expecting gratuitous sex is going to be disappointed. From the sparks flying, I don't see how KMM can keep it from happening in the next book though. There is more than enough fodder in this book to keep my fever going for the next year while waiting for the next installment. I was hoping for at least an excerpt, but it wasn't forthcoming. SPOILER: It appears that V'lane sifts Mac away before she can meet the druids. I wonder why he chose that exact moment? Very intriguing. We also now know what Barrons is not, but gives a few ideas as what he could be.

I read Darkfever and in my previous review I admitted it was a near miss. I almost put it down - the kiss of death for me. Luckily I stuck with it and I was not disappointed. But with the new installment of the fever series, Bloodfever, I discovered that the occasional slow pace in Darkfever was absent in Bloodfever. Bloodfever moved fast with action everywhere: more twists were introduced, more characters with complex hidden agendas appeared, old characters returned with scores to settle. Nonoe of the issues raised in Darkfever were resolved - should they have been? I don't think so. This is a series and there needs to be something in the rest of the installments. I disagree with the reviewers that claimed this story didn't advance. True, we still don't know who or what Jerricho is but then we were given clues to chew on and contemplate. Mac becomes stronger and more complex. Her pink clothers are disappearing, her nails are a mess, and she still doesn't know who to trust but she does learn who she can rely on - and she starts doing shots. I'm starting to think she's better than Buffy. But there are no easy answers in this story. Darkfever was billed as a romance but Bloodfever is anything but (IMHO) with no knights in shining armor rushing to Mac's rescue without first proposing a bargain. Mac is pushed into doing things nobody could have guessed at in order to save herself. The evolution of the relationship between Mac and JB is raucous and funny. The sexual tension between the two does grow and come (almost) to a head. But mostly what we see is Mac growing and changing to fit this new role, this new personna. It was an amazing, exciting, wonderful read. If you are looking for sexually charged romances typical of Karen's previous work then maybe you should pass (and that would be too bad for you) but if you want to witness the growth of a writer into new territory and enjoy a great read then I strongly recommend Bloodfever.

BloodFever is fantastic! Karen Moning's new series kept me riveted during my read-a-thons. She has strong plots & subplots which tie in with tiny details that come together seamlessly at the critical moments. She hasn't written 'to pattern' in the Fever series and her growth as an author is obvious. Mac's character is developing in direct relation to the trauma, shock and reveals that she experiences. Barrons character is sexy and mysterious. I'm looking forward to reading the next three books in the series to have all questions answered and finding out who Mac ends up with.

Whilst I will always love Karen Marie Monings highlander books (boy do I love em) this new series shows her growth as a writer. She has gone from writing a complete story in one book and stretched herself into the realms of the epic saga. Darkfever felt like a great prologue and opening chapters and Bloodfever has continued into the first section of the story. Mac's development and ... I want to say seduction .. underpinned this segment in what is obviously going to be a fabulous series. I did not see some of the developments coming which is such a treat these days and I felt I was not reading fast enough to keep up with the story. Well done Karen, I adore seeing your new darker side.

I can honestly say that this was even better than the first...and thats saying a lot since the first one has made me salivate for this second book! Mac and Barrons are explosive together. I'm really HOPING that they do end up together because they sure make me tingle. LoL. As for the storyline there is definitely MORE now. The first book left me with a multitude of questions..I'm not saying it'll be answered in this book (obviously since there are other books in the works) but we definitely see an unraveling here! I started reading at 4PM and 3 hours later I've devoured the whole book! I practically whimpered when it ended. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next installment!