URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Vampire Federation 2: The Cross - Scott G Mariani

Release Date: 13/10/11

SYNOPSIS:

When an ancient cross is discovered in Eastern Europe it becomes a powerful weapon in the war between the trads and the Vampire Federation -- but soon, the world is threatened by its discovery! The cross of Ardaich, feared by vampires, was believed to have been destroyed during the bloody war between the Vampire Federation and the Trads. But its accidental rediscovery could be catastrophic. Detective Joel Solomon can't forgive VF agent Alex Bishop for making him a vampire. Yet when Federation arch-enemy Gabriel Stone enlists a vicious killer to retrieve the cross, the couple and their human allies become the only defence against pure evil. If the cross is used to gain power by the Ubervampyr, the sadistic and primeval race of elite vampires, it isn't just ordinary vampires like Alex and Joel who will be in danger. Things could be about to turn very nasty for the human race! A high-octane, action-packed adventure that will thrill fans of Charlaine Harris, Blade and The Passage.


REVIEW:

Having been lucky enough to interview Scott after the release of his first title I knew who would take the lead within this title and have had it marked on my calendar for quite some time. As expected the story centres around someone becoming acclimatised to the changes in their life, having to grow and expand to adapt to the sudden shocks as well as having to deal with the bigger picture whilst they struggle against their own dramas.

It’s clever, it has a wonderful outline and of course the characters will grow with the reader which allows them to adapt to the world as they explore. Add to this a wonderful pace; some great prose which when backed with dialogue that matches the scenarios and the authorly voice that’s uniquely Scott and it’s a title I really enjoyed.

URBAN FANTASY DEBUT REVIEW: Uprising - Scott G Mariani

BOOK BLURB:

A new war is dawning! For millennia, the vampires walked the earth undetected, feasting on humans in keeping with ancient tradition. In the Information Age, vampires realised they must be more careful to avoid detection. In the late 20th century they created the global Vampire Federation to police vampire activity, with special agents like Alex Bishop authorised to hunt down her own kind who break the laws. The old traditions are history. But not all vampires bow down to Federation rule. When rebel vampire Gabriel Stone declares war against them, Alex and her team are plunged into danger. Police inspector Joel Solomon, haunted by a secret terror of vampires, discovers a series of corpses left behind by Stone's bloodthirsty gang. As he and Alex are drawn together in an unlikely alliance between human and vampire, the race begins to destroy the evil Stone before his uprising tears their world apart.


REVIEW:

If you’re after a new vampire title then this could be the one for you. It’s got action, it’s a thriller and theres a good dollop of mystery. Add to the mix that its action all the way and it could be a title to hit that itch that’s been there since you’ve wanted more hardcore Underworld action than Twilight angst.

Add to the mix a pretty good pace, some reasonable dialogue an weaponry to make even the most hardcore fan drool and its definitely a title that will impress. I had fun and with something pretty easy to pick up for reading pleasure will be one for readers looking to introduce an action fan to the genre.