Duncan by D.B. Reynolds
Series: Vampires in America #5
Published by ImaJinn Books Inc.
Published on: November 9, 2011
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 264
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Washington, D.C.—capital of an empire. Powerful. Exhilarating. Corrupt. And in the shadows . . . vampires far older than the nation itself.
A power unto himself, Duncan has served at Raphael’s side for a hundred and fifty years. But long-laid plans have finally borne fruit, and the time has come for Duncan to leave Raphael and tackle the greatest challenge of his life. He will face treacherous vampires and murderous humans. He will rock the halls of human power if necessary, but Washington, D.C. will be his.
Emma Duquet cares nothing for vampire politics. She just wants to find her missing roommate and best friend, Lacey. But Lacey has been playing with vampires of a particularly dangerous kind, and Emma will have to deal with the new vampire in town if she’s going to find her friend.
Battling powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets, Duncan and Emma will dig beneath the corruption and depravity that is Washington, D.C. and uncover the most heinous conspiracy of all . . .
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Fifth in D.B. Reynolds exciting Vampire’s in America series, Duncan is a book most (if not all) of us that read this series have been waiting for. Yes, the books usually feature (but not always prominently) vampire master Raphael and his human mate, Cynthia, but Duncan has been right beside him in most of the books. He’s Raphael’s second in command of a huge territory of America. So it was time for Duncan to shine, and he did!
It’s time for the vampire master of Washington D.C. to be uprooted and done away with. Victor is corrupt and is no longer fit to be the master of anything, much less the part of America with so many powerful people inhabiting it. He probably never really was fit for the job, truth be told. Raphael has been grooming Duncan for the job for over fifty years-which is not long when you are immortal. Not just anyone can take over, the vampire must be a more powerful master vampire than Victor. Of course, Duncan more than fits the bill. Emma is a lawyer that works for a senator in Washington. Her housemate and closest friend, Lacey, didn’t come home after going away for a weekend party. The party was given at one of Victor’s homes not far from D.C. Emma comes to Victor’s home to try and find Lacey shortly after Duncan takes over. And that begins this story of just how corrupt Victor had been, and how equally depraved. Duncan has quite the mess to clean up.
Duncan is the debonair, impeccably dressed vampire at all times-even when he wears jeans, he still conveys that he’s a leader. He’s fiercely loyal to those he loves, Raphael and Cynthia being his closest friends. He also is sire to a few vampires that he is equally caring about. But he’s been alone for a very long time after losing his human family. When he meets Emma on her quest to find Lacey, he is attracted to her immediately. Of course, he agrees to help her. Emma is determined, attractive, and kindhearted. Lacey is her only family although they aren’t really related, having met in foster care. She doesn’t let it bother her (much) that she has to enter the vampire stronghold in order to find Lacey. It’s scary sure, but losing Lacey is scarier. She never expected to be attracted to a vampire, in fact, she had always been on Lacey to stay away from vampires.
What follows is both partially urban fantasy and partially paranormal romance. All of this author’s books feature a couple, even if it’s another Raphael and Cynthia book. I can’t just say this is is PNR, as the action, violence, mystery, and supernatural characters-both good and bad-are a major part of the story. On the other hand, the love story between Duncan and Emma is also an important part of the plot. I was really happy to see Duncan get his happily ever after finally. I did have a bit of a problem when Duncan would allow Emma to go on some very scary side trips in their quest to find Lacey. I know it furthered the story, but sometimes I really wondered at how much danger he put her in. But then I guess the story would have suffered, so there’s that.
I highly recommend this book and series to adult UF and PNR readers. I guess this could standalone, but if I was just starting these, I would start with book one, Raphael. Not only is it Raphael and Cynthia’s story, but it also introduces Duncan. I have already bought the next books, or in some cases, audios. This is one series I plan on reading to the end. Fascinating reads, all of them.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
I have seen that guy on other covers, dunno why I remember just him, lol
blodeuedd recently posted…Audiobook: The Dispatcher and Tell Me Something Tuesday : Picks for Summer 2017
I remember him as well. I think this is the third book with him on the cover I have read!
This sounds like a pretty good series. Plus, you said audio, which always perks up my ears. I’ll have to check to see who the narrator is. 🙂 Great review.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais, @SMPRomance)
I don’t even know. I probably saw it though, don’t remember. Sophia says it’s one of her favorite narrators though 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
I love it when you know from the very beginning that this is a series you want to stick with. So much fun when that happens! Glad this is one of those series for you Lorna!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Now I Rise by Kiersten White
Yes, all five books have been page turners for me. I am really enjoying them. Thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
Look at all those pretty vamps. Can’t get enough
sherry fundin recently posted…Giveaway – The Rosinanti Serries by Kevin J Kessler @KevinJKessler @SDSXXTours
Yep, I still love the vamps as well as all the shifters!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
I read the first two books in this series and I really wanted to like it but I just didn’t. I didn’t like Raphael’s character at all. The mood of the first book was so dark and bloody that I almost didn’t read the 2nd book but I did hoping that it would be better. I just left the series after that because these guys were too over the top for me. I’m glad you liked this book but I doubt I’ll revisit this series.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini
Yes, I remembered you didn’t like them. People liking different books keeps all the different authors in business 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
You turned me onto this series and I really need to get back to it. Hopefully I can get it in the queue for this summer. I’m happy Duncan’s book was a good one though since you had to wait for it. 😉
Hope your week is going well!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Gratitude Raffle Winner…
Well I didn’t have to wait for it since its been out a long time. I just meant other readers that read them as they came out. : ) Hope you have a chance to read some more if them someday Brandee
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
I recently discovered that one of my favorite narrators is the audio voice for this series. I was already interested after reading your earlier reviews, but now… even better.
Neat how the focus is shifting a little and giving Raphael’s people their own stories.
Thanks, Lorna!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Afternoon Delight: Talen by Rebecca Zanetti
Who is the narrator? I can’t even remember. Sometime I just look through books for Sebastian York. He’s probably my favorite male narrator. And you’re welcome!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Duncan by D.B. Reynolds (@Mollykatie112, @DBReynoldsWrite)
oh yay!! Isn’t this series so wonderful to read? D.B. Reynolds has done a superb job, and so many fun unique couples. I really enjoyed reading this one, It was so much fun.
Lover Of Romance recently posted…Double The Romance Review: Fierce Obsessions and Force of Temptation
Yes, I love all the different couples too. And I love that Raphael and Cyn are still in it.
I do love vampires, and I am glad you continue to enjoy this series!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…The Darkest Corner by Liliana Hart
I do love vampires, and I am glad you continue to enjoy this series! Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…The Darkest Corner by Liliana Hart
Yeah… I can understand why you were conflicted with Duncan and Emma… but it still sounds like a gret book in the series!
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