Until one day a stranger enters Anca's shop and explains her father is dying and needs her. Anca finds the stranger Nicodemus, Demi as he is known, more than just attractive. She is drawn to him in ways she cannot understand, and though she agrees to accompany him back to Corsova, she is leery of their growing attraction. Her dreams are haunted by both blood and Demi and panicked she tries to escape Demi on the trip to Corsova, but Demi seems to have an innate sense of where Anca is hiding. Anca learns the taste of blood is part of her birthright and she has a duty to both her father and the people of Corsova to assume the throne. Her ties to Demi go beyond simple attraction and though she longs to return to New York and forget the strange new world she has been thrust into, she cannot.

Her decision to remain may cost her life, as her worst enemy is her own half-sister, who thinks nothing of killing for sport or fun and Anca stands between her and the throne. Anca must decide to either take the Blood Oath and forever become bound to Corsova, or return to the life she has left behind.

Blood Oath is a fanciful tale set in a land where no one is as they seem. Skillfully woven characters and hot steamy love scenes are mixed with a gripping plot that keeps the reader turning the page to see where this shape-shifting, vampiric tale will lead. You won't be disappointed if you like your fantasy mixed with reality and your romance passionately hot. Ms. Tunstall has invented a land rich in tradition and lore. Blood Oath is definitely a read you will want to sink your teeth into.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Torie West
August 18, 2003