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REVIEW: The Vampire’s Club 5 by X. Aratare
The Vampire’s Club 5 – X. Aratare
Lucas Daniels senses secrets all around him.
Lucas left home for good and believes he is safe at Club Dyavol. His whole world is now Konstantin’s world. But though he trusts Konstantin completely, the more time he spends in the club, the more questions he has about those that call it home.
Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk believes that now that Lucas is under his full protection at the club that Lucas is safe. Except he could not be more wrong. By being completely within Konstantin’s world, Lucas becomes the focus of every friend and foe Konstantin has.
Secrets reveal themselves!!! That Konstantin is a vampire was the least of it. That’s all I’m saying because overflow of emotions shown below:
* ｡✰ ✧♡✧。♡〜٩(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)۶〜♡。✧♡✧ ✰ ｡*
This is a serial where each installment covers a day and/or night. So if you think about it, it’s very, very insta because Lucas and Konstantin has only interacted with each other for 5 days. But the way each book was written, it felt like an extended timeframe.
The pace is fast but so many things happened. There was even a millennia long feud thrown in the mix. Vampire lovin’ aside, the history and the rich world-building in addition to all well-written characters made the books so addicting. Sure, we’re all here for Lucas and his Wolf, but the author also did a good job engaging me with the rest of the characters, whether friend or foe.
Like I said before, I am seriously having a hard time writing The Vampire’s Club reviews because I only end up gushing (and repeating myself). This is a very very gushable series. Once again, I recommend waiting for all the books to be released before delving into this because the cliffhangers will drive you nuts.
P.S.
The serial should be read in order. TVC books here
X. Aratare books hereRating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: I’m Only Human Sometimes
Artist: William Control
Album: Noir -
REVIEW: The Vampire’s Club 4 by X. Aratare
Lucas Daniels is in danger!
Not from his mysterious new job, but from someone in his own house: his stepfather. Just when he thought Garrett’s intentions were all in his head, his stepfather’s actions send him running to Dyavol and Konstantin for protection.
Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk will do anything to protect Lucas, and not only because Lucas’ blood may be curing him. When he finds Lucas under threat from every corner, he’ll do things he never thought possible in order to keep the young man safe. Cutting deals with ancient dangerous vampires, testing the bounds of his curse, even opening up the heart of his vampire Sanctuary itself to a mere mortal. Nothing is off limits.
But while Konstantin is focused on keeping Lucas safe, could the real person in danger be Konstantin himself?
For me, the hardest books to review are the rare 5-star books. There is the very real temptation to simply fill the page with incoherent squees and emojis bursting with heart eyes and stars and exclamation marks. So excuse me just a sec.
The Wolf is claimed!!!!!! ♡☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆♡ !!!!!!!
And holy mother that elevator scene!!! (❤ω❤) !!!!!!!
“Anything? Everything?” ヽ(>∀<☆)ノ｡o○♡ !!!!!!!
Now that’s out of the way…
Book 4 of The Vampire’s Club finally has the evil stepfather making his move on Lucas (TW: sexual harrassment). The Volk family, the awesome Lizzie and the paranoid (and vocal) Xavier in particular, rallied to Lucas’ aid. They attempted their powers of seduction on Lucas’ mother to make her see the truth regarding the incident. However, they were met with the strongest mental barrier they have ever encountered. The evil stepfather has a mental wall as well…
I could understand the spell on Lucas’ mom but the evil stepfather too? Hmm…
On a happier note, we are getting a LOT of Lucas and Konstantin! Hence the explosion of emotions above. The plot thickens some more as two arch-enemies meet face to face. I am on tenterhooks!
What exactly is Gaia’s plans for the vampires? Are witches and vampires truly enemies? Is Lucas the Trojan Horse the Nomad suspects he is? Will Lucas realize what Konstantin really is? Will Konstantin ever tell him?
TELL HIM DAMMIT!!! Make him your fledgling!!!
The Vampire’s Club continues to work it magic. I am completely enthralled. Let it seduce you too.
P.S.
The serial should be read in order. TVC books here
X. Aratare books hereRating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfect -
REVIEW: The Vampire’s Club 3 by X. Aratare
The Vampire’s Club 3 – X. Aratare
Lucas Daniels must be protected!
Lucas Daniel starts his job at Club Dyavol, but, immediately, he wonders what he’s gotten himself into. Though the patrons are wealthy, glamorous and remind him of nobles from an earlier age, Lucas senses that they are dangerous as well. Yet he still feels safe within Dyavol’s walls, because of Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk’s watchful eye on him through the club’s many cameras.
Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk believes that Lucas’ blood can cure his curse, and Lucas’ companionship could ease his isolation. But he needs to keep the young man secret, because drinking the blood of a witch could start a war between vampires and witches once more. Yet when the leader of the Vampire Council arrives at Dyavol’s doors on Lucas’ first night of work, Konstantin must let him in, and somehow keep Lucas’ true identity hidden.
***TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of child abuse and paedophilia***
PURE LOVE!!! ♡＾▽＾♡
The Vampire’s Club is the ongoing saga of a boy and his Wolf. It’s written as a serial and cliffy as fuck which drives readers crazy. The pain is worth it.
It’s Lucas’ first day at work and Konstantin assigned Collette and Darrell to watch over him. A human in a vampire club is nothing but prey. Also, Lucas was not suppose to know what the place really was. Many times during the course of the evening, trouble reared its malicious head and he was saved by members of Konstantin’s vampire family. But really, the boy didn’t need saving. I loved the way he took control of the Angelis situation and the scene where he put the arrogant Marius in his place was a major fuck yeah team human moment! Marius was so conceited yet so clueless, it was almost comical.
Konstantin’s past!!! ☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆
The Wolf was a young man in Russia 250 years ago when he met the Nomad. It was a tragic encounter. Konstantin’s mother was dying and his father, desperate for a cure, contacted occultists and sinister beings. One of these was a dark entity known as the Nomad who was said to grant eternal life in exchanged for blood.
I am over the moon about learning Konstantin’s past, how he met the Nomad and his great love for his mother. And while it appeared that the Nomad was nothing but a cold-hearted monster who abandoned his Childe, I know deep down he loved his Fledgling because he’s watching over Konstantin in some guise or another. I think I know who. ( ರ Ĺ̯ ರೃ ) And I can’t say this enough, the Nomad and his alter ego need a book of their own.
Mothers are key figures in this series and I’m pretty sure who that Angelina Jolie look-alike Lucas met at the end of the book. Fathers were also a big deal. Lucas has issues with his step-father while Konstantin had complicated relationships with his biological father, The Nomad and his adopted Sire, Arsene Reynard.
This is the kind of story where you use the word “enthralled” because there is that palpable feeling of being under a spell. X. Aratare is very effective at making me feel her words and with narrator, Ethan Holtan, they worked perfectly together to keep me mesmerized. The story was very suspenseful and dramatic without going over the top. And the zing between Konstantin and Lucas was unbelievable! I got the goosies. It was 5 hours and 4 mins of my life well spent.
So many hints and revelations, still so many mysteries. Will Arsene’s plan work? Will the Nomad reveal his secrets? Will Konstantin be cured? Will Lucas finally realize what’s really going on? Does he have special powers? And why does the boy need to claim the Wolf?
Here I am dying for that next book. (✖﹏✖)
P.S.
The Vampire’s Club books here
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfectSoundtrack: This Is Home
Artist: I Am Ghost
Album: Lovers’ Requiem -
REVIEW: The Vampire’s Club 2 by X. Aratare
Lucas Daniels is mine!
That is what vampire Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk declares to his Vampire House, and even to his Sire, the ancient, dangerous vampire known only as the Nomad. His Sire wants Lucas dead. His closest advisers want Lucas enslaved. Because Lucas is no ordinary human.
Lucas finds himself eager to start work at Club Dyavol, even though his memories of his time there are hazy. There is one image burned into his memory: a set of brilliant green eyes that turned red. But no matter what awaits him at the elegant club, he is certain it is better than being around his overly attentive stepfather.
But is Lucas running from potential danger to a certain one?
These books come with a warning but still, gad, those cliffhangers!!!
Konstantin is still feeling the effects of Lucas’ blood and imagining a passionate night in the shower with Lucas that seemed oh so real. Meanwhile, Lucas is having one hell of a dream where he claims his Wolf and then a mysterious stranger appeared outside his window. The stranger tried to enter but was repelled by a ward. Lucas wakes up, not sure if it really happened. He goes to the club to start his job and while crossing the street he was nearly hit by a car. Konstantin, who was standing outside the balcony anticipating his arrival, saw the accident and collapsed.
Totally loved where this is going!
It was Lucas’ turn to get possessive. He wouldn’t even let anybody touch Konstantin, not even Xavier. Lucas and Konstantin talked. It was heartfelt and sweet. My heart turned to mush ♡( ◡‿◡ )
Lucas was introduced to Konstantin’s vampire family. It was super adorable the way Lucas and Lizzy bonded. I want more cute scenes from the two of them.
On the flip side, Lucas’ stepdad is a creep. I hate people who make unwanted physical contact and I get the heebie jeebies from him touching Lucas. I’m hoping he’ll just go away but I expect he’ll cause trouble later on. Like, really BIG trouble.
Konstantin gets a visit from his Sire, The Nomad, who was concerned about Lucas’ effect on his fledgling. There’s angst coming from Konstantin and some events and people were alluded to that hopefully would be explored later on. All very mysterious and enticing which only sucked me deeper into this immersive paranormal universe.
Also, once again, it needs to be mentioned, outstanding narration from Ethan Holtan! I loved how he made everything come alive. I hope he narrates more books.
Book 2 ended with the arrival of the Council who demanded to speak to Konstantin and Lucas is right there! How will The Wolf explain a human working in Club Dyavol? How will he keep Lucas safe? Lucas appears to have some magical connections but is he the key?
I need answers stat! The suspense is killing me!
P.S.
The Vampire’s Club Book 1 here
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Temptation Waits
Artist: Garbage
Album: Version 2.0 -
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
