Friday, June 6, 2014

Vampire Down by Steven Montano {Review}

**Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Blurb~
Who ever knew the end would come so soon?

In this final volume of the BLOOD SKIES series, Eric Cross and Danica Black find themselves facing impossible odds in the desolate ruins of the world they once knew. Hunted by the mercenary forces of the newly formed East Claw Coalition and desperate to find the elusive White Mother, the two refugees will be pushed to the limits of their abilities and sanity as they struggle to survive.

Meanwhile, in the near future, the undead hunter called Reaver searches for the lost city of Bloodhollow, the place where humankind will make its final stand, while the undead of New Koth and the rebellious White Children make their push to end the reign of the Ebon Kingdoms once and for all.

As timelines collide and the spider weaves her web, the battle for the fate of the riven world will come to its violent conclusion in the depths of a forgotten city, where unlikely heroes will emerge and hidden evils will finally be revealed...


Helpful Links: Goodreads | Website

My Review~

Where do I start? This is the end. The world of Blood Skies has come full circle. I didn't ever expect to type that. The story of Eric Cross and Danika Black has definitely not been easy. Hell I dare to say that it hasn't just been hard it's been excruciating. 

I have never seen characters go through so much. But you know what? These characters are probably the only characters that I know that could survive or go through what they go through. That's the thing with Cross and his team. They never give up. They never say die and never say no. They are always the first to step up and the last to stop. They are incredible heroes that I will remember for many years to come. 

Of course none of this changes in Vampire Down. They are still the first to volunteer and the last to drop, but unfortunately they have lost a lot. And the losses begin to wear heavy on them. They have always worn heavy on them, but as things escalate the losses seem that much bigger. But with all the unknown, loss and war Cross and Danika find a glimmer of beauty. They finally get some sliver of happiness in a world that has dealt them nothing but crap. Naturally, in true Steven Montano fashion, the happiness doesn't last long, but it's there. And it made me happier than I can ever say. Truly.

Things are definitely escalating for the Cross and his team. The world has changed. Everything has changed. But it is time to end things. To learn the truth and take things back for man. It is time to see this through no matter the consequences or loss of life. Every member of the team would give their life for the mission and it may take that to see this through.

The story of Blood Skies is a complicated tale. It has been weaved delicately by Steven Montano, the mastermind behind this intricate dance. And in Vampire Down he finally gets to weave it all together and give us all the details. All the truths. We finally get to step back and see the entire tapestry. Oh yes, this story is one that makes you pull your hair out. In Vampire Down it is no different. We follow two stories in two different times, one which I refused to accept as a reader. I knew it was happening, but my mind just wouldn't accept what the pages were telling me. I was mad. I read a lot of it out of anger and with the certainty that things would change. Luckily for me things did change and I got what I wanted.

Vampire Down was a powerful ending, full of action and wrought with emotion, Steven Montano broke me with this story. And that ending? He really killed me with that one. I still have questions, but of course my mind is accepting the one that makes me the happiest.

The story has come to a close and it is time for me to say goodbye to these characters. It has been an incredible journey. One that has taken me to unknown worlds, introduced me to new magic, creatures, and characters. I have watched Cross grow form an uncertain soldier and mage to an incredible leader who would give anything for the people of his world. All the characters in this story survive so much, deal with so much and yet come out stronger.

If there is one thing I've learned from the Blood Skies series it's that there is always hope. In even the bleakest and darkest of times hope is there, if only just a glimmer, Steven Montano reminds me of that. Never give up, never stop pushing, never stop hoping. Because that's ultimately what this story is. A story of hope.

If you haven't already started this series then I highly recommend you start this journey with Cross and his team!


"We can be more. He doesn't even remember where he first heard those words, but they've become his mantra, his drive." (Mobi, loc. 6370).
"I'm just a man, trapped by hurt." (Mobi, loc. 1422)

The first moment I chose because I think it ties perfectly with the idea of hope. In fact I would have shared that entire page with you, but I needed to save you something. :)
The second one I chose because I think it sums up Cross perfectly. 

2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the kind review, Danielle. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the series so much, and I've been honored to have your support. =D

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Steven. The review was well deserved. I have absolutely loved this series and I am sad to say goodbye, but glad that Cross and his team will have some rest.

      I have loved every minute of supporting you and your work and look forward to supporting all your future work as well. I know you have plenty of other characters to torture ;) And I look forward to each and every one of them!

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