Tainted Blood by M.L. Brennan

Rating: 5 stars

Series: Generation V #3

Someone was murdered. Since the usual member of Fort’s family who investigates these events was occupied with other things, Fort had to go out on his own and investigate. For assistance he enlisted the help of Suzume. Fort became more entrenched with the supernaturals than ever before and had some tough decisions to make.

The whole thing with Chivalry and his wives is creepy. He really loves them, which is sick and twisted in it’s own way. It’s interesting that vampires kill people from drinking from them even without draining them. I don’t think I’ve ever come across this concept in a novel. Normally vampire bites induce euphoria and have healing powers.

In most fantasy or UF novels, the main character usually is special. They’re stronger, better, more powerful, etc. No one in this series falls into that category. There are incredibly powerful and strong characters, but they all have their weaknesses. Fort is on the weaker side, but he manages to hold his own. I’ve gotten really sick of the special main character trope, so to find a series that completely avoids that is great.

Tainted Blood was the best book yet in the series! Fort has grown and is standing up for what he believes in even when it’s not popular opinion. The family dynamic has been changing as Fort is transitioning and his mother’s health is declining. Fort’s relationship with Suzume is slowly changing, which is fine by me. I prefer it when people really get to know each other before jumping into a relationship.