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kkehoe's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this four stars, although I wanted to go three. However, the reason I wanted to go lower was that this book just seemed so familiar to The Stating series. The point, though, is that I had to go with four because this was released BEFORE The Strain and was truly first. I loved the story, but it just seemed so familiar due to the aforementioned other work. I really can't believe that there was never a lawsuit...
scottneumann's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
paperbackstash's review against another edition
3.0
Manitou Blood is the fourth novel in the 'Manitou' series.
One key to having a book guaranteed for a reader to adore is by including a beloved hero. Harry Erskine is perfect for that role, being quirky, silly, over-the-top, and humorous while never being corny or self-apologetic. He admits he doesn't know what he's doing but life sucks him in time and time again anyway. He's not a manly man afraid of admitting his fear, but he reaches deep inside himself to pull out inner strength when he really has to. Despite the hysterical dialogue and mannerisms of the hero, this book is anything but a comedy.
Dipped into historical lore and legend, the reading is rich, the history and background making it all the more fascinating. This intelligence creates a complicated backbone to the traditional horror novel. Pace is very quick without being overeager to climax too soon. This is certainly not your traditional 'vampire story', and vampires really aren't the main focus at all as you read deeper into the story. It is the almost perfect medium of violence, fear, sex, and comedy. All characters, not just Harry, are convincing and fun to follow. Have no fear, haters of romantic fiction, no sexy Anne Rice type vampires will be found HERE. The ancient, potent primary villain is one pissed off spirit to be reckoned with. He makes sure those who get in his way pay in horrifying ways, and he's no easy foe to overcome.
Suspense is taut at the right scenes, with a generous portion of gore. The 'mystery' is alluringly complex and it's never possible to figure out what's going to happen next, and I guarantee no one will know what's coming at the end. Masterton's fine writing style just keeps improving, his imagination seemingly bottomless. Although a part of a series, this is book that's easy to follow as a standalone, while continuing the Manilou thread in a way that will keep fans of the other books pleased.
One key to having a book guaranteed for a reader to adore is by including a beloved hero. Harry Erskine is perfect for that role, being quirky, silly, over-the-top, and humorous while never being corny or self-apologetic. He admits he doesn't know what he's doing but life sucks him in time and time again anyway. He's not a manly man afraid of admitting his fear, but he reaches deep inside himself to pull out inner strength when he really has to. Despite the hysterical dialogue and mannerisms of the hero, this book is anything but a comedy.
Dipped into historical lore and legend, the reading is rich, the history and background making it all the more fascinating. This intelligence creates a complicated backbone to the traditional horror novel. Pace is very quick without being overeager to climax too soon. This is certainly not your traditional 'vampire story', and vampires really aren't the main focus at all as you read deeper into the story. It is the almost perfect medium of violence, fear, sex, and comedy. All characters, not just Harry, are convincing and fun to follow. Have no fear, haters of romantic fiction, no sexy Anne Rice type vampires will be found HERE. The ancient, potent primary villain is one pissed off spirit to be reckoned with. He makes sure those who get in his way pay in horrifying ways, and he's no easy foe to overcome.
Suspense is taut at the right scenes, with a generous portion of gore. The 'mystery' is alluringly complex and it's never possible to figure out what's going to happen next, and I guarantee no one will know what's coming at the end. Masterton's fine writing style just keeps improving, his imagination seemingly bottomless. Although a part of a series, this is book that's easy to follow as a standalone, while continuing the Manilou thread in a way that will keep fans of the other books pleased.
kkehoe's review
4.0
I gave this four stars, although I wanted to go three. However, the reason I wanted to go lower was that this book just seemed so familiar to The Stating series. The point, though, is that I had to go with four because this was released BEFORE The Strain and was truly first. I loved the story, but it just seemed so familiar due to the aforementioned other work. I really can't believe that there was never a lawsuit...
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