Angela Korra'ti reviewed Blood Price: Victory Nelson Private Investigator by Tanya Huff (Vicki Nelson (Blood) (1))
None
4 stars
Inspired by the recent starting up of the TV show Blood Ties, I've gone and plowed through all five of the Blood books by Tanya Huff. These are all re-reads, but it's been long enough since I read them all that it was almost like reading them all over again. And it was a pleasure, especially after reading a lot more current urban fantasy--in her rather understated kind of way, Huff did her part to contribute to what you see in the more recent run of books.
First and foremost: as vampires go, Henry is a fabulous vampire character. He's got his share of hokey I Am Vampire schtick, sure, but by and large he is refreshingly clear of the woe-is-me angst you see in a lot of vamp stories. I also like Huff's treatment of vampires--that they're not actually really dead, but instead are living creatures that are …
Inspired by the recent starting up of the TV show Blood Ties, I've gone and plowed through all five of the Blood books by Tanya Huff. These are all re-reads, but it's been long enough since I read them all that it was almost like reading them all over again. And it was a pleasure, especially after reading a lot more current urban fantasy--in her rather understated kind of way, Huff did her part to contribute to what you see in the more recent run of books.
First and foremost: as vampires go, Henry is a fabulous vampire character. He's got his share of hokey I Am Vampire schtick, sure, but by and large he is refreshingly clear of the woe-is-me angst you see in a lot of vamp stories. I also like Huff's treatment of vampires--that they're not actually really dead, but instead are living creatures that are dramatically changed. For example, they still have a heartbeat, albeit extremely slow. Second: I dig Vicki as a tough, no-nonsense heroine. Third: I really like that the mortal side of the love triangle, Michael, holds his own against Henry. He too is a fabulous character. And Huff's always fun to me to read just because queerfolk are involved in her stories too. Not in any special LOOKIT ME I'M QUEER way, but just... there. Part of the story. Like life. And! Fun to read fantasy novels set in Canada as well.
Of the set, I think my favorites are books 3 and 4, Blood Lines and Blood Pact--where we get an ancient Egyptian mummy trying to take over Toronto, and then, Vicki's mother dying and some scary Dr. Frankenstein-y things going on.
All in all, highly recommended for fun romantic tension and suspenseful action, neither of which ever go out of their way to be over the top with the Dark Dark Darkity Darkness. I approve. Four stars.
