Valentine's Rising

I was pleasantly surprised with this book after the drivel that was number three. I’m not sure if it was because Valentine decide to finally grow up and get a pair or circumstances in the novel made him this way (likely the latter) but it made for very good reading. There were some very important choices Valentine had to make for himself and his crew; some of them extremely difficult and the way he dealt with the aftermath was good. It was nice to finally see him being part of a team instead of a one man army and doing everything himself.

Again the supporting characters are what made this book going for me (still on the anti-Valentine train for now) they had their distinct personalities and they weren’t flat or meant to just be part show more of the plot. They each had their part to play whether small or big and it made the plot better and rounded out. I have a soft spot for Ahn-Kha and Styachowski I like them both for their strengths and although they were ‘quiet’ they played substantially in the plot. (More so Styachowski than Ahn-Kha).

The plot was good albeit it slowed down to a crawl at the end. It was getting to be too much and by that time, I was already wanting to close the book. There’s plenty of action so that does not disappoint. There were some parts where I came close to closing it because of Valentine’s idiotic behavior, but otherwise, this was much better than the third.

This one was enough to redeem itself so I will carry on and read the next. I hope it continues this way. show less

Well narrated again & a super story, if a bit depressing. I used to have a poster that read something like, "Be truthful, courteous, helpful & you shall be rewarded." There was a picture of a guy with a big screw through him. That's Valentine. He does all the right things, but can't seem to catch a break. He wins battles only to lose wars he really doesn't want to fight. In many ways, this adds to his heroic side, but sometimes I want to kick him for it. Tooting his own horn a bit wouldn't hurt at all.

Again, the story was very realistic given the fantastic setting. I really appreciate that & Knight has done a great job ramping up the tension. Since I have read the series, I do know what's coming & have to say that he's set up for it show more perfectly, too.

For all the gritty, exacting detail in spots, Knight does a great job of skipping a few months so that I don't get bored. He's not writing any door stops. He keeps each book lean, just the details needed to invest me fully, let me really feel the world, but then moves ahead seamlessly into the future to pick up the action again. Excellent.

I've listened to 4 of these now, so I think I'll take a break & listen to an oldy, but a goody, [b:Invasion of the Body Snatchers|127515|Invasion of the Body Snatchers|Jack Finney|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344394499s/127515.jpg|864848]. show less

Another great addition to this series. If it's possible, the story gets better and better.

Without spoilers, I can say this book is very gripping with action, suspense, a battle to end all battles, and a couple of hail mary's thrown in for added measure.

Remember the Alamo, and "DON'T FEED ON ME" !

Not a romance. David continues his mission trying to get the quickwood to Southern command, saving his men from the Kurian's and in that process takes his men deep under the Kurian's noses to help defeat Consul Solon. So much going on here, looking at what people will do to survive as well as what they will do to fight for what is right.

Interesting book significantly adding bulk to the Vampire earth universe. Fun adventure with solid military roots.