A review by ravens_lit
Crimson Halo, by Daniel May
5.0
I love Daniel May’s writing style and stories. I jumped on this book the day it was released and wasn’t disappointed. I loved the community of vampires he created. The important characters are all well developed. Seth is the sovereign of his vampire territory. Even though he’s very handsome and looks like he’s in his mid-20’s, he’s been around for 3000 years. He’s seen it all and is terribly bored. That is, until he goes to kill a human who witnessed a vampire feeding. He becomes enamored with his quirky intended victim, Drew, and spares him death. Drew is an artist and very pure of thought, which Seth finds fascinating. Drew might also be mentally ill. He's definitely medicated and he sees things. Some might be hallucinations, but some perhaps not. Drew sees auras around people that are colored by their emotional energy and what's in their heart. The auras of daytime crowds overwhelm him, so he is a nocturnal creature like Seth.
Seth has never gotten very attached to humans in his many years. But, his developing love for Drew and the eminent death of his favorite human assistant bring out feelings he’s never felt before. I enjoyed seeing Seth’s emotional growth and how the book dealt with Drew’s mental state.
The book is mostly dark and full of despair, but there are moments of happiness. It made me think about immortality, mental illness, love, death, and grief. The ending was a surprise. I didn’t see it coming. I particularly loved one character. Blondie is a lone vampire and outcast of the vampire community. He’s small, heavily pierced, and has long blonde hair with beads and bones braided in. He tries hard to make friends, but he’s a very bad boy. My perfect type. I hope he makes a reappearance in one of Daniel’s future books.
Seth has never gotten very attached to humans in his many years. But, his developing love for Drew and the eminent death of his favorite human assistant bring out feelings he’s never felt before. I enjoyed seeing Seth’s emotional growth and how the book dealt with Drew’s mental state.
The book is mostly dark and full of despair, but there are moments of happiness. It made me think about immortality, mental illness, love, death, and grief. The ending was a surprise. I didn’t see it coming. I particularly loved one character. Blondie is a lone vampire and outcast of the vampire community. He’s small, heavily pierced, and has long blonde hair with beads and bones braided in. He tries hard to make friends, but he’s a very bad boy. My perfect type. I hope he makes a reappearance in one of Daniel’s future books.