Genre: Urban Fantasy, Thriller
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay, Trans FTM
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Xander is many things, but he isn’t a vampire… yet.
For now, being a vampire’s daytime assistant has its perks. Hanging out with vampires is just one of them.
The downsides? Well, for one, Xander and his friends getting kidnapped by a group of armed mages. They want a book they think Xander’s boss has in his possession, and refusing them means torture followed by a slow death.
Being a normal human among supernaturals, at the mercy of those stronger, has never frustrated Xander so much. But as the friends struggle to keep themselves alive, Xander might have a bigger advantage than anyone realizes.
The Review
Xander Herzog is back, just as Everett is preparing to take a trip to Europe to face the Elder Counsel. He’s seeking approval to have Xander, who is Everett’s assistant, turned into a vampire. The Council of Elders, the oldest members of each bloodline, has turned Everetts request down. Of course, there’s every possibility that bureaucracy is behind their decision. Everett is taking a chance and attending a once-in-a-decade vampire council meeting in-person, to plead his case with vampires from all over the world.
It gives Xander some time to take a vacation with Avery and Jack. It will be Xander’s first camping trip roughing it. Avery and Jack love the idea of camping, as they can be themselves out in the woods. It’s fun until the unthinkable happens.
Six men with guns besiege the camp, and they soon realize their attackers are more than dangerous. Its not easy for Xander to witness what’s happening, and its even worse for Jack and Avery, as they can’t shift. Under unspeakable torture, the Leader, a man with a Russian accent, demands to know where Everett is keeping the grimoire and the amulet that is now in pieces. Even though Xander is willing to give up the information, things end in tragedy.
Jack and Avery are still held captive, and their lives hang in the balance while their hearts are breaking for Xander. Soon, though, mages, vampires and all kinds of other species will come face to face with one another – the world of the supernatural. Everything will hang in the balance until Jack can hide the grimoire once again, and until Everett’s return.
Rosser fourth book in the “Changing Bodies” series outdoes the previous tales – not only fun and chaotic, but filled with fast-paced action and suspense, mystery, great banter and a bit of gore. This is Xander’s story – he’s hyper fun, dramatic and smart, all rolled into one. He can certainly bring chaos, too.
Along with him is the oddest bunch of shifters: Jack Smith-Boesch – the golden jackal, Avery Novak – the largest arctic wolf, Gigi Hudson – the skunk, Devon – the hippo, Vanessa – the aardwolf and more.
I have to admit I was taken by surprise with the ending, and I’m curious to find out what Rosser has up their sleeve for the next book.
Vampire’s Grimoire was a fantastic urban adventure – I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a roller coaster ride of an urban fantasy/paranormal tale.
The entire “Changing Bodies” series is entertaining, starting with the first book Ritual of the Ancients, that tells how all this chaos began and brought Everett, Jack, Xander and Avery together.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.