Review: An Emotional Read That Goes On a Bit Too Long
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 19, 2013
There's a lot going on in this first book in the Bonded By Blood series Midnight Conquest by Arial Burnz, almost too much at times.  It's a sweeping saga that Ms. Burnz has created full of blood, sweat, and tears and makes for a difficult read at times due to its intensity, subject matter of domestic abuse, and its length.  The early parts of the story get weighted down with lots of info and setting up the mythos behind Vamsyrians but picks up the pace towards the end to culminate in a satisfying but quickly resolved conclusion.  While there's a definitive ending for many characters there's still plenty of issues left to deal with in the next installment that has already been released and is one that you won't want to miss.Broderick has been unlucky in love and these betrayals have changed his life dramatically.  His wife's betrayal as well as that of another beguiling temptress have left him with no choice but to join the ranks of vampire in order to enact his revenge towards Angus, who slaughtered his family.  Part of his plan requires him to stay in hiding which leads to him becoming part of a Gypsy caravan and telling fortunes.  The day he meets sweet Davina will irrevocably change his future, and with the secrets surrounding her and a Prophecy that they're smack dab in the middle of, the future of all Immortals.  He's immediately drawn to her and tells her that life will be difficult for her ahead but that she must endure.  Years later his attraction is just as intense but she's become hardened over the years due to abuse and it will take much wooing to win her over as danger and evil surrounds them.  Their relationship requires much struggle as the past comes back to haunt them but endures through sensual and immensely satisfying sexual interludes.  Broderick is a wonderful hero who's a bit rough around the edges now after starting off as a gentleman early in life.  He's rugged, loyal, and desperate to take past pains away from Davina.  Though he's a bit overbearing at times, and obsessed with revenge to ocassionally lose sight of all else, I still found him immensely appealing and thought Davina earned the right to have someone so protective to care for her.Since that fateful day in the Gypsy camp Davina has kept the image of Broderick in mind whenever she needed something to keep her going.  After enduring years of vicious domestic abuse she finally thinks she's free but the past is still with her as it's hardened her heart And made her question her own beliefs and the real meaning of love.  Davina is a typical heroine of the time as she did as she was bid.  She was a loving mother and good to those in her inner circle, particularly her maid Rosselyn who has much mystery surrounding her and plays a bigger role in the story than you'd think.  Davina showed brief flashes of backbone but for the most part merely endured and was overpowered by the larger than life Broderick.There are numerous villains in this story (Ian is particularly nasty) and just when you think one has gotten their comeuppance another comes out of the woodwork.  This led to a lot of jumping around in the storyline and became almost laughable in you kept wondering what bad thing would befell our main couple next.  The author vividly depicts this time period but doesn't let it overwhelm the story.  The Gypsy caravan is particularly colorful with memorable characters, both good and bad, and made for an exotic start to the story.  This story presents a lot of action and romance with an intriguing paranormal mythos that sometimes gets too overloaded but always kept me interested.  Ms. Burnz shows great promise and has me wanting to continue reading this series as will those who enjoy the paranormal and historical genres.3.75 STARS!