Damned (Crusade) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (August 30, 2011)
Buy the Book:  Crusade, Damned

This is a spoiler free review.  
Damned is the second book in the Crusade series.  If you haven't read Crusade, check out my video review here, but I won't give any details that spoil the first book in this review.  (Synopsis will be at the end)

I seriously love this series!  There are only a handful of books out there that can cause this much anxiety and emotion in me, but this is definitely one of them.   I love it!

Crusade was non-stop action, and Damned certainly followed suit.  In fact, as far as bloody battles go, I think this book topped Crusade.  The vampires (Cursed Ones) are absolutely relentless, and so the hunters have to be just as relentless, fighting constantly for their lives, their sanity, and their souls.  Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie must be two seriously kick-butt ladies because they definitely know how to write a fight scene (or twelve).  I can't tell you how many times, while I was reading, I realized that all the muscles in my body were tensed up and I was holding my breath.  And I'm pretty sure they also like to torture a poor girl, because my heart is seriously BREAKING for these people/vampires/werewolves.  I mean how much can they take?? 

One of the things that I love about this series, is the way that it's written.  Debbie and Nancy are accomplished authors and it really shows.  The point of view is constantly shifting, as is the setting, and the characters we are following.  This seems like it would be confusing, but they pull it off brilliantly.  It is obvious that there was so much thought, history, and detail put into this story.  I love seeing it all unfold.  It's complex and dark and harsh, but underneath all of that, it's hopeful. 

The characters are so perfect and so completely screwed up.  I love them all for so many reasons.  They're constantly struggling with themselves and with each other.  The relationship between Jenn and Antonio, the only vampire who fights to overcome his desire for blood, is subtle but so compelling.  And in Damned even more than Crusade, their struggle to be together is just heart-wrenching, as are the relationships of all the team members.

If you read Crusade, you will not be disappointed with Damned.  It is more intense, the characters are more evolved, and the story just takes twist after twist.  If you haven't, you should check it out!  If you love non-stop action, deep plot lines, and being completely sucked into a story, I think you will love this series! 

There is a fine line between love and sacrifice….

Antonio would do anything for his beloved fighting partner Jenn. He protects her, even suppresses his vampire cravings to be with her. Together, they defend humanity against the Cursed Ones. But tensions threaten to fracture their hunting team and his loyalty—his love—is called into question.

Jenn, the newly appointed Hunter, aches for revenge against the Cursed One who converted her sister. And with an even more sinister power on the rise, she must overcome her personal vendettas to lead her team into battle.

Antonio and Jenn need each other to survive, but evil lurks at every turn. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, they must face down the darkness…or die trying.

Content:

• Sexual Content: Minor
• Profanity:  Moderate* (very similar to book 1)
• Violence:  Very Heavy
• Other Notables:  Lots of religious overtones (many religions).