The Originals: The Rise (The Originals # 1) by Julie Plec
Paranormal Romance
Released: January 27, 2015
Harlequin

Reviewed by Sheena

Favorite Quote: “My blood is not available for purchase or trade,”  Elijah answered stiffly.  And you couldn’t afford it if it were.” [In your face asshat!]

I have never read the Vampire Diaries and I have never seen The Originals television show and I was intrigued that the novel is a spin from the television show. Julie Plec co-created and writes the Vampire Diaries and the spin-off, The Originals. I am a bit of (very much so) a book purist, so having the opportunity to read a book of my favorite genre that was based on television programs, was stepping outside the box for me.  And boy am I glad I did.  These characters are completely new to me. I have no preconceived notions regarding any facet of their personalities and I like to think that I am as objective as one can be as far removed from the source material as I am.  This is one of the more authentic vampire paranormal stories I have read in a long while.  It felt like an ancient, old story.  It was as if I were transferred back in time.  From the beginning its as if I were a part of the old world where dark vampires roamed the town squares, the best of them barely leashing their blood lust and the worst of them, slaughtering their way through the countrysides! *Shivers!!*

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you’re immortal, promises are hard to keep.

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they’ve escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus’s attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus’s volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?

Ahh! A tale of vampire blood-kin and their ties that bind.  Witches, vamps and other interesting paranormal beings pepper the story, each owning an intertwining story line that made for more than a few “ah ha!” moments.  The writing is quick and imaginative.  You are plopped into the plot and as it unfolds around you, more and more comes together to propel you further.  I did not ever want to stop reading, as I was held hostage, perpetually in a state of anticipation, most unwilling to interrupt the momentum.  Though dark and violent, this was a fun vampire story!  Danger (almost literally) around every corner and over every shoulder.  If you are a newbie to this world and like me, have never seen either TV show or read The Vampire Diaries, I will be careful not to spoil as the ending is literally a domino effect of cascading consequences for all of the siblings.  Just know you are in for a very character driven, substantial novel with some dark humor and an action packed plot.

Original brother, Klaus, is about as awesomely anti-hero as you can probably get.  The complexity  in which he makes his decisions and how his actions elicit the most dramatic (dare I say melodramatic reactions) from his vampire siblings made me want to stake him, then stake them, then bug out because….dude..seriously!!?? I lived for his POV and missed his take on things when the POV alternated. If he were not so damned  dastardly, he’d be my new Vampire book boyfriend…on second thought…I just may have fallen in love with him, loathe I am to admit it!   My runner up favorite was the intellectual sibling Elijah.  Not as…passionate and demonstrative as Klaus, he is practical- to a point and responsible.  He is at his best when he is exasperated with his siblings, many a lol moment with that one.  His seething at times leaps off the page.  Absolute kudos for the fleshed out characters.  Author, Julie Plec, is aces when it comes to these characters!

Rich in drama and action, it is actually very light handed with the  sensuality.  There was a lot of polite ways of saying they were screwing. lol But by the time the plot arched to the hanky panky, I was already using my imagination on overdrive, so I was not near as Booooooo! about it as I initially thought I would be.  If you like less explicit sex scenes that still bring about a blush and are sensual as hell, then this will definitely appeal to you. I mean, I usually prefer somebody’s weighty, blunt headed (possibly pierced?) cock to spring out and enter the moist folds of some doe eyed heroine – AND geeze louise it IS a got damned VAMP after all, he can sink his fangs into her inner thigh and really get the party started (my paranormal romance babes know allllll about the inner thigh bite and the pleasures it can bring) but hey, I can do subtle too!! *wink*

His mouth explored her collarbone, then moved across her breasts and her belly, working lower while she sighed in pleasure.  He did not linger long, although she wished he would…he continued to explore along her thighs and even her ankles, appreciating each new landscape of her body in return.  Then he rose, attending to her pleasure in such detail that she thought the sailors on the dock must have heard her cries.  And when he finally entered  her, it was with the desperate need of a man who knew it was the last thing he would do in his life.  She welcomed him….

I have already committed myself to reading the rest of the series and I find myself restless as I wait!  Dark with violence, action and sensual romance, sign me up- I have an extra pen, I can sign you up too!  I hope you enjoy The Originals first novel The Rise as much as I did!

Grade: B

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