This compelling first novel in the Cin Craven series grabs the reader on the very first page and does not let go. Descending from the line of powerful Macgregor witches in early nineteenth-century England, Dulcinea Craven awaits the full blossoming of her powers. At the age of twenty-two, she expects this event to occur at any time. Unfortunately, the accidental death of her parents serves as the impetus as Dulcinea’s mother unexpectedly passes on her own magic to Dulcinea when she dies. As if her grief were not enough to contend with, she also discovers that her unwanted suitor, Sebastian, a man she has known since childhood, is now a vampire. When he attacks Dulcinea, she turns him into a weasel by merely thinking he is one, demonstrating to her that she needs to get a handle on her powers.

Realizing that she needs to seek outside advice and help regarding both vampires and methods to control her magic, Dulcinea travels to London to see Mr. Pendergrass, an apothecary friend and confidante of her mother’s. After being bitten by Sebastian, Dulcinea feels his call to go to him and wishes to sever the link. Mr. Pendergrass tells Dulcinea of three vampires known as The Righteous who protect humans from abuse (killing and terrorizing) by vampires and suggests that she attempt to use her magic to call them to her. When her effort meets with success, Michael, Justine, and Devlin arrive, and Dulcinea learns from them that Sebastian is not strong enough to call her himself, meaning he must be controlled by someone very powerful. When the four discover who that entity is, Dulcinea feels she has a difficult choice to make to ensure the safety of everyone she loves.

Combining horror, humor, and a bit of romance, Maclaine hits the right notes in every aspect of the story. The significant thread of humor lacing the narrative does not in the least diminish the seriousness of the choices Dulcinea faces. Devlin explains to her: “To become a vampire you must have strength, Dulcinea. You will know much more sorrow as a vampire than you ever would as a human. It is tempting to be young and beautiful forever, to be strong and flush with power, but you must understand what you sacrifice” (137). The author’s background in and love of history shines through in the narrative, adding to the reading experience, as do the skillfully-drawn characters. Fans of both paranormal romance and urban fantasy will enjoy  Wages of Sin. This reviewer looks forward to reading the second installment in the series.

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312946163
• ISBN-13: 978-0312946166

To purchase a print copy of Wages of Sin from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Wages of Sin from Barnes & Noble click here.

Books in the Cin Craven series in the order they should be read:
Wages of Sin
Grave Sins
Bound By Sin

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