Book Shelf: Blood Song (Lharmell #1) by Rhiannon Hart

I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me.

When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.

Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

An enchantingly eerie ride from start to finish, Blood Song captivated me with its rich, magical details, and refused to let me go the entire tale!
Australian author Rihannon Hart has created a stunning world with her debut novel. The story weaves together beautifully, flowing from one brilliant moment to the next, and the otherworldly feel draws you in from the very beginning. A far cry from all the vampire and supernatural books that litter the YA market right now, Blood Song, and the creatures within it, prove to be one of a kind!
From the opening line on the very first page, this book had me. I was hooked. And then as the story evolved and more elements came into play, it was a fight to simply put the book down. The idea behind this story and even the one that surrounds Zeraphina herself was fascinating to me and I enjoyed every moment I got to unravel the worlds of Pergamia and Lharmell.

Apart from the fabulous storyline which is surrounded by mystery and keeps you on your toes, the characters in this book will draw you in as you follow Zeraphina on her journey.
A great new heroine, Zeraphina truly was a joy to follow and read about. She held all the traits of a true princess, but was strong willed and independent, willing to defy what was expected of her to follow her instincts. She never backed down and wasn’t afraid to take a risk; instead ready to face her fear and issues head on. She isn’t obsessed with the norms of royal life and truly is different than her sister and mother.
Queen Renata and Princess Lilith were nice editions to the tale, adding some depth, but I must admit I didn’t feel too much for them. Although it’s clear that despite all of Renata’s faults, she loves both of her daughter very much.
I couldn’t get enough of Leap and Griffin in this book. The animal aspect and the way it was written into the story was just perfect. They were terrific little characters that added personality to the story without the unnecessary drama you sometimes get from actual people.

Honestly, I can’t talk about this book and not talk about the relationship that develops between Zeraphina and Rodden. It was a highlight in this book for me. It’s not an outright focal point in the story, but there’s no denying that it’s there. It’s very effortless and doesn’t seem forced or unrealistic at all. Rodden, who is a few years older than Zeraphina, is arrogant, brooding and oh, so intriguing. He’s sexy and appealing without trying, and there’s a chemistry there between him and Zeraphina—even if they don’t always see it. The two of them had a love/hate relationship, heavy on the hate that I adored. The way they bicker and bait each other and the constant biting comments they made towards one another had me smiling in that all too knowing way. It was kind of like being back in high school when you know two people like each other in a morbid sort of way (even if they deny it) and know eventually they’re going to give into that. The thing I love the most about how Hart has written their romance is that there’s no rush to it. They’re not declaring their feelings straight off the bat and are madly in love—they’re fighting and disagreeing and slowing beginning to get past each other’s walls.

The pace and tone of this book flowed and fit perfectly. It all moved along nicely and the events and certain scenes in this book (mostly between Zeraphina and Rodden) had me entertained and captivated, eagerly turning each page until there was no more to turn. This book will thrill fans of Maria V. Snyders Study series and Kristen Cashore’s Graceling and I foresee it being a hit!

Now, everyone say it with me......S-e-q-u-e-l!

Rating: ***** stars
Source: ARC from Random House Australia (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback ARC
Release Date: September 1st 2011
Expected AU Price: $18.99
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy
Cover: Wow....it's stunning. So eerie, yet so beautiful. Just like the story itself!
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes, definitely!