Book reviews and Art

DMITRY PETROV WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE NEXT VAMPIRE KING OF RASPIEN.

On the night of his eighteenth birthday, Dmitry unwittingly finds himself at the center of a scandal that turns his life upside down. Stripped of his titles, inheritance, and everything he’s ever known, Dmitry has to learn to live like the other side.

Forced to question everything he’s been taught to believe, Dmitry is determined to forge ahead and build a new life far from the intricate politics and poison of a family bound to a golden chair and the weight of a crown once promised.

But dressing a prince in overalls does not a pauper make, and no matter the distance he travels or how hard he tries to forget, Dmitry has to face a harsh and inescapable truth; that a fate born into is not so easily shaken. When he finds himself at the beck and call of a boy king with too much power and no patience, Dmitry begins to understand that there is more to inheritance than a title and a crown, and blood—indeed—runs much thicker than water.

WELCOME TO THE LORCANVERSE

THE FACTS

📕 violence, intrigue, betrayal

📘hard-hitting, dark

📙 Fantastically complex main character

THE GOOD BITS

“Usurper” by J.M. Rose is a thoroughly engaging fantasy novel that explores the dark and treacherous world of a ruling family of vampires. The story centers around Dmitry, the oldest son, who commits treason on the evening of his initiation by attacking his father – the King. The problem is that Dmitry has no recollection of the event and doesn’t feel as though he was in control of his body.

The thing about perceived betrayal is that people won’t listen when you want to explain. Dmitry’s betrayal begins a chain of events that leads to his torture, imprisonment and ultimately his banishment. This act of betrayal sets off a chain of events that leads to his torture and eventual banishment. Dmitry’s best friend, Nikita comes along with him – committed to their friendship.

As Nikita and Dmitry set up a new life, they meet Isobel. She brings up several feelings for both men… and Rose explores a life in which there is platonic love and romantic love between the members of the trio. Their friendship is beautiful, and Rose does a wonderful job of given their friendships real depth and meaning. I appreciated the attention to detail and being inside Dmitry’s mind as he came to terms with his new role.

Unfortunately, Dmitry can’t leave behind his royal lineage for long. Just when they are beginning to settle into their new lives… tragedy strikes and once again, everything is changed for Dmitry.

Upon his reunion with his younger brother Yevgeni, Dmitry faces the full implications of everything that has played out in his life and the kingdom. There is such cruelty and brutality that I found myself angry at times. It’s been a long time since I truly hated a character on a page, but Rose has accomplished that.

This is the first book in what promises to be an engaging, provoking and emotional journey. I’m in! Sign me up! I need the second book now. I’d highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy novels, complex characterizations…and vampires!

THE LINKS

🖊 Author

I was provided with an ARC of Usurper by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.