Once Bitten by K. Price

I found out about Once Bitten by Kalayna Price a few months ago and I just recently got my hands on a copy.  I have to say, the intrigue I felt for this novel back then was definitely warranted.

For the past five years, Kita Nekai has faded into the background of the human world, but when a rogue shifter begins littering the city of Haven with bodies, Kita’s illegal status lands her on the suspect list. During a confrontation with hunters that she can’t win, rescue arrives in the form of the mysterious Nathanial Deaton. Kita soon wishes it hadn’t when his method of saving her leaves her undead. With only three nights to prove her innocence and a new liquid diet to worry about, Kita doesn’t want to deal with her infuriating rescuer or the ghost from her past who is determined to drag her back home. But, she needs help if she’s going to stand any chance of survival.

Price’s world is a lot different than a lot of societies I’ve been reading about lately.  She gives a whole new twist to the shapeshifter culture and their reaction to the full moon.  All shapeshifters are forced into their shapes during their first full moon, but after that, the moon is their gate between the shift realm of Firth and the human realm of Earth.  Plus, I have to admit, I like the idea that vampires and shapeshifters don’t automatically know that the other exists.  This become blatantly true during the first chapter or two of Once Bitten, so I hope that isn’t too spoilerish.

As for our main characters, I kind of like Kita.  She definitely has the lost waif attitude and it works with her reaction of becoming a vampire.  She just wants to survive without all the new pressures of being a vampire and she’s not even getting that lucky.  Then there is Nathanial.  He is something else.  There is more going on with him than we’re told and it seems like there could be a relationship brewing between the two and yet both of them are fighting it.  On top of these two trying to exist with each other, Kita’s old flame from Firth, Bobby, shows up with the intention of taking her back.  The thing is, Bobby is mated to someone else, so his body language is a little mixed up as well.  I think if all three are going to be appearing in a sequel, we’ll definitely be in for a good roller coaster ride.

Overall, I have to say, I enjoyed Once Bitten.  It’s not often I come across a newly turned vampire who tries to ignore her new dietary requirements.  It made for some really interesting reading and I do admit, I had a hard time putting this book down.  I haven’t heard that there is a sequel planned yet, but I’m really hoping there is.  I want to see what happens between Bobby, Kita and Nathanial.

For a quick taste of Once Bitten, check out the excerpt here.

Read Order:
Once Bitten
Twice Bitten
Third Blood (2011)

Also Reviewed By:
Patricia’s Vampire Notes
Unmainstream Mom Reads
SciFiGuy
Darque Reviews
Vampire Genre

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.