Crimson Dawn Volume 1 – Hallowed Echoes – Mrystica
May 5, 2009
M/M Paranormal Romance
e-book, novel length
Darkroast Press
The prologue starts great with Thomas Hampton, a very old vampire who is seeking Arina, an evil vampire who has escaped and is causing havoc in the world. The Dimensional Guild does not get along with Thomas – they fear he will become too powerful and refuse him membership. More out of spite they leave it up to him to bring Arina back to justice.
From here though the book goes a bit downhill. Kevin Laredo lost his wife and children two years ago to a bombing. He had been a private detective on a drug case, and the bombing was a result of corrupt cops. Although he had loved his wife dearly, deep down he has always had gay tendencies and has been living in deep denial. Lost in his thoughts, he steps off an elevator and is held at gunpoint. Luckily, Vic Turner, a bounty hunter is there and rescues Kevin. This is not the first time he has rescued him however. Years ago, a similar situation happened, and Vic Turner was there for the saving. Little does Kevin know, Vic has been attracted to him all this time.
Kevin decides to employ Vic at his PI firm. Once there, another employee, Jonathan, takes one look at Vic and goes into crisis mode. Vic looks exactly like his old lover who was attacked and killed by vampires twenty years ago. He finds himself unable to concentrate at work. Then something disturbing happens – he receives a note telling him he is being watched by Veritan, the vampire that killed Andrew.
Taking two weeks off of work to regroup, he is asked to meet with someone for a job worth a half a of a million dollars. Unable to ignore that amount of money, he meets with Thomas Hampton that night, only to find Veritan and Thomas Hampton are the same person. Hampton convinces Jonathan to work undercover to help bring down Arina. Jonathan accepts to keep everyone he holds dear safe.
Crimson Dawn has a lot going on – too much in my opinion. The story itself kept my interest but the book tries to combine romance, paranormal creatures and a suspenseful mystery and combined it is too much information thrown at the the reader.
I liked the character of Thomas Hampton – he is sly and cunning and has that evil vibe to him. He also avoids bloodshed at all costs, but still keeps his reputation of being dangerous. His character was so strong that in my opinion, he overshadowed Vic and Kevin’s page time.
There are some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and the romance is a sweet one – I really liked how Mrystica wrote the love scenes. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel and with a little bit less going on, I would have enjoyed this one much more.
Rating: Two stars
Mrystica’s Website
Hhhmmm. While reading your review the plot doesn't reach out to me at the moment but the romance seems nice :) With not a real e-reader my choice is easily made *wink*
Have a great sunday Mandi :D
Leontine – Yes, you need an e-reader! I can't live without mine now that I have it ;)
Thanks for your insightful review Mandy…
I don't enjoy multiple plot lines in books either. As you indicated – confusing… lol
Have a great Sunday!
L
Thanks for the honest review. I find if there's too much going on I'm mentally exhausted and irritable by the end of the book!
Hey Mandi, [a sidetrack from your review] We have touchdown for the Sony e-reader here in the Netherlands but I'm scared I can't buy at various e-book stores, I think I'm still floating around to find out what works best for me with already a TBR pile *wink*
Hm, does not reach out to me either. but good review mandi :)
I am glad you enjoyed them
I would really appreciate it if the Amazon kindle could be released in Australia. Grr…
P.S. – totally off-topic and not related to this post. Did you read that Melissa Marr's 'Wicked Lovely' series is being made into a movie? Argh! Can't wait.
Yes! So excited..loved Wicked Lovely. Still haven't read Fragile Eternity!!
I Love m/m romances, but not sure where this book is going..
As you said too much plots running along side each other, but it seems to be redeemed by the love scenes – I'll pencill it down, because I like a challenge..
I just might look it up on one of my shopping spree…
E.H>