Review: The Last True Vampire by Kate Baxter
The Last True Vampire
Author: Kate Baxter
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Page Count: 384 pages
Format: E-Arc
Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Last True Vampire (Book #1)
Heat Level: Blazing Hot, Sexy & Sizzling
Release Date: 6/2/2015
As Michael’s eyes lit on a female not twenty feet away, he knew without a doubt that it was her blood that called to him and her scent that had awakened him.This female had tethered his soul and returned it to him.
Soul Survivor
He is the last of his race. The one true king of the vampires. Michael Aristov roams the nightclubs of L.A. after dark, haunted by his past and driven by his hunger. The last of the Ancient Ones, he alone has survived the destruction of his race at the hands of the slayers. Now he is forced to hunt and feed like a common vampire, a creature of lust. Nothing in this world can fulfill his needs…until he meets a woman who’s everything he’s ever wanted. And more.
Sweet Salvation
Her name is Claire Thompson. Her blood is so sweet, so intoxicating—the smell alone draws Michael to her like a moth to the flame. Sly, sexy, and seductive, Claire seems to be the only mortal who can satisfy his craving and seal his fate…forever. Can she be trusted? From their very first kiss, the last true vampire sweeps Claire into a world in which darkness rules desire—and where falling in love is the greatest danger of all…
Kate Baxter is a die-hard romantic with a thing for Shakespeare. She lives in the great northwest where she hides away to write about all things fanged, furry, and undead.
*Arc provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review *
First Impression: Excellent opening. Vivid descriptions. Fantastic characterization. In-depth POV that pulls readers into the story right away.
The Last True Vampire is an extremely well-written and captivating read. It holds true to the well-known vampire myth while also giving something new to the genre. This book consumed me. I loved every single word of it!
Mikhail Aristos is a vampire I can get behind. Though he is a little high-handed when it comes to Claire, he does what is necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means keeping her safe from himself. Because he needs her, and not only because she is vital to the survival of his race.
I so loved getting to know the characters in this book. Every one of them was so well-crafted that everything they did and said rang true for them, and for the story. This is a seriously fascinating look into the vampire mythology that makes up Kate Baxter’s true vampire world. Because it does hold true to the vampire myth while also giving it new life.
I was riveted by this book. It hit upon everything I love about the vampire genre and about reading books in general. I was so drawn in by the characters and the story, I felt like I became a part of this world for a little while. More than once, something I read reminded me of one of my all time favorite television shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And it wasn’t anything specific to words or scenes, or even characterization, but instead a feeling that was invoked. I was reminded of the characters I fell in love with so long ago because the author made me care about her characters the same way I came to care about and love the characters Joss Whedon created. The character of Mikhail and his struggles, they tugged at my heartstrings in the same way the characters on Buffy did. Which made me love this book all the more for it, because it was so unexpected and so very, very welcome. This is a world–and an author and series–I will happily follow into the future, because it made me feel, and it made me care. Two things I absolutely love about reading fiction. This one delivered, and then some.
If you’re a fan of Buffy, vampires, and/or the paranormal romance genre, this is a must read book. It’s hot, thoroughly entertaining, and will enthrall you, so much so you’ll be craving more, more, more…just like me.
If you’ve read this book or plan to read this book, please think about sharing your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to know more about what books interest you, and of course, how many vampire and/or paranormal readers I’ve got popping over.
