Blog Tour: Birthright (The Dark Gifts, Book 1)

Rating: 4 Stars

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Dark Gifts

Author: Willow Cross Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

Release Date: March 2, 2011

Buy: Amazon

Blurb: For one-thousand years, Druid prophecies foretold of a young witch destined to alter the fate of both human and immortal alike. This witch-turned-vampire would be capable of harnessing the supernatural abilities of both and, in a bloody rise to power, would rule with unwavering control. 

Unwillingly thrust into a world she never dreamed existed, Liz Markum is catapulted into an ancient war between rival vampire factions. She must choose between those she loves and the ever-present darkness attempting to devour her very soul. Only one question remains: Will Liz claim her birthright or surrender to the dark gift? 

One choice. 

One chance. 

Two destinies.

Birthright begins with newly turned vampire, Liz, on her way to face the vampire counsel with her accidental maker, and the counsel's number one assassin, Michael. The reader learns of Liz's unfortunate death through the counsel's eyes as they sort through her memories, forcing her to live through her most painful experience again, and only leading to what she thinks is her imminent death.

Once the counsel is confident that Liz and her maker didn't intentionally break vampire law, she is able to leave her "cell" and experience a world she had no idea even existed. 

Whispers follow Liz through the hallways of the counsel's compound, and quickly she learns that the vampire community is on the verge of war. What she doesn't know, is that she is the catalyst for the salvation of her people, and without her, humanity will be lost.

Birthright was an entertaining, face-paced, and uniquely written paranormal adventure. Willow Cross easily builds a world filled with vampires, druids, witches, and more while developing characterization thoughtfully.

Liz and Michael are the "main" characters in Birthright, however I became very attached to multiple secondary characters. I adored little Jenna, Cass, Gregorio, Athena, and Angie. All of them played an essential role in the story and made it that much more complete.

Ms. Cross has a flow to her writing style that I also particularly enjoyed. Her phrasing was unique and almost lyrical at times. However, I was occasionally confused by the random changes in POV. I felt like there wasn't much consistency. That being said, I enjoyed hearing from multiple characters in the story, I just wish that I was able to connect more with Liz and Michael and be a part of their budding relationship. 

I felt that with the switching POV, I occasionally had to remind myself that Liz and Michael are at said point in their relationship because I've been reading from so-and-so's POV and so much time has passed. Having insight and knowing what was going on in the minds of some of the supporting cast was enjoyable, I just wish that their voices were the more dominant throughout.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series, Inheritance (Amazon), and see Willow's story progress. Birthright is a well-written, entertaining, and humorous novel, that keeps you guessing until the end.

xo,

Jenna Lynne

About the Author:

Willow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a neurotic dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost and several of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.

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**This book was given to me in return for an honest review from YANR.**