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

Title: Blood Song
Author: Rhiannon Hart
Series: Lharmell #1
Publisher: Random House Australia
Publication Date: September 1, 2011

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(Thank you to Mackenzie @ Oh, For the Love of Books! for pointing out Fishpond.com to me)

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?

 MY REVIEW

Princess Zeraphina knows that she is not like other girls, but she does her best to seem normal. Why is she different? Zeraphina hungers for blood, and she feels this yearning to travel to the north. When her sister, Lilith, receives a betrothal proposal from the largest kingdom, Pergamia, Zeraphina cannot pass up the opportunity to travel north. Zeraphina hopes to find answers to why she is different in Pergamia. The only story she knows is that she almost died when she was just a little girl, and when she recovered her hair turned to a shade of black, and her eyes became an ice blue.

Zeraphina knows she needs to find answers, but she also cannot risk her sister’s possible marriage to Prince Amis. Her country, Amentia, is poor, frozen and the people are starving. Without a marriage to the richest kingdom, their county will be in peril. When Zeraphina meets the Royal Family of Pergamia, she also meets the King’s young advisor, Rodden. Rodden regards her with suspicion, and seems to know more about Zeraphina’s condition than anyone does. The problem is he refuses to give Zeraphina answers, and he seems to be hiding something. It may have to do with the war between Pergamia, and a small country, Lharmell, especially since no one is allowed to talk about it.

Zeraphina also has two pets that follow her everywhere, a cat named Leap, and a golden eagle named Griffin. These stunning pets comfort Zeraphina, and they have important roles in Zeraphina’s life and story. Zeraphina seeks comfort from them and archery when the hunger for blood becomes overpowering. If she is not careful, she will have shaking fits to the point of blacking out.

Zeraphina is a strong female character, which is something I tend to like in my books nowadays. I also like how she takes control of her situation, and tries not to let it control her life. She also refuses to take no for an answer, when it comes to getting the answers she needs. I really admired Zeraphina’s strength and her need to protect Lilith from danger.

Now let us talk about Rodden, the mysterious, handsome advisor with all the secrets. First off, that description right there is kind of why I love him. You do not learn a lot about him until the end of the book, but he still manages to be sexy. I will admit, I have a thing for aloof, mysterious guys, because that mystery adds a bit of danger. You cannot help but wonder what he is hiding, and why just like Zeraphina.

This book is unique blend of supernatural, with a historical feel. While it takes on the myth of vampires, it does so in its own way. It does not feel like you are reading the same book with different characters. Since this books is only currently published in Australia getting a copy is not easy, but it is well worth it.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book as part of book tour hosted by Dani @ Refracted Light Reviews**