Book Review: Blood

Blood (Mercian Trilogy #1)

By: K.J. Wignall

Published By: EgmontUSA

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Page Count: 336

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Audience: Young Adult

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this read going in. I expected vampires and the typical YA fangirly worthy romance, but Blood actually isn't the traditional YA vampire title. I liked that the vampires in this one fall in line with the much more traditional lore with some interesting modifications and the story is not focused on the romantic elements, but rather on a centuries long mystery.

K.J. Wignall is bringing the vampire genre back to its roots with the story of Will, a young nobleman who dies in the 1200's, but rises again as a member of the undeads' ranks. Will has no idea who is responsible for his change and he's never met another of his kind. He finds himself waking at random intervals throughout the decades after long periods of hibernation. Upon waking, he files down his fangs, dons a wardrobe of black, and takes to the streets to learn about the current society that lives above ground. His most recent awakening feels different, but he shakes it off to go out in search of blood. His kill will prove to be more than just a food source, but the victim will also point Will down a path that will change his existence and give new meaning to his immortality. Can Will finally unlock the secrets of his past?

I loved everything about this book. The plot was interesting and gave me plenty to think about. I am so anxious to read the rest of the series to finally get all of the answers about Will. Pacing in this novel felt spot on. I didn't feel like anything was rushed or too slow. I couldn't wait to get home from work each evening and spend time among these pages. The characters, particularly Will and Eloise, were easy to like. Their stories came to life and I began to truly care about their fates. Seeing the unlikely friendship between Will and Eloise blossom was one of my favorite aspects of this book. I am curious to see how their intertwined destinies will unravel.

Finally, I enjoyed that this book didn't focus on the romance elements. It feels like every paranormal YA book out there right now has to have some sordid love affair or a love triangle. Many of these new books also seem to forsake the art of storytelling in order to dwell on the romance and the teen jargon. Those elements feel so repetitive and I find myself craving a good story. Wignall certainly delivers with this book. This book is YA because of the age of the characters, but the writing is more sophisticated than one would expect from a typical read within this genre. Vampire fans - regardless of age - will enjoy this book. 

One Last Gripe: I want to know who this sorcerer is and what his deal is - I hope these lingering questions are put to rest in future books

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The historical elements

First Sentence: We burned the witches in 1256.

Favorite Character: Will

Least Favorite Character: Taz

Summary:

Will is a vampire in danger. Heir to the Earl of Mercia, he was brutally attacked and buried in the thirteenth century before he was able to assume his title. Perpetually sixteen, Will’s life has been lonely. He leaves his tomb every so often, adapts to the present day, feeds his bloodlust, and never gets close to anyone.

Until now.

Waking from a twenty-year slumber, hungry for the blood that sustains his undeath, he meets Eloise—but can’t bear to make her his next victim. Drawn to a girl he can never have, but whose fate seems bound with his own, he feels the need to protect her. But Will has an enemy who will stop at nothing to find him . . . and he’s closing in. . . .