Review: Rajmund by D.B. Reynolds (Vampires in America #3)

Rajmund (Vampires in America #3)
D.B. Reynolds
Published: Jan. 9, 2014 (ImaJinn Books)
Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: purchased

Reviewed by: Kris

Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars

Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Raphael.

The Vampire Lord of the Northeast is losing control. Rajmund Gregor has enjoyed the time he has spent as the undisputed ruler of Manhattan, but a summons from his sire, Lord Krystof, may bring all of that crashing to the ground. Raj realizes that it is time for him to step up and challenge Krystof for the territory—but first he will have to help Krystof. Women are disappearing from Buffalo and the police believe a vampire is responsible. Raj must discover what is happening to those women if he hopes to have a territory to rule—and even his mad Sire will not stop him.

Sarah Stratton is in a rut. Working as a professor in Buffalo, New York, her days are filled with the cold, grading papers, and monotony. All of this is to hide who she really is and protect a dangerous secret. A secret so damaging that she has not even told her friend, Cynthia Leighton, who she really is. Sarah knows her secret could help the women that have gone missing but she does not know whom to turn to.

Using her connection to Cynthia, and through her the vampires, Sarah tries to help the police find the missing women, while still protecting her secret. She finds herself right in the middle of Rajmund’s path.

Way back when I read Rajmund for the first time I remember feeling disappointed. I had just spent two whole books with Raphael and Cyn and I simply adored them, who could compare? On reread (full disclosure: I read this series about once a year) I still have that feeling. Don’t get me wrong, the plot, the writing, the sexy-times, the world, everything I love about this series is there in full force. I am just not that crazy about the two main characters. Rajmund’s main problem is that he is not Raphael (I know that is not fair). Sarah is the bigger issue for me. When we first met her at the end of Jabril, I was definitely curious about her, but I had a really hard time relating to her in this installment. For a woman that has the connections she does, for a woman that is supposed to be smart, she makes some very questionable choices. I may have yelled at her—out loud. I know, I have issues.

I actually appreciate that all of these characters are different and not just variations on previous characters. That would be boring, and this series is never boring. The secondary characters continue to be delightful—especially Emelie. I also love that the vampires in this series are vampires. Reynolds does not shy away from the violence or the sex. The vampires revel in their power and do not shy away from it.

I loved that Rajmund expanded the vampire world even more. It is a vividly rich tapestry that Reynolds is creating. Spending time with the New York vampires is every bit as important as the time we spent in Malibu in the previous two books. Each book adds layers and Rajmund is an important step in the direction of the series.

Please do not let my personal preference dissuade you from picking up Rajmund. The pacing, plotting, and story are all excellent. Sarah and Raj are important characters—even if they are not my favorite. Plus, Cyn and Raphael do make an appearance and that is always appreciated!

Sexual content: graphic sex