About The Book
Book 1 in a new series by debut author, M.R. Noble
Blindsided by an attack that destroys her home and blamed for murder, Karolina Dalca, a half-vampire, escapes, only to plunge into the magical societies from which she was sheltered.
Betrayed by those around her, she abandons her dreams of becoming an investigator and flees, trusting only herself. Her police internship would never prove more useful. Hoofing it through the wilderness, she makes it to her university dorm, disheveled but delightfully deflowered.
Enter a full vampire: one wielding dark magic and a ride out of Canada. A fugitive from the law, Karo complies with his demands to escape, unsure whether his requests are bewitched. She vows to clear her name and avenge her mother’s death, but Karo’s family secrets aren’t so easily left behind.
Publication Date: December 16, 2020
Goodreads’ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Karolina Dalca, Dark Eyes is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy story featuring the supernatural world in a uniquely imaginative and captivating manner.
What I Liked
I enjoyed the unique twist on vampire and werewolf lore. In this story, vampires are born to vampire parents, not mortals turned by a vampire.Werewolves are also born to werewolf parents. Though, a mortal or other supernatural can willingly complete a bonding ritual with a pack leader that will turn them into a werewolf after their first kill. The gypsy lore is definitely a personal favorite spurred by supernatural shows from the 90s; gypsies are mortals with white magic abilities. Karolina Dalca, the main character, is half gypsy and half-vampire, so interspecies relationships can result in offspring with partial supernatural traits. I found this world fascinating and loved the creative interpretation of supernatural beings.
Karolina Dalca is a multifaceted character. I loved her fire and independence, as well as the fact that she is not afraid to tackle challenges head-on. At times, though, she is like horror movie characters who you find yourself fussing at for their awful choices—the type of character who goes down to the basement or out the back door. You know the type.
I enjoyed the dark and gritty tone of the story, which is mainly about the Vampire Russian Mob (so you should expect a lot of unsavory realness). This story definitely delivers. It skirts that line between horror and dark, but I never felt scared or disturbed. With more than its fair share of violence, some rather graphic, it reflects the graphic violent nature of vampires and gang/mobster activity.
What I Wish
The story has a good flow and naturalness to it that lends to the quick pace. I found myself rapidly flipping the pages to find out how things turn out and what would happen next. The suspense could have been generated a bit more organically in the action scenes. Still, otherwise, the tension builds in alignment with the pace.
To Read or Not to Read
If you are looking for a dark, gritty, unique take on the supernatural world, you must pick up this book. You will enjoy the creative twist while being captivated by the story as it unfolds.
About the Author
M. R. Noble has played a tug of war between science and art her whole life, but the rope broke when she wrote the first line of The Dark Eyes Series. Immersed up to her keyboard in paranormal romance and urban fantasy, she enjoys blending the real with the surreal. The only drawback is she misplaces her mug while dreaming up her next scene, and soon finds herself six cups overpoured.
Keeping to her Lake Simcoe roots, she is a member of the Writers Community of York Region (WCYR), where her muse is made not found . . . over a hefty cup of coffee.
Author website: https://mrnoblefiction.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/M_R_Noble
I didn’t like the cover, would have never read it. But your review made me cover the cover in my mind and think it to be interesting
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I actually think you might like this book. You always love dark realism.
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Maybe this goes into my TBR
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Sounds like an interesting read. I’ve always loved a good vampire story.
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I really like when the author provides creative twists to the lore. It makes my imagination grow by leaps and bounds 😊
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I’ve been over vampires for a while now, but I’m happy to see you found the book engaging.
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For me, teen romance vampire stories are meh but this is definitely not that (not teen or really romantic though there is a love interest and an accidental bonding to a vampire) Very engaging and the lore twists are interesting to me ❤️
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I’m glad vampires are coming back – always love a good vamp tale. And I know about those characters in horror movies – they’ll never learn.
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I know, right? Crazy people. I would definitely not go in the basement.
I love the twists on the lore in this one. I’m always up for lore to be expanded and changed.
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For some reason I haven’t been pulled to read vampire books. I think Ann Rice spoiled me, and I haven’t found a book that can compete. This one sounds interesting but… hmm. (I agree with Shalini about the cover). Thanks for the review, Tessa, and Happy Reading. 😀
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No one can compete with Anne Rice. She is definitely in a league of her own.
That’s interesting that the cover is off-putting and good information for the publisher, I’m sure. I know the author read the review but not sure if she will stop back by to read the comments. I’m sure she’ll pass that on for the next book 🙂
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The “cracks” in the cover reminded me of dog hair… probably more of a comment on my housekeeping skills than the book. Lol. It made me want to blink and wipe my eyes.
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Lol. You’re too funny 😄
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She sure will read the comments! Thank you everyone for the feedback. I think my publisher tried to add in some lightning bolts…which is what you are referring to as dog hairs🤗. There are some elements to the cover that I enjoy, like the beautiful eye.
Thank you all the interest. I love reviewing feedback, especially if I can sprinkle it into the sequel. For those of you that do read the book, I hope you enjoy it. 💟
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