Tainted Blood
Written by: Ferrel D. Moore
Published by: White Cat Publications
Page Count: 262 (estimated)
ASIN: B007HBZ75S
Where to buy:
Amazon, and other fine eBook retailers.Publisher’s Comments: Sveta is a Russian intelligence officer turned mercenary working for the mysterious spymaster known only as Hauck. When he orders her team to capture an escaped prisoner hiding in the US, she finds herself instead plunged into a world of obsession, corruption, and a terrifying beast as old as the Tsars.
Hello Ghouls and Boils,
Today I am excited to bring you a review by Assistant Editor Marc Nocerino. After reading his thoughts on “Tainted Blood” I have decided this needs to go in my must-read-when-I-have-free-time pile. *grins* I will now leave in Marc’s capable icy grasp. Enjoy, my fiends!
Abstrusely,
Sarah L. Covert
When I was asked to review Tainted Blood, by Ferrel D. Moore, all I knew was that there was a werewolf on the cover. I hope there aren’t sparkly vampires too, was my first thought.
I am happy to report that not only were there no sparkly vampires, but the werewolf action was intensely violent and satisfying. Here was a very interesting twist on the werewolf legend, but one that kept all the ferocity and carnivorous lethality that I have been craving in a shapeshifter story. No hokey “ancient bloodline” melodrama, no romanticized “Gaia’s warrior” baloney, and definitely no “team Jacob” treacle.
Not being one for spoilers, I will keep this brief.
The story follows Sveta, a Russian mercenary, on a blood-soaked romp through, and under, the streets of Chicago that involves Russian Special Forces, the Red Mafia, old-school Cold War spy games, and a very unlikely werewolf.
The action begins immediately, thrusting the reader into a black-op assassination attempt. We meet some of the major players here: Hauck, the spymaster who calls the shots remotely; Evgeny, the sniper who never misses; Yuri the tech wizard, and Sveta, the “new girl” on the team. The hit goes horribly wrong when the team is confronted by the patently impossible — their target, Drogol, either is protected by, or is himself, a werewolf.
This book was fantastic. Ferrel D. Moore paints a portrait of Chicago awash in blood with his vivid descriptions, terse dialog, believable settings (for the most part), and layered characterizations. All of this is woven into a rich tapestry of Russian history and alt-history, dating back to the time of the Tsars and the infamous Rasputin.
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is a wondrous and crazy tie-in to my all-time favorite real life mad scientist, Nikola Tesla. (No offense, Tesla-ites, I mean “mad scientist” in only the most flattering way.)
Moore’s pacing is excellent; he kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter and didn’t let me off the hook until the end. This book is full of excitement, gunfights, intrigue — all of which are extremely well written. His writing is clear and expressive, giving the reader a very fleshed-out picture without getting lost in the description or losing the overriding sense of urgency that permeates this action-packed book.
Final Thoughts:
Tainted Blood was a satisfying read, full of plenty of action, violence, and a really interesting twist on the supernatural element. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, not relenting until the final page. I honestly can’t find anything negative enough to mention. I am pleased to give this ensanguined thrill-ride novel 5 out of 5 tentacles.
Marc Nocerino; Assistant Editor (Columinst,Reviewer)
There are 3 Comments to "Tainted Blood"
Hello Marc,
Just found your review and wanted to say thank you so very much for taking the time to review “Tainted Blood.” The sequel, by the way, is out next year. By the way, would you mind if I posted your review on my blog (with proper attributions, of course)?
Best,
Ferrel D. Moore
Ferrel,
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – I loved your book. Please feel free to link to this review from your blog or any other site(s) you have. And if you would like us to review the upcoming sequel, just contact me or any of the editors here at She Never Slept and we would be happy to do so.
-Marc
Thanks, Marc!