“Rated 4.5 Blood Shade Stars out of 5. Even in the world of the supernatural there are rules to be followed. Humans can’t be aware of who/what lives amongst them, and there are a number of supernatural factions to be taken into consideration. When is anything ever simple in good paranormal reading? The book is a complex mix of world building, character development, supernatural history and folklore and interesting involvement with the Catholic parish of St Barnabas and some of the wealthy North Shore boys. There were several key components for my thorough enjoyment of this book. The world building is rather brilliant. There is one part where a book and four drops of blood transport Reylan to another time and another country. The book ties certain aspects of the here-and-the-now to some significant history via the book that was given to Reylan at the Arcadia Trust beforehand. The description of the paranormals in the book paints a vivid picture. The book can be quite graphic and descriptively violent, so be aware if you don’t like darker paranormal/horror reading. There is also the fact that the main players are not warm and fuzzy, yet Reylan surprises you just when you think he doesn’t have it in him. Another part of this book’s allure is the parallel between the LGBTQ community and the factions of paranormals. The Beast Without is narrated from Reylan’s POV and he is the main protagonist. Reylan is an incredibly complex character – interesting, witty and urbane, bitchy, snobby, direct, unfeeling yet paradoxically very caring at times, and often in the oddest of circumstances. I liked his voice but he is not Prince Charming. Jorgas has this undeniable, and oddly compelling, soft spot for Reylan, which makes for interesting reading. I believe this is a first book by the author, and it is an incredibly good piece of writing. The world building is outstanding. Parts of Sydney were well utilised and suited the context of the book’s dark nature. I was laughing at some of the vernacular and situations. Knowledge of Sydney is not mandatory at all to read it, it was simply nice for this Sydneysider. The characters were all interesting and a little different. This book is NOT a M/M paranormal romance. The narrator and primary character, Reylan, is all about the blood. Even so, the book maintains a deliciously erotic undercurrent throughout. I loved the ending of the book, the dialogue, the thoughts, the possibilities and the enigmatic yet just right feel of it. I recommend The Beast Without for readers who like to think while they read, those who like a darker paranormal, with some horror, although it is certainly not all dark. While the beginning and the latter parts of the book certainly are darker, there is also dry, bitchy humour, fluid ideas of relationships, some camp pop-culture, and contemporary issues here, if you’re looking. Great reading all around. Oh yes, and that cover is just glorious!” – Kazza K, On Top Down Under Book Reviews Link to full review Loading...
