Loading ...Raphael by D. B. Reynolds
This first installment in the Vampires in America series begins with a bang. Former cop turned private investigator Cyn Leighton has a reputation for taking on vampire clients. When one of his people gets kidnapped, Raphael, ruler of the western vampire empire, retains her services. Since evidence supports human involvement in the abduction, Raphael believes that a human professional may be more effective. In the world of the novel, vampires operate on the fringes of human society, not completely accepted and, in some cases, vilified, so not everyone views Cyn’s choice of clients favorably.
Aside from the kidnapping itself, Raphael must discover who is behind the larger threat to his empire. Complicating matters, a mutual attraction develops between Cyn and Raphael, though both have their own reasons for hesitation regarding emotional involvement. The professional relationship between the two main characters reflects the status of their personal connection at any given time, vacillating between truly working together and striking out on their own while ignoring the other. However, the main goal remains to find the kidnap victim and figure out why she was taken.
Full of ruthless vampires, the story depicts an interesting society reminiscent of feudal lords. Raphael rules his territory like a king, adding to the mystique the vampires hold for the human population in the book. Major points go to Reynolds for creating a tough female protagonist who saves herself rather than waiting for the guy to arrive. Abandoned by her mother and basically ignored by her father, Cyn grew up in, as she describes it, “a virtual emotional vacuum” (Ch.24), and the resulting toughness in her character feels real to the reader. Suspenseful and action-packed, Raphael, while providing closure of some plotlines, leaves the door open for the sequel to which this reviewer looks forward.
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(5 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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This is a terrific series. Jabril, the next book is just as good as the first, and I can hardly wait for Rajmund due out in 2010.
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I loved this series. As Danielle says, Jabril is as good as the first. They both kept me up reading way past my bedtime.
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This is a fabulous series. Page turners, can’t put them down and JABRIL has a heart stopping declaration of love. D.B. Reynolds can’t write the next one soon enough for me.
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Both, Raphael & Jabril, are amazing and can’t wait for Rajmund!!
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One of my favourite authors…love every moment of reading all of Reynolds books so far!
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