Title: Once Burned
Series: Night Prince #1
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
Format: Mass market, 384 pages
Published: June 26, 2012
ISBN #: 9780061783203 / 006178320X
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Copy: borrowed
After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all–but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.
This new spin-off series is one of my most anticipated reads of the summer; I’ve been obsessed with Vlad ever since his first appearance in Jeanine’s Night Huntress series. The cover of this book might do his physique justice but it’s his cocky personality that really completes the package. Once Burned sheds some light on the real Dracula’s past, features Leila who does a superb job of holding her own against this ultimate alpha male and tells an awesome story to boot. A brilliant start to a promising new series; I’m already craving the next installment!
I’m completely goo-goo eyes for Tepesh. Ridiculous, I know because for one he’s fictional and two, he’s a complete ass! But there’s just something about his bad boy persona that I find irresistible. He pops in and out of the Night Huntress series but never really stays long enough for readers to be able to get their fill. That’s definitely not a problem with this book. Vlad is front and center and boy does he love the spotlight! He’s arrogant, presumptuous and his abilities are downright terrifying. I was a little worried that Jeaniene wouldn’t succeed in doing his character justice but she quickly put my fears to rest with her exceptional writing. I really need to learn to stop doubting her and to just let her do her thing because she’s just so darn good at it!
The plot line of this book just keeps on giving. The characters and world are expertly developed, the pacing is relentless and the ending gives us just enough to leave readers wanting more. I simply could not turn the pages fast enough! I adored the way that Frost portrayed Vlad’s telekinetic abilities. Often times I find that characters with this gift only seem to hear other people’s thoughts when it’s “convenient” and helps the story progress. That wasn’t the case in this instance. Tepesh heard every single one of Leila’s thoughts and reacted accordingly. She obviously didn’t appreciate the invasion of privacy but I’m happy that Jeaniene built the story around his abilities instead of selectively including them. I think Frost deserves a pat on the back!
Leila is the perfect ying to Vlad’s yang. Not only was she able to hold her own against this legendary vamp but she actually managed to outshine Tepesh on several occasions. I liked her backstory, the way her abilities left most of the preternatural world in awe and her smart mouth. Considering she’s only human, I think she did a bang-up job of knocking the vampires down a peg or two. The chemistry between Leila and Vlad is explosive; I guess that’s what happens when you combine fire and electricity!
When Vlad and Leila are center stage who needs side characters? Not me but when Cat, Bones, Kira and Mencheres make appearances I couldn’t suppress my little happy dance. I really liked how Jeaniene ended this book. The cliff hanger’s not brutal so you won’t be left cursing about the injustice of it all but it is enough to leave you begging for more. Once Burned is all that I’d hoped it would be and then some. You don’t need to read Frost’s other series’ in order to be able to fully appreciate this one. So… read it, read it, READ IT!
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| Recommendation: | Great for action junkies who can’t resist bad boys and kick ass chicks. |
| Like this, like that: | The Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall and the Sweetblood series by Laurie London. |
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
A book about Vlad?! A series about Vlad? HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?
Great review, this is obviously something I need to read. I have a secret crush on Tepesh, as well.
@V (BookBorne) How indeed did you NOT know about this!? LOL Unlike you, my crush on Vlad is not secret! Hehe
I really loved this one too, Carmel. Best from Jeaniene Frost in a while! Now I can’t wait for Vlad’s next book.
@Jen at Red Hot Books Agreed! 🙂
I loved this book. The ending wasn’t a crazy cliffhanger but it did make me want the next book asap. I did wish we could have got some Ian time. I am a weirdo and he is my absolute favorite. I am so glad this book was as awesome as it was. The last few Night Huntress books just haven’t hit the spot for me.
Will stop rambling now, great review!
@Amber I @ Awesomesauce Ian? Really? You are a weirdo! 😉
@Carmel @ Rabid Reads
lol hey Ian is hot. He is an ass but he is funny! I even try to get people to call me poppet now. And I would have thought you knew I was a weirdo long before this. 🙂
@Amber I @ Awesomesauce I already knew you were an Ian fan from reading your past reviews. I was just razzing you because I can. 😛
@Carmel @ Rabid Reads lol I guess I really don’t try and hide my Ian love. I just wish he was in this book. 🙂
I’m so happy that it was good! I’m a bit in love with Vlad! Can’t wait to get my hands on this one!