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mossiegirl55's review against another edition
3.0
While the religious treasure hunt wasn't exactly a new idea, the storyline kept me engaged and interested without getting too bogged down in mundane religious details. This was one of those books that I kept reading well after I planned to go to bed and I found exciting until the very end. All and all, I found this to be an entertaining read.
etoiline's review against another edition
4.0
BLOOD OF THE LAMB is essentially THE DA VINCI CODE with vampires. These genetic mutants could conceivably be swapped out with any other secret society and you'd still get an interesting treasure hunt. Despite that, I enjoyed this book, especially the scenes where the two main characters are running around Rome looking for hidden pages torn out of a book of centuries-old poetry. The writing is well-done, and doesn't have any jarring sections where it's noticeable that one author switches to another (the author is a pseudonym of a mystery writer and a professor).
I suppose the novel tries to turn vampirism on its head, what with it being a mutation, and tries to stay away from tropes like garlic (though they don't like bright light and shy from fire). But their enhanced senses and super-speed don't make these vampires stand out from, say, elves or werewolves in other fantasy novels.
Other reviews have called this a cross between THE HISTORIAN and the aforementioned CODE, but I was never able to get through THE HISTORIAN (it's currently supporting a lamp in my living room), whereas I finished this book in a few days. This type of book always has a twist, and the twist in this one is pretty big (although the title is apt, and I wasn't far off in my guess). I'm sure that if any very religious folks read this book it would mess with their heads, but honestly, there have been enough books like this where a fundamental truth of a certain religion is exposed, that it's almost not surprising.
The setting is lush and well described, and the relationship between the two main characters is suitably strained, as one is a Vatican librarian and the other a vampire. Plenty of times I found myself asking "what is this character doing?" or "how is this plotline going to fall out?" The writing isn't as simplistic as the DA VINCI CODE, which is nice. If you want a page-turner that might make you think about the impact of vampires on Catholicism, check this out, but don't read it if your faith is shaky (or your imagination can get the better of you).
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher, though finished as a library book.
I suppose the novel tries to turn vampirism on its head, what with it being a mutation, and tries to stay away from tropes like garlic (though they don't like bright light and shy from fire). But their enhanced senses and super-speed don't make these vampires stand out from, say, elves or werewolves in other fantasy novels.
Other reviews have called this a cross between THE HISTORIAN and the aforementioned CODE, but I was never able to get through THE HISTORIAN (it's currently supporting a lamp in my living room), whereas I finished this book in a few days. This type of book always has a twist, and the twist in this one is pretty big (although the title is apt, and I wasn't far off in my guess). I'm sure that if any very religious folks read this book it would mess with their heads, but honestly, there have been enough books like this where a fundamental truth of a certain religion is exposed, that it's almost not surprising.
The setting is lush and well described, and the relationship between the two main characters is suitably strained, as one is a Vatican librarian and the other a vampire. Plenty of times I found myself asking "what is this character doing?" or "how is this plotline going to fall out?" The writing isn't as simplistic as the DA VINCI CODE, which is nice. If you want a page-turner that might make you think about the impact of vampires on Catholicism, check this out, but don't read it if your faith is shaky (or your imagination can get the better of you).
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher, though finished as a library book.
billies_not_so_secret_diary's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Blood of the Lamb
by Sam Cabot
Fantasy Supernatural Vampire
Scribd Audio
American priest Thomas Kelly is asked by a friend and mentor who is now working at the Vatican to locate a missing centuries-old document stolen in the 19th century by a poet during a war. This document is rumored that in the wrong hands would/could destroy the church. (Those easily offended by religious contradiction should not read this.)
Just as he started his research Livia Pietro, an Italian art historian, 'joins' him in the Vatican library when she 'sees' him looking at the works of this poet. Unknowingly to him, she was sent there by another party to help him search for this document, to prevent it from coming to light. But there are other factions who want this document to become known so that those of Livia's kind, (vampires) can walk free.
The chapters were split up between different characters in the story, but most were of Thomas and Livia, but some of the plot/mystery was given away when the chapters focused on the other characters and what they were doing.
Just as the blurb said, this book reminded me so much of 'The Da Vinci Code', with a lot of religion theory and history, and at times it was irritatingly repetitive. But it was a good story overall, most of the story taking place over a two or three-day span, so there was a lot of running around.
It wasn't a bad story, other than the religious/history lectures that became so monotonous I wanted to fast-forward to the story. Some of it was needed, but some were just to add words.
Not your typical vampire story. Not scary, with only a little blood, and a few deaths, but not too overly described. I think it would be acceptable for readers as young as 16 to read.
This is the first of a two-book series, and while I read the 2nd book in 2014 as an ARC, I might revisit it.
3 Stars
by Sam Cabot
Fantasy Supernatural Vampire
Scribd Audio
American priest Thomas Kelly is asked by a friend and mentor who is now working at the Vatican to locate a missing centuries-old document stolen in the 19th century by a poet during a war. This document is rumored that in the wrong hands would/could destroy the church. (Those easily offended by religious contradiction should not read this.)
Just as he started his research Livia Pietro, an Italian art historian, 'joins' him in the Vatican library when she 'sees' him looking at the works of this poet. Unknowingly to him, she was sent there by another party to help him search for this document, to prevent it from coming to light. But there are other factions who want this document to become known so that those of Livia's kind, (vampires) can walk free.
The chapters were split up between different characters in the story, but most were of Thomas and Livia, but some of the plot/mystery was given away when the chapters focused on the other characters and what they were doing.
Just as the blurb said, this book reminded me so much of 'The Da Vinci Code', with a lot of religion theory and history, and at times it was irritatingly repetitive. But it was a good story overall, most of the story taking place over a two or three-day span, so there was a lot of running around.
It wasn't a bad story, other than the religious/history lectures that became so monotonous I wanted to fast-forward to the story. Some of it was needed, but some were just to add words.
Not your typical vampire story. Not scary, with only a little blood, and a few deaths, but not too overly described. I think it would be acceptable for readers as young as 16 to read.
This is the first of a two-book series, and while I read the 2nd book in 2014 as an ARC, I might revisit it.
3 Stars
tsmom1219's review
5.0
This book was everything The DaVinci Code was not. It was tense, suspenseful, and extremely well-written, with a twist at the end that was logical in the context of the story, but was a complete and delightful (to me, anyway) surprise.
Sam Cabot is a collaboration between SJ Rozan, one of my favorite mystery writers, and Carlos Dews. Their writing styles integrate so seamlessly that I can't tell who wrote what. I'm starting Skin of the Wolf, the second book in the series, immediately. I expect that I'll be disappointed when I finish it because I'll have to wait for the next one in the series.
Sam Cabot is a collaboration between SJ Rozan, one of my favorite mystery writers, and Carlos Dews. Their writing styles integrate so seamlessly that I can't tell who wrote what. I'm starting Skin of the Wolf, the second book in the series, immediately. I expect that I'll be disappointed when I finish it because I'll have to wait for the next one in the series.
vlynnk89's review
For some reason I just couldn't get into this book. I tried to start it a few times and always got distracted by a different book. In all fairness, I can't actually rate it since I didn't finish it.
bigbear66's review
3.0
Fun premise, awful layout. I wish they would've left the reveal of vampires working with the church off of the book description and had it reveal later in the book. Let the characters guess what was going on. I think the interest in the scroll would've been more impactful on the reader and explained hints throughout the book. Revealing the info in 1st several chapters just made the book slightly boring. I will say the final reveal of the vampires origin was really cool but I kinda wish that the reveals could've been stacked. Halfway through the book, reveal the vampires, then reveal origin.
justjenn's review
5.0
Surprisingly good. When I realized it was about vampires I almost put it down. I'm really glad I didn't! It was excellent!
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