Thursday, August 3, 2017

Review: Thirst (The Energy Vampires #1) by Jacquelyn Frank

Thirst by Jacquelyn Frank

Thirst (The Energy Vampires #1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Purchase link: Amazon

My rating: Small star Small star Small star Half

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Thirst by Jacquelyn Frank blurb

Thirst is a new series introducing a unique breed of vampires with a twist. Jacquelyn Frank has found a new way for vampires to feed, not with blood but with energy. She has turned the vampire myth on its head and created something new and different.

I have to admit I struggled with Thirst right through the book - hovering between wanting to know what happens next and perhaps not finishing the book. In the end, I finished it and I'll get into my reasons why.

Firstly, while interesting, I think the story dragged due to Ms Frank's writing style. It was heavily dialogue driven which I tend to like but in this instance, it seemed somewhat stilted and clinical. It was difficult to connect intimately with Rafe and Renee as protagonists. Perhaps it was because being the first book in a new world, a lot of world building had to take place and that world building bogged down the story? This is unusual and surprising to me because I have read a lot of Ms Frank's work and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've read some of her Nightwalker books and all of her Nightwalker World books. The writing style in Thirst is very different to what I experienced in reading her previous books but because I enjoyed her previous books, I soldiered on.

This book touches on some big issues - politics, world peace, drug abuse and addiction, all of which revolving around the energy vampires and how they try to govern their nation and how they sustain themselves. This brings me to Rafe who is suave, refined and every inch the gentleman, though a deadly one and not to be underestimated. Rafe is the consummate diplomat as he is responsible for negotiating a very important treaty within the vampire nation. He also seems to know all the right things to say to Renee when she gets all riled up (and she got riled up a lot!), a side effect from being the ultimate diplomat of the vampire nation, I'm sure. And since I'm a sucker for a hero with a protective streak in them, I loved the way he was protective of Renee even though she obviously knew how to take care of herself and treated her with such care. I would have liked more depth to Rafe's character but perhaps I'm being judgmental and he was just a little too polished for me?

I had more of a hard time with Renee. I found her at times exceedingly annoying and at other times, feminine and likable. She was a character full of contradictions, at one point tough and brassy from being a jaded cop, to being vulnerable and afraid of being hurt and confused about her own feelings. One thing about Renee though, she is undoubtedly brave. Perhaps it has to do with her being a cop and facing danger everyday of her life. She did not back down when faced with a dangerous situation and she certainly showed she was very capable of taking care of herself. She did take issue with Rafe trying to protect her and her argumentative nature did rub me the wrong way a few times but in the end, I did warm towards her as she redeemed herself quite adequately in my eyes.

One more point of note, I have to say, the story of the energy vampires origins seems a little far fetched and also a little too easy. Really? That's what you came up with, Ms Frank? I must admit I kinda snorted when I read that bit. That said, I think this is a very interesting start to the series and I'm curious to see where it goes. I'd like to know whose book is next. I'd love to see Halo brought to his knees by a woman.

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Jacquelyn Frank

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5 comments:

  1. I'm a vampire fan, and always looking for new ideas, but I have to be able to connect with the characters. Also, it's super hard for me to engage when a book takes too long to get moving, and usually ends up as a DNF. You give a great review, but I'm on the fence with this one. Hugs...

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    1. This book was a tough one for me. I just read the second book (which you don't need to read the first book for) and it is much better.

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    2. Also, I'd say if you're a vampire fan, this is worth reading. The premise for the vampires is very unique.

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  2. It's been a while since I've read anything by her but I love the books that I have read. I may have to get this one as well.

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