2011, Morgan Rice
ISBN-13: 978-0982953730
Available: Paperback and Kindle ebook
Loved is the second installment in The Vampire Journals series, and explores the further adventures of Caitlin Paine, and her new vampire friend Caleb. As was discovered in the first book Turned, Caitlin is a half-breed: her father a vampire, her mother a human. She possesses vampiric strength and thirst, but has yet to learn any other things about herself as a half-breed. Currently, she and Caleb are out looking for the sword, a Turkish weapon which can kill vampires. As she is ‘The One’ it’s foretold that she will wield this weapon of ultimate power to save the good vampire clans and the humans from the evil vampires who seek to wipe everyone else out. However, Caitlin and Caleb must first unwind riddles of her heritage, including an actual riddle concerning a rose and a thorn. They also are not the only ones looking for this sword. Kyle, the evil vampire who nearly killed Caitlin the last time around, has taken a boy that Caitlin accidentally turned into a vampire to hunt her and the sword. Also, Caitlin’s brother Sam has a run-in with a beautiful woman named Samantha who seems very interested in his family.
The first book, Turned was quite good. Loved is actually a stronger book. Although described as paranormal romance, I found it equal parts romance and action. The action is intense and gripping, much like in any of the Blade films. Caitlin is a kick-ass heroine, and her story reads very well. Highly recommended for fans of vampire novels, particularly traditional vampire novels.
Contains: Profanity, Intense Violence, Brief gruesome images, Adult situations.
Reviewed by: Benjamin Franz