Pretty When She Kills

by Rhiannon Frater

[kimbacaffeinate]

Pretty When She Kills is the second book in Rhiannon Frater’s dark, gritty vampire trilogy. I was delighted to step back into this dark world and it was quite the adventure. Vampires do not sparkle in Frater’s world and instead have uncanny abilities and territorial rivalries. I quickly became enthralled in this action packed tale and consumed this in a single afternoon.

The tale picks up a few months after book one ended. Cian and Amaliya are wrapped up in their romance and she is dreaming of happily ever after. We soon learn those thoughts will have to be put on hold when multiple forces work to overthrow Cian to gain control of Austin, Texas and harness Amaliya and her power. With an attack eminent, Cian and Amaliya enlist the help of the Vampire Hunter and his motley crew. The tale that unfolds offered awesome battle scenes, humor, and danger. I found myself completely immersed and cannot wait for the final chapter of this beautifully written tale.

I adore the characters Frater has created in this series. Even the villains have to be admired for their cunning and unique personalities. We see growth in Amaliya and new abilities emerge. She is still kick-ass and totally snarky. While she still likes to jump into the thick of things, she is trying to think things through. I loved that when she is mad she jams out on her drum set. Cian is beginning to realize he should have secured Austin better and worries about those he cares for. The romance while not quite as steamy as book one certainly made my heart race. While Amaliya still doubts Cian s unbridled feelings, he certainly convinced me. It amazes me how she can take on monsters but still has so much self-doubt. Amaliya’s grandmother, cousin and others are back and in jump in the mix. Jeff the vampire hunter and his crew help out. I adore Jeff and totally dig his life. Samantha Cian's ex is back and if you remember I hated this little minx. Well guess what, she totally rocked this book and was even kick-ass. Yep, miss preppy and annoying was cool. New characters added to the tales page-turner suspense. I loved and loathed the villains and wanted them shown no mercy.

Frater took me on one heck of ride and had my emotions all over the place. I was angry, sad, fearful and cheering the next. Quite frankly I didn't want the journey to end. I am completely in love with this urban fantasy and the way the author portrays this world. Her unique twists to vampires, supernatural powers and epic battle scenes had me deliriously happy one minute and screaming at her the next. (yep, that's right I yelled aloud to Frater and the air turned blue) When an author gets me that wrapped up in the tale, that I shout publically while reading…you know it’s a winner. I cared, I wanted more and most of all I believed. The characters are so fleshed out that the lines of reality blurred. The transformation of Samantha’s character and the supernatural elements woven into this tale gave me goosebumps. From the creepy-tasitc prologue to the last sentence I was held captive. If you haven't entered Frater’s vampire world you are completely missing out on some stellar reading.
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer