Blood Rights (House of Comarré #1)
Kristen Painter
Published: Sept. 27, 2011 (Orbit)
Purchase at: Book Depository, B&N or Amazon
Rating (out of 5): 5 stars
There are a handful of books that I go on a recommendation binge with as soon as I read the last page. It happened with Unholy Ghosts. It happened with Nightshade. It happened with Blood of the Wicked. And, there’s no question about it: Kristen Painter’s Blood Rights is the latest book that I will be pushing on every reader friend. And this means you, too, VBC readers.
Painter has taken the familiar — vampires, crazy nobility, outcast mentality — and has given us something entirely new.
The Comarré, a special type of human, are similar to geisha in many ways. Their presence is a sign of wealth and status. Comarré are bred to feed vampires, never knowing their mothers and fathers, and trained to be polite and subservient to their future patrons. (There’s quite a bit more to them than this, but to say more would spoil some great twists.) Vampire nobility pay the Comarré’s house for the right to exclusively drink his or her blood. Chrysabelle was the most coveted Comarré, the one with the purest, most powerful blood. And she wanted out. Finding her patron dead, she fled.
A cruel vampire named Tatiana has her sights set on more power and Chrysabelle plays a role. She just needs to find her. We stop in on her point-of-view periodically, and the more you learn about her, the more you hate her. A true villain, worthy of the fear we see in those running from her.
Fleeing from the creatures Tatiana sics on her, Chrysabelle finds herself trying to adjust to the mortal world. She must work with a cursed vampire and his ragtag team for a chance at saving not only herself, but also her aunt. And while she wishes for true freedom, hard truths and dirty secrets keep getting in the way.
The tension between Chrysabelle and vampire Malkolm is gripping and intense. Their interactions brought to mind the strain of Ethan and Merit from the Chicagoland Vampires series. However, when it comes to Chrysabelle and Mal, both think they aren’t deserving of the situation. They both believe the other is rejecting them out of repulsion. There is a strong sense of duty, and both keep coming back together while internalizing a fear of disgusting the other. Given their respective backgrounds, anything else wouldn’t ring true.
Those who love heroines who surprise everyone, will love Chrysabelle. She’s supposed to be this demure thing, to be protected. Woman’s got blades on her at all times and the kind of power in a kick that will take out a steel door. She’s cunning and knows to hide her skills. It’s only through a bout of delirium that she first exposes her real fighting skills to Mal, taunting and taking the man out. She’s a woman who is used to being underestimated, and is reveling in the freedom to speak her mind and throw a blade or two.
Polarizing characters, murder, magic and the need for independence bring Blood Rights to another level. Expect this one to grab hold, pull you to the edge of your seat and leave you, jaw agape, begging for book 2, Flesh and Blood.
Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex
Great review, Chelsea!! I can’t wait to freaking start this!
Thanks for the great review, I like you description of Chrysabelle. I love it when the chicks kick ass =) I have been hearing so many good things about this book I cant wait to add it to my library.
I just started reading this one, your review makes me want to go home and finish it now!
Great review, I like heroines that are tough! I have an ARC being sent to. It’s still not here, and I’m more excited to read it now.
I have this on my wish list. So glad to hear that it is awesome. Thanks for the review.
@Ceridwen83 and @Judith – I love tough heroines, but I love it even more when they surprise you. Chrysabelle has both inner strength and fighting abilities, and yet, she’s still naive about the mortal world. It’s a great blend.
I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the review, girlie!
I must read this book ! I heard so great thing about it ! I hope I will like it too ! thanks for the review !
I first read about this book on Charlaine Harris’ blog a couple months ago and she too spoke very highley of it, but regardless I was still on the fence about whether I wanted to read it right away or not. Well, your review made my decision for me and I will be going straight to Amazon to pre-order for my Kindle. Thanks!
Amy, did you really just say my word carries more weight than Charlaine Harris’?!
I tease, I’m glad you’re going to read it. I really am already itching for the next book.
I have this on my wish list also, can’t wait to read it! I love that cover!!
This sounds tasty and is definitely on the wishlist
Thanks for sharing today.
I have added to my to-read list and can’t wait to dig in. Yes the cover I really like. Happy Reading Everyone Cheers!!!
Amazing review. I am so going to get this, maybe check Netgalley (if I am lucky) LOL! The cover alone makes it worthwhile, just gorgeous and creepy as hell. Man, I can’t wait to start this. It sounds so dark and exciting. Thank you so much hon
Great review. So happy to see that it got 5 out of 5. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.