Title: Blood Kin
Series: The Half-Light City #2
Author: M.J. Scott
Publisher: Roc
Format: Mass market, 336 pages
Published: June 5, 2012
ISBN #: 0451464583 / 9780451464583
Genre: Steampunk
My Copy: bought
Imagine a city divided. A city where human and Fae magic rests uneasily next to the vampire Blood and the shapeshifting Beasts. A city where a fragile peace is brokered by a treaty that set the laws for all four races… a treaty that is faltering day by day.
I didn’t plan on becoming a thief and a spy. But options are limited for the half-breed daughter of a Fae lord. My father abandoned me but at least I inherited some of his magic, and my skills with charms and glamours mean that few are as good at uncovering secrets others wish to hide. Right now the city has many secrets. And those who seek them pay so well…
I never expected to stumble across a Templar Knight in my part of the city. Guy DuCaine is sworn to duty and honor and loyalty — all the things I’m not. I may have aroused more than his suspicion but he belongs to the Order and the human world. So when treachery and violence spill threaten both our kind, learning to trust each other might be the only thing that saves us.
But even if a spy and a holy knight can work together, finding the key to peace is never going to be easy…
I was a little sad to learn that each installment in the Half-Light City series showcases a different couple; after having really enjoyed Shadow Kin I was reluctant to say goodbye to Lilly and Simon. However, I decided to give Guy and Holly the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, much to my chagrin, I found Blood Kin to be only a so-so read. The female protagonist in this book didn’t manage to capture my interest the way that her predecessor did and the plot isn’t nearly as compelling. I did enjoy the politics and the Steampunk-y feel of Scott’s universe and am interested in seeing if this series evens out in 2013 with the third novel.
My feelings towards this book’s characters are the opposite of what I felt towards Lilly and Simon. In the first novel I adored the female heroine but didn’t care for the male protagonist overly much while as in Blood Kin I fell in love with Guy but only had lukewarm feelings towards Holly. I wonder if Scott planned it that way? The Templar Knight was very, well… knightly, as you’d expect. He’s honorable, loyal and a devote practitioner. It was interesting watching him take a walk on the “dark side”; from learning the fine art of spying to tackling the slippery slope of inter-racial politics. He’s the ultimate good guy and Holly is tasked with helping him step away from his comfort zone which proves to be as entertaining as it is traumatic.
Half-Light City politics are once again front and center in this story. Tales of deceit, backstabbing and power plays abound; all key trouble causing ingredients. Holly holds an interesting position in their society because she doesn’t really have any allegiances; basically whoever is willing to pay her is considered a friend for the duration of their contract. Oftentimes while spying on one branch of supes she picks up information that’s invaluable to another sect which in turn leaves her in a precarious situation. This girl is definitely a master manipulator and knows how to walk a fine line!
This book’s plot line is closely connected to the events that happened in Shadow Kin and, as a result, it sort of comes across as a “dealing with the fallout” or “piggybacking” novel. Sure, Holly and Guy go off on their own to investigate the attacks on the Templars but everything eventually leads back to the original problem from the first book. Because of this, I found that there was a certain degree of predictability to this installment. The characters spend a great deal of time observing things from a distance (i.e. spying on rooftops and from theater balconies) which in turn causes the plot to progress at a much slower pace. Overall I found that Blood Kin was a silent observer more so than an active participant in this series’ action; a disappointment when compared to the adrenaline rush from the first novel.
Blood Kin is an eclectic mix of Fantasy, Steampunk and espionage with an abundance of political intrigue. The story actually reminded me of a game of chess; not terribly action-y but every move is minutely planned.
  My Review |
  My Review |
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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!
I liked this one but I understand when you say it’s difficult to change with the characters. I loved Lily and Simon and this couple is something else. I didn’t even know at first it wasn’t the same one. One I knew what I could expect it was OK for me. I also need to see with the third book.
Now that I see “Like this, like that: Secret McQueen” I’ll have to check this out.
I hate when we switch characters. Sometimes it works out but its hard when you loved the original characters. I haven’t read this series, but it sounds good.
@Melliane Same here. The third installment is either going to make or break this series for me.
@Jennifer TheBookNympho It’s not quite on the same level as Secret McQueen… The first book is definitely a must read though.
@Amber I @ Awesomesauce I find that it’s easier to switch characters in Paranormal Romances than in Urban Fantasy books.
Bummer, I am surprised usually UF keep the same characters..not sure if I want to try this series but great review 🙂
Sounds SO GOOD! The whole “switching characters” thing always throws me for a loop, but since it sounds so great I’ll give it a try! 😉
i didn’t know this serie before but it’s seem to be good ^^ i will perhaps add it to my wish list ( if she wasn’t already so long^^)
@kimbacaffeinate I think this series is more Fantasy than UF but still… the character change was a surprise.
@Arely ZPerez Glad to hear that I helped add to your TBR pile. :p
@miki I hear you. My wishlist is never ending, much like my TBR shelf. *sigh*
My thoughts exactly! Agree with everything you said. I was disappointed with this one, but not so much that I won’t read the next installment.
@Addicted2Heroines Sounds about right.