Daughter of the Blood

Black Jewels, Book 1

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: John Sharian

Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her web of dreams and visions. Now, the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its queen, a witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence - and corruption.

Whoever controls the queen controls the darkness. Three men - sworn enemies - know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, in which the weapons are hate and love - and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining.

©2007 Anne Bishop (P)2010 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Darkly mesmerizing...[a] fascinating, dark world.” (Locus)

“Lavishly sensual...a richly detailed world based on a reversal of standard genre cliches.” (Library Journal)

“Vividly painted...dramatic, erotic, hope-filled.” (Lynn Flewelling)

one of my favorites

Mostly love it. Narrator could have captured the emotion of the dialog better. still good though

Seriously dark but delightful

This is amazingly dark and yet intriguing book and story. The characters are very engrossing and yet, delightful. They are horrific and wonderful. Satan is a joy Damon is amazing wow.

LOVE this series

I love the detail of the not just the characters but how you can truly visualize the scene and emotions and feel as if you are there. I love the strength of the woman and the struggles the men must endure. I've read and listened to the whole series multiple times, and it never gets old.

It was not what I expected

I liked this book, it wasn't what I expected though. This is defiantly NOT a romance so don't buy it thinking you will get one. It is a bit confusing, there is a lot of detail, it jumps back and forth so you must pay attention to the reader to know which scene you are entering with the new chapter.

Overall I did enjoy this book!!

Narration

The story was good, if difficult to follow in the beginning. There were times I had to stop and do some Google searches to see if I should read one of the stand alone novels first.

My only real complaint is the narrator. He doesn’t fit the characters or story at all. He voice sounds like radio DJ Casey Kasem with the dramatic skills of a high school drama club member. I almost stopped listening by the second chapter. I am disappointed to see that they keep the same narrator through the series. Someone like Steve West would have been a much more appropriate choice.

John Sharian is the best narrator

What made the experience of listening to Daughter of the Blood the most enjoyable?

John Sharian's voice

What about John Sharian’s performance did you like?

Loved his voice and how he made the characters come to life

Any additional comments?

This type of story is a little too dark for my own taste. Although I enjoyed the heart ranching longing of the main characters, the physical torture (ring of obedience) described is too cruel to be entertaining.

disturbing in parts

I did overall like it but it did take a while to get into and to understand all the different characters as there are many and the story jumps from one POV to another all the time. Then there is the sexual abuse. it does have meaning but it still makes for a very disturbing listen at times. I also think the way Chanel is described makes me think much more of an 8 9 year old than a 13 year old. this makes it feel even more horrific if that's possible. I do wonder if the author went too far in the child abuse and what was done. Some parts were not necessary. the basics were bad enough (e.g. the leg, the spikes)

Role Reversal

I really enjoyed this book in its printed form and tend to re-read the series every few years and now to have it in an audible form has been exciting.
The role reversal for those in power and those that serve and protect in this book series is what brings me back. It’s an easy read because you get caught up in the main character and forget how much time has passed.

Dark and Enticing

the characters are very likeable and it's easy to follow their story! if you're not into dark fantasy with a sinister edge this isn't for you.

Will always love this trilogy/series!

read this for the first time at 12 and have loved it since. this will always be my favorite and i sincerely hope that if its ever made into a movie series or tv series that they will stay true to the detail the author put into this world/masterpiece.