Rating: 4.5 stars
Buy Links:Â Â Amazon | All Romance | Amazon UK
Length: Novel
It typically takes three or more magical creatures to form a bond and create a group to support and protect themselves. Supernatural beings that are left out of a group face abuse by others and are rarely safe except for the few nights around the full moon. These groups are always formed with like beings — three demons, three wizards, three vampires, etc. It is unheard of for anyone to create a mixed group, but that is exactly what Curtis, Luc, and Anders have managed to do. Somehow the wizard, vampire, and demon have created their very own triad, one that is just as strong, if not stronger, than the other groups out there.
The three men aren’t interested in politics or getting involved with other groups. They just want to keep to themselves and stay out of trouble. But not everyone seems to feel the same way. There is a powerful vampire, Renard, who clearly has it out for the group and provokes them into starting conflicts. And no matter how much they try to stay out of the way, danger keeps finding them and the three face attack after attack. As a triad they are powerful, much more than anyone would expect. And it is pretty clear that there are those out there that would do anything to break the three men up. But they are determined to fight back against Renard and anyone would else who seeks to harm them, even if they must risk their lives along the way.
I first heard about this book when Burgoine stopped by the blog for a guest post and reading about the story really intrigued me. So when I went looking for a book to read for our Around the World Challenge, I figured this was a great time to pick up this story set in Canada. And I must say, I was thrilled at how much I truly enjoyed Triad Blood.
Before I go too far, I’ll mention that I started off reading Three, a short story that was first published in the Bold Strokes Books anthology Blood Sacrament. The short story introduces the three men and shows them meeting and forming their triad. It is also has a super steamy sex scene that gives us our introduction to the threesome and their amazing chemistry. While you could definitely read this book as a standalone, and in fact the ending of the short story forms the prologue here, I definitely would pick that one up and read it first if you can. First off, it is crazy hot, and second, it is a nice way to get started on this book. That said, pretty much all you need it to know is that these three different supernaturals formed a non-traditional triad with a strong bond.
Ok, so back to Triad Blood. First off, the world building is great. I loved the whole concept here, the idea of these supernatural groups and the power that they hold and the vulnerability of being alone. Luc, Anders, and Curtis have done something no one has ever done. Something no one has even thought of doing before in combining together. And in doing so, somehow they have amplified their power due to their unique connection. The world of wizards, vampires, and demons is nicely explored from the political side. We don’t necessarily get tons of lore on the creatures themselves, but the world in which they live and the way these groups interact is developed really nicely. Sometimes books that rely heavily on politics can drown under their own weight, but Burgoine does a great job of bringing us into all the manipulations while still keeping the book really engaging, and we finish up with a battle that is quite exciting.
Since this is for an Around the World Challenge, I’ll mention that the story is set in Ottawa, a city I am not familiar with at all. I think Burgoine does a nice job giving us a sense of the city and some of its landmarks, as well as the overall vibe.
From a relationship end, be aware that things are a little bit nontraditional here in terms of romance novels. The guys have a clear connection with one another, an emotional bond as well as a physical one. I loved all three of them and adored them together. They clearly care about one another deeply and share a home together, as well as having a sexual connection. But they are not monogamous (that would be impossible for Anders given that he is a sex demon) and they aren’t really “boyfriends” or in love with one another. So there isn’t really a romantic arc for the three men as much as a story that emphasizes their commitment to one another and determination to defend each other and the bond they have formed.
I found it all quite engaging and had no issues with the relationship end of things, though I will admit to wishing for a bit more of the sexual side. Mostly because Burgoine shows that he can write the steamy stuff with Three and so I missed it somewhat here. Not that I ever found the book boring or dragging, just that I knew what these guys are capable of together and their chemistry is amazing. That said, I was kind of disappointed that one of the three scenes we get features Luc with a guy he picks up for the night. Not that I minded the non-monagomy, but I feel like if we were going to get so few intimate scenes, I would have preferred it between our three guys rather than a throwaway character.
However, like I said, I found this one totally engaging and I was really drawn in from the start. I was thrilled to learn that there is more to come for these guys as I just loved the story and think there is a lot of potential here for more from them. So this story was really a delightful surprise and I am so glad I had a chance to pick it up. I would definitely recommend Triad Blood.
This review is part of our September Reading Challenge Month for Around the World Challenge Week! Leave a relevant comment below and you will be entered to win a fabulous prize from Riptide Publishing. One lucky winner will receive a selection of print Advanced Review Copies of Riptide books before they are even released (non-US winners will get ebook copies upon release instead). Commenters will also be entered to win our amazing grand prize sponsored by Dreamspinner Press (a loaded Kindle fire filled with DSP books!). You can get more information on our Challenge Month here, and more details on Around the World Challenge Week here. And be sure to check out our prize post for more about the awesome prizes!
I’ve been dying to pick this up because I love 1. polyamory and 2. vampires/wizards…but Mount TBR is SO. BIG. #pouts#
Yes! Pick it up! I am going to be a total book pusher here and tell you to definitely try it. If you want a taste, get Three, the prequel. It is a quick read. (My ulterior motive is once you read it, you won’t be able to avoid reading Triad Blood <>)
I’ve only read a couple of Burgoine’s shorts, but they definitely piqued my interest. I’ll have to look into this one!
It is super good. Definitely give it a try!
Supernatural worlds are normaly not my first choice to read but your great rieview was so enticing.
I’m at least a bit interested now 🙂
LOL, I’ll take it! I know paranormal isn’t for everyone, but if you are at all interested I’d encourage you to give it a try.
Basically I’m all for the author. I will read everything from my most beloved authors. This is why I have so many paranormals and other not-first-choice genres on my kindle.
And “Triad Blood” is now on my wishlist. Your blog is obviously dangerous 🙂
Lol sorry! I am a book pusher!
This does sound tempting, Jay, so thank you for the review. (It’s nothing to do with the story, but I’ll admit to being curious about the apostrophe in ‘Nathan. I wonder if the name derives from Jonathan.)
That was my guess as well, but not sure.
I know it’s terrible form for an author to comment, but since this wasn’t about the book: yep. You’re right. My given name is Jonathan, but it never suited. A combination of a grade eleven art teacher from Russia who kept calling me “Natan!” and my English teacher at the same time explaining (with utter exasperation) what an apostrophe was for collided into me picking a new name. 😉
Lol, we figured it must be something like that!
For some reason i always find it difficult to read Magic/paranormal/ sci fi/ demon etc. books in English and i think it is because English isn’t my native language. So although i like your review Jay and it does sound interesting i think i will have to skip this one. Maybe it will be translated some day 😉
I have read a number of good reviews for Triad Blood. ‘Nathan Burgoine is a new author for me. I am going to look for Three so I can read that short first and then read Triad Blood.
Good idea! I think it works well as a lead in (plus super sexy) and then you can see if you like it enough to keep going. But I am pretty sure you will….
I love paranormal, magic, fantasy etc. And this sounds like a really interesting setup. Â But, I think I would struggle with the relationship aspect of it. Â So, I guess this goes on the “maybe” pile for me.
Thanks for the review!
You are welcome! And yep, I get that it is not for everybody as the relationship end is a little atypical. I am curious where things will go in future books.
Thanks for the review … not sure because of its being a poly romance though. I still on a ‘traditional’ side of romance in that perspective.
Thanks for the review! I’ve bern wondering if I should read this book, the premise sounds great and I love the cover. But the lack of romance and monogamy are not a combination are 2 of the things I try to avoid when I pick a book. I might give it a try in the future though.
I have wanted to read this for ages but wasn’t quite sure whether it really was that good… and now I’m convinced. This might be the next one to go for in the Around the World Challenge (once I’ve finished “Don’t Twunk With my Heart”).
I hope you give it a try. If it something that interests you, I really think it is worth a shot. I found it excellent!
This sounds really interesting so I’ve added it to my wishlist. Thanks for the review!
Great Lisa! I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
This book is waiting for me, and I’m going to bump it up on my list now!
Yeah! Definitely let me know what you think!
Sounds fun. I love paranormal magical creatures and I’ve never heard of a sex demon. 🙂
He was supposed to be an incubus (or succubus – I never remember which one is male and which female). If you enjoy supernatural creatures, I think you will like this one.
I haven’t read anything by this author yet. It sounds like an interesting read but the menage aspect is throwing me off since I’m not really a menage fan.
Yep I get that it’s not for everyone. Let me know if you end up giving it a try b
I bought this one shortly after it released, and I honestly didn’t look into the story as much as it was just me trying out a new author (to me). That’s the good thing about liking all types of stories, being able to just try things because there’s not much I won’t give a chance. Having said that, I really liked what you said about it all, Jay. I’m glad to have a heads up about the non-romance and that it’s going to be part of a series, not because I have trouble reading any of that, but it lets me put my expectations in line. Sometimes it doesn’t matter, but if I was waiting around for declarations of love the day I read this, I wouldn’t want to hold that against the book for not delivering. I thought about making this one my challenge read this week when I saw it on the preview list, but given my reading mood lately, I’m glad I didn’t because it doesn’t sound like I’ll be as receptive to it right now even though it sounds great. I’m sure Future Me will have a good time with it, though.
Glad the review was helpful, and yes I agree that expectations have a big effect on how a book can come across. I hope you give this one a try when the mood suits. It is a great paranormal with really clever set up and nice political scheming so grab it when that calls to you
This sounds really good. I’m going to have to add it to the tbr. Thanks for the thorough review!
You are welcome! Hope you enjoy!
Hmm. As long as I set my mind in thinking that it’s not a romance, I think I can enjoy this one. Thanks for the review, this one will be on my will-try list.
Oh good, I hope you give it a shot. I found the connection between these guys to be fabulous (and answers such perfect snark) so I felt like there was a strong bond even if it is not a traditional romance. I loved reading about them.
Oh, great! This was in my TBR list since I first heard about it, I really loved the idea of whizard, demon and vampire, but I was not sure whether it would work. I’m glad to know it seems to fulfil what it promises. I’m all for reading non-traditional stories (I do not have any issue about the lack of romantic relationship), which makes it all the more interesting for me. Thank you for the review, Jay
You are welcome! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This book definitely sounds interesting but I’m not sure about the lack of romance. I’ll have to think about it. It does sound really good though…
I was a little worried about that too, but the story was so engaging I was totally caught up in it, even though romance wasn’t the focus. Plus, the connection between these guys was so good that even though they weren’t romantically involved, they were clearly in a strong emotional relationship. If you give it a try, I hope you enjoy!