book review | Dracula | Hell Freezes Over by John G. Hartness | Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter 4

Author: John G. Hartness
Title: Hell Freezes Over
Series: Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter 4
Genre: Dracula, Paranormal
Pages: 125
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

Not gonna lie, I’ve read this book a while ago (doesn’t apply to patrons, who get reviews same day I read the book), around the same time I finished the previous one in the series. Must say, I’m very happy that “Hell Freezes Over” by John G. Hartness, fourth book in Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter series, is not yet the last one. What will I do after this? Does anyone have any humorous books about vampires to recommend??

About the Book: Someone’s killing entire families with demonic possession. Each time the focal point is a holy object, which speaks volumes of the power this psychopath possesses. And that’s the confusing part. For, you see, magic like that leaves behind traces, demonic corruption. But Quincy can’t find a damn speck of it anywhere!…

My Opinion: Ah, sneaky book is sneaky. To the very last pages I had no clue what was doing this, and then, once shown, I had my doubts on survival rate of the present on scene. The only thing I truly missed in this book was Dracula, of whom there was little. But I guess I can’t complain, since previous book was mostly about him.

As I said before, this book reads the way Supernatural series feels. Don’t get me wrong, there’s little to no similarities in the plot, but it’s similar kind of shallow humor, with bigger, better jokes intertwined, lots of caring for one another while not putting it out there, and so on. Once again, a 5 out of 5 from me. I’ll hit the breaks on reading the next one though, since I figured I really need to spare the good stuff a little more.

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tag | Vampire Protagonists

Summer to me is very much a vampire time. Autumn is too, so I basically spend half a year wanting to read vampire books, even if I don’t read all that many of them. Mostly because it’s a bit hard to find good ones that aren’t just fifteen books of cheesy series with vampires who are almost humans with high metabolism and tendency to drink blood, if you get my drift. So, in hopes to find more, here’s a little tag from me to you. If you’re reading this, you’re automatically tagged, okay? Link me in the comments below or tag me, basically just inform me any way you can, so I can fill out my TBR with bloodsuckers! (Q’s and A’s are separate to make it easier for you to copy/paste)

The Summer Vampire TBR Tag:

1. The Pride – LGBTQIA+ vampire or at least a book containing them.
2. The VoC – Vampire of Color, bonus points if main character!
3. The Classiest – Classic-type trope vampires, the fear of garlic, sun, etc.
4. The Unique – The least classic-type vampires, or otherwise unique bloodsuckers.
5. The Human – The most human vampires, and why or how are they so.
6. The Monster – The least human, monstrous vampires, why or how they’re so.
7. Underloved – Vampires who deserve more love than they got!
8. Overrated – Vampires who don’t deserve the love they got!
9. Dracula – Favorite book about or with Dracula in it!
10. Dead Crush – The vampire I had a crush on is…
11. I, Vampire – If I was a vampire, I would…
12. The Last – The last vampire book I’ve read is, and the vampire(s) in it…
13. The First – The very first vampire book or book with a vampire I’ve read is…

The Summer Vampire TBR | My Answers:

1. The Pride – LGBTQIA+ vampire or at least a book containing them.
   From the top of my head I can name three. First being Blackwood’s Farm by Anne Rice with its protagonist Tarquin Blackwood coming out as bi. Then there’s Parasite Life by Victoria Dalpe with protagonist falling in love with a girl, though sexuality is not specified there. And the third is Joely Sue Burkhart series of which I’ve read first three, Their Vampire Queen. The Queen in question is polyamorous and the dynamics are beautiful.
   
2. The VoC – Vampire of Color, bonus points if main character!
   I am deeply ashamed to say that I don’t recall any protagonists of color. But I know for certain there were VoC in both Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice and in Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.
3. The Classiest – Classic-type trope vampires, the fear of garlic, sun, etc.
   Hm, this one’s easy too. First would be Dr Greta Helsing series/trilogy by Vivian Shaw. Then, one of my favorite comedies, The Unattractive Vampire by Jim McDoniel. And, of course, Anno Dracula series by Kim Newman.
   
4. The Unique – The least classic-type vampires, or otherwise unique bloodsuckers.
   The Gilded King by Josie Jaffrey, a very unique book in itself. Empire V by Victor Pelevin, a strange breed that feeds not just on blood, but also on a thing they call “bablos“, which seems to be the essence of… Well, money.
5. The Human – The most human vampires, and why or how are they so.
   Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neil. Just a bunch of humans who are immortal and occasionally drink blood. Like, in between heavy meals because hey, vampire metabolism. Apparently.
6. The Monster – The least human, monstrous vampires, why or how they’re so.
   The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro. Not gonna lie, I’m not a fan of creatures like that, but the idea was pretty damn great.
7. Underloved – Vampires who deserve more love than they got!
   Yulric Bile from An Unattractive Vampire by Jim McDoniel. That bastard was too evil to stay dead. But the mess he gets into would rival What We Do In the Shadows! It’s hilarious!
8. Overrated – Vampires who don’t deserve the love they got!
   Edward Cullen from Twilight series. And then possibly Lestat. Chronicles are FULL of really great vampires, and this one just happens to set the tune for them all for no real reason. And those guys from The Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin. I noticed it got hype recently, and I’m not quite sure why. The book is mighty damn dull.
9. Dracula – Favorite book about or with Dracula in it!
   Night Prince series by Jeaniene Frost!
10. Dead Crush – The vampire I had a crush on is…
    Other than Dracula, you mean? Eric Northman and Pam Swynford de Beaufort, I guess, from Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. And Cian Mac Cionaoith from Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts. No I have no shame.
    
11. I, Vampire – If I was a vampire, I would…
    I’d do what Lestat’s mother did. Go roam the deepest jungles, caves, explore!
12. The Last – The last vampire book I’ve read is, and the vampire(s) in it…
    Sadly The Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro.
13. The First – The very first vampire book or book with a vampire I’ve read is…
    Now that’s a hard question. Yes, I know I wrote it… Since I hated school readings, and so read Dracula sometime on my own later, I think it might really be Blackwood’s Farm by Anne Rice. Other than the mentions of vampire cities in Swords And Deviltry by Fritz Leiber books.

book review | The Fall by Guillermo del Toro | The Strain Trilogy 2

Author: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Title: The Fall
Series: The Strain Trilogy 2
Genre: Thriller, Vampires
Pages: 308
Rate: 3/5 | Goodreads

I’ve many people in my circle who enjoy the series based on this trilogy and/or the trilogy itself. I, personally, am not yet made a fan, and I don’t see how that’ll happen with only one Strain Trilogy book left. Currently I finished Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan book The Fall, which is the second one. And am not impressed.

About the Book: Master has taken over New York. From here the rest of the world will fall under his feet too. But he has to be careful and not think of these things too much. For when he’s too deep in thought, they, others like him, the first kind of vampires, can hear it, and know it. So instead he plays his pawns, the most influential, powerful, rich people. It’s just that he miscalculated just how very much some of them fear death…

My Opinion: Other than internal monologues, there’s so little happening in this book, that I can’t even tell you what’s it about clearly. Basically they all spend the whole book either thinking of bad old days, from the creation of supernatural creatures, to genocide, to childbirth, or they chase a book that speaks of vampire creation. That book could give them the true name of the Master and that would somehow help them destroy him and the rest of his kind. I give it great props over making vampires what they are, but bloody hell how dull it gets.

Right, so, I can’t give this book more than 3 out of 5, and the biggest plus is the vampire origins. One more book to go.

diversity | “Dance in the Dark” by Megan Derr | Dance with the Devil 2

Author: Megan Derr
Title: Dance in the Dark
Series: Dance with the Devil 2
Genre: Paranormal, LGBT Literature
Pages: 350
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

I’m not sure whether I liked this book because it was good, or because it was a cozy read. Either way, the book is not bad at all. Had a good vibe to it, so to speak.

About: Johnnie, a normal, had to grow up among supernaturals. After his family was slain by a blood crazed wife of a Dracula, the vampire followed tradition and adopted the child, raising him as his own in all but the vampirism. But not all liked it, even if it was what tradition demanded. And even Johnnie grew up to resent this position a little, for now he didn’t fit in either of the worlds. A human among vampires, never a vampire. No longer a Normal, so unable to live in that side of the world either.

So he does what he thinks will fit the situation best, and moves out of the Dracula’s estate, taking up supernatural cases in a shady part of town. All goes well and good until they start affecting his life more and more. And then one day a woman knocks on his door, asking to find her beloved. A man, who, Johnnie soon finds out, is no other, than his brother, Dracula’s heir. Soon to marry a noblewoman.

Mine: The book had a nice A Wolf Among Us vibe to it. Supernaturals living separate from the Normals. Old fairy tales seeping into their current life. A slight re-telling of a Snow White, poisoned apples and mirrors included. And even if there was stalling, it was still cozy, and fun enough.

This might not be your next favorite book, but it’s definitely an interesting take on it. 4 out of 5 from me, and we’ll see what’s next.

dracula | “Raising Hell” by John G. Hartness | Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter 1

Author: John G. Hartness
Title: Raising Hell
Series: Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter 1
Genre: Vampires, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 110
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

I love re-tellings of Stoker’s Dracula, prequels, sequels, different perspectives. So I was very excited for what I found! A story of Quincy Harker, the son of Mina and Johnathan Harkers. That’s my this month’s Dracula book, for Dracula is indeed here.

About: Quincy is a demon hunter who calls Dracula his uncle, is on great “bail you out of jail time, and time again” terms, and is in general your long lost Winchester brother (10 points to your Hogwarts house if you get the reference) who gets his ass grated if he doesn’t visit the said uncle often enough.

This city of his has its share of supernatural junk all over the place. Not the least being the bar owning demon in cat’s body who can’t resist the urge to knock shit off the tables. But when someone starts killing off nephilims and draining their blood, well… That’s more of an evil shit a human would do. But why? Oh, and who?

Mine: I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Every joke, every other line out of Quincy’s mouth, is a killer. There’s a real nice familiar demonology here too, the encyclopedia-wiki friendly kind that we’re used to. None of that “let me rewrite it, so I’m unique” stuff. I love it, for I am real tired of the hundreds new ways a vampire is a vampire, if I’m being honest. The book itself is very short, real easy to read, and be sure, will teach you to cuss like a true demon hunter on a job.

Yep, happy little me is very happy. This one gets a strong 5 out of 5, and I will likely take the second one for the next month right away, even if something else was in the plans. We’ll see.

Diversity | Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr

Author: Megan Derr
Title: Dance With the Devil
Series: Dance With the Devil 1
Genre: LGBT Literature, Paranormal
Pages.: 204
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

One of those books I picked up because I didn’t want to read or continue anything. A few times like that I found my favorite books. This is not the case, even though the book was pretty good. It’s the romance part that really messed it up, otherwise this would’ve been a paranormal detective, a supernatural private-eye, think about it, how amazing is that?

About: Chris is a paranormal detective, for paranormal people, for paranormal events. He’s half ghost, thanks to his powerful witch mother who back in the day managed to source enough energy to make his father a body for three whole days. This really helps in his line of work, where most secrets are either kept behind locked doors, or are whispered in private companies. And there’s indeed plenty of work! There’s a ghost in a goblin’s home; someone wants Chris to find a grimoire that belongs to Storm Demon; the said Storm Demon is a hoarder of grimoires, and is not likely to ever part with any; an enslaved imp is defying his gentle nature to survive; a demon of lust is trying to take over a werewolf pack that has no current leader; and so on, and on…

Mine: The book is made out of different cases, but they all interconnect into one story via several time-lines. There’s this marvelous atmosphere of a detective office, a private-eye for supernaturals, with imaginary sulfur and brimstone instead of cigar smoke and whiskey. Almost a half-ghost Sherlock. But that romance part really messes things up. Even if it was a good romance, which is not thanks to “no means convince me” mentality majority seem to have here, the worse thing for plot was them waving the Biggest Baddest demon ring that made everyone confess. Are you a detective or an enforcer of some kind?

I think I’ll read another one, just to see what’s better, if anything. But right now I don’t feel a very great need to continue with the series, so we’ll see. Currently, due to it definitely being not a bad story, I can give it a 4 out of 5.

 

Diversity | Bloodline by Jordan L. Hawk | Whyborne & Griffin 5

Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Title: Bloodline
Series: Whyborne & Griffin 5
Genre: Paranormal, LGBT
Pages: 244
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

I don’t even remember when was the last time I’ve read a book from Whyborne & Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk, but I do recall I wanted to do so sooner. After all, while not my favorite books, they are easy to read, and fun enough to get to and through. But here I am.

About: Widdershins, yet again, is under threat. And once again it is coming from the sea. Whyborne’s sister apparently knows something about it, so, while reluctant, for she never was all that kind to him, he agrees to come and meet her in a more secretive place. She likely hoped her adversary wouldn’t find her there, but as Whyborne and Griffin got to the place, all they found was her brutally murdered body. And Whyborne family drama doesn’t even end there. Distant family drops in, Whyborne’s cousins and such, all sorcerers came prepared to purge the city of which the very streets were built by a necromancer. They meet Whyborne with open arms. But warm feelings soon start fading once they figure out the threat is being called upon Widdershins by Whyborne family blood.

Mine: This was one of those rare books where side stories and dramas were more interesting than the main plot line. Main plot line achieved reminding me how much I used to love all the ocean creatures, meremen and mermaids, sea hags and whatnots. And how proportionally I dislike all of them now. But at least there’s Griffin and Christine, with their sense of humor – everything goes.

It was a good, fun, easy read, with great little story threads, and interesting thoughts there and here. I can give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I guess I don’t have to say it anymore, but just in case, yes, I do intend to continue reading the series. I always do.

Vortena by Neven Iliev

Author: Neven Iliev
Title: Vortena
Series: Everybody Loves Large Chests 3
Genre: Fantasy, Adult
Pages: 444
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

Dunno what happens in November and why everyone needs translations done, but it happens, and I am very tired with way too much on my plate. So, wasn’t feeling like any serious book. Resulting in the happy little find: apparently Everybody Loves Large Chests already got the third book out called “Vortena” by Neven Iliev. And there was a lot of good in this book. But one big fat bad too.

About: Boxxy is on a quest to level up and find more shinies and tasties. It would be preferable to do so via Unholy Wealth ritual, but if leveling up is what it takes, he’ll do it. To help along the way he blackmails a lich into becoming part of the team. One that he killed himself in the past. Twice. But, being just a brainless box, he didn’t see how that could possibly create an issue with loyalty, and, destroying newly found dungeon left and right, went on the quest. After all, the dilema wasn’t the Nasty new team member. It was the fact that upon leveling up Boxxy will cease being this perfect shape of a chest. He’ll evolve into a brand new creature.

Mine: There were a lot of great and funny moments, not the smallest being Boxxy’s agoraphobia, or his quick dubbing of lich as “nasty” due to her horrible flavor. But one thing bothered me from the second it occurred: I will absolutely never understand why rape is necessary for character development when everything else points to it being unnecessary. Including the common sense. So after the character finally got abused to a point where she started considering suicide, the rest of the book just stopped being as amusing. The only excuse that left me reading was the fact that she was given great power, and as sincere an apology as one could give under the circumstances, including the improvement in behavior towards her.

It’s an alright book. Was pretty funny at points, and I still love this concept of a mob being the hero. Our little gnome story was upsetting tho, and absolutely unnecessary. 4 out of 5 is the very best I can do, merely because I hope in the next book she takes some form of closure-vengeance.

Dracul by Dacre Stoker

Author: Dacre Stoker
Title: Dracul
Series: –
Genre: Gothic, Historical
Pages: 512
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

I’m a little overwhelmed. “Dracul” by Dacre Stoker definitely made me re-think all the books about vampire Dracula that I’ve ever read. And it got me real interested in Bram Stoker himself, so I hope to find books on the man, not just articles online that I’ve read extensively for hours after finishing this.

About: The book, at least at the start of it, is a loosely biographical on Bram Stoker. He was a very sickly child, bedridden. At age seven he almost died of fever, saved in a wicked dream by their mysterious nanna Ellen Crone. After he woke up, strong, and even able to get up, all healed and cured, everyone denied any help from Ellen, and claimed he was cured by his uncle and his leeches. Only his sister Matilda believed him. To add to the mystery, nanny herself packed up and disappeared without a word or anyone noticing, leaving kids on a wild investigation full of nightmares and more questions than answers, up until they had to abandon the cold trail. Nanna Ellen was gone for good. But only a few decades later Matilda spotted her in the streets of France, not aged a day, and the nightmares began again.

Mine: The whole search for Ellen Crone reminded me of Kostova’s “Historian“, and annoyed me to no end. There’s a lot of clue following, and a lot of nonsense too, like memories where you can look upon something from a different angle. What’s next, you open a locked door and know what’s behind it, all in a hypnotic memory? Dracul was a very childish and childishly stubborn idiot too, clever in his ways, but making no sense in his actions. There’s a lot of the “you’ll learn to love me” action that bothered me to no end too. And then the whole book was redeemed by author’s final word, which again makes me wonder: is the joke that had to be explained to be funny – really funny?

I will give this book a 4 out of 5, merely because it made me think and research things on my own. Anything that can evoke action or emotion in you in a book – is a well made thing. But honestly, make sure you love gothic classics, and that you don’t mind Kostova’s “Historian“, before picking this one up.

How the White Trash Zombie got her Groove Back by Diana Rowland | White Trash Zombie 4

Author: Diana Rowland
Title: How the White Trash Zombie got her Groove Back
Series: White Trash Zombie
Genre: Horror, Paranormal
Pages: 328
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

I’m having a love-hate relationship with White Trash Zombie series. On one hand, Angel is pretty damn nice character, and the plot at times gets real good. On the other hand, there’s just no click, no hook, I could quit any time and not think twice. And this is fourth book!

About: Saberton corp, the one that tried to make zoldiers, by turning zombies using synthetic brains, just doesn’t know when to quit. But seeing how they figured they lack the brain power (I regret nothing), they kidnapped a scientist from Angel’s zombie tribe. The same one who was trying to help Philip, her zombie baby, the one she had to turn, the one Saberton fed fake brains upon creation. And since his treatment wasn’t concluded upon kidnapping, they’re in a lot of trouble. Gathering up the zombie gang they all make their way to New York, with Philip having ever more intense episodes, and both of their rot not going away. On top of that, their friends got secrets and troubles to solve in New York too, not to mention some scores that need settling with Saberton…  so off to New YooooOOooorrrk! (if you’ve not heard the tune, I’m very disappointed)

Mine: I like Angel, yes. She’s smart in her own way, and is trying her best to improve against all odds. To a point where one too many decisions Marcus makes for both of them, without consulting her, leaves him single. She adjust on the spot, and I like that kind of thinking. And if that’s not enough praise, this petite zombie babe smacked a… a mean lady in the teeth and didn’t even spill her beer! Mind you, mean lady had it coming, and was ready to inflict far more pain and damage than Angel did. I like the new Philip too, he seems interesting, and his episodes are hilarious. I know they probably shouldn’t be, but they are, and it was very funny, and I laughed a lot.

I like it just enough to continue. Plot is fairly fresh, and I do like Angel, but I do hope that ending wasn’t a mad omen. For now, 4 out of 5. Like like like.