Title: Eye Of The Beholder
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Tiferet Design
Publication Date: February 8, 2019
Length:153 pages
Reviewed by Sammy
Synopsis
Is it better to risk it all… or never know what could have been?
After surviving an abusive childhood, Vulcan remade himself upon arriving in Los Angeles, California. He became a blacksmith for the paranormal community and strives to earn the respect of the vampire covens and werewolf packs that call LA home. He also prevents the pain of loss by keeping everyone at arm’s length.
But he never planned on meeting a former Roman soldier by the name of Marcus Cassius Vespillo. Something sparks between them and turns into a friendship he never considered possible. He can’t deny his intense attraction to the intelligent, courteous, ancient vampire. And it scares him.
Though Vulcan is wary of seeking more with Cassius, an attack leaves him at death’s door and forces him to reexamine his priorities. But Cassius has his own secret, one that promises tragedy and loss. And if that wasn’t enough, a slayer arrives in the States, one with a bloody connection to Cassius… and Vulcan himself.
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Review
Eye of the Beholder is my first M.D. Grimm novel but it
certainly won’t be my last. I really appreciated that the author took the time
to construct the world in which the paranormal and humans lived in such a way
as to make the reader feel a part of the action. Also, I liked how this novel
chose to focus on ancient vampires and the consequences of their old age going
as far as spelling out the few things that could slow but not stop the
inevitable consequences of living such a long life and what it does to the
paranormal psyche. But what I really loved above all else was the way in which
Vulcan, the human counterpart, recognized that he was living amongst dangerous
creatures and had a healthy dose of skepticism when dealing with all the
paranormals he had business dealings with which gave him a very realistic feel.
Vulcan had an abusive start to life and after running away
from a father who made his life hell, he found himself in LA, living on the
street and stealing from the wrong person. That man ended up taking him in and
teaching him how to work metal to near genius perfection. As a blacksmith to
the paranormal community, Vulcan was very careful to remain independent which
allowed him to serve both the werewolves and vampires who requested his
services. That wariness served him well when his mentor was suddenly taken from
him and it was clear that it had been done by someone intent on harming Vulcan
as well. When the queen of the vampires told Vulcan they would get to the
bottom of who was responsible he knew she would not go back on her promise to
him. However such promises come with strings and that meant that occasionally
Vulcan was requested to attend social events and it was at one such evening
that he met an ancient vampire—a former roman prefect, Cassius.
Cassius knows what he wants and Vulcan is it. However, that
same reluctance that has saved Vulcan from being dependent on any supernatural
also slows any ideas of courtship between he and Vulcan. When Vulcan is made to
understand that it’s his interactions with Cassius that are actually slowing
down the feral process threatening the ancient vamp, Vulcan realizes he must decide to either
pursue a relationship or bail—it doesn’t help that both Cassius and Vulcan also
have a slayer hellbent on ending them both.
I loved the courtship between these two characters. While I
felt Vulcan took a bit too long to make his decision regarding Cassius I really
appreciated the author having her man think through just how much a
relationship with a vampire would not only impact his business, which he loved,
but also change his life forever. Cassius was divine. Not at all designed like
vampires who tend to enthrall or manipulate their prey in most novels in this
genre, Cassius was much more controlled when it came to blood thirst as well. The
dialogue between Cassius and Vulcan was so different from other novels as well.
I really enjoyed the mini history lessons that occurred when these two
chatted—they were not only interesting but really exposed who Cassius was and
what made him tick.
Eye of the Beholder had a great deal going for it—it was a
departure from the normal paranormal fare with rich characters and interesting subplots
that kept the reader on the edge of their seat. The heightened sense of danger
made the book move swiftly and the slow burning romance ended with a lovely
epilogue that felt just right—never contrived or rushed. This was a good story
and one that I think many will enjoy.
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I haven't read M.D. Grimm yet, but I have several of their books. In terms of book recs, I'd recommend Meghan Maslow's Starfig Investigations series.
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