Red-Headed Stepchild (Sabina Kane)
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars
by Jaye Wells
List Price: $7.99
Store Price: from $3.50
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 0316037761
Product Description
In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she's on. She's never brought her work home with her---until now.
This time, it's personal.
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Customer Reviews
I Can't wait for the Mage In Black.
5 Stars
I really enjoyed even though Sabina at times frustrated me, I found myself completely engrossed in the world created by the author. I'm glad Sabina wised up in the end. I liked the pace and the plot line.
~ G. Grier, Atlanta, Ga
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Competent Urban Fantasy for New Genre Explorers
3 Stars
Jaye Wells writes an action-packed urban fantasy in her debut, //Red-Headed Stepchild//. The title is odd, but it characterizes both the status of protagonist Sabina Kane and the mythology Wells has created for Sabina's world. //Red-Headed Stepchild// introduces a fresh take on the vampire: they are descendants of Lilith, and all have red hair, the hue dependent upon the vampire's age. Sabina Kane is an outcast due to her mixed-blood heritage (half-vampire, half-mage) and has been utilized by her grandmother, a high priestess in the vampire caste, as an assassin.
The novel begins with a bang, as Sabina shows no mercy in taking out a turn-coat vamp. In this world, the supernatural world is unstable, each faction wary and suspicious of the other, each vying for the top spot in the paranormal hierarchy. As Sabina struggles to please her grandmother and undertakes a covert assignment, she also discovers a few new allies (one being a demon trapped in the guise of a cat), a possible love interest, and her long-suppressed heritage as half-mage. As a cold-blooded assassin and a vampire, Sabina has an edge over most female protagonists in the urban fantasy genre, but she does possess the requisite smart-aleck mouth. Wells' writing is neat and fresh, competent enough to stand from the crowd, though a few plot-twists towards the end can skew a bit towards clichéd, such as Sabina's mage half is as high-born as her vampire half. //Red-Headed Stepchild// is recommended as it deftly twists a new concept in urban fantasy, but it may feel a bit more exciting for readers unfamiliar with the tropes common to the genre.
Reviewed by Angela Tate
~ Sacramento Book Review, Sacramento, CA
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Feisty Blood Drinker Meets Cunning Mage
4 Stars
I can't wait for more Sabina Kane! This first book in a new series where vampires, mages, the Fae, and demons are all messed up magical descendants of Lilith promises action, adventure, and a healthy splash of romance to go with your blood cocktail.
Sabina is a forbidden mix of half royal vampire and half mage. The granddaughter of the most powerful vampiress on the planet, she should have lead a life of privilege. Instead her grandmother has used her as a powerful assassin, even sending her after Sabina's own friends while rabidly preaching to her about, and whining that Sabina will always be tainted. Sent on a spy mission against the ruling panel of vamps fiercest enemy and hunted by the mage kin she thought had abandoned her at birth, Sabina meets a new cast of friends who teach her that maybe she's different - but still special- after all. The cast includes a hairless demon cat in sweaters, a Shirley Temple drinking fairy, and the sexy mage who won't leave her alone.
This book definitely leaves you hungry for more of Sabina's crazy life as war between the races looms on the horizon. Bring on the next installment!
~ Anna Hope, PA United States
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Torn between two worlds
4 Stars
Sabina is half mage-half vampire and not quite part of either world. When David, a man who's been as good as family betrays her vampire sept, she kills him.
And when her Grandmother, the head of that sept wants her to kill Clovis, her rival, Sabina accepts. Unfortunately, she may have more in common with the enemy sept than the one she's lieged to.
Oh, and if that wasn't complication enough, she's got a mysterious mage stalking her and someone's sicced a demon with a shopoholic bent on her.
Frankly, Sabina had to grow on me. She did and so did the story. I think if Miss Wells keeps Sabina a strong heroine, I'm going to be happy with the series. It's not a flawless start, but a darn good one and I'll definitely be looking for the next book.
Best of luck to you, Miss Wells, and thanks for an excellent evening's entertainment.
Rebecca Kyle, April 2009
~ R. Kyle, USA
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First In an All New Urban Fantasy Series
5 Stars
Sabina Kane is a professional assassin for a powerful vampire sect. But she is only half vampire, a fact that has been a burden for Sabina her entire life. And when a mage approaches her with information about her mage family, Sabina finds herself torn between the life she knows and betrayal. Her latest mission is to infiltrate a cult and assassinate its founder. But Sabina soon becomes caught up in more than she can handle in a battle among the races. But she isn't sure which side she should choose.
Jaye Wells has created an amazing new urban fantasy world of vampires, mages, fairies, and more, all descendants of the fabled Lilith. Sabina Kane's mother was a vampire and father was a mage, her origins steeped in lies and betrayal. When forced to kill her friend for betraying her race, she still begrudgingly obeys. But there is more to Sabina than just being a killer. She's complex and doesn't always make the right decisions, but throughout the story, we begin to see a change in her and the way she views others around her.
Red-Headed Stepchild is action-packed suspense at its best. And urban fantasy doesn't get much better than this. Steeped in mystery, intrigue, and magic, this debut is one of the best I've read in months. Jaye Wells is a promising new talent.
~ SciFiChick, Fishers, IN USA
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