When I finished Cruxim, the first in the Cruxim Saga, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series. However I had to wait for Cox to publish it. Then Karin was kind enough to send me an advanced copy. Seriously, I was stoked! Today I’m reviewing Creche for the Once Upon a Time challenge. Once Upon a Time VIII is a reading challenge hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings that focuses on fantasy, folklore, fairy tales, mythology, or any of the sub genres. This challenge isn’t really a challenge but an opportunity to read books and to meet new blogging friends. Stop by his site for more details and here’s the link for the reviews.
Here’s the synopsis of Creche:
Still grieving the loss of Joslyn and the Sphinx Sabine, and craving revenge upon Beltran, his Vampire nemesis, Amedeo the Cruxim is destined to learn more about his past in the sequel to Karin Cox’s critically acclaimed gothic paranormal romance Cruxim.
When he meets a female of his own kind, Skylar, who takes him to the hidden stronghold of Silvenhall Creche to learn Cruxim lore, the secrets revealed in the holy book of the Cruximus, and the lies told to him by his own kind, force Ame to question who he is really is, where his loyalties lie, and whether there is anything he desires more than vengeance.
My review:
Creche, the follow-up to Cruxim, picks up right where the first book left off. Amedeo meets another Cruxim named Skylar. The end of book one was riveting and left many questions unanswered. Mainly, who is the new Cruxim, what will happen to Sabine, Amedeo’s sphinx lover, who is trapped, and how will Amedeo deal with all the loss inflicted by the evil vampire Beltran. I don’t want to reveal too much for those who haven’t read the first book.
Skylar is an intriguing character who introduces Amedeo to other Cruxim and after being alone for hundreds of years Amedeo isn’t very trusting of other Cruxim and they don’t trust him all that much either.
I loved the first book in the series, Cruxim, and couldn’t wait for the sequel. When I opened the book to the first page I hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed. Sometimes the sequel in a series can be a letdown and I wasn’t sure how the author would top herself. I wasn’t disappointed at all. Creche is just as good and might be slightly better since Cox is revealing more about the characters.
Not only do the readers learn more about Amedeo, he learns more about his past. I don’t want to spoil things for those who haven’t read the book yet, so I won’t go into details, but I will say that I was shocked. There are still unanswered questions and I’m very intrigued to see what happens next. Hopefully that wait won’t be too long.
I highly recommend both Cruxim and Creche.
Karin has edited three of my novels and over the years we’ve become good friends even though we haven’t met in person. This week Karin surprised me again and sent me an autographed copy of Creche! I was so excited. My dog, Miles, insisted on being in the photo even though he’s not a fan of books. He prefers when we’re in the park playing fetch and when we are, he refuses to let me read.
About the Author:
Karin Cox is an Australian editor and Whitley-Award-winning author. Since her first book was published in 2004, she has had more than 30 titles published across a range of genres, from children’s fiction and non-fiction, to novels, to non-fiction social history, natural history guides, and educational and coffee-table books. She is the author of Cruxim (a gothic paranormal romance novel) and its sequel Creche, Cage Life and Crows & Other Beasts (both dark, literary short stories), Hey, Little Sister and Pancakes on Sunday(illustrated picture books), and Growth (an anthology of poetry). Karin lives in Australia with her long-suffering fiancé, her daughter, her two dogs, and a cat with the improbable name of “Ping Pong.” You can follow her on Twitter (@Authorandeditor), or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KarinCox.Author or http://www.karincox.com. Sign up for her mailing list to be alerted to new releases http://eepurl.com/vk_bP
Has anyone else read this series?
Making My Mark 
Oooh, autographed copy!!! You scored big :). It’s funny you should post about Creche today because I was making a list yesterday of the next books I want to read and Creche is on it. I really enjoyed the first one too.
I think you’ll like this one. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
I might start it today :).
Autographed copies are the best, you lucky girl!!! This look alike a really interesting series—-I don’t always like this type of story but your review has me intrigued!!!
It was a pleasant surprise to receive the book. You know how much I love books!
I remember your review of Cruxim and thought it was good, but it was only when I read Marionette I realised Cox was your editor. I suspect it will be a while before they arrive in my library 😦 It’s great that you have such a good relationship, when I write about editing on whenever my next writing post is, I will be saying that is absolutely critical and this is a good example of a relationship that works.
I never really understood how vital editors were until I started working with Karin. Most people have no idea how hard they work and how much input they add. It’s amazing and I’m really lucky that Karin and I get along. And she’s not afraid to tell me the areas I need to work on, which is a good thing. Each time I learn a little bit more and hopefully I improve.
I’ve just published, so when you get time, have a read, I suspect it will resonate with you.
Trouble is, people don’t know what they are missing when – they don’t know what they are missing. If that makes any sense at all 😀
I recently got Cruxin…but haven’t read it yet. Now I can’t wait.
I hope you enjoy it!
Lol! Love the photo with Miles…he’s so cute! Great review!
Miles is a very honest dog. I always know what he’s thinking.
What a great relationship you built with the author. I love it when that happens.
It’s really fun. And I can’t wait to read your book!