Nightshade by Michelle Rowen

Author: Michelle Rowen
Series: Nightshade (Book 1)
Publication Date: February 1, 2011

You can get the book here.

Synopsis:

Jillian Conrad never believed in vampires-until she was unwillingly injected with a serum that was supposed to act as a deadly poison to them. Now, tormented half-vampire Declan Reese wants her blood to destroy the undead kingdom. Unfortunately, the serum has also made her blood irresistible to all vampires-including Declan, whose desire for Jillian is more than mere hunger.

Review: 

Jill most definitely had the worst lunch break ever, and it wasn't because she lost her place in line or got back to work late for all those other orders she had to take back to her frriends. Oh, no. But I guess that would have preferred that instead of having a mad scientist grab her by the hair and inject her with a deadly serum that hurt like hell. Or see that same mad scientist get killed by The Terminator who strode in talking crap about Vampires. But that's exactly what happened to Jillian Conrad and she embarked on the adventure of her life along with an unfeeling dhampyr who could easily kill her to destroy the Vampire king but they have to do it while they protect each other because, against her better judgment because after all he's the one who kidnapped her, she finds herself falling in love with Declan. Even though he's not the handsomest man out there but his feelings for her, when out there, are truthful.

In this captivating story the mythology about Dhampyrs and Vampires is just amazing. While this isn't the first book I've read with Dhampyrs in it--Vampire Academy being a really good view into that world of half-breeds and Night Huntress series another one--this one was more morbid from the romanticized ones.  It was a bit frustrating seeing how Declan struggled to keep his emotions under control with a serum his step-dad , who I believe is a scientist too, created so he wouldn't embrace his vampire half, because he wasn't evil or anything. sure, he was a Dhampyr and there are two kinds of Vampires--the humanoid ones with talons and sharp teeth, scary stuff--but Declan was the perfect kind. While this isn't the first book by Michelle Rowen I've read, this one definitely became one of my favorites.

Rowen is so good at making you believe what you read and keeping it fast-paced so you will be asking for more at the end of the book. The betraying party was pretty obvious since the beginning. The characters very believable, specially Jillian who isn't exactly super strong or powerful in kind of way and relied only on herself and mental strength to function after such traumatic experience. And--best of all--Declan. It was nice having a not-so-perfect male protagonist. Sometimes perfection sucks. He isn't the handsomest men. He isn't perfect. He doesn't even feel much as far as feelings go because of the serum he takes to keep himself under control. Though the whole I'm-afraid-of-what-I-might-do-to-you thing is the usual about a vampire (half breed in this case). Still, his imperfections became the most perfect thing about him. It made him more realistic for the reader as well as for Jill. 


In conclution, you should most definitely read this amazing urban fantasy thriller. It will grab your attention from page one of course because Jill's voice is so realistic and coherent when describing her surroundings that I'm sure you won't be able to put down. And, like me, you will beg for the sequel (Bloodlust) which I believe is released in July 5, 2011. Cool, uh? We don't have to wait that long. 


Author's website
Twitter
Facebook


Rating: 5.0


Trailer of Book:

There's also an anthology that takes place a few days after the end of the book. Check it out here.