I received this ARC from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George Published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA on July 7th 2015
Pages: 240
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
As debutantes in 1890’s New York City, cousins Dacia and Lou know little about their Romanian relations, the mysterious Florescus. Now, upon turning seventeen, the girls must journey to Romania to meet their cousins and their tyrant of a grandmother and learn the secrets of their family—secrets spoken of in whispers . . . known only as the Claw, the Wing, and the Smoke.
But as dangerous as those secrets might be, even more dangerous is the centuries-old bond between the Florescus and the royal Dracula family. It seems that it’s time for Dacia and Lou to give up their life in New York society and take their places among the loyal servants of the Draculas, an inheritance more treacherous than the girls could ever have imagined. Do they have the courage to break the shackles of their upbringing and set the course of their own destiny?
My Thoughts:
I picked this book up based on the cover (oh my gorgeous!!!) and the fact that it was written by Jessica Day George. I’m sure I read a summary about it at some point but all I remembered going in was that it took place in Romania in the late 1800’s and it had something to do with shape-shifters. I’m actually really glad that’s all I knew! I enjoyed this story and don’t know that I would have picked it up if I had known there were connections to Dracula (that story terrifies me!) Also, after reading the book I find the summary a bit misleading! I’m really glad I picked this one up.
Silver in the Blood alternates between cousins Dacia and Lou. Before each chapter we get a journal entry or letter from the girl who the chapter will focus on. This helped to make the transitions flow smoothly. I loved these girls and was glad to see the story from both their perspectives. Dacia and Lou are more like sisters than cousins. They’ve grown up together. They’re opposites in many ways but this has brought them closer. Their close friendship and the ways they support each other were beautiful. I also loved the way each girl grew throughout the story. Their lives are basically turned upside down. The fact that they have each other to rely on helps them get through.
The setting and the paranormal elements were also interesting. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Romania… the landscape, the buildings, the traditional dress, everything! Before we even get to Romania the two main characters are traveling so we get to see some other places as well. And I’m a sucker for a shape-shifter story. I was interested to see how this one would play out (although, for me, it did take a bit long to get to that point!) Most of the action happens toward the end of the book. A number of changes occur that I would be interested in knowing more about! And I can’t forget to mention some of the other characters. I particularly liked Radu, Lord Johnny, and Theo Arkady (That Awful Man!)
Silver in the Blood was an intriguing read. I liked the mix of settings, friendship, family secrets, shape-shifters, and romance. I’d read a second book set in this world.
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