Bad Blood by Kristen Painter
(House of Comarré, #3)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: paperback
Read: 2/4/2012 — 2/5/2012
In Six Words: Plot stalled, but still enjoyable read
Links
Kristen Painter — Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Book Order
1. Blood Rights
2. Flesh and Blood
3. Bad Blood
4. Out for Blood (Fall 2012)
5. Last Blood (Spring 2013)
Why I’ve Continued Reading This Series
Blood Rights was a solid start to the series, and Flesh and Blood only got better. Thus far, I have enjoyed the world building and the uniqueness of the comarré. Bad Blood wasn’t quite as strong as Flesh and Blood, but I enjoyed it nonetheless, and it was not enough to deter me from continuing with the series. I can see where there is a possibility for the series to not quite live up to its potential of the first couple books, but I’m willing to see it through.
Synopsis
Samhain approaches, bringing with it the final melding of the mortal and othernatural worlds. No one knows just how much power the night holds…
Violent murders occur in Paradise City as counterfeit comarré are systematically hunted. The police and the Kubai Mata have more than enough trouble to keep themselves occupied. As war erupts at home, Malkolm and Chrysabelle head to New Orleans to recover the Ring of Sorrows. Chrysabelle is forced to make a life and death decision and will realize that her relationship to Malkolm may have fatal consequences.
The clock is ticking…
-from Goodreads
Thoughts on Book 3
While I genuinely enjoyed reading Bad Blood, not much happened in this book to move the series story arc along. In many ways, it seemed to set up what could happen in future books, and it left a lot of questions unanswered. Where I thought that Flesh and Blood was stronger than the first book, Bad Blood stalled a bit. And was a wee bit predictable in certain areas. I figured out who Chysabelle’s brother was long before it was revealed at the end. But neither was anything beyond the name revealed, so I am still intrigued how it will all play out.
As I reflect on the developments of the world in this series, I find myself oddly reminded of the Fever series. I like this series more than the Fever series, but I see the potential for the world here to spiral out of control with a million different things happening at once. I think there is a point where a world can straddle the line between delightfully complex and frustratingly complex, and I suspect Bad Blood is that line. Out of Blood, slated for release at the end of this year, will likely find a side of that line to land on.
One thing that I was glad to see in Bad Blood was the seeming end to the love triangle from Flesh and Blood. I can only handle so much. That said, there still has not been much progress on the romance front. Which is slightly frustrating, but there is enough action and other developments that help ignore the lack of some serious romancing. And since this is not a paranormal romance, I should be patient, right? Right?!
I read both Bad Blood and Flesh and Blood in one weekend, and for the purpose of escape reads, they worked beautifully. The lack of forward movement with the plot in Bad Blood did not bother me at all, and I found both of the books to be quite enjoyable. I will definitely be continuing with the series.
Other Reviews
Christi
Mary @ Book Swarm February 29, 2012 at 9:08 am
Really, this series intrigues me and I’m not sure why I haven’t picked it up yet. It sounds like the premise carries through and so does the action, etc., even though the romance sounds like it’s stalled a bit.
And I like how you listed the other books in the series–great idea.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 29, 2012 at 9:12 am
Perhaps because there are so many other books to read? ;)
Prangon- The Nerd In Heels February 29, 2012 at 12:04 pm
See you read all three books already!
Every time I think about picking up the series I get put off by some reason. I really must read the first book to see what’s the buzz is about *~*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 29, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Yes! Try out the first book. :)
Felicia the Geeky Blogger March 1, 2012 at 7:10 am
I think if a book fulfills the whole distraction from a crappy week quota it deserves whatever rating you want to give it regardless if it moved the story forward or anything! There have been plenty of books that just took me away and for that they are excellent books in my world :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender March 1, 2012 at 8:22 am
Yes, I agree! Sometimes that distraction is necessary.
Jenny March 1, 2012 at 8:48 am
“I think there is a point where a world can straddle the line between delightfully complex and frustratingly complex, and I suspect Bad Blood is that line.”
YES! As much as I enjoy this world and the characters, this book was definitely teetering on that line for me. I just want to stick more with the core characters and not follow quite so many people. Can’t wait for the next book though!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender March 1, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I’m excited for the next book as well, but I also think that it will be a turning point in the series for me about whether I continue or not.