Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane is half mage, half vampire. As a half breed, Sabina is told that she is not fit for service as anything but an assassin. She has spent her whole life being loyal to Dominae and trying to please her grandmother. Her mission is to infiltrate one of the Dominae’s enemies: a cult run by Clovis Trakiya. However, in working with the enemy, she discovers that she will need to re-examine her loyalties. Through her mission, she also discovers secrets about herself and her past.

I give Red-Headed Stepchild 5 tombstones. This book is definitely not just another vampire novel. I think Sabina is a deeply fascinating character. Although she may not like some of the things that her grandmother has asked of her over the years, she never thinks to question the orders she is given. It seems as if Sabina has always felt slightly inferior because of her half-breed and assassin status within the Dominae society. However, when she is sent to infiltrate the cult, she discovers a different side of herself. I really enjoyed this book. It was one of those books that I struggled to step away from. The further I got into the story, the more I wanted to know what happens. This is Jaye Wells’ debut novel, and I think it is a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy genre. I look forward to more of her work in the future.

Book Excerpt:“In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she’s on. She’s never brought her work home with her—until now. This time, it’s personal.”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316037761
• ISBN-13: 978-0316037761

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Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells