Title: Mongrel
Series: Mongrel, Book #1
Author: K.Z. Snow
Genre: Paranormal/Steampunk
Length: Novel (202 pages)
Publisher:Dreamspinner Press (Dec 8th, 2010)
Heat: Moderate
Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: Hunzinger’s Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, shines as the only bright spot in the dreary city of Purinton. A shadow is cast there one day when a tall, cloaked figure approaches the stand of Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman. Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King, isn’t welcome at the Circus. No resident of Taintwell is; they’re all Branded Mongrels, officially shunned. But Will is beguiled by the stunning, mysterious Perfidor. Their mutual wariness soon gives way to desire, and a bond forms.
Soon the naive but plucky pitchman becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest. Fanule suspects Alphonse Hunzinger and Purinton’s civic leaders are responsible for the disappearance or incarceration of countless Branded Mongrels. But why? As Will’s passion and regard for his tormented lover grow, he’s determined to help Fanule get answers and prevent any further persecution… or worse. They just have to stay together—and stay alive long enough—to see their plan through
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2069
Review: I love this series and the covers!
Fanule is a branded mongrel, and the elected official of Taintwell. He is finding more and more mongrels are being arrested or disappearing. also his madness is getting worse.
Will is a hawker at the Mechanical Circus selling an elixir. Until he finds its mongrel, blood used to make it. He meets Fanule by happenstance and they immediately become fond of each other. But, developing feelings could be dangerous to both of them, since Fan has a bounty on his head.
Simon is a bounty Hunter, but has a conscience. He had been seeing Will only for physical pleasure, then meets Clancy Marrowbone, the vampire, at Will’s one night. He likes Clancy’s company and joins Clancy and Fan to help find out what is going on with the missing mongrels.
This is a fabulous story set in an intriguing Steampunk setting, with lots of steam, mechanisms, an old-fashioned backdrop, with different unique types of part human creatures and vampires. The story is intriguing, fast paced, sensual and mysterious. There are twists and turns around every corner.
I read the second book first and had to read this one. I love all the characters but especially Fanule. He is dark, sexy mysterious, dangerous, but also caring and devoted. My kind of man. My only issue is the relationships are skirted around too much, id have liked more detail especially on how Clancy and Simon ended up together. I will say the names and cities are a bit cheesy, but add to the unique style of this story. I love it!
I highly recommend this if you like Steampunk, old-fashioned settings, vampires, mongrels, and sensuous love stories.