#Review - A Vampire's Battle by Raven Steele #Urban #Fantasy

Series: Rouen Chronicles #9
Format: Kindle, 367 pages
Release Date: August 26th 2019
Publisher: Amazon
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Urban Fantasy

“I will embrace my darkness if it means spilling your blood." 
 

Samira finally gave up the one thing she vowed to keep forever, the Kiss of Eternal Night, in hopes of saving her one true love. But fate had something else in store for her, and the Kiss was replaced by something far more dangerous. If she’s not careful, it will take her to a place she can’t come back from.

But Samira won’t let this new curse pull her away from her only desire. Kill Korin, the vampire who nearly destroyed her and took everything she’s ever loved. She’s willing to give up everything to accomplish her goal, even if it means crossing over to the other side.  

Because sometimes it takes the dead to kill the living.

A Vampire's Battle is the Ninth installment in author Raven Steele's Rouen Chronicles. 2 weeks have passed since Samira Chevoky and Mateo nearly lost their lives to Korin and the Phoenix in A Vampire's Rage. In the process of being bled dry to the point of death, Samira lost the Kiss of the Eternal Night which has been part of her for centuries. It is the key to defeating the Phoenix, and without it, where will Samira find the strength to avoid being controlled by Korin's compulsion?

Samira's former mentor, Detrand, a strigoi vampire royalty, has found himself in Rouen along with Adelade a powerful Fae who is Detrand's mate. I actually loved this move by the author since both Detrand and Adelade are remarkable characters with interesting dynamics in power and coupling. Because of Cassandra's actions in saving her life, Samira is experiencing a new ability to go invisible. She can be in the beyond and the here for a short time. 

Samira and Mateo's mate connection thrives and expands in this episode. In fact, there are plenty of sexy moments in the book for those who love good sex scenes. Mateo is Samira's rock and guide in this world where nothing has gone right so far against Korin, or the Phoenix. Samira, Briar, and Lynx attempt to put together an alliance that includes Oona, the Fae Queen, as well as humans, vampires like Aris, & Angel, and werewolves. One were clan in particular makes an interesting appearance which leads to even more questions which we will be chasing into the next installment.

Lynx and Briar finally get a peak into the prophecy which they are apparently key players in raising a evil known as Trianus. Sersi, the leader of the Ames de la Terra, has some interesting words for both characters. One who takes it in stride, the other, Lynx, who isn't exactly jumping up and down with joy in learning that she's a key player. After all, there is so much more to Lynx than meets the eye. We, readers, still do not know who her father is, and how her combined Light and Dark powers are going to help defeat the Phoenix as well as another powerful antagonist named Zane.

I have actually cut and pasted the actual prophecy to the Excerpt section of this review. It says a whole lot, but also I blame Samira for not being more upfront with Briar before she killed (3) must kill Alpha's on her own tour de revenge against those who killed her family and betrayed her trust. Briar also has some issues to deal with in this book, namely Luke, which I have seen coming for a very long time now. I don't trust Luke, and after this book, I am definitely Team Angel because he is always there for her and never stands in her way.

Speaking of which, the Tenth installment is a Briar and Angel story called A Shifter's Heart which will take place after the events of this story. Events that are shocking and leaves many questions. There are some really impressive action scenes in this book, as well as some shocking losses that goes to show how dangerous going up against the Phoenix is to ones health. I still do not know the actual identity of the Phoenix. This person could literally be anyone including some allies. I have several guesses, but it's apparent the author is taking her time in revealing who it is. 

This is the final installment in Samira's trilogy. I am still waiting for Lynx to have her turn as a primary narrator. All in good time I guess.


**Intended for adult readers due to violence, language, and some sexual content.

When the crimson moon rises on the eve of Litha, three dark souls will give their blood to bring forth the great Trianus, Lord of the Underworld, from the dark abyss. A Komira, sealed by the blood of three Alphas, a vampire who abandoned the Kiss of the Eternal Night, and a witch blessed by the sun and the moon. Bonded by fire and ice, the three will bend a knee and bow to the new Prince of Darkness, true and faithful servants, as he takes his place as ruler over mortal lands once again.”

Amazon