Things haven’t been easy for Mona Lisa. Her Mixed Blood has automatically earned her many enemies, as have the events that occurred in the first book of the series, MONA LISA AWAKENING.  

Mona Lisa is entering her newly acquired territory for the first time. With her group of supporters, her Warrior Lords, and her brother in tow, Mona Lisa arrives in Louisiana. She will have to embrace her powers if she is to succeed as both old and new enemies are lurking, waiting to pounce on her slightest misstep in judgment.

The character and heart of Mona Lisa drive this series.  Mona Lisa’s compassion and strength are paramount to the reader caring about her, as the world of the Monère is a brutal one.  Some of the customs and beliefs of the Monère are not for the faint hearted; Mona Lisa’s ability to rise past these customs and show her own humanity adds a layer of depth and intensity to the series.

MONA LISA BLOSSOMING picks up after the events of MONA LISA AWAKENING. It can be read as a stand alone but there are nuances that a reader new to the series will miss, particularly in regards to the relationships. Mona Lisa’s bond with her Warrior Lords and with Rosemary, Jamie, and Tersa may not be as well understood without the background and emotion that are so well conveyed in MONA LISA AWAKENING.

MONA LISA BLOSSOMING shows Mona Lisa truly coming into her role as a Mixed Blood Queen. Mona Lisa’s position is a precarious one at times but she balances things well. Mona Lisa is learning how to make the tough choices, the ones that will test her determination and grit. I can’t help but admire her willingness to accept the challenges thrown at her.

Reviewed by Debbie

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Posted April 2008