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A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities. 1863, Pennsylvania War doesn’t scare Jerusalem—she’s a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she’s fearless. And ever since the Confederates declared civil war, partnering with the vampires who benefitted off slavery, she and her battalion of Saints are essential to the Union army. Jerusalem herself had been enslaved by a vampire, escaping North only after her family was murdered. She knows the enemy better, hates the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, and has been using it to her advantage since she joined the war a year ago. More than anything she wants revenge, but if she can help Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better. But she never expects to have to team up with a vampire to do it. Alexei is one of those handsome, arrogant Ancient Vampires. But he’s on the Union’s side, and in the year they've known each other, has never done anything but prove he’s on hers. Together, they set out to change the course of the war and take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem loved. But for her, it’s about more than justice. It's about killing a god.
Publication Year: 2024
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0 0**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**
Actual rating: 3.5
Lauren Blackwood returns with her newest YA historical fantasy novel, The Dangerous Ones. Set in Civil War era America, readers follow Jerusalem, a former slave who escaped after her family was murdered by vampires. Jerusalem has since joined the Union army and has been quite an asset as one of the Saints- people with heightened strength, speed, senses, and endurance. Jerusalem wants revenge on her family's behalf and is willing to put in the work to develop enough skills to do it. Even if that means partnering with Alexei. Alexei is a vampire ally and member of the Union army who has made it perfectly clear all people are equal in his eyes, especially after several hundred years of life. Alexei has an enemy in common with Jerusalem, but it seems his priority is in keeping her safe.
In the interest of full disclosure, I initially attempted to read this novel and couldn't quite get on board with Blackwood's writing style. Everything seemed to fall a bit flat for me, but I was determined to give this book a full chance. As such, I borrowed the audiobook on Everand. Narrators Angel Pean (Jerusalem) and Jay Ben Markson (Alexei) did a wonderful job at humanizing the characters. Their performances were engaging and more than fulfilled the assignment. I doubt I would have finished the book without their voices being lent to Blackwood's words.
Once I got into the story, I was entertained throughout. Both Jerusalem and Alexei are characters that put up a tough front, but have backstory contriburing to how they experience and perceive the world. The romance of the story was believable, if unnecessary and a bit fast-tracked.
The setting was an interesting shift as it appeared that not only were vampires standard but werewolves and sasquatches were included as well. There was a lot of room for expansion in the world if Blackwood were to decide on a companion novel. I specify a companion novel as I truly think Jerusalem and Alexei's story is wrapped up neatly here, so it would be of benefit to follow other characters in any future installments in the world.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to readers who enjoyed Justina Ireland's Dread Nation, but wished for vampires instead of zombies. I was happy to have the opportunity to read this early, was entertained during my read, but don't know that I will remember much detail about the story down the road.
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