Blood Colony: A Novel (African Immortals Series Book 3)

I am recovering from Cancer, & fresh from a transfusion. I was joking with the vampires at the blood bank if anyone knew of an Author that could stand up to Ann RIce, of course they recommend the Twilight series. URGH. It was trite, and juvenile, and I couldn't finish two chapters. BUT . . . I am a believer that the best things come to you, when you are really clear about what it is you really want. No doubt I was searching for something, really good, and really juicy. I found a used copy of Tananarive Dues "My soul to keep", I was hooked. The characters, are so believable in their depth. The story is amazing, and kind of serendipitous in away, as I am contending with a disease of the blood. It kept me fully engrossed. I literally lived to read this book, thru many days and nights of painful cancer treatments, I could easily get lost for a few hours each day engrossed in this amazing story. I am not about to give anything away, it is a must read for all fans of the supernatural. I was thrilled beyond belief when after finishing this complex and engaging story, and wanting more, that Tananarive had written two other books in this series. I just recently found out she is writing another in the "immortal Series" as we speak!! The story is so good, and the characters so interesting, this could go on and on. Selfishly I hope she keeps writing this story line forever and ever. Start with "My soul to Keep" , you will be hooked. I am on to her other novels, "The Good House" is on my night stand now, and I am slowing it down as I don't want it to end. Joplins ghost is next, then "The Inbetween".

The third book in Ms. Due's African Immortal saga is the first one where I felt that the story was not standalone; that a new story would come from the old as well as a reckoning. It was also in my opinion the most politically motivated of all of the books in the series and I don't just mean because of Ms. Due's memorable words in her afterward. The implications of what something like Glow would mean for the world and the few who would try to control its distribution are complicated, far reaching, and worthy of examination as it is in this book. However I occasionally felt as if the message drove the story instead of the other way around. Tying the dissemination of the Living Blood to the Underground Railroad was ingenious and interesting but it also felt at times like clunky intrigue in the story. I don't think I would have it changed though because it resonated perfectly with the also intriguing and symbolic use of conventional Christianity and other interpretations of the Word or "the Letter" in the book. Frankly these are exactly the kind of heady topics you should expect from a story like this one it just meant that I enjoyed the beginning and the latter parts of the book much more than the middle. Three characters fascinated me in this book Fana who is now a grown woman but still innocent and only half done for much of the story. Jimmy who seems in his humanity, his mortality, and his prayers to be the only character the reader can identify with completely. And lastly Jessica who in her struggles and faith gives us all lessons in how to "follow God." Again the Immortals both African and Italian remain the most wild and fascinating creatures to me. Weirdly their arrogant rhetoric only makes them all the more arresting. On to book 4 happily.

Wow. Has it really been over a decade since the saga of Jessica and Dawit first began? After a too-long wait, Tananarive Due has crafted a worthy successor to MY SOUL TO KEEP and THE LIVING BLOOD. This novel picks up with their daughter, Fana--supposedly the only child born with the magic blood--now a rebellious teenager, and going through all the trials those angst-ridden years inevitably wreak. Except, on top of the raging hormones and looming self-doubts, our fragile Fana has to cope with being treated like a Deity, and feels the crush of the world on her shoulders, literally. How can she best share her miracles with the dying and infirm? Enter Sanctus Cruor (Catholicism's evil twin). It seems our favorite Africans aren't the only Immortals roaming loose on planet Earth. And perhaps Fana isn't so unique and all-powerful after all. When Fana and her best friend run away, they have no idea what nightmares are lurking around each corner. So many twisted turns in this story! I won't give all the good stuff away, no spoilers here, just let me say: First love rarely ends up so gory! And few teens have to grow up in the blink of the eye, as Fana does, rising to the occasion, making a choice that will affect the entire human race. Book 4, we're waiting! Update: Just a heads up to folks reading this on a Kindle. The device automatically takes you to the First Chapter even though there's a significant Prologue that should be read. This bug seems to affect each book I buy for my Kindle. Just navigate to the "Cover" and page forward as normal till you reach the Prologue, then begin... Another awesome book by Tananarive Due. Enjoy!

The best one yet. The writing is amazing and the story never stops. It's a great read. Not easy but makes you want more!

What an awesome installation this time.

The third book in the African Immortals series is possessed of the same compelling, personal, and riveting storytelling as the first two, but is different enough to keep it really interesting. The story deftly jumps between the perspectives of multiple characters, all the while adding greater depth and complexity to the elements of fantasy established in the first two. Further, the book gently describes a near future that is impressively recognizable. Finally, the way in which the stakes are raised and the characters grow and reveal more of themselves is truly masterful. I'm very excited to keep reading, if you couldn't tell.

I thought Octavia E Butler was a brilliant writer but these books are on a par. Very good indeed and I read all 4 books one after the other.

A truly epic story. I highly recommend this book. The story was beautifully written. Definitely one of my favourite books.

Amazing. Love this series