Tainted Blood by M L Brennan
5 January 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Generation V novel, M L Brennan, Tainted Blood
Do I love this series or what! Let me count the ways in which I love it. Well, firstly, I seem to have gobbled up the first three books in fairly short order, secondly, it’s got two very likable leads – one of which is a very cool Kitsune, thirdly, it’s fast paced, action packed and pretty funny, fourthly it brings something a little new to what could be deemed as a genre that is becoming a bit jaded, fifthly – what the hell, do you need any more, really – a Kitsune people!!
(Note: obligatory spoiler statement – I do try and avoid spoilers but it you’re new to this series it’s probably best not to start reading here! So, for the record ‘I told you so!’). The series revolves primarily around a young, not-yet-grown-into-his-teeth vampire called Fortitude Scott and his family, it’s set in our world but populated with supernatural types that most of us regular folks are thankfully oblivious to – at this point we’ve only been introduced to a number of these supes and this installment focuses on the werebears. At the start of the story the Head of the local were pack is murdered and the Scotts are called in to investigate! Fort has to step up to take on the task as he’s currently covering the role for his brother who is somewhat distracted. I may have mentioned this but the Scott’s come across a little like the Mob of the fantasy underworld. They, ahem, offer ‘protection’ to the others and closely regulate their territory to prevent action that draws too much attention to their kind!
Now, I’m not going to go specifically into the plot here – you have your basic investigation taking place and the usual drama that follows Fort and Suzume around as huge critters chase them around the woods! The storyline is fast paced and compelling as ever but more importantly than that (to me at least) is the underlying shift in balance that seems to be taking place between the Scotts and the rest of the supernaturals together with the change in the family dynamic. Clearly, things are going to come to a head and in this installment you can feel the tension not only within the family, where there will clearly be a struggle for dominance as certain events transpire, but also in the community where lines in the dirt are already being drawn.
Let’s face it, some of the supernaturals who fall under the Scott’s control aren’t happy with their lot and with a change looking imminent they’re keen to set out their stalls early. Fort is young, he isn’t set in his ways and he’s clearly willing to listen and, more than that, sympathise with people who feel they have an axe to grind. It’s going to be very interesting to read No.4 in the series. There is definitely the potential for so many things, in so many ways, to just blow up and become either completely unmanageable or to cause a major rift!
What I particularly like about this series is the way the author is introducing us to things at the same pace as Fort. It’s like we’re all learning about his world with him and I think this is so clever to be honest. Importantly, she establishes a link with the reader and Fort (and Suzume) really early on and then she builds with each installment providing another little piece of his world. On reflection, it’s easy now to look back at Fort’s early impressions of his family and think that he’s perhaps an unreliable narrator when it comes to his family – but this is based more on the fact that Fort has been largely brought up in the care of regular humans, he hasn’t spent much time with his vampire family and consequently he’s only just learning about them and about the boundaries – just like us! Fort is definitely a character who will grow on you without a doubt. Suzume – won’t grow on you – it won’t be necessary for any growing-on at all, you’ll simply read her and love her immediately. She’s just fun, confident, cool, cocky – what can I say – she’s an excellent work of fiction!
Anyway, that’s it for me. If you like urban fantasy and you’re looking for a new series give Generation V a shot. Credit where it’s due: I have the lovely Mogsy at The Bibliosanctum to thank for putting me onto this series!
Iron Night (Generation V No.2) by M L Brennan
3 December 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Generation V No.2, Iron Night, M L Brennan
Just finished reading Iron Night the second in the Generation V series by M L Brennan. This is a great new series that I’m really enjoying so far and I have to confess that this is a great No.2 book. It takes all the ingredients of the first and as with all good series cooks them all up into something really delicious.
If you’re not aware this is urban fantasy set in our world but with creatures that are hidden from most regular everyday citizens. During Generation V we were introduced to Fortitude and his family. Fortitude being the youngest member of the family and a very young and not yet grown into his teeth vampire.
At the start of the story Fortitude seems to be getting on very well. He’s learning the family business from his brother Chivalry – and when I say the family business I must confess that their business seems to be something akin to that run by Tony in Sopranos! He has a new job waiting in tables in a fancy pants restaurant and he has a new flatmate who actually seems to be a genuinely good guy!
Clearly things can’t continue in this happy go lucky fashion because that wouldn’t make good reading!! Let’s face it, if I wanted to read about a person going to work, coming home, eating tea and watching the latest episode of whatever is the ‘must watch tv’ – well I could pretty much go and read my own diary – other than that I don’t have one! Plus we wouldn’t get to see more of Suzume – the kitsune – if we carry on in this happy humdrum fashion! So Ms Brennan writes up a storm of trouble for Fort! In a nutshell, don’t get too attached to the new roommate – and no, that isn’t really a spoiler to be honest! Now, if you’ve read the first you’ll already be aware that Fort won’t be simply content to let his family strongarm the situation until it goes away. He’s going to want answers and he needs his trusty friend Suzume to help him in his endeavours.
So why do I recommend this series. Yes, there’s a whole bushel of vampire books floating around and I can’t deny that fact, or that you could be forgiven for thinking we’ve heard and read it all by now, however, with Generation V the author is actually bringing something new to the legend and I like it. It’s all about the discovery and the nice enticing slow reveal! We learn a little bit more about Fort in this addition to the series and as well as bringing his character development on apace, plus showing us a little more of the family dynamic, we find out why Fort has much more human empathy than his siblings. Basically, some of what you’ve read about vampires still stands true here – to an extent – but not all of it and I would say there has been a lot of modernisation to the myth.
The other characters are also beginning to intrigue. Suzume is a great character who I just love for her fun and attitude but Fort’s brother is beginning to reveal a little more of his character and Prudence – what was going on with her!!
Basically this is a really solid addition to the series. There is a sense of fun, just enough to prevent the murdering becoming too sombre. There’s the usual thrill of the chase and discovery of what the hell is actually going on and it really is a most excellent plot!
I loved the way we get a few more supernaturals introduced – starting from the very beginning of the story and continuing on as the elves come aboard. I can’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil the element of surprise – plus there is a really nasty baddie! And the ending – I was like ‘noooo’ and then I was like ‘yessss’ – very sneaky of me to put that but there it is!
On the whole this is a great series and one that I will continue to enjoy!
Generation V by M L Brennan
Just finished reading Generation V by M L Brennan. I loved this. It was a total whirlwind of a book as I simply couldn’t put it down. I think I’ve found another definite series to add to the list here – in fact, who am I kidding, I’ve already bought No.2 and preordered No.3 – yeah, that good! Such a treat. A vampire story with a difference in that at the moment the main character Fort barely has any vampire characteristics at all and therefore the whole paranormal element is brought to the story by others. Anyway, not to get ahead of myself.
Set in New England in modern day times the story brings to us the Scott family. Madeline, proud vampire matriarch and alpha of not just her family but the whole region. She rules with an iron fist and doesn’t suffer fools. Her children. Prudence, Chivalry and Fortitude. The whole family differs in age range and although vampires are incredibly long lived they aren’t immortal. Madeline now looks more matronly, I can’t remember how old she is to be honest but let’s just say she has a lot of years behind her. Consequently, she is a very powerful vampire. She’s unable to tolerate sunshine. And, she has sired her own offspring. Prudence and Chivalry are both also fully fledged vampires. Fort however is the baby in the family – he’s in his mid twenties and not yet grown into his fangs.
The central story revolves around another vampire entering Madeline’s territory, with her permission of course. Unfortunately this particular vampire has rather unsavoury tastes to say the least and although he has been given freedom to hunt his actions are really quite revolting! Fort, who is still more human than vampire is unable to stand by while this predator stalks the neighbourhood and unable to compel his family to show compassion takes matters into his own hands.
The problem of course is that Fort has no more ability than a regular mundane person. No outstanding speed or strength and to top matters he’s frankly a bit of a pushover. This guy brings a whole new definition to being a ‘doormat’. His flatmate abuses his hospitality and doesn’t pay rent, his girlfriend abuses his nature and sleeps with his flatmate! His own sister hates him (although this is a feeling which he returns with interest) and his brother is frequently exasperated by his immaturity and ‘humanness’. He’s not exactly a good match for an old and strong vampire. However, what he lacks for in brute strength he makes up for in dumb persistence.
Enter the scene, Suzume. I love this character. Suzume is a foxy female and I mean that literally. A Kitsune is a type of shapeshifter although I understand that Suzume’s ability to shift is to that of a human, a fox being more her natural state. She’s an excellent character, she has her limitations and she certainly isn’t capable of kicking everyone’s ass but she is such good fun to read. She frequently steals the show and she had me laughing out loud quite often.
Brennan also brings other supernatural creatures into play in a way that has them living amongst us poor unsuspecting humans. Elves play a part in this story and I imagine that the list of supes is going to increase as the series progresses. Not to mention the whole ‘Renfield’ twist to the story.
The start of the novel takes a little time setting out the whys and wherefores so doesn’t fly off to an immediate start but I think this element is necessary in order to fully understand Fort and the problems he has not only with his own family but also with accepting what he is and more to the point what he will eventually become. There are no angst ridden sparkly vampires here but if you think of Rice’s Louis then you’ll have an idea of the type of torment that Fort is going through. He dreads becoming a monster and strives to hold onto those elements of his nature that other vampires eschew such as compassion and sympathy.
However, as soon as the creepy slimeball vampire enters the scene the action ramps up dramatically. At this point we do see a slightly different side to Fort’s family than the one that he has portrayed and Brennan also ends the book with a question mark over a long standing friendship that could possibly turn sour. So, things are turned on their head a little by the conclusion
In case you haven’t picked up yet I really enjoyed this book. I’m not going to deny that it does have some rather uncomfortable elements to it. This isn’t YA for sure – it definitely sits in the adult arena. It is however a completely gripping novel with two amazing characters in Fort and Suzume. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
I’m submitting this for my RIP event booklist over at Stainless Steel Droppings details here.
Check out this cheesy cover – this is a fine case where not judging a book by it’s cover is more than proven to be sound advice! No offence intended but there it is. Cheesy.
Books and travelling with Lynn 