Book Thoughts on Thursday: 1301 The Marquis, Christine Rains

Today I'm adding a new feature to my blog, which I'm calling 'Book Thoughts on Thursday'.

I wanted a place to talk about some of the books I've been reading, but I'm somewhat reluctant to call them reviews. As soon as I think about writing a 'review' I go into an internal panic that whatever I write isn't going to be good enough, or descriptive enough or contain things that would make it a 'proper review'.

I'd rather just have a relaxing stroll through what I've been reading and enjoying, and share these thoughts with you. I haven't got a rating system of any kind, but if I've taken the time to get my thoughts down to be shared then I definitely enjoyed the book. 

The timing for this new venture couldn't be better either, as the first book I want to talk about is from one of my favourite bloggy friends Christine Rains.
This year she has been working tirelessly on her 13th Floor Series, and after successfully publishing six titles in the series she is ready to put them all together and release them as one collection.

Throughout the month of October she will be going on a tour across the blogosphere, and as part of a build up to it I will be offering my thoughts on all six installments. I know you're going to love them and will be ready to pick up your own copy of the collection by the time I'm done.

So, to the first story in the series:  

1301: The Marquis

A friendly warning: Although not intentional.I may give away some aspects of the story that you may not want revealed. I know I hate it when spoilers ruin my experience of a story, so feel free to halt your reading here until you've read it for yourself.
Then you can come back to see if you share my thoughts!

 

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Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

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This was a great introduction to the 13th Floor, a secret level where all manner of different creatures reside out of view from the regular folk.

The main character living in room 1301, Marc, is the father figure to all who live there and tries to help and protect them whenever he can.

Throughout the story he is in conflict with himself about where he fits in. Not welcome in Heaven and refusing to go back to Hell, he is in limbo on Earth as he tries to atone for a previous life as a demon. I love this aspect of his character and it comes across really well in the writing. 

In contrast to his dark and brooding character is Mae, who he is deeply in love with but can't bring himself to tell her. He would rather ensure the safety of others over his own happiness, believing that by letting anyone into his life will put them in danger. He proves to be spot on with this theory when Vetis steps into the scene.

Mae brought a softer, gentler side to the story which worked well opposite Marc's strong and determined demeanour. Through her characterisation we saw she had her own strength, which she used to great effect in helping Marc overcome his internal and external demons. She saw something in him that he didn't see for himself, and this outside perspective was brilliantly portrayed through her eyes.

I enjoyed watching Marc grow as a character, from a lonely and unhappy guardian, to realising it doesn't have to be so hard to have his own happiness. 

The pain and mental journey he goes on had me enthralled in the story, and the final build up led to a very satisfying ending as a reader.

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