Canadian Spotlight Month: Review - Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Series: Drake Chronicles, Book #2

Published: July 22nd, 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury

258 pages (paperback)

Genre: Young adult paranormal

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

Read my review of Hearts at Stake, Book #1 in the Drake Chronicles

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Synopsis: It's been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.

The clans are gathering for Helena's royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha's reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan's and Isabeau's perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

There’s something addictive about the Drake Chronicles. A huge part of it is definitely the Drake boys - Nicholas in Hearts at Stake, now Logan in Blood Feud, plus all the other sweet, yummy, protective brothers. If you’re tired or wary of vampire books, the Drake Chronicles are completely different than any other series about vampires.

Blood Feud, like Hearts at Stake, was full of action, humour, and romance. It’s told in alternating perspectives between Logan Drake and Isabeau St. Croix. I loved that we got to see part of Isabeau’s life before she was turned, and all the hardships she had to endure while living in France during the Reign of Terror. It was fascinating, gave us insight into her character, and added a layer of depth to the story. Isabeau is strong, independent, resilient, and brave, and I absolutely loved her.

Then, of course, there’s Logan, the somewhat old-fashioned, most traditional brother. He certainly had some swoonworthy moments, but I’d have liked to see a bit more depth and development from him. Mind you, the story takes place in such a short span of time, and so much happens, I understand it would be hard for major character development, and we learned a lot about Isabeau, so I was satisfied with that.

I loved learning more about the Cwn Mamau/Hounds - the group of vampires that Isabeau is part of. I think it’s great how Harvey incorporates all these different groups of vampires with different histories and powers and appearances. Some use magic, some use strength - they’re all different, and it’s fascinating learning more about them. It takes these books beyond other vampire books that stick with traditional legend and lore, or only veer off a tiny bit with something original. 

I also appreciated that while the book focused on Logan and Isabeau we got to see what was going on with the other Drakes, and got to catch up a bit with Solange, Kieran, Nicholas, and Lucy from the first book. I’d loved to have seen more of them, but luckily there are more books in the series!

Overall, Blood Feud was another exciting installment in a series that is fun, original, full of action, suspense, drama, humour, and romance. I would recommend this series to anyone, whether you're a vampire lover or not!

Have you read any books in the Drake Chronicles? Who's your favourite sibling?

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a guest post by Alyxandra Harvey, plus a giveaway of her three Drake e-novellas!

 

This post has been part of the Canadian Spotlight Month. Click the graphic below to check out the schedule and all things Canadian here at Ramblings of a Daydreamer.