ARC Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Title:  When Blood Calls (The Shadow Keepers #1)
Author:  J.K. Beck
Available:  8/31/2010
Publisher:  Bantam
Number of Pages:  416
Reading Level:  Adult

4 out of 5 Stars

Thanks Book it Forward ARC Tours for giving me the chance to read and review this book.







Description from Goodreads:


Sara Constantine is one of the country’s most tenacious prosecuting attorneys—and she’s just secured a well-earned promotion. At first she’s thrilled. Then she finds out her new job involves prosecuting vampires and werewolves. And nothing prepares Sara for the shock she receives when she meets the first defendant she’ll be trying to put away: Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius Dragos kisses the beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s only hoping to blend into the crowd and avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s following…and planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss to secure his cover ignites into a fierce hunger that leads to an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows Sara will do whatever it takes to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not the monster she thinks he is. And that might mean making the greatest sacrifice a vampire can make.


My thoughts: 


When Blood Calls is a dark and edgy start to a new series. I like the concept of a super secret division of the government that prosecutes preternatural criminals. A great cast full of damaged, but redeemable heroes, and strong-minded women.  I enjoyed the alternating points of view. It switched between the two main characters, and several of the secondary ones.  The vampires in this book are intense, and some are struggling to maintain control. Loads of action, mystery, and steamy romance.    I loved the connection between Lucius (Luke) and Sara.  It was sizzling!  


There is a smorgasbord of paranormal beings in this book. Daemons, vampires, werewolves, goblins, and even trolls. The author built a very detailed world for her characters to inhabit.  I find this can be both an asset, and a disadvantage to the first book in a series.  It makes for an interesting setting, but all the time spent focusing on world building can feel a little tedious to the reader.  This is really my only complaint about When Blood Calls.  Still a great start to a new series,  and one I plan to continue.  


J.K Beck is the alter ego of author Julie Kenner.  You may be familiar with her series about a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom.

J.K Beck on the web:

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