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mars_aria's review against another edition
4.0
Damned was a good follow-up to Crusade. I got to find out more about the other characters as well as get to know new characters. There were parts that I laughed at, but mostly parts that I was sad while reading them, especially when characters died (oops, *spoiler*). I liked how the points of views changed from time to time and didn't just stay in one person's view (usually I don't like that in a book, but in this series it fit). There weren't many romance scenes in this one. The battles were the most exciting parts that I liked, the fighting. What I saw while reading this was how far the character's limits would stretch. I guess in the end it all counted on whether or not they could all stay themselves and not lose themselves to their grief and losses. Team Salamanca really matured. I can't wait for the last book to come out.
trgrze20's review against another edition
3.0
3.75. This book I felt was better than the first, but there were a couple things that bothered me. 1. Noah. He comes into the story and right away is trying to get with jenn. It seems like the authors are trying to force a love triangle that is unneeded. 2. Jenn does not have a consist emotional state throughout at least half the book. Which makes her seem under developed. And 3. Some of the big important scenes such as: ‘boss’ battles or trying to bring Antonio back seem more skimmed over instead of taking time to develop in depth the characters emotions. If that was done properly I would have felt more traumatized when characters died instead of “oh that sucks”. I did enjoy the book as a quick read and a book that will help you vampire fix and will be continuing on.
taylorlousutton's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
audreychamaine's review against another edition
3.0
The war against the vampires continues, with things getting progressively more bleak for the small group of hunters from Salamanca. Jenn is now leader, but she is insecure in her leadership and is distracted by her concern for her sister. Antonio feels his vampire nature tug at him more strongly than ever, and although he loves Jenn, his resistance threatens to give way at any moment. Even the Hunter herself, Eriko, is not as strong as everybody thinks she is. The hunters will need to stick together and fight harder than ever just to survive one day to the next, let alone destroy the hordes of vampires taking over the globe.
Holder and Viguié's Crusade series has a sweeping, apocalyptic feel to it, and this second book does not disappoint. There is plenty of action, right from the beginning, and lots of gothic darkness and angst. It's always darkest before the dawn, so I really hope that things start looking up for the Salamancans in the next book, because this one is pretty darn grim.
On more than one occasion I found myself comparing Antonio and Jenn to Angel and Buffy. Antonio is good, but only just so, and we see that his hold on his humanity is hanging by a thread. The other vampires view him as a traitor, but he's Jenn's most powerful ally. This book definitely focused more on Antonio's inner conflicts and character, and we learn more of his backstory as well--all of which was a welcome development. We also get to see a lot more of Holgar in this book, and he quickly became my favorite character. More than anyone else, he's exhibited the most strength, the most faith, the most self-restraint and unwavering support of Jenn. Team Holgar!
If you enjoyed Crusade, you must read Damned. All of the main character intros are out of the way, so you get nothing but intense action and character development. And if you haven't read Crusade, this is a great series for fans of evil vampires and tons of global butt-kicking.
Holder and Viguié's Crusade series has a sweeping, apocalyptic feel to it, and this second book does not disappoint. There is plenty of action, right from the beginning, and lots of gothic darkness and angst. It's always darkest before the dawn, so I really hope that things start looking up for the Salamancans in the next book, because this one is pretty darn grim.
On more than one occasion I found myself comparing Antonio and Jenn to Angel and Buffy. Antonio is good, but only just so, and we see that his hold on his humanity is hanging by a thread. The other vampires view him as a traitor, but he's Jenn's most powerful ally. This book definitely focused more on Antonio's inner conflicts and character, and we learn more of his backstory as well--all of which was a welcome development. We also get to see a lot more of Holgar in this book, and he quickly became my favorite character. More than anyone else, he's exhibited the most strength, the most faith, the most self-restraint and unwavering support of Jenn. Team Holgar!
If you enjoyed Crusade, you must read Damned. All of the main character intros are out of the way, so you get nothing but intense action and character development. And if you haven't read Crusade, this is a great series for fans of evil vampires and tons of global butt-kicking.
chelseavbc's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally published at Vampire Book Club.
After reading Crusade, I was curious if we were going to get to know Skye better. She’s the witch who fights alongside the hunters — the only witch willing to step across that line and officially align herself with the team who seeks out to destroy the Cursed Ones. She still keeps to the rule of doing no harm, as best she can. If humans are involved, then Skye is out. But we got a hint to a dark past for her in the first novel, and Damned delivers on revelations. Not only will readers find out who Skye is running from and why — she can’t run forever, as past and present collide — but also secrets of Holgar, Jamie, Eriko, Antonio and even Father Juan.
Jenn and Antonio are still the story’s main focus, and their love story gets more complicated in Damned. Really. But in Damned, the door is opened for insight into everyone else. The tale isn’t Jenn’s alone, and each of the hunters are pivotal. In time, we’ll see how much so.
One doesn’t become a hunter, doesn’t leave their family behind to take on a life of death and fear, without a tale of woe. The friction within the team gains clarity as we discover the root to Jamie’s fervent need to kill all vampires and werewolves. The emotional ties pulling the hunters closer and those barriers they refuse to cross begin to chafe. The unrequited love is bubbling over. With so much pain in their pasts, one can’t help but want to see these characters find solace in a bit of love. There are bright moments, but nothing is easy or direct while fighting a vampire war.
And in Damned the stakes have been raised. In addition to dealing with Aurora and her obsession with Antonio (the only vampire with a soul, the one who is a hunter), other vampire leaders are an issue. One has spent years trying to develop a hybrid, the ultimate vampire. He’s created variations, most merging human, vampire and werewolf DNA. Really, his main goal is to synthesize a way for vampires to walk in the sun. And his work is being shared.
With the humans losing the war with the vampires, the hunters have agreed to work with resistance fighters. One never knows if those they’re to work with are really on their side. Trust is no longer freely given, and more governments have appeased the Cursed Ones and blatantly ignore the cruelty and killings within their boundaries.
Fall into (Urban) Fantasy with VBC and MBWDamned conjures great plot twists, but takes a bit to get going. If you’ve completely forgotten the key points of the first novel, the opening of the book hammers it in. However, once you’re past the rehash, things pick up and we’re treated to some great flashbacks, huge emotional turns and lots of vampires you’d like to stake. I always enjoy Nancy Holder’s writing as her descriptions are simultaneously visceral and eloquent, and she and Debbie Viguié continue to impress me with their storytelling. Damned is no exception.
Also, you’ll get to learn a few foreign words in this one. The book is good about explaining what they are, but by the time you finish Damned, you’ll know how to say “cool” in Russian. Just in case.
After reading Crusade, I was curious if we were going to get to know Skye better. She’s the witch who fights alongside the hunters — the only witch willing to step across that line and officially align herself with the team who seeks out to destroy the Cursed Ones. She still keeps to the rule of doing no harm, as best she can. If humans are involved, then Skye is out. But we got a hint to a dark past for her in the first novel, and Damned delivers on revelations. Not only will readers find out who Skye is running from and why — she can’t run forever, as past and present collide — but also secrets of Holgar, Jamie, Eriko, Antonio and even Father Juan.
Jenn and Antonio are still the story’s main focus, and their love story gets more complicated in Damned. Really. But in Damned, the door is opened for insight into everyone else. The tale isn’t Jenn’s alone, and each of the hunters are pivotal. In time, we’ll see how much so.
One doesn’t become a hunter, doesn’t leave their family behind to take on a life of death and fear, without a tale of woe. The friction within the team gains clarity as we discover the root to Jamie’s fervent need to kill all vampires and werewolves. The emotional ties pulling the hunters closer and those barriers they refuse to cross begin to chafe. The unrequited love is bubbling over. With so much pain in their pasts, one can’t help but want to see these characters find solace in a bit of love. There are bright moments, but nothing is easy or direct while fighting a vampire war.
And in Damned the stakes have been raised. In addition to dealing with Aurora and her obsession with Antonio (the only vampire with a soul, the one who is a hunter), other vampire leaders are an issue. One has spent years trying to develop a hybrid, the ultimate vampire. He’s created variations, most merging human, vampire and werewolf DNA. Really, his main goal is to synthesize a way for vampires to walk in the sun. And his work is being shared.
With the humans losing the war with the vampires, the hunters have agreed to work with resistance fighters. One never knows if those they’re to work with are really on their side. Trust is no longer freely given, and more governments have appeased the Cursed Ones and blatantly ignore the cruelty and killings within their boundaries.
Fall into (Urban) Fantasy with VBC and MBWDamned conjures great plot twists, but takes a bit to get going. If you’ve completely forgotten the key points of the first novel, the opening of the book hammers it in. However, once you’re past the rehash, things pick up and we’re treated to some great flashbacks, huge emotional turns and lots of vampires you’d like to stake. I always enjoy Nancy Holder’s writing as her descriptions are simultaneously visceral and eloquent, and she and Debbie Viguié continue to impress me with their storytelling. Damned is no exception.
Also, you’ll get to learn a few foreign words in this one. The book is good about explaining what they are, but by the time you finish Damned, you’ll know how to say “cool” in Russian. Just in case.
aquaflame64's review against another edition
5.0
I won this book in a good reads contest. This book seems like it will be very interesting, and I can't wait to start reading it.
cem_214's review against another edition
4.0
Bring on Vanquished! NEED to know what happens next!! That was a heck of an ending. And actually, no cliffhanger, just lots going on and it was a really excellent read.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, wonderful book, fast-paced, lots of action, and plot developments, and I can't wait for Vanquished!
andye_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I seriously love this series! There are only a handful of books out there that can cause this much anxiety and emotion in me, but this is definitely one of them. I love it!
Crusade was non-stop action, and Damned certainly followed suit. In fact, as far as bloody battles go, I think this book topped Crusade. The vampires (Cursed Ones) are absolutely relentless, and so the hunters have to be just as relentless, fighting constantly for their lives, their sanity, and their souls. Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie must be two seriously kick-butt ladies because they definitely know how to write a fight scene (or twelve). I can't tell you how many times, while I was reading, I realized that all the muscles in my body were tensed up and I was holding my breath. And I'm pretty sure they also like to torture a poor girl, because my heart is seriously BREAKING for these people/vampires/werewolves. I mean how much can they take??
One of the things that I love about this series, is the way that it's written. Debbie and Nancy are accomplished authors and it really shows. The point of view is constantly shifting, as is the setting, and the characters we are following. This seems like it would be confusing, but they pull it off brilliantly. It is obvious that there was so much thought, history, and detail put into this story. I love seeing it all unfold. It's complex and dark and harsh, but underneath all of that, it's hopeful.
The characters are so perfect and so completely screwed up. I love them all for so many reasons. They're constantly struggling with themselves and with each other. The relationship between Jenn and Antonio, the only vampire who fights to overcome his desire for blood, is subtle but so compelling. And in Damned even more than Crusade, their struggle to be together is just heart-wrenching, as are the relationships of all the team members.
If you read Crusade, you will not be disappointed with Damned. It is more intense, the characters are more evolved, and the story just takes twist after twist. If you haven't, you should check it out! If you love non-stop action, deep plot lines, and being completely sucked into a story, I think you will love this series!
Andye
Crusade was non-stop action, and Damned certainly followed suit. In fact, as far as bloody battles go, I think this book topped Crusade. The vampires (Cursed Ones) are absolutely relentless, and so the hunters have to be just as relentless, fighting constantly for their lives, their sanity, and their souls. Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie must be two seriously kick-butt ladies because they definitely know how to write a fight scene (or twelve). I can't tell you how many times, while I was reading, I realized that all the muscles in my body were tensed up and I was holding my breath. And I'm pretty sure they also like to torture a poor girl, because my heart is seriously BREAKING for these people/vampires/werewolves. I mean how much can they take??
One of the things that I love about this series, is the way that it's written. Debbie and Nancy are accomplished authors and it really shows. The point of view is constantly shifting, as is the setting, and the characters we are following. This seems like it would be confusing, but they pull it off brilliantly. It is obvious that there was so much thought, history, and detail put into this story. I love seeing it all unfold. It's complex and dark and harsh, but underneath all of that, it's hopeful.
The characters are so perfect and so completely screwed up. I love them all for so many reasons. They're constantly struggling with themselves and with each other. The relationship between Jenn and Antonio, the only vampire who fights to overcome his desire for blood, is subtle but so compelling. And in Damned even more than Crusade, their struggle to be together is just heart-wrenching, as are the relationships of all the team members.
If you read Crusade, you will not be disappointed with Damned. It is more intense, the characters are more evolved, and the story just takes twist after twist. If you haven't, you should check it out! If you love non-stop action, deep plot lines, and being completely sucked into a story, I think you will love this series!
Andye
opalamber's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
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