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REVIEW: The Vampire’s Club by X. Aratare
The Vampire’s Club – X. Aratare
Find the Wolf.
What is that supposed to mean? Those are the words Lucas Daniels hears before stumbling through the brass doors of the elegant Club Dyavol, a club that seems to appear out of nowhere. The club is his last hope of getting a job to escape his predatory stepfather’s home.
Who would dare enter a vampire’s sanctuary uninvited?
Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk may be weakened by a curse, but he is still a primal predator. And when he sees a young man venture into his club, bypassing all of his magical and physical protections, more than just his curiosity is aroused.
Is there more to this meeting than simple chance?
This is the first book of a serial and as per author’s warning, it ends with a cliffhanger.
I listened to the audiobook version and Ethan Holtan was amazingly good. He’s one of those narrators who actually acts as oppose to just reading the lines with feelings. And I love the special effects they did on “Find the wolf.“
The story is set in Arkham, inside the fascinating world of Club Dyavol, a sanctuary for vampires. The club is visible only to vampires and their guests but for some reason, Lucas was able to see and enter the place. He was looking for a job and decided to try his luck at the club. He could have easily ended up a vampire’s meal that night but Konstantin sensed there was something about Lucas, something that allowed him to breach all the wards and spells so he saved him from Marius, a vampire who was trying to lure Lucas. Lucas was then taken to Konstantin’s private quarter to be interviewed and when Konstantin had a drink of his blood, something unexpected happened.
Fated ones + vampire/shifter combo could be a hit or miss with me. Either I find it a crap ton of cheese too gooey for my taste or a delicious treat that sizzles and zings. The Vampire’s Club leans toward the latter, the whole mysterious insta-attraction magic done just right. I’m living for the intensity and the air-crackling-between-them feels.
Konstantin is a great seme. He got that dominant, possessive growl down pat and the wolf thing just added to his appeal. Lucas is perfect as his uke. He submits without being passive and he’s got those big innocent eyes that Konstantin adores. Lucas’ mom is wonderful but his stepdad, from the looks of things, the guy is a creep. Konstantin’s vampire family were all intriguing characters especially Lizzie and Xavier who needs his own book ASAP! A great cast all in all.
I love reading about vampire politics and this one promises a clash between vampires in high places so I’m definitely looking forward to the power plays. The pacing was good but the world building was a little confusing at some points. There were some histories and people mentioned that were assumed to be known to the reader so I’m guessing this serial is part of a bigger universe. However, it did not significantly affect my experience of the story. I was completely hooked from the beginning.
Overall, The Vampire’s Club is a great opener. It is dark, enigmatic and oh so seductive, exactly how a vampire should be.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Threshold
Artist: Dead Can Dance
Album: Garden of Arcane Delights -
SOUNDTRACK: Threshold by Dead Can Dance
Soundtrack to The Vampire’s Club by X. Aratare
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REVIEW: Threshold by Jordan L. Hawk
Whyborne & Griffin: Threshold – Jordan L. Hawk
Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons-including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot-already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton-especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything-including his own heart.
This one takes our beloved trio out of town. Expect complaints from Whyborne. Scary aliens from outer space or possibly other dimensions and ex-lovers make their presence known. Christine is Christine but to be honest I don’t particularly feel attached to Griffin here or even in the first book. He really does love Whyborne but I don’t really go squeeee over the two them. Could be that I have come across characters similar to Griffin in most books. But his loyalty to Whyborne counts in his favor so he’s fine and their chemistry as a trio adds color to the book. Another minor complaint: I wish there was more magic but it’s understandable given that Whyborne still learning that we don’t see a lot of spells.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17840306-threshold)
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