Search - Blood Ties (Oliver Nocturne)

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

School is out for Oliver Nocturne and his friends. Dean was being homeschooled with other zombies, and Emalie is done with human school. But it's not shaping up to be a joyful, fun summer. Oliver has far too much on his mind.

He overhears his parents talking about sacrifice when a member of the Half-Light Consortium comes to their house for a visit. He can see the person hand over something to his parents. He overhears ominous words such as loyalty, loss will be hard, no other way, and prophecy. This doesn't bode well for Oliver, who has been hearing lately of his destiny to fulfill his prophecy involving the Nexia Gate.

When he learns that the family is going to be going to Morosia to visit Phlox's family (Oliver's mother's side) before their cruise to Isla Necrata, Oliver and his friends hatch a plan. Emalie and her grandmother are off to the human city near Morosia in search of her long-lost mother and to further her Orani training. The three friends plan to meet up and find the elusive Selene, the oracle known to hold the secrets of the prophecy surrounding Oliver.

Time is running short as the sacrifice he heard discussed must happen the following night. He has little time to find the answers he seeks. With the help of his friends, Oliver learns the mysteries that have been kept hidden from him.

BLOOD TIES is the third book in the OLIVER NOCTURNE series. Mr. Emerson creates a vulnerable vampire character who shows loyalty to those that stick by him, whether human, vampire, or zombie. Only through the friendship that the three share do they overcome many obstacles. By the end of the story, Oliver learns what all the subdued conversations were leading up to.

Stay tuned for book four, THE DEMON HUNTER, due out in February 2009.