If you like vampires and you like politics, then this is a book for you. In this tale where vampires become the superior species, we see the journey of amazing woman who fights with her ability to still feel compassion (a human trait) and her ability to rule with her ferocity (her vampiristic traits). In this story of clashing clans, the human spirit, and the need to keep a species thriving, we are caught up in wars that are both physical and emotional. We empathize with Tessa, while at the same time torn apart by her unique animal ability to throw away lives for nourishment and for her own amusement. We pity her while at the same time feeling a kind of loathing for her role of entitlement amongst both humans and vampires. She is a strong female who is inspiring and intimidating. Riddle weaves great pieces of lore about gods and goddesses in with the plot, which I found to be a really nice touch. Without spoiling the plot for those who have not read it, I will surmise to say that I cannot wait to see what is in store for the Leves and for Tessa. Spoiler alert ahead. I hope to find out more information on some of the other characters such as Isaac and Isabel. I also cannot wait to see what becomes of other characters such as her nephew and niece, Jason and Emma. Will Jason remain true to the vampires and will Emma escape and find her mother? Most importantly, what will become of the baby? Will she grow up only to be killed by both vampire and human or will she grow up to be embraced? I would love to see more description regarding their environments. For instance, I loved reading about the shield wall and the clubs. I know this could change the category the book is in, but I would have loved some more graphic detail on Tessa’s intimacy with her lovers. I also would love more background on Greco. This is truly a great start to a series, as I can see there is only one direction to go from here, and that is up. I hope that the plot will thicken, and that more mystery and scheming develops in the next books. Thank you J.S. Riddle for a really nice read.