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Hemovore
Mark Hansen thought working as artist’s assistant would be glamorous, especially if that artist was a vampire. Black tie events, witty repartee, gracing the pages of the local style section…. Didn’t happen. Not even once.
Jonathan Varga is an enigma. True, he’s quiet, generous, and scrupulously polite. But he has zero social life, refuses to be interviewed or photographed, and insists he can only consume feline blood.
Why supermarket blood won't suffice, Mark hasn’t asked. He’s rarely at a loss for words—he can dish an insult and follow it with a snap as quick as you can say “Miss Thang.” But one look at Jonathan’s black-as-sin eyes, and Mark’s objections drain away.
So he endures the perpetual grind of their Jonathan hiding in his studio, swiping black paint onto black canvases. Mark hurling insults while he buffs the office to a shine with antiviral wipes. Each of them avoiding the other in a careful choreography…until a blurb in Art in America unleashes a chain of harrowing events neither of them could foresee. As secrets from Jonathan’s past are brought to light, it becomes clear that all his precautions weren’t nearly enough.
(First edition originally published in 2009. Second expanded edition includes the bonus novelette, Sweet.)
Jonathan Varga is an enigma. True, he’s quiet, generous, and scrupulously polite. But he has zero social life, refuses to be interviewed or photographed, and insists he can only consume feline blood.
Why supermarket blood won't suffice, Mark hasn’t asked. He’s rarely at a loss for words—he can dish an insult and follow it with a snap as quick as you can say “Miss Thang.” But one look at Jonathan’s black-as-sin eyes, and Mark’s objections drain away.
So he endures the perpetual grind of their Jonathan hiding in his studio, swiping black paint onto black canvases. Mark hurling insults while he buffs the office to a shine with antiviral wipes. Each of them avoiding the other in a careful choreography…until a blurb in Art in America unleashes a chain of harrowing events neither of them could foresee. As secrets from Jonathan’s past are brought to light, it becomes clear that all his precautions weren’t nearly enough.
(First edition originally published in 2009. Second expanded edition includes the bonus novelette, Sweet.)
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2009
76 people are currently reading
1,727 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,113 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
November 19, 2017
For a book that started off with me making a face (not a good one) to end up...
Surprised no one more than I. Talk about finishing strong.
What I had trouble with initially was Leslie's interpretation of Mark and Mark tells the whole story. Mark's a bitchy smartass. Leslie clearly knows this but the problem was I didn't, so I kept thinking, 'why's he so bitchy?'. This is simultaneously the pro and con of an audiobook. Had I read it I would've come to this realization on my own, but having it read to me in that tone had me thinking after 10.5 hours someone might get stabbed. I should've known better. Leslie, once again, does a magnificent job distinguishing and bringing to life all of these characters. Seriously, how many accents can he do?
Once the lightbulb moment occurred Mark began to charm me with his wit, snark and dandyism. He and Jonathan are one of those rare couples that belong together, like, if they're not together the world doesn't make sense and I fell for them. Hard.
As Mark and Jonathan traverse crazed vampire ex-lovers, poverty, grand theft auto, tunnels, underwear in a bag and water of dubious origins there's never any doubt how much they mean to each other. Even when they fight, because they have very little in common, the tension builds and builds.
Hemovore is briskly paced with impressive and creative world building. It's quirky in it's delivery and leaves an indelible mark with its eccentricities especially in its deviation from your average vamp story. Make no mistake, through all the snark and banter there is a poignancy and heartache in this world JCP has created with a divide between V+s and V-s that's chilling in its similarity to the inception of HIV and its similarly polarizing effects.
That measly little symbol is the only thing keeping them apart. Honestly, I was just hoping that they'd at least be able to hold hands at some point! Instead I got a kiss that was truly epic. I know that word may seem trite and overused but in this case it's absolutely true. I think I maybe "accidentally" freebased some of the love heroin they produced.
I was sitting firmly on 4 Hearts until the Sweet novelette happened and I found myself Pretty Woman duck face clapping in my car. Don't worry there were only a couple people around. It's one of the few advantages of living in the sticks. So I figured, if that doesn't merit an extra heart what does?
Recommend to everyone. I think pretty much anyone would find this enjoyable.
A review copy was provided.
Surprised no one more than I. Talk about finishing strong.
What I had trouble with initially was Leslie's interpretation of Mark and Mark tells the whole story. Mark's a bitchy smartass. Leslie clearly knows this but the problem was I didn't, so I kept thinking, 'why's he so bitchy?'. This is simultaneously the pro and con of an audiobook. Had I read it I would've come to this realization on my own, but having it read to me in that tone had me thinking after 10.5 hours someone might get stabbed. I should've known better. Leslie, once again, does a magnificent job distinguishing and bringing to life all of these characters. Seriously, how many accents can he do?
Once the lightbulb moment occurred Mark began to charm me with his wit, snark and dandyism. He and Jonathan are one of those rare couples that belong together, like, if they're not together the world doesn't make sense and I fell for them. Hard.
As Mark and Jonathan traverse crazed vampire ex-lovers, poverty, grand theft auto, tunnels, underwear in a bag and water of dubious origins there's never any doubt how much they mean to each other. Even when they fight, because they have very little in common, the tension builds and builds.
Hemovore is briskly paced with impressive and creative world building. It's quirky in it's delivery and leaves an indelible mark with its eccentricities especially in its deviation from your average vamp story. Make no mistake, through all the snark and banter there is a poignancy and heartache in this world JCP has created with a divide between V+s and V-s that's chilling in its similarity to the inception of HIV and its similarly polarizing effects.
That measly little symbol is the only thing keeping them apart. Honestly, I was just hoping that they'd at least be able to hold hands at some point! Instead I got a kiss that was truly epic. I know that word may seem trite and overused but in this case it's absolutely true. I think I maybe "accidentally" freebased some of the love heroin they produced.
I was sitting firmly on 4 Hearts until the Sweet novelette happened and I found myself Pretty Woman duck face clapping in my car. Don't worry there were only a couple people around. It's one of the few advantages of living in the sticks. So I figured, if that doesn't merit an extra heart what does?
Recommend to everyone. I think pretty much anyone would find this enjoyable.
A review copy was provided.
October 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
“Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.”
I’m already a fan of Jordan Castillo Price because of her PsyCop and Mnevermind series. This book is not like either of those. The PsyCop series is heavy on the steam and numerous sex scenes - in some books overdone - and the Mnevermind is about a sweet bonding with an unusual pair. For Hemovore the storyline is also unique in that this is a strange sort of vampire tale - the virus, which is highly contagious, has a dangerous stigma attached to it and no one's happy to have it. There’s even support groups for those who dare to be in any kind of relationship with the infected, which provides a fun support group for the storyline two when the main characters get in a spot of trouble.
The storyline is good with twists, turns, stumbles and tension. There's a great group of supporting players in the form of "helpers" who go from being amusing to just keeping the story unique. Really liked it and the characters - Price's easy-flowing writing style and humor help of course.
Told through the point of view of an assistant, who is constantly wiping things down with antiseptic wipes and sprays, their world is shattered when they have to go on the run from an enemy and clear their names. Mark has a great sense of humor and, with a few extra pounds and pushing 40, he's a delightful main character. Jonathan isn’t exactly exciting, and while their relationship is sweet it does miss intensity at some points.
This one focuses on sweetness instead of steam, but still, great build-up for a new relationship.
“Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.”
I’m already a fan of Jordan Castillo Price because of her PsyCop and Mnevermind series. This book is not like either of those. The PsyCop series is heavy on the steam and numerous sex scenes - in some books overdone - and the Mnevermind is about a sweet bonding with an unusual pair. For Hemovore the storyline is also unique in that this is a strange sort of vampire tale - the virus, which is highly contagious, has a dangerous stigma attached to it and no one's happy to have it. There’s even support groups for those who dare to be in any kind of relationship with the infected, which provides a fun support group for the storyline two when the main characters get in a spot of trouble.
The storyline is good with twists, turns, stumbles and tension. There's a great group of supporting players in the form of "helpers" who go from being amusing to just keeping the story unique. Really liked it and the characters - Price's easy-flowing writing style and humor help of course.
Told through the point of view of an assistant, who is constantly wiping things down with antiseptic wipes and sprays, their world is shattered when they have to go on the run from an enemy and clear their names. Mark has a great sense of humor and, with a few extra pounds and pushing 40, he's a delightful main character. Jonathan isn’t exactly exciting, and while their relationship is sweet it does miss intensity at some points.
This one focuses on sweetness instead of steam, but still, great build-up for a new relationship.
November 17, 2017
4 Stars
I’ve got to give credit to JCP for she knows how to world build. This was quite the unique take on vampirism where this isn't necessarily a paranormal phenomena but more an alternate reality. Here, vampirism is an infectious virus that one can easily contract by the barest exposure to contaminated bodily fluids. Humanity is thus sharply divided into those who are positive and those who are negative, where those not infected live in a paranoid induced state of constant disinfection, which in all honesty is for good reason since there’s an approximate 80% fatality rate should one contract the virus.
This story focuses mainly on Mark. He’s uninfected and is basically the assistant/gopher for artist vampire Jonathan, whom he has been secretly lusting after for years. Sadly though, even if the attraction was mutual, there’s no way they could ever be a viable couple since touch is basically not possible. However, this depressing state of stasis is interrupted as Jonathan’s past comes back to haunt him, and he and Mark become targets of a sinister enemy they desperately try to outrun.
I admit this started out a bit slow for me but with the added suspense, it became the catalyst for this doomed to be forever platonic relationship to morph into something so much more in a blink of an eye. Though smexy-lite in comparison to JCP’s other series such as Psycop or Channeling Morpheus, this made up for it in sardonic humor and the ever changing status of these two as new revelations or twists come to light.
For the audio version, Joel Leslie narrates and I have to say I was quite pleasantly surprised. My previous exposure to Leslie showcased some very strong accents that were a bit hard for me to take. Though there are accents in this, it just worked this time around. I definitely give him credit for his huge repertoire of distinct voices, voices he keeps consistent and straight throughout, which for me, counts for a lot. Leslie also brought great self deprecating dry and wry humor to Mark’s voice that had me laughing out loud in and amongst the more serious parts of the story. This starkly contrasted against Jonathan, who’s a lot more somber and reserved but also mysteriously intriguing.
So overall, if you like JCP, if you want something different and unconventional, then this is another great addition to her eclectic library. I hadn’t read the first edition when it came out 8 years ago, but this one has the quasi-epilogue “Sweet” that brings great closure to lingering questions some may have had with the first edition. Again, I appreciate the wholly original tale, it snuck up on me and the more I think about it, the more I appreciate all of its nuances.
Thank you JCP, for the audio in exchange for an honest review
I’ve got to give credit to JCP for she knows how to world build. This was quite the unique take on vampirism where this isn't necessarily a paranormal phenomena but more an alternate reality. Here, vampirism is an infectious virus that one can easily contract by the barest exposure to contaminated bodily fluids. Humanity is thus sharply divided into those who are positive and those who are negative, where those not infected live in a paranoid induced state of constant disinfection, which in all honesty is for good reason since there’s an approximate 80% fatality rate should one contract the virus.
This story focuses mainly on Mark. He’s uninfected and is basically the assistant/gopher for artist vampire Jonathan, whom he has been secretly lusting after for years. Sadly though, even if the attraction was mutual, there’s no way they could ever be a viable couple since touch is basically not possible. However, this depressing state of stasis is interrupted as Jonathan’s past comes back to haunt him, and he and Mark become targets of a sinister enemy they desperately try to outrun.
I admit this started out a bit slow for me but with the added suspense, it became the catalyst for this doomed to be forever platonic relationship to morph into something so much more in a blink of an eye. Though smexy-lite in comparison to JCP’s other series such as Psycop or Channeling Morpheus, this made up for it in sardonic humor and the ever changing status of these two as new revelations or twists come to light.
For the audio version, Joel Leslie narrates and I have to say I was quite pleasantly surprised. My previous exposure to Leslie showcased some very strong accents that were a bit hard for me to take. Though there are accents in this, it just worked this time around. I definitely give him credit for his huge repertoire of distinct voices, voices he keeps consistent and straight throughout, which for me, counts for a lot. Leslie also brought great self deprecating dry and wry humor to Mark’s voice that had me laughing out loud in and amongst the more serious parts of the story. This starkly contrasted against Jonathan, who’s a lot more somber and reserved but also mysteriously intriguing.
So overall, if you like JCP, if you want something different and unconventional, then this is another great addition to her eclectic library. I hadn’t read the first edition when it came out 8 years ago, but this one has the quasi-epilogue “Sweet” that brings great closure to lingering questions some may have had with the first edition. Again, I appreciate the wholly original tale, it snuck up on me and the more I think about it, the more I appreciate all of its nuances.
Thank you JCP, for the audio in exchange for an honest review
March 10, 2018
2nd listen was just as perfect as the 1st
***************
Perfect book was perfect.
I don't really know what to say other than this was the best audio book I've ever listened to. Joel Leslie complemented the story so well it felt like it was written with the sole intention of him narrating it.
I have the BIGGEST book hangover now and I'm unsure as to how I'm going to get over it, how I'm going to listen to anything else and not compare it to this.
The story moved me. I think I loved it even more than her Psycop series. I loved Mark's cattiness and Jonathan's mysterious stoicism. In a fantastical book filled with vampires, over the top antics and shenanigans, the story felt surprisingly real to me. I connected with Mark. I understood him. I related to him.
I can't recommend this enough. If you haven't listened to this amazing story yet, I urge you to do so now. I guarantee you won't be sorry that you did.
***************
Perfect book was perfect.
I don't really know what to say other than this was the best audio book I've ever listened to. Joel Leslie complemented the story so well it felt like it was written with the sole intention of him narrating it.
I have the BIGGEST book hangover now and I'm unsure as to how I'm going to get over it, how I'm going to listen to anything else and not compare it to this.
The story moved me. I think I loved it even more than her Psycop series. I loved Mark's cattiness and Jonathan's mysterious stoicism. In a fantastical book filled with vampires, over the top antics and shenanigans, the story felt surprisingly real to me. I connected with Mark. I understood him. I related to him.
I can't recommend this enough. If you haven't listened to this amazing story yet, I urge you to do so now. I guarantee you won't be sorry that you did.
June 2, 2012
I think I'm re-addicted to JCP because I LOVED MARK AND JONATHAN!!
I know I use the word "love" a lot in my reviews, but my affection for this book goes way up above and beyond a measly ol' love. I'm talking...okay, even after "googling" love synonyms I still can't find a word strong enough to express my adoration for this book!
I will just say that this was very different from any other vampire book I have ever read before where Vampirism is actually an easily contracted virus with an 85% mortality rate. It isn't sexy or romantic or desired. People that are V-Positive, AKA a vampire, are pretty much shunned and ostracized. Okay, enough with the plot review!
I was so into the love story between Mark and Jonathan! There was sexual tension galore with and slow build of the romance. I'm totally okay that it wasn't sex scene after scene after sex scene. You know me, I'm all about the tension!!
Mark was snarky and witty and I loved all the dry humor you usually get in a JCP story. So many laugh out loud moments when it was not at all an appropriate time to be laughing.
I loved all the action and the plot twists. The pace was non-stop and I could never figure out or guess what was about to happen. I can not even begin to count the number of *gasp* moments I had.
I did NOT want this book to end, dammit!!!
I think this is my favorite JCP book so far and it's going right on my "faves" shelf!
I know I use the word "love" a lot in my reviews, but my affection for this book goes way up above and beyond a measly ol' love. I'm talking...okay, even after "googling" love synonyms I still can't find a word strong enough to express my adoration for this book!
I will just say that this was very different from any other vampire book I have ever read before where Vampirism is actually an easily contracted virus with an 85% mortality rate. It isn't sexy or romantic or desired. People that are V-Positive, AKA a vampire, are pretty much shunned and ostracized. Okay, enough with the plot review!
I was so into the love story between Mark and Jonathan! There was sexual tension galore with and slow build of the romance. I'm totally okay that it wasn't sex scene after scene after sex scene. You know me, I'm all about the tension!!
Mark was snarky and witty and I loved all the dry humor you usually get in a JCP story. So many laugh out loud moments when it was not at all an appropriate time to be laughing.
I loved all the action and the plot twists. The pace was non-stop and I could never figure out or guess what was about to happen. I can not even begin to count the number of *gasp* moments I had.
I did NOT want this book to end, dammit!!!
I think this is my favorite JCP book so far and it's going right on my "faves" shelf!
June 16, 2012
I'd almost forgotten how much I like a story like this, one that is original and exciting and works logically and gives me two gay main characters who have other concerns besides getting each other naked. Not that there is no sexual tension in this book. It informs most of the narrator's thoughts. But there is very little on-page sex, and the book is in no way diminished by that. I love a scientific take on paranormal tropes and this is one of the good ones. A great read, and highly recommended.
June 17, 2022
This audiobook freaking ROCKED!
Let’s just say that Joel Leslie knocked this one out of the park. Thanks for the home run, Joel!
The story was solid, a vampire and his human assistant were running away from a Slovak vampire stalker. JCP created a different type of vampire world, one in which they are “out” but also discriminated against due to the high level of passing the vampire virus. It reminded me of the 80’s when people know little about HIV transmission, and contracting it was a death sentence.
Read this book, listen to it if you can—even the audio sample will give you an idea of the characters JCP created and Joel Leslie breathed life into.
Let’s just say that Joel Leslie knocked this one out of the park. Thanks for the home run, Joel!
The story was solid, a vampire and his human assistant were running away from a Slovak vampire stalker. JCP created a different type of vampire world, one in which they are “out” but also discriminated against due to the high level of passing the vampire virus. It reminded me of the 80’s when people know little about HIV transmission, and contracting it was a death sentence.
Read this book, listen to it if you can—even the audio sample will give you an idea of the characters JCP created and Joel Leslie breathed life into.
July 31, 2015
Read up to 60%, then quickly skimmed the rest.
Did I mention that I very rarely like vampire stories? Anyways, this is how Hemovore works: Mark Jensen is a 40 year old guy who works as an assistant to a famous vampire artist by the named Jonathan. Mark secretly has a crush on the sexy Hungarian vampire, but isn't even sure Jonathan is even gay. And on top of everything else, a relationship would be out of the picture, since the Hemovore virus (responsible for turning humans into vampires, if they don't die from it first!) spreads through contact with fluids. So one day, things change when a mysterious person purchases twenty of Jonathan's paintings. Before Mark knows it, he and his vampire crush are on the run.
So I definitely give props to JCP for creating a relatively refreshing world, where a virus is responsible for the rising of vampires. Not only that, she managed to create a relatively humorous narrator (Mark), who pulled a few chuckles from me.
Unfortunately, that was pretty much it. And not even Mark's humor was able to pull me past the 60% mark. The pacing of the story really slowed down about 40-50% of the story. I got really bored at the roundabout way things were happening. At times, the main issue was pushed aside for the very mundane tasks that seemed to pile up endlessly (i.e. get more money, get more food, purchase more clothes, blah blah blah). Even upon skimming, I realized I had completely lost interest with the plot.
Then there's the romance. I just couldn't feel emotionally invested with Mark and Jonathan. Mark has a crush on the sexy vampire, but the vampire's feelings just comes out of nowhere. The chemistry between these two felt stagnant, and so I just...didn't care.
Probably not the best review out there, but what can I say? It's done, and now I'm ready to move on.
Did I mention that I very rarely like vampire stories? Anyways, this is how Hemovore works: Mark Jensen is a 40 year old guy who works as an assistant to a famous vampire artist by the named Jonathan. Mark secretly has a crush on the sexy Hungarian vampire, but isn't even sure Jonathan is even gay. And on top of everything else, a relationship would be out of the picture, since the Hemovore virus (responsible for turning humans into vampires, if they don't die from it first!) spreads through contact with fluids. So one day, things change when a mysterious person purchases twenty of Jonathan's paintings. Before Mark knows it, he and his vampire crush are on the run.
So I definitely give props to JCP for creating a relatively refreshing world, where a virus is responsible for the rising of vampires. Not only that, she managed to create a relatively humorous narrator (Mark), who pulled a few chuckles from me.
Unfortunately, that was pretty much it. And not even Mark's humor was able to pull me past the 60% mark. The pacing of the story really slowed down about 40-50% of the story. I got really bored at the roundabout way things were happening. At times, the main issue was pushed aside for the very mundane tasks that seemed to pile up endlessly (i.e. get more money, get more food, purchase more clothes, blah blah blah). Even upon skimming, I realized I had completely lost interest with the plot.
Then there's the romance. I just couldn't feel emotionally invested with Mark and Jonathan. Mark has a crush on the sexy vampire, but the vampire's feelings just comes out of nowhere. The chemistry between these two felt stagnant, and so I just...didn't care.
Probably not the best review out there, but what can I say? It's done, and now I'm ready to move on.
November 4, 2017
While I would easily give Hemovore five stars based on the story and the writing alone, with Joel Leslie’s narration… well this one goes to eleven. He added so much to these characters, if I didn’t know better I would think Jordan Castillo Price wrote it just for him!
A truly creative story, Hemovore explores a world where vampires, or V-positives, live amongst the rest of us. The whole story is told from the point-of-view of the main character, Mark Hansen, and let me just say, he is hilarious! I certainly never expected to laugh out loud over a novel like this, but Leslie imbues Mark’s snarky little comments with so much personality! I could just imagine him sitting there telling his tale, and I was completely captivated.
There are a host of fantastic characters in Hemovore and Joel Leslie provides creative accents and amazing variety in their voices, he really is a pro.
Spectacular audio aside, Hemovore is an astoundingly creative story. Jordan Castillo Price has really put some thought into what modern society would be like if there was an HHV virus and we all lived lived side by side. There are great details from hoagie flavored water (so vampires can still enjoy their favorites) to how a ‘mixed’ couple kiss hello and goodbye. With explanations of what is legally required, to the accepted etiquette accepted of polite society, it’s easy to imagine this world thanks to Price’s thoughtful insight.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read by Jordan Castillo Price and Hemovore is right up there with the best! This was a truly interesting story and I highly recommend it.
An audio copy of the second edition of Hemovore was provided by the author for the purpose of this review.
A truly creative story, Hemovore explores a world where vampires, or V-positives, live amongst the rest of us. The whole story is told from the point-of-view of the main character, Mark Hansen, and let me just say, he is hilarious! I certainly never expected to laugh out loud over a novel like this, but Leslie imbues Mark’s snarky little comments with so much personality! I could just imagine him sitting there telling his tale, and I was completely captivated.
There are a host of fantastic characters in Hemovore and Joel Leslie provides creative accents and amazing variety in their voices, he really is a pro.
Spectacular audio aside, Hemovore is an astoundingly creative story. Jordan Castillo Price has really put some thought into what modern society would be like if there was an HHV virus and we all lived lived side by side. There are great details from hoagie flavored water (so vampires can still enjoy their favorites) to how a ‘mixed’ couple kiss hello and goodbye. With explanations of what is legally required, to the accepted etiquette accepted of polite society, it’s easy to imagine this world thanks to Price’s thoughtful insight.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read by Jordan Castillo Price and Hemovore is right up there with the best! This was a truly interesting story and I highly recommend it.
An audio copy of the second edition of Hemovore was provided by the author for the purpose of this review.
September 14, 2011
CLick here, to a really well done review... It's Emanuela's review, and she really did a great job!
Mine review??? well, it's not a review, it's just something I want to do to tell you...
Jonathan drink cat's blood!!!!!!!!!!
Nooooo he is not the vilan!!! He is the good guy!!!!
YES YES!!! So Jonathan is a vampire and Mark, the only narrator, is willing to give him his blood (and other male body fluids
)
BUT NO! many cats will be sacrificed...
to keep Jonathan alive
so... hummmmm... yeah, I LOVED this book, the characters and the plot, BUT i still prefer the Jordan Castillo Price Psy Cop serie.
many cats.... many many cats... were necessary to keep Jonathan alive... for so long
Mine review??? well, it's not a review, it's just something I want to do to tell you...
Jonathan drink cat's blood!!!!!!!!!!
Nooooo he is not the vilan!!! He is the good guy!!!!
YES YES!!! So Jonathan is a vampire and Mark, the only narrator, is willing to give him his blood (and other male body fluids
) BUT NO! many cats will be sacrificed...
to keep Jonathan alive
so... hummmmm... yeah, I LOVED this book, the characters and the plot, BUT i still prefer the Jordan Castillo Price Psy Cop serie.
many cats.... many many cats... were necessary to keep Jonathan alive... for so long
March 22, 2018
Loved it! The world building and Mark's snark prowess were on point. I didn't know anything about the book before going in and therefore was completely unprepared for the level of darkness and angstyland involved. For some crazy reason, I thought it was going to be a vampire comedyish read. *Shrug* Still, really really enjoyed it.
February 2, 2020
I really love the idea but I had great difficulty with getting into this book.
The idea that vampirism is a disease or a virus is not entirely new. But it appears much more often in thrillers and horror stories than in romances (even paranormal romances, and particularly in mm romances). The more I appreciate the work of the author, especially since it was created some time ago, when these topics were not so hackneyed. I definitely enjoy the world created by the author. The whole atmosphere of the epidemic, the strict protective measures that have been taken, the prejudice and discrimination associated with it, but also the difficulties of everyday life. This is the best part of this book.
The more I'm sorry that I had difficulty getting fully involved in this story. I'm not even sure what the cause is. Maybe writing style? I do not know. After reading one chapter, I didn't feel the need to read the next one. I wasn't curious enough about what would happen next. Maybe it's the plot's fault, because the characters are rather fine.
Jonathan is an artist who paints pictures visible only to other vampires. This idea is already excellent in my opinion. He also has a dark past somehow connected with the army. Hungarian army, because Jonathan is Hungarian, which I think is quite a well-worn motif but you can go over it. Mark is his assistant who helps him to function in the world. It's a pretty good idea and the execution is also fine. Men have known each other for years, so their feelings had time to develop. But if you count on a passionate romance full of hot scenes, you will definitely be disappointed. Even I admit that it is difficult for me to talk about deep love between them. When it comes to romance, it could be a little bit more of it here.
However, the main plot focuses on the escape of Jonathan and Mark from the former enemy of Jon. And here I think something is missing, although I can't even say what. Maybe some atmosphere of danger, being chased, hunted like a game, without the possibility of escape. I do not know. But it should be exciting and somehow it is not.
As always, I have some reservations when it comes to the Slavs. From a scientific point of view, the Hungarians are not Slavs, they belong to Finno-Ugric peoples. And the Hungarian language is not Slavic but also Finno-Ugric. Czechoslovakia, of course, fell apart a good ten years before the time in which this story is set. But in general, the presentation of the Slavs in this book is not that bad, and does not contain so many errors.
I would really like to enjoy this book more. I had planned to read it for a long time, I generally like the vampires and I'm disappointed that I didn't like it much more.
The idea that vampirism is a disease or a virus is not entirely new. But it appears much more often in thrillers and horror stories than in romances (even paranormal romances, and particularly in mm romances). The more I appreciate the work of the author, especially since it was created some time ago, when these topics were not so hackneyed. I definitely enjoy the world created by the author. The whole atmosphere of the epidemic, the strict protective measures that have been taken, the prejudice and discrimination associated with it, but also the difficulties of everyday life. This is the best part of this book.
The more I'm sorry that I had difficulty getting fully involved in this story. I'm not even sure what the cause is. Maybe writing style? I do not know. After reading one chapter, I didn't feel the need to read the next one. I wasn't curious enough about what would happen next. Maybe it's the plot's fault, because the characters are rather fine.
Jonathan is an artist who paints pictures visible only to other vampires. This idea is already excellent in my opinion. He also has a dark past somehow connected with the army. Hungarian army, because Jonathan is Hungarian, which I think is quite a well-worn motif but you can go over it. Mark is his assistant who helps him to function in the world. It's a pretty good idea and the execution is also fine. Men have known each other for years, so their feelings had time to develop. But if you count on a passionate romance full of hot scenes, you will definitely be disappointed. Even I admit that it is difficult for me to talk about deep love between them. When it comes to romance, it could be a little bit more of it here.
However, the main plot focuses on the escape of Jonathan and Mark from the former enemy of Jon. And here I think something is missing, although I can't even say what. Maybe some atmosphere of danger, being chased, hunted like a game, without the possibility of escape. I do not know. But it should be exciting and somehow it is not.
As always, I have some reservations when it comes to the Slavs. From a scientific point of view, the Hungarians are not Slavs, they belong to Finno-Ugric peoples. And the Hungarian language is not Slavic but also Finno-Ugric. Czechoslovakia, of course, fell apart a good ten years before the time in which this story is set. But in general, the presentation of the Slavs in this book is not that bad, and does not contain so many errors.
I would really like to enjoy this book more. I had planned to read it for a long time, I generally like the vampires and I'm disappointed that I didn't like it much more.
Read
October 26, 2017The audio is 10+ hours long (including a novelette), and I listened to it within 24 hours. That should tell you how much I loved it. The story is awesome and the narration is utterly flawless.
June 4, 2016
Yeah, really enjoyed this. Artist and vampire Jonathan has been assisted for four years by his V negative employee Mark. Then arch enemy and stalker Lazslo appears on the scene and the guys go on the run. Very little sex but did enjoy the humour.
"I don't feel well at all. Do you think you could go find a cat?" Okay. Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.
"I don't feel well at all. Do you think you could go find a cat?" Okay. Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.
March 19, 2018
The writing, world building and concept were strong but I struggled a bit with the pacing. At around 65% I was ready for it to be done. I wanted to know how it would end, but I just wasn’t that invested. The story concludes at 88% and then there’s a Hemovore novelette that didn’t hold my interest. I read a few pages of the novelette, skimmed a few more then didn’t finish.
If you enjoy JCPs writing and have KU, it might be worth checking out.
If you enjoy JCPs writing and have KU, it might be worth checking out.
September 22, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book when I started, but I figured I couldn't go too wrong with vampires and Joel Leslie narration, and I was right because I really liked it!
This was an interesting take on vampirism, what with the vampirism being a virus. I'm not even sure I should call this book paranormal since it was more sci-fi. But anyway, it was actually a lot like our current pandemic situation, with people using gloves and masks and antiviral wipes. It took me some time to get an understanding of things, but what was most interesting was seeing how it impacted society. There was an aisle at the grocery store with vampire products, like food-flavored water, synthetic blood, and special shakes that contained the nutrients and calories they needed. Any V+ and V- in a relationship had to take precautions and find ways to make it work so the V- didn't get infected. Hospitals had separate wings. It was fascinating world-building and also added an element of difficulty to the plot and relationship.
Speaking of the relationship, it was a slow burn in the sense that they both already had strong feelings but had never admitted them, and then, even when they did, they still had to overcome the issue of one of them being V+ and the other V-. And it wasn't as simple as just turning someone because most people died from the virus, rather than turning. It made things a bit angsty, but in a very believable way. I do so like a good slow burn with a bit of angst.
I liked the characters too. Mark was kind of judgmental, but not so much as to be unlikeable, and usually not particularly mean. He was interesting, and his growth over the book was subtle but good. The whole ordeal they went through made him kinda realize what was important to him. Jonathan was interesting too, kind of quirky at first, but in a believable way. A bit of a brooding love interest, but again, in a way that was realistic.
I also liked that the main character was... 40, I think? And the love interest was early to mid 40s. Which is a bit older than you normally find in books with romance.
There was one very small sex scene, depending even on your definition of sex, since it was a handjob. But I thought it was plenty hot and fitting for the book and characters.
There was a thriller-esque plot about the two men kind of going on the run and hiding and being in danger and whatnot. It got maybe a little slow at times, but I didn't mind because during those parts I enjoyed the character development and interaction.
This is highly specific, but I thought the painting thing was a cool idea. *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
There's a novelette included in the second edition of the book (and the audiobook), and "Sweet" was a very accurate title because sweet it was! It made me tear up with happiness for the characters.
The author's note at the end was also surprisingly relevant to the time in which I'm writing this review even though the book was republished in 2017. But as I said, the virus in the book changed society in ways that are very similar to how things have changed during this Covid-19 pandemic. It also touched upon LGBT+ rights.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and the narration by Joel Leslie was great. He always puts a good performance into the books he narrates. The voices and accents (Hungarian for Jonathan) seemed to fit the characters, it was easy to tell characters apart, and it all sounded natural.
Overall, I liked the characters, the slightly angsty slow-burn romance, the unique take on vampires and how it affected society, and the thriller-esque story, and I thought this was a great book!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Emetophobia.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes unique takes on vampires, interesting contemporary world-building, thriller-esque plots, and a bit of angsty slow-burn romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book when I started, but I figured I couldn't go too wrong with vampires and Joel Leslie narration, and I was right because I really liked it!
This was an interesting take on vampirism, what with the vampirism being a virus. I'm not even sure I should call this book paranormal since it was more sci-fi. But anyway, it was actually a lot like our current pandemic situation, with people using gloves and masks and antiviral wipes. It took me some time to get an understanding of things, but what was most interesting was seeing how it impacted society. There was an aisle at the grocery store with vampire products, like food-flavored water, synthetic blood, and special shakes that contained the nutrients and calories they needed. Any V+ and V- in a relationship had to take precautions and find ways to make it work so the V- didn't get infected. Hospitals had separate wings. It was fascinating world-building and also added an element of difficulty to the plot and relationship.
Speaking of the relationship, it was a slow burn in the sense that they both already had strong feelings but had never admitted them, and then, even when they did, they still had to overcome the issue of one of them being V+ and the other V-. And it wasn't as simple as just turning someone because most people died from the virus, rather than turning. It made things a bit angsty, but in a very believable way. I do so like a good slow burn with a bit of angst.
I liked the characters too. Mark was kind of judgmental, but not so much as to be unlikeable, and usually not particularly mean. He was interesting, and his growth over the book was subtle but good. The whole ordeal they went through made him kinda realize what was important to him. Jonathan was interesting too, kind of quirky at first, but in a believable way. A bit of a brooding love interest, but again, in a way that was realistic.
I also liked that the main character was... 40, I think? And the love interest was early to mid 40s. Which is a bit older than you normally find in books with romance.
There was one very small sex scene, depending even on your definition of sex, since it was a handjob. But I thought it was plenty hot and fitting for the book and characters.
There was a thriller-esque plot about the two men kind of going on the run and hiding and being in danger and whatnot. It got maybe a little slow at times, but I didn't mind because during those parts I enjoyed the character development and interaction.
This is highly specific, but I thought the painting thing was a cool idea. *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
There's a novelette included in the second edition of the book (and the audiobook), and "Sweet" was a very accurate title because sweet it was! It made me tear up with happiness for the characters.
The author's note at the end was also surprisingly relevant to the time in which I'm writing this review even though the book was republished in 2017. But as I said, the virus in the book changed society in ways that are very similar to how things have changed during this Covid-19 pandemic. It also touched upon LGBT+ rights.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and the narration by Joel Leslie was great. He always puts a good performance into the books he narrates. The voices and accents (Hungarian for Jonathan) seemed to fit the characters, it was easy to tell characters apart, and it all sounded natural.
Overall, I liked the characters, the slightly angsty slow-burn romance, the unique take on vampires and how it affected society, and the thriller-esque story, and I thought this was a great book!
Trigger/Content Warnings: Emetophobia.
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes unique takes on vampires, interesting contemporary world-building, thriller-esque plots, and a bit of angsty slow-burn romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
August 9, 2011
Talk about action!
Mark is another one of Jordan Castillo Price's fabulous narrators. He is 40 and he is the assistant of the V-positive artist Jonathan Varga. He has built himself a nice life: he has a cozy house, he likes to dress in nice clothes and he follows a precise routine of cleaning and swiping to prevent himself from catching the hemovore virus his boss has. It's a virus that causes a sort of vampirism and it can be caught through something as simple as saliva. The big hole in his life is the attraction he feels for his boss. The interaction between them is very businesslike at the beginning of the book. Jonathan is distant, despondent, spoiled and aloof. Not qualities to make a sympathetic character. Mark is funny, has a wonderful sense of humor, he's practical and understanding.
When something from the past threatens Jonathan, the two have to band together to face a crazy enemy, who's trying to ruin Jonathan's life. Jonathan slowly shows his warmer side and the reasons why he keeps his distance from Mark. They embark in a never-ending adventure that makes impossible to put the book down. What makes the book different is that Jonathan and Mark can't have physical interaction because of the virus. The feeling that grows between them is like a wonderful flower growing behind a glass: you can watch it, admire it, maybe even feel the smell of it, but you can't touch it. Mark's desire for Jonathan is an ache that can't be healed and it's only Mark's proactive attitude that makes it bearable. For a long while. Then you'd better read the book.
I liked the world the author created, complete with its pop culture. I enjoyed reading the symbiotic relationship between the two protagonists, how they needed and took care of each other. The book has almost no sex, but I like anticipation and this was probably one of the longest and sweetest I've ever read, because Mark and Jonathan are in their 40s, even if Jonathan looks 25, and there aren't enough books about older couples in my opinion, so it was great to see two grown-up men having to deal with a love that, because of the virus, resembled the courtships of centuries ago.
I found the book fascinating, entertaining, original. The writing was flawless and the two main characters were a great couple, even if you have to read the romance between the lines.
Mark is another one of Jordan Castillo Price's fabulous narrators. He is 40 and he is the assistant of the V-positive artist Jonathan Varga. He has built himself a nice life: he has a cozy house, he likes to dress in nice clothes and he follows a precise routine of cleaning and swiping to prevent himself from catching the hemovore virus his boss has. It's a virus that causes a sort of vampirism and it can be caught through something as simple as saliva. The big hole in his life is the attraction he feels for his boss. The interaction between them is very businesslike at the beginning of the book. Jonathan is distant, despondent, spoiled and aloof. Not qualities to make a sympathetic character. Mark is funny, has a wonderful sense of humor, he's practical and understanding.
When something from the past threatens Jonathan, the two have to band together to face a crazy enemy, who's trying to ruin Jonathan's life. Jonathan slowly shows his warmer side and the reasons why he keeps his distance from Mark. They embark in a never-ending adventure that makes impossible to put the book down. What makes the book different is that Jonathan and Mark can't have physical interaction because of the virus. The feeling that grows between them is like a wonderful flower growing behind a glass: you can watch it, admire it, maybe even feel the smell of it, but you can't touch it. Mark's desire for Jonathan is an ache that can't be healed and it's only Mark's proactive attitude that makes it bearable. For a long while. Then you'd better read the book.
I liked the world the author created, complete with its pop culture. I enjoyed reading the symbiotic relationship between the two protagonists, how they needed and took care of each other. The book has almost no sex, but I like anticipation and this was probably one of the longest and sweetest I've ever read, because Mark and Jonathan are in their 40s, even if Jonathan looks 25, and there aren't enough books about older couples in my opinion, so it was great to see two grown-up men having to deal with a love that, because of the virus, resembled the courtships of centuries ago.
I found the book fascinating, entertaining, original. The writing was flawless and the two main characters were a great couple, even if you have to read the romance between the lines.
December 21, 2017
My review won’t do this audiobook justice!
Let’s just say that Joel Leslie knocked this one out of the park. Thanks for the Home run, Joel!
The story was good, a vampire and his human assistant were running away from a Slovak vampire stalker. JCP created a different type of vampire world, one in which they are “out” but also discriminated against due to the high level of passing the vampire virus. It reminded me of the 80’s when people know little about HIV transmission and contracting it was a death sentence. Discrimination against those who had it was rampant.
Read this book, listen to it if you can—even the audio sample will give you an idea of the characters JCP created and Joel Leslie breathed life into.
Let’s just say that Joel Leslie knocked this one out of the park. Thanks for the Home run, Joel!
The story was good, a vampire and his human assistant were running away from a Slovak vampire stalker. JCP created a different type of vampire world, one in which they are “out” but also discriminated against due to the high level of passing the vampire virus. It reminded me of the 80’s when people know little about HIV transmission and contracting it was a death sentence. Discrimination against those who had it was rampant.
Read this book, listen to it if you can—even the audio sample will give you an idea of the characters JCP created and Joel Leslie breathed life into.
June 8, 2017
4.5 stars
March 28, 2018
Loved this one my review vanished so cant remember but it was not your typical Vampire story, but JCP is always special. Humor with a message & Joel Leslie amazing performance.
February 16, 2011
Jordan Castillo Price was pretty much my first step into the m/m world and since then she's been an auto-buy author for me. Her books are guaranteed quality UF stories with great world building, witty dialogues and wonderful characters. Plus: this woman writes love scenes that make you wish you were a man!
Hemovore was another high standard story. Price managed to create a new, interesting take on vampires, in where vampirism is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus, and vampires - though graceful and sexy- are outsiders. Prejudice, fear, hate, vampire’s statuses ranging from idol to leper and within this setting a self deprecating hero with obsessive compulsive tendencies, Mark, and his boss/love interest Jonathan: a vampire who's afraid to pronounce the word 'blood'.
Safe to say I was expecting a slow, sweet romance about the every day lives of this unlikely couple and how their lives of bland domesticity would be brightened up by their blossoming romance.
So color me surprised when this turned into a suspense/mystery tale.
Although not the kind with high speed action and neck breaking stunts. In stead Price focused more on the chaos and feelings of desolation our couple go through when they find their lives turned upside down. All the while containing that sense of irony and humor Price prevails in, in order to prevent the story from getting overly emotional or sappy.
So why the mere 3 star (3,5 actually) rating?
Because I didn't really feel the connection between the two men. Companionship and trust? Sure. Love? Not really.
This might be partly due to the fact that for the whole story, we are in Mark's head; who has a pretty dry tone narrative and a tendency to understate emotions and actions. On top of that Mark was either drunk, delirious, or high on sedatives for a majority of the scenes which skewered his perception and made it hard for me to judge if what he saw was actually true or just wishful thinking. Next to that some really intimate revelations seemed to come from out of nowhere and lost their impact.
All in all: Hemovore was a good story, which might have gotten a 4 star rating out of me, if it weren't for the fact that this was a JCP story and I set my standards extra high for her.
3,5 stars
Hemovore was another high standard story. Price managed to create a new, interesting take on vampires, in where vampirism is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus, and vampires - though graceful and sexy- are outsiders. Prejudice, fear, hate, vampire’s statuses ranging from idol to leper and within this setting a self deprecating hero with obsessive compulsive tendencies, Mark, and his boss/love interest Jonathan: a vampire who's afraid to pronounce the word 'blood'.
Safe to say I was expecting a slow, sweet romance about the every day lives of this unlikely couple and how their lives of bland domesticity would be brightened up by their blossoming romance.
So color me surprised when this turned into a suspense/mystery tale.
Although not the kind with high speed action and neck breaking stunts. In stead Price focused more on the chaos and feelings of desolation our couple go through when they find their lives turned upside down. All the while containing that sense of irony and humor Price prevails in, in order to prevent the story from getting overly emotional or sappy.
So why the mere 3 star (3,5 actually) rating?
Because I didn't really feel the connection between the two men. Companionship and trust? Sure. Love? Not really.
This might be partly due to the fact that for the whole story, we are in Mark's head; who has a pretty dry tone narrative and a tendency to understate emotions and actions. On top of that Mark was either drunk, delirious, or high on sedatives for a majority of the scenes which skewered his perception and made it hard for me to judge if what he saw was actually true or just wishful thinking. Next to that some really intimate revelations seemed to come from out of nowhere and lost their impact.
All in all: Hemovore was a good story, which might have gotten a 4 star rating out of me, if it weren't for the fact that this was a JCP story and I set my standards extra high for her.
3,5 stars
February 27, 2018
More or less a 2 1/2 star rating for me, I listened to this on audio and I absolutely love the narrator Joel Leslie BUT the book itself NOT SO MUCH.😟 I am one of the few but not the only one that didn’t love this book....
I guess if I am going to give this book crappy stars I should try and justify it so here it goes:
My main issue was Mark; at first his sense of humor and snarky comments were hysterical and charming BUT half way through the book that got tedious and annoying. His monotonous prattle and negatively just got on my nerves!! OMG this guy could go on and on, they has someone killing people trying to find himself and Jonathan, they had no money but needed a change of clothes and Mark was upset because he thought he'd have to purchase clothes at K-mart!! Seriously?!?!! The characters in the book that were positive and negative, well it took some time to get my head around and understand but I finally got with the program. That was something different and creative about this book. The food choices for the positive were nasty 😫
Jonathan was sexy as hell but a little more chemistry would have better for me.
I just felt like it was one traumatic event after another throughout the whole book which was a little too much for me but probably exciting for other readers. I would say I enjoyed the last chapter the best with the couple of true friends of Mark and Jonathans and without Mark trying to put on one big pretentious show. I wished I loved this book but it just fell short for me.
I guess if I am going to give this book crappy stars I should try and justify it so here it goes:
My main issue was Mark; at first his sense of humor and snarky comments were hysterical and charming BUT half way through the book that got tedious and annoying. His monotonous prattle and negatively just got on my nerves!! OMG this guy could go on and on, they has someone killing people trying to find himself and Jonathan, they had no money but needed a change of clothes and Mark was upset because he thought he'd have to purchase clothes at K-mart!! Seriously?!?!! The characters in the book that were positive and negative, well it took some time to get my head around and understand but I finally got with the program. That was something different and creative about this book. The food choices for the positive were nasty 😫
Jonathan was sexy as hell but a little more chemistry would have better for me.
I just felt like it was one traumatic event after another throughout the whole book which was a little too much for me but probably exciting for other readers. I would say I enjoyed the last chapter the best with the couple of true friends of Mark and Jonathans and without Mark trying to put on one big pretentious show. I wished I loved this book but it just fell short for me.
December 30, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded up for a twist on vampires i hadn't seen before - which is hard to do in this day and age.
February 25, 2017
And there goes my JCP fangirl heart! This author has a writing style that I just love. I don't think she's written a story or character that I haven't drooled all over, and Hemovore is no exception. This is vampires done brilliantly. BRILLIANTLY.
I love how talented JCP is; I can fall into her dystopian worlds so easily. True, they're not all that different from ours on the surface, but there are nuances and differences. They're easily understandable though. Huge parts of the text aren't given away to explanations of this altered world, but I understand it perfectly.
Mark and Jonathan. Jonathan and Mark. How much do I love these two? A lot, that's how much. A whole damn lot. Jonathan is V positive and Mark V negative, so it doesn't matter how much Mark wants Jonathan, he can't have him. Hell, he can't even touch the same surface without gloves on, so there is no way that anything more is going to happen, and Mark resigns himself to the same old, same old. Except of course life always has a curve ball to throw.
Written with care and attention to detail, this novel is gritty and gripping and I love the relationship development as much as the dystopian world it is set in.
Go and read it.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I love how talented JCP is; I can fall into her dystopian worlds so easily. True, they're not all that different from ours on the surface, but there are nuances and differences. They're easily understandable though. Huge parts of the text aren't given away to explanations of this altered world, but I understand it perfectly.
Mark and Jonathan. Jonathan and Mark. How much do I love these two? A lot, that's how much. A whole damn lot. Jonathan is V positive and Mark V negative, so it doesn't matter how much Mark wants Jonathan, he can't have him. Hell, he can't even touch the same surface without gloves on, so there is no way that anything more is going to happen, and Mark resigns himself to the same old, same old. Except of course life always has a curve ball to throw.
Written with care and attention to detail, this novel is gritty and gripping and I love the relationship development as much as the dystopian world it is set in.
Go and read it.
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2024
2023 Re-Read:
This book has become a major comfort listen for me. I listen to it much more often than my read count here on GR indicates, lol.
2021 Re-Read:
I just love this one to bits. Not much to add to my previous review other than to say that the audioobok includes a bonus short-story-slash-extended-epilogue, and it's a treat.
2018 Re-Read:
Not your average vampire story. Mark is snarky and funny and I think the audio narration really showcases the fastidiousness of his character and his annoyance at being thrust into these circumstances.
Audio performance aside, the world building is top-notch, as usual. I feel like I end up mentioning the world building in every review I write for a JCP book, but I also feel like failing to mention the way she manages to set a scene with a minimum of fuss and a minimum of words would be remiss. So I always mention the world building, but how could you not mention the world building?
This book has become a major comfort listen for me. I listen to it much more often than my read count here on GR indicates, lol.
2021 Re-Read:
I just love this one to bits. Not much to add to my previous review other than to say that the audioobok includes a bonus short-story-slash-extended-epilogue, and it's a treat.
2018 Re-Read:
Not your average vampire story. Mark is snarky and funny and I think the audio narration really showcases the fastidiousness of his character and his annoyance at being thrust into these circumstances.
Audio performance aside, the world building is top-notch, as usual. I feel like I end up mentioning the world building in every review I write for a JCP book, but I also feel like failing to mention the way she manages to set a scene with a minimum of fuss and a minimum of words would be remiss. So I always mention the world building, but how could you not mention the world building?
February 12, 2018
Audio Heaven ... or When a Genius Narrator Makes an Already Perfect Book Better.
When I read Hemovore I was once again floored by Jordan Castillo Price's ability to take a familiar trope, in this case Vampirism, and give it a fresh twist. I loved it and thought it was perfect, especially with the added novella, Sweet. Little did I know that along would come Joel Leslie and his myriad of voices, accents, and characterizations. I fell in love with Jonathan all over again ... and what can I say about Mark? He is our everyman: a clothes snob, with insecurities over his weight and age, yet always hungry. Joel makes us feel where these characters are coming from in a very visceral way.
I stretched out the listening as much as I could because I very much wanted to continue living in that world and have Joel be in my head. I'll definitely be listening to this again. And again. And again.
When I read Hemovore I was once again floored by Jordan Castillo Price's ability to take a familiar trope, in this case Vampirism, and give it a fresh twist. I loved it and thought it was perfect, especially with the added novella, Sweet. Little did I know that along would come Joel Leslie and his myriad of voices, accents, and characterizations. I fell in love with Jonathan all over again ... and what can I say about Mark? He is our everyman: a clothes snob, with insecurities over his weight and age, yet always hungry. Joel makes us feel where these characters are coming from in a very visceral way.
I stretched out the listening as much as I could because I very much wanted to continue living in that world and have Joel be in my head. I'll definitely be listening to this again. And again. And again.
July 1, 2010
4.5 stars
Wow, talk about fast-paced!! This is not a typical romance m/m, instead I feel like this is a thriller/suspense with two guys on the lead. Sort of like that movie, The Fugitive. The two main characters are on the run from a very, VERY bad guy. I think the plot is strong and I really like both characters, they're witty and charming and strong headed. Plus a twist of the vampire myth, that they are actually human with HHV virus. I literally can't stop reading until the very end. Great adventure ...
PS: I could do without the drinking of cats' blood though, I love cats, so that image doesn't do well to my stomach.
Wow, talk about fast-paced!! This is not a typical romance m/m, instead I feel like this is a thriller/suspense with two guys on the lead. Sort of like that movie, The Fugitive. The two main characters are on the run from a very, VERY bad guy. I think the plot is strong and I really like both characters, they're witty and charming and strong headed. Plus a twist of the vampire myth, that they are actually human with HHV virus. I literally can't stop reading until the very end. Great adventure ...
PS: I could do without the drinking of cats' blood though, I love cats, so that image doesn't do well to my stomach.
December 18, 2018
+5 star for the audiobook.
3.5 star for the story.
3.5 star for the story.
June 21, 2010
So this was very different.
Hemovore is story that presents vampirism as a virus. And people are either V positive or V negative for the HHV virus. In this world people wear gloves all the time and even masks. they carry antiviral hand gel, and clean their clothes in something similar. They carry sanitizing wipes... it doesn't sound so different than the world we live in, does it? Mark Hansen is V negative and works for the brooding V positive artist Jonathan Varga. Mark is obsessive about keeping things sanitized since the virus has a high mortality rate. Then something happens that throws their worlds into chaos and slowly starts to break down the rules and walls they have built up between them.
I found this story sweet. It was a romance story, pretty much without sex, it was truly about the relationship. That was not what I had a problem with. The problem I had is the same problem I always have with JCP. I love her characters and the narrator of the story is always so wonderful with the right mix of doubt and insecurities that make them so human. The problem is I have no idea why someone is attracted to them. I know why Mark is attracted to Jonathan, because he tells us, but why is this beautiful man attracted to a more normal looking if not slightly neurotic guy? I'm never sure why. I believe the reasons are surely sweet and wonderful, but you never find out, so it was shocking when Jonathan admits it, because I just can't seem to get a handle on the guy that isn't narrating.
I might enjoying seeing a follow up book, to this one now that things are more normal.
Hemovore is story that presents vampirism as a virus. And people are either V positive or V negative for the HHV virus. In this world people wear gloves all the time and even masks. they carry antiviral hand gel, and clean their clothes in something similar. They carry sanitizing wipes... it doesn't sound so different than the world we live in, does it? Mark Hansen is V negative and works for the brooding V positive artist Jonathan Varga. Mark is obsessive about keeping things sanitized since the virus has a high mortality rate. Then something happens that throws their worlds into chaos and slowly starts to break down the rules and walls they have built up between them.
I found this story sweet. It was a romance story, pretty much without sex, it was truly about the relationship. That was not what I had a problem with. The problem I had is the same problem I always have with JCP. I love her characters and the narrator of the story is always so wonderful with the right mix of doubt and insecurities that make them so human. The problem is I have no idea why someone is attracted to them. I know why Mark is attracted to Jonathan, because he tells us, but why is this beautiful man attracted to a more normal looking if not slightly neurotic guy? I'm never sure why. I believe the reasons are surely sweet and wonderful, but you never find out, so it was shocking when Jonathan admits it, because I just can't seem to get a handle on the guy that isn't narrating.
I might enjoying seeing a follow up book, to this one now that things are more normal.
June 1, 2012
4.5 stars
This was a pretty great book. The more I read, the better it got. Being my first time reading this author I had no idea what to expect or what I was going think, but I loved it and it held my attention from start to finish.
JCP has some of the best "one-liner's" and analogies I've ever heard. More than once I laughed out loud and shook my head in amazement at her witt and snarkiness. She is, without doubt, an amazing author.
Talk about a slow burn...it took freaking forever for Jonathon and Mark to admit, out loud, their feelings for one another. But was it ever worth the wait!!! Oh yea!!! I had so many "OMG" moments I was afraid I wore out the effect that "OMG" has and would need another acronym to get my point across.
My only wish was that the ending was a little more detailed. I wanted to see how Jonathon and Mark acted after all the drama was over.
If you love twists and turns and never knowing whats gonna happen from chapter to chapter then this books is for you. If you are looking for graphic sex, not so much. However, it is so worth the read even without the sex overload and I would highly recommend bumping this one up on your to-read list. You will not be disappointed.
This was a pretty great book. The more I read, the better it got. Being my first time reading this author I had no idea what to expect or what I was going think, but I loved it and it held my attention from start to finish.
JCP has some of the best "one-liner's" and analogies I've ever heard. More than once I laughed out loud and shook my head in amazement at her witt and snarkiness. She is, without doubt, an amazing author.
Talk about a slow burn...it took freaking forever for Jonathon and Mark to admit, out loud, their feelings for one another. But was it ever worth the wait!!! Oh yea!!! I had so many "OMG" moments I was afraid I wore out the effect that "OMG" has and would need another acronym to get my point across.
My only wish was that the ending was a little more detailed. I wanted to see how Jonathon and Mark acted after all the drama was over.
If you love twists and turns and never knowing whats gonna happen from chapter to chapter then this books is for you. If you are looking for graphic sex, not so much. However, it is so worth the read even without the sex overload and I would highly recommend bumping this one up on your to-read list. You will not be disappointed.
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