#Audiobook Review: First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

11:33 am 22 May 2015

First Drop of Crimson - Jeaniene Frost, Tavia Gilbert

First Drop of Crimson - NHW 1 (NH 4.1)

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Speed: 1x

After struggling with the previous few Cat & Bones books, I took a break from the entire Night Huntress series. Now I’m back, and the next book, chronologically, is the first spin-off book in the Night Huntress World, First Drop of Crimson. Picking up about a year after the conclusion of the previous book (Destined for an Early Grave), First Drop of Crimson shares the story of Bones’s best mate and fellow vampire, Spade, and his long-lusted after love interest, Denise, who also happens to be Cat’s human best friend. While one may be able to read/listen to the book independently, it really is part of the Night Huntress series, and should be considered book 4.1.

The first difference I noticed right away is that the spin-off titles are paranormal romance rather than urban fantasy. The story is shared from third person point-of-views, alternating between Spade and Denise, and the primary story is their romance. Denise is still heart-broken from the gruesome death of her husband at the hands of supernatural beings. Having been terrorized by Cat’s world, Denise decided to alienate herself; however, after she witnesses her cousin’s death at the hands of something not human, Denise calls Spade for help. Soon the pair find themselves in the middle of the very dark underbelly of vampire-kind.

I was not overly impressed with Spade and Denise’s story. I felt the pair worked too hard at keeping the other at arm’s length rather than communicating and sharing their lives. It bothered me that Spade couldn’t even explain his over-protectiveness to Denise, leaving the job to Bones instead. However, there were some definite highlights to the story, especially revolving around what happens to Denise. I enjoyed the story that overarched the romance, and the dual POV added a lot to the book. I liked the story more than the previous two Cat and Bones books.

Tavia Gilbert turns in a worthy performance. I like that she maintained the voices for each individual character from earlier books, even with the change from Cat’s narration to the alternating POVs. I’ve listened to books before when the narrator keeps the same primary voice with each book, even when the characters change, which is annoying.

Overall a good PNR, but not spectacular.

Story: B-

Narration: B

audiobook

That's What I'm Talking About

Blog

Shelf

Timeline

Reading Challenge 2016

Currently reading

Favorite books

#Audiobook Review: First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost