Blurb: Cassandra Montclaire is a three-hundred-and-sixty-year-old vampire living in modern-day New York. Her human life ended three centuries earlier when, condemned as a witch, she was rescued and turned by a Master Vampire named Killian. Bonded in a passionate trio with their Protector, the three lived an exciting and dangerous life full of love, decadence, and dark passion. But then Killian vanished without a trace. Until now.
A human ally of Cassandra’s has proof Killian is alive and is killing off members of his organization. Killian is now a marked man, and Cassandra must find him before time runs out and he is eliminated.
But Cassandra must first journey into her torrid past and face her demons before she can fight for what was lost.
Review: Life has never been simple for Cassandra. As a human, she had healing power in her hands and was hunted as a witch. As a vampire, she's hunted for being a rare Master and mated to the most powerful of them. Her Sire had disappeared without a trace, and now after centuries, he's suddenly back. Cassandra must try to heal the wounds of her past before she can deal with the dangers of the present.
My little synopsis there does this well-written book no justice. It is now one of my favorite vampire tales ever! Be forewarned, it's not a short read. It's thick and deep, with many layers, set on capturing your heart. Through Cassandra's present narrative and reliving her past memories, we are taken from her brief life as a human in the mid-1600's to her long life as a vampire. The reader gets a thorough look at all aspects of life as a vampire in this world, and oh, what a life it is! I was fully immersed in the lives of Cassandra and her mates, Killian and Alastair. Not only are they her mates, but they are one another's as well, allowing them to form a powerful Triune. This is a LGBTQ+ positive story, and it adds to the richness of this world. No matter her mates' huge powers, it is Cassandra's strength of heart which keeps it all together. Such amazing characterization. Plus the large cast of characters is also magnificent. Tristian and Eloise being two of my favorites, and my fingers are crossed they'll get their own story some day. (Which I've learned from the author they will be!) The settings and details are delectable, and the tension on all levels is pulled taut at just the right times. Then there are the several incredibly sizzling scenes. There are no closed doors in this story. The doors are wide open whether they be in the bedroom, outside, or in the dungeon. It delves into the heat of the BDSM realm with no apology. I had to fan myself with my e-reader at times!
I could go on and on about this book, but you need to experience it yourself. I already have the second book on my e-reader ready to go. I can't wait!
That's high praise. New favorite. This is now on my TBR!