Hello Gemmies! I am so excited to participate in the Book Blog Tour for Vampires of Moscow by Caedis Knight. This book is co-authored by two established fantasy authors Jacqueline Silvester and N.J Simmonds. together they are Caedis Knight. Vampires of Moscow is set across a christmassy Moscow and is the first book in The Blood Web Chronicles series. I loved this book so much. From the characters, to the sexy romance, to the food, to the sisterhood, to the locations, and the buffet of paranormal excellence. It is my pleasure to help spread the word for this kick ass, sexy, paranormal powerhouse series. First up on the tour is my book review...enjoy!
Synopsis
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Magic, Contemporary
Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books
Publishing Date: October 15, 2020
Saskia de la Cruz is a Verity Witch - her only magic being that she can tell the truth from a lie.
As an investigative reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle, the biggest news outlet on the paranormal dark Blood Web, Saskia spends her days cracking twisted para cases hoping that someday, some case, will bring her closer to finding her missing sister.
In snowy Moscow drained corpses of illegal workers have begun to turn up, with hundreds more reported missing. When Saskia is sent on assignment to investigate an oligarch Vampire crime ring that might be behind the deaths, she plans to get in out of the city’s frozen grasp quickly...preferably with her neck intact.
But beautiful ballet dancer Konstantin Volkov and his wildcard brother Lukka complicate things. The vampire brothers have their own reasons for solving the string of murders, reasons that conflict with Saskia’s mission. Soon, Saskia finds herself enmeshed in the city’s glittering web of crime, passion, and violence, where truths and lies are one and the same.
Review
Vampires of Moscow by Caedis Knight is the first full length novel in the Blood Web Chronicles series. For those that don't know, this book is co-authored by the wonderful Jacqueline Silvester and N.J Simmonds. Together they are Caedis Knight. Let me just start this review by saying I absolutely LOVED this book! I had to force myself to put it down so I can get some kind of sleep! It's that addictive! Vampires of Moscow is an engaging, fast paced, page-turning thrill ride. Full of murder, magic, sexy romance, mob boss vamps, were strippers, and provocative humor, this book has it all.
Let's start with the world building. Vampires Of Moscow is a lush vivid contemporary world, with a complex magical system, super scary.....and super sexy monsters, and murder! This unique story is not only beautifully written, it is a perfect blend of crime noir and paranormal romance. Vampires of Moscow felt like an elegantly blood soaked reboot of the crime and paranormal romance genres. This world is full of diverse, malevolent, complex, interesting characters. Saskia an Investigative reporter/witch is one of the more refreshing female protagonists that I have come across in a while. Her sharp witted banter is priceless. She's also not perfect. Saskia is vulnerable, dabbles in a bit of self sabotage, but despite it all she never gives up. I think that's what makes her such a relatable and endearing character. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. There are steamy romance scenes that are graphic but very tastefully done. There is also graphic violence. You wont find any sparkling vampires here.
This story predominately takes place in Moscow. The location felt like another character. We get glimpses of life in Moscow for the super rich and also the super poor. It helped to add an extra depth to the story. For my fellow monster mavens, in addition to a well thought out crime drama, you also get so much paranormal goodness!!! We have witches, weres, sirens, vamps....you name it! The two main vamp brothers in this story are super hot, vicious, and have plenty of secrets to hide. I'm putting my vote in now for Team Lukkas...this is NOT up for debate! I will keep this review spoiler free...but I will say that I did not see the twist this story took. I am so looking forward to exploring all that this world has to offer in future books!
If you are a fan of sexy vampires, witty witches, steamy romance, stylish crime drama, action, and page turning suspense then go read this book! Vampires of Moscow is available in ebook format and will be available in paperback on November 13, 2020! I give Vampires of Moscow 5 out of 5 gems. I cannot wait to read more stories in this series! Happy Reading!