A review by hoperu
Bloodshot by Cherie Priest
4.0
I really enjoyed Bloodshot and although this one just came out, I am eager for the next book in the series. Cherie Priest has created a pretty cool, kick-ass female vampire who also just happens to have panic attacks and perhaps a little OCD. I love Raylene's voice, maybe because she sounds like I might, were I a 100 year old vampire thief/assassin. Throw in the ex-Navy SEAL/drag queen and a giant military conspiracy, and you have an exciting, humorous, and thoroughly entertaining book.
Update: I just reread this, and I still enjoyed the heck out of it. Raylene is not one of those mopey vampires who questions what she is or the violence that she uses - she's totally OK with killing a few thugs here and there and making snacks out of the bad guys. And Adrian/Sister Rose is still awesome.
Priest plays with gender in interesting ways between these two main characters, where both are completely comfortable switching between presenting as women and presenting as men. It isn't done in a sensationalistic or voyeuristic way, it just is; I find this somewhat unique in urban fantasy and fiction in general. And the book is refreshingly free of sloppy romantic plots that weaken the kick-ass female into a helpless driveling weakling.
Update: I just reread this, and I still enjoyed the heck out of it. Raylene is not one of those mopey vampires who questions what she is or the violence that she uses - she's totally OK with killing a few thugs here and there and making snacks out of the bad guys. And Adrian/Sister Rose is still awesome.
Priest plays with gender in interesting ways between these two main characters, where both are completely comfortable switching between presenting as women and presenting as men. It isn't done in a sensationalistic or voyeuristic way, it just is; I find this somewhat unique in urban fantasy and fiction in general. And the book is refreshingly free of sloppy romantic plots that weaken the kick-ass female into a helpless driveling weakling.