Mina Hepsen

Princess Angelica Belanov grew up knowing she was different, she was able to her other peoples thoughts, so she had decided to seclude herself from others to protect herself as well others. Finding that another seemed to have that same gift, gave her hope as a way to control it better. Prince Kourakin was so used to reading other peoples minds that he thought nothing of it, until he realized that the enchanting beauty that had just been in his mind was not of the same race as himself, a vampire. The search for the rouge vampire, the need to track down the newest vampire slayer and now he had to decide how to deal with this human, beautiful as she may be, but still she couldn’t be left knowing about his race.

The added combination of paranormal (vampires) and historical romance (set in 1871) was well done. Vampires and all the legends surrounding them could be summed up as legends, the book, the rituals, the ceremonies, the fight scene all down played (but still very well detailed) so that the romance, the emotion of the characters is what the plot of the story revolved around. That emotional link to the characters kept me reading this book (it should have taken much longer to read), I did not want it to end. I really enjoyed this genre and this writer. Couldn’t resist Angelica’s spirit or Alexander’s (for lack of a better word) - change. I would love to find out if Mina Hepsen has written any of this as a series, to visit or re-visit some of these characters would be fun.… (mais)

"Under the Blood Red Moon" is Mina Hepsen's debut novel. It's a well-written, medium heat, historical paranormal romance with vampires. Hepsen's take on vampires is a bit different and very interesting. However, there are a few blank spots where some things just seems to appear from nowhere which was a bit bothersome.

Angelica has a couple of problems. The first is that she doesn't particularly want to marry, she'd much rather spend her time reading and enjoying her home in the country. But her aunt and brother keep pushing her to marry. Then there's the fact that she can hear what people think so crowds are a problem for her and especially all the balls and routs required by live among the ton. And lastly, she just received a note from their man of business and it looks like she may have no choice BUT to marry as their finances have taken a downturn. Then she meets the most handsome man she's ever seen...and her mind is at peace near him...and then she realizes that he can also talk in her mind!

Alexander is only in town to kill the vampire that's running amok, killing humans and draining them of their blood. He really doesn't have the time or patience to deal with Angelica even if she is stunning. The problem is that he just can't get her out of his mind and it's interfering with his concentration! Then, Angelica finds out about what he is and vampire law states she must die...can he bear that?

Fairly quick read at 324 pages in trade paperback size. The story kept my attention, even when the pace faltered a bit or random facts/people jumped in from nowhere. I'll keep an eye out for Hepsen's next book as it will be interesting to see if she'll continue in this same vein (HAHAHA) and maybe tie up a few loose ends left toward the end of "Under the Blood Red Moon".… (mais)

Princess Angelica Shelton Belanov would much rather be hiding away in the library of her family’s English country estate than mingling with London society. But she needs to find a husband fast, so she reluctantly attends balls and other society gatherings, a chore made more difficult because of her ability to hear the thoughts of others. She thinks she is unique until she meets Prince Alexander Kourakin who can also read minds. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but Alexander has no time for love – he is the leader of a vampire clan and is hunting both a rogue vampire and a vampire slayer. Angelica and Alexander seem to be made for each other, but will circumstances keep them apart?

“Under the Blood Red Moon” is a historical romance novel with a nice twist. Set in the Victorian era, author Mina Hepsen does a nice job of capturing that era – a period of time when the only goal for women was to find a husband and produce an heir. Angelica is a strong heroine – intelligent, tormented by her ability to read people’s minds, and very protective of her brother Mikhail who is not healthy. Alexander is a strong hero – as leader of the vampire clan he knows his love for Angelica is forbidden since he must marry another vampire and have a vampire baby in order for his clan to continue. He is still torn by the death of his sister years ago and determined to save his people from the slayer. The paranormal elements are well done with Hepsen doing some tweaking of the vampire myth –I loved her explanation of how vampires have been able to live among humans and escape detection all these years. There are some genuine thrilling moments in the book, especially towards the end, that will keep readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.

For the most part “Under the Blood Red Moon” is a well-written and engrossing novel. However, there were a few things I didn’t like about the book. Angelica habit of quoting authors while talking to people got old fast. While trying to figure out the identity of the slayer is one of the fun parts of the book for readers, there is a major red herring about one of the characters that is never fully resolved. Angelica’s Aunt tells her an important piece of information that, while crucial to the plot, comes far too late in the book and is awkwardly inserted – it should have been foreshadowed more. Finally, the ending seemed abrupt to me.

Despite some flaws, “Under the Blood Red Moon” is a nicely done historical romance with a unique twist.… (mais)