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Vampire Babylon #5
The Path of Razors
Mean girls come in all forms—including undead.
London couldn't be further from L.A., but stuntwoman-turned-vampire hunter Dawn Madison knows that her job hasn't changed—find the local vampire Underground and wipe it out. She and her team have located the vamps' lair at a private girls' school and now they have the undead on the run. But the vicious pack is starting to realize that its greatest threat may be from within its own ranks.
Meanwhile, Dawn finds her psychic powers—and urge to hunt—growing. And as unrest rocks the Underground, Dawn begins to fall prey to her own dark desires.
London couldn't be further from L.A., but stuntwoman-turned-vampire hunter Dawn Madison knows that her job hasn't changed—find the local vampire Underground and wipe it out. She and her team have located the vamps' lair at a private girls' school and now they have the undead on the run. But the vicious pack is starting to realize that its greatest threat may be from within its own ranks.
Meanwhile, Dawn finds her psychic powers—and urge to hunt—growing. And as unrest rocks the Underground, Dawn begins to fall prey to her own dark desires.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2009
2 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Chris Marie Green
43Ìýbooks250ÌýfollowersChris Marie Green, former school teacher turned full-time writer, gets out of the office by taking long trips to places such as Japan, Italy, and New Orleans. When she’s not causing international incidents, she enjoys yoga, movie-going and dabbling in firsthand research such as fencing, Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She also writes under the name and
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 5, 2011
For those who’ve not yet read any of the Vampire Babylon Series by Chris Marie Green, “The Path of Razors� is the 5th in the series and the 2nd installment within the second story arc. Books 1-3 are a trilogy within the series and have a story line that is resolved in the 3rd book, “Break of Dawn�. While it is not necessary to read the first trilogy in order to understand the storyline within the second arc, readers will find much background information and a much better “preparedness� for this new adventure!
In this installment of Vampire Babylon, Dawn Madison, (a big screen stunt woman turned “tough as nails� vampire hunter), the mysterious Costin, and the rest of Limpet & Associates are in the midst of unraveling the mystery of the private Queenshill School for Girls and its link to the local underground vampire nest. In addition, Costin finds himself not only struggling with his “host� for control, but also struggling with the fact that Dawn is now his “master� as a result of an interesting turn of events at the conclusion of the first trilogy. Costin now finds himself the very “enemy� he has sworn to vanquish!
But readers do not fret, ‘tis not all seriousness and dour! Chris Marie Green has a knack for keeping the reader entertained on all levels and never fails to add a healthy dose of humor into the mix! This humor can be found in places such as our crazy little man “Kiko�, or even within the tension of a supernatural love triangle between Dawn’s father, her mother, and a ghost!
Readers beware! Once started, this series becomes a thrilling, suspenseful, page turning adventure that will keep you wanting more! Woot Woot! March 2nd is just a few days away! This reader is impatiently awaiting the next installment, Deep In The Woods!
In this installment of Vampire Babylon, Dawn Madison, (a big screen stunt woman turned “tough as nails� vampire hunter), the mysterious Costin, and the rest of Limpet & Associates are in the midst of unraveling the mystery of the private Queenshill School for Girls and its link to the local underground vampire nest. In addition, Costin finds himself not only struggling with his “host� for control, but also struggling with the fact that Dawn is now his “master� as a result of an interesting turn of events at the conclusion of the first trilogy. Costin now finds himself the very “enemy� he has sworn to vanquish!
But readers do not fret, ‘tis not all seriousness and dour! Chris Marie Green has a knack for keeping the reader entertained on all levels and never fails to add a healthy dose of humor into the mix! This humor can be found in places such as our crazy little man “Kiko�, or even within the tension of a supernatural love triangle between Dawn’s father, her mother, and a ghost!
Readers beware! Once started, this series becomes a thrilling, suspenseful, page turning adventure that will keep you wanting more! Woot Woot! March 2nd is just a few days away! This reader is impatiently awaiting the next installment, Deep In The Woods!
October 9, 2018
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65 points/100 (3 ½ stars)
A lair of girls found. An Underground still to go. Psychic powers are growing. Things are building to an end.
You know, not much happened in this one. I don't really have an update on much involved in The Path of Razors. This was mostly setup for the final book of the trilogy. Definite middle child syndrome, as Green didn't want to really wrap up any one plot line for the trilogy, yet.
Teenage girls are vicious.
Be afraid. (I know I am.)
This Underground is structure much differently than the one in Los Angeles. There are two masters, working in concert. They both work to turn each girl they change. Which is another thing that is different. While Benedikte turned everyone he thought would belong in his starlet model, these two are different. They take the ones that are desperate for belonging. Yet, the outcome is exactly the same which is interesting. The vampires also have different forms this time around, which is really interesting. They can change into cats and ravens, and I'm not actually certain I've run across that before.
In the Hunter camp, not much has changed. Honestly, it is mostly just relationship drama. Eva and Frank are dancing around each other. Breisi is upset at this. Kiko is mad at Natalia for being around still, though that at least has lessened. There is still the weird stuff going on between Dawn and Costin/Jonah. Really, nothing has changed at all here.
The one thing that has changed is that Dawn's psychic powers are once again (finally!) growing. Which is a good thing, since the last book is coming up.
Mostly, this just felt like a holding pattern. Looking forward to finishing the series.
65 points/100 (3 ½ stars)
A lair of girls found. An Underground still to go. Psychic powers are growing. Things are building to an end.
You know, not much happened in this one. I don't really have an update on much involved in The Path of Razors. This was mostly setup for the final book of the trilogy. Definite middle child syndrome, as Green didn't want to really wrap up any one plot line for the trilogy, yet.
Teenage girls are vicious.
Be afraid. (I know I am.)
This Underground is structure much differently than the one in Los Angeles. There are two masters, working in concert. They both work to turn each girl they change. Which is another thing that is different. While Benedikte turned everyone he thought would belong in his starlet model, these two are different. They take the ones that are desperate for belonging. Yet, the outcome is exactly the same which is interesting. The vampires also have different forms this time around, which is really interesting. They can change into cats and ravens, and I'm not actually certain I've run across that before.
In the Hunter camp, not much has changed. Honestly, it is mostly just relationship drama. Eva and Frank are dancing around each other. Breisi is upset at this. Kiko is mad at Natalia for being around still, though that at least has lessened. There is still the weird stuff going on between Dawn and Costin/Jonah. Really, nothing has changed at all here.
The one thing that has changed is that Dawn's psychic powers are once again (finally!) growing. Which is a good thing, since the last book is coming up.
Mostly, this just felt like a holding pattern. Looking forward to finishing the series.
April 2, 2024
This book really sets up a lot to be finished in the final book. This went much darker than I was expecting and the twists and turns had me on edge the entire book. So excited and nervous to finish this series now. This whole series has left me with my mouth wide open at times and screaming WHATTTT. I so need more people to read this series!
August 4, 2009
The Path of Razors by Chris Marie Green
Urban Fantasy- Aug 4, 2009
4 stars
The Path of Razors is an engrossing Urban Fantasy from the extremely creative mind of Chris Marie Green. Her books are a real treat that are not to be missed! For those who have not read her works, this is the 5th in her Vampire Babylon series. The first three are a trilogy within the series that has a storyline which is resolved by the third book. Because the Path of Razors is the second book in the ‘second trilogy� (starring the same characters as the first), I would suggest at least reading A Drop of Red before reading The Path of Razors to orient yourself properly. (Or if you would like the full enjoyment reading the first 4 stories to appreciate the growth in the characters!)
As explained The Path of Razors is the second book in the second trilogy of Chris Marie Green’s series and as such it leaves the reader with many answers but also many surprises. All of which I hope will be resolved in her 6th book!
The Path of Razors is actually composed of 2 storylines. The first deals with: evil vampires, the Queenshill School and the mysterious Underground. The second storyline concerns the heroes who are bent on finding them and exterminating their nest.
In the heroes� story, the heroine Dawn, the mysterious Costin and the rest of the team are investigating an inhuman school for girls and trying to find its link to a secret Underground lair of vampires. Unfortunately there is conflict within the team as the leader Costin fights against the body he occupies for control and the vampire abilities he was forcefully given to save his life. He finds himself now the enemy he has sworn to vanquish. Adding to the tension is the love triangle between Dawn’s father, mother and a murdered ghost!
The villains� storyline is equally if not more compelling as secrets behind: Mrs. Jones, Wolfie and the Queenshill dorm are revealed. Small references to the secret vampire underground also kept me on edge as I tried to figure out where the story might be leading.
What I find most unusual about Christ Marie Green’s books is that she develops the villains equally if not better than the heroes. I often find myself preferring them to the ‘heroes.� The author has the rare ability to make the villains: relatable, vulnerable and vastly appealing. I found the sections with the school girls exciting and was drawn to their sheltered lives as they tried to discover the secret behind Wolfie and Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones’s story is revealed and it was a fantastic surprise which was well worth the price of the book!
I feel I have invested time in these characters and grown to know them. Chris Marie Green really knows how to develop her characters and create tension. I am eager to discover how or if their situations with be resolved in the next book. The school girl Della in particular is an absorbing character which I would love to see in more books past the next?! I am also curious to find out more about the mysterious Whisperer and dragon.
This is a fantastic series not to be missed. But WARNING, once you start you will become addicted!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Urban Fantasy- Aug 4, 2009
4 stars
The Path of Razors is an engrossing Urban Fantasy from the extremely creative mind of Chris Marie Green. Her books are a real treat that are not to be missed! For those who have not read her works, this is the 5th in her Vampire Babylon series. The first three are a trilogy within the series that has a storyline which is resolved by the third book. Because the Path of Razors is the second book in the ‘second trilogy� (starring the same characters as the first), I would suggest at least reading A Drop of Red before reading The Path of Razors to orient yourself properly. (Or if you would like the full enjoyment reading the first 4 stories to appreciate the growth in the characters!)
As explained The Path of Razors is the second book in the second trilogy of Chris Marie Green’s series and as such it leaves the reader with many answers but also many surprises. All of which I hope will be resolved in her 6th book!
The Path of Razors is actually composed of 2 storylines. The first deals with: evil vampires, the Queenshill School and the mysterious Underground. The second storyline concerns the heroes who are bent on finding them and exterminating their nest.
In the heroes� story, the heroine Dawn, the mysterious Costin and the rest of the team are investigating an inhuman school for girls and trying to find its link to a secret Underground lair of vampires. Unfortunately there is conflict within the team as the leader Costin fights against the body he occupies for control and the vampire abilities he was forcefully given to save his life. He finds himself now the enemy he has sworn to vanquish. Adding to the tension is the love triangle between Dawn’s father, mother and a murdered ghost!
The villains� storyline is equally if not more compelling as secrets behind: Mrs. Jones, Wolfie and the Queenshill dorm are revealed. Small references to the secret vampire underground also kept me on edge as I tried to figure out where the story might be leading.
What I find most unusual about Christ Marie Green’s books is that she develops the villains equally if not better than the heroes. I often find myself preferring them to the ‘heroes.� The author has the rare ability to make the villains: relatable, vulnerable and vastly appealing. I found the sections with the school girls exciting and was drawn to their sheltered lives as they tried to discover the secret behind Wolfie and Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones’s story is revealed and it was a fantastic surprise which was well worth the price of the book!
I feel I have invested time in these characters and grown to know them. Chris Marie Green really knows how to develop her characters and create tension. I am eager to discover how or if their situations with be resolved in the next book. The school girl Della in particular is an absorbing character which I would love to see in more books past the next?! I am also curious to find out more about the mysterious Whisperer and dragon.
This is a fantastic series not to be missed. But WARNING, once you start you will become addicted!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
June 2, 2013
The Path of Razors is the fifth book in the Vampire Babylon series, and the second installment in the London Underground trilogy.
Dawn Madison is on a quest to infiltrate and destroy another Vampire Underground. Her one moment as a vampire in the previous book, A DROP OF RED, has left her with a new mind ability. She can control things and people with her mind, and she struggles to control the new power. Meanwhile, her boss Costin, and newly turned vampire, compliments of Dawn, is having a hard time containing his host body, Jonas. Jonas struggles to overcome Costin's control and the turmoil may cost the team if not handled correctly.
Della is one of the special vampires from an all girls school. A local London Underground uses the school to recruit young girls into their world. She loves being a vampire and craves the hunt. She keeps having recurring visions of a woman bathing in blood, and the visions seem to spur Della onto a terrifying path. She has no guilt or regret for her transgressions, and she won't let Dawn stand in her way.
THE PATH OF RAZORS, VAMPIRE BABYLON, BOOK 5 is an exciting addition to the series. A lot of weaknesses and strengths are revealed about members of the team, and the final goal is creeping near. Gritty characters, a twisting and dark plot, and kick-butt action set the scene. Fans of the series won't be disappointed! If you like fantasy or paranormal, give VAMPIRE BABYLON a look. It has it all!
Dawn Madison is on a quest to infiltrate and destroy another Vampire Underground. Her one moment as a vampire in the previous book, A DROP OF RED, has left her with a new mind ability. She can control things and people with her mind, and she struggles to control the new power. Meanwhile, her boss Costin, and newly turned vampire, compliments of Dawn, is having a hard time containing his host body, Jonas. Jonas struggles to overcome Costin's control and the turmoil may cost the team if not handled correctly.
Della is one of the special vampires from an all girls school. A local London Underground uses the school to recruit young girls into their world. She loves being a vampire and craves the hunt. She keeps having recurring visions of a woman bathing in blood, and the visions seem to spur Della onto a terrifying path. She has no guilt or regret for her transgressions, and she won't let Dawn stand in her way.
THE PATH OF RAZORS, VAMPIRE BABYLON, BOOK 5 is an exciting addition to the series. A lot of weaknesses and strengths are revealed about members of the team, and the final goal is creeping near. Gritty characters, a twisting and dark plot, and kick-butt action set the scene. Fans of the series won't be disappointed! If you like fantasy or paranormal, give VAMPIRE BABYLON a look. It has it all!
September 27, 2015
By the time I finished this one Dawn Madison had demonstrated that she possesses not only the willpower of a superhero but at least one of their super powers also. As the series has progressed Dawn has found that she is able to control things to an extent with her mind, a form of telekinetic manipulation that allows her to use rage as a channel to access the power and bust open doors as well as other things.
However in she finds her mind powers stronger than ever and herself in danger of crossing a moral line that would break her spirit for sure.
The plot was fast moving, full of action and reveals and I have high hopes that the last book not only keeps the momentum going but manages to truly complete the story arc satisfactorily.
For sure this book was a roller coaster ride, especially now that the group of schoolgirl vampires are becoming more of a force to be reckoned with. As are the mysterious Custodes who protect them.
However in she finds her mind powers stronger than ever and herself in danger of crossing a moral line that would break her spirit for sure.
The plot was fast moving, full of action and reveals and I have high hopes that the last book not only keeps the momentum going but manages to truly complete the story arc satisfactorily.
For sure this book was a roller coaster ride, especially now that the group of schoolgirl vampires are becoming more of a force to be reckoned with. As are the mysterious Custodes who protect them.
May 5, 2011
I read the previously 4 books in this series... it was good, I mean it was a cool series is just not what I like... I don't like Jonah's/Costin's character, not even one bit; he is just so.. I don't know, like selfish you know? I mean it's really cool that he wants not to be a vampire but then he goes and takes bodies from other people... and then acts all weird because she had to vamp him so he could go on in his mighty crusade, It's like he is the most vamp of all the vamps! Plus she is all in love with him and he is all weird. There are some things I liked from the books, is just I'm not entirely happy with them.
The story is a strong story the plot is a good one... the other characters are cool I just don't like the leads relationship, and it ruins some of the books dynamics for me.
So anyway I believe you should read the first trilogy and if you like it, then continue reading the other 3...
The story is a strong story the plot is a good one... the other characters are cool I just don't like the leads relationship, and it ruins some of the books dynamics for me.
So anyway I believe you should read the first trilogy and if you like it, then continue reading the other 3...
November 10, 2010
This series is vampire UF.
The series is about stuntwoman - turned vampire hunter, Dawn Madison. Dawn joins a mis-fit crew of vampire hunters seeking to destroy the vampire "undergrounds" around the world. The first three books take place in Hollywood, with the next three in London. Toss in a good background story, a complicated sexual relationship, and you've got an entertaining an pretty unique vampire series!
I loved the first three books of this series (which is sorta its own trilogy) but fourth one, which is also the first book of a new trilogy, left me unimpressed - which is why this book has been sitting on my to-read shelf for over a year. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time around! I found that the story picked up and was more engaging than book #4 was, which is leaving me wanting to read book #6 very soon!
The series is about stuntwoman - turned vampire hunter, Dawn Madison. Dawn joins a mis-fit crew of vampire hunters seeking to destroy the vampire "undergrounds" around the world. The first three books take place in Hollywood, with the next three in London. Toss in a good background story, a complicated sexual relationship, and you've got an entertaining an pretty unique vampire series!
I loved the first three books of this series (which is sorta its own trilogy) but fourth one, which is also the first book of a new trilogy, left me unimpressed - which is why this book has been sitting on my to-read shelf for over a year. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time around! I found that the story picked up and was more engaging than book #4 was, which is leaving me wanting to read book #6 very soon!
June 17, 2016
Just a quick review to catch up on a busy week.
The Queenshill girls are hiding out in London after Dawn and her friends discovered their mini-Underground. A new custode had plans of her own for the girls. And so do the girls for themselves. Between the two some interesting things happen
Meanwhile, Jonah and Costin are battling it out for control of the body. Eva loses it and disappears.
Dawn is emotionally depressed, but sees some great fighting action, especially at the end. And the scene is set for the last book.
Quick Thoughts: 1) I checked out all the places on Google maps and except for obvious things like London and the Highgate cemetery, the pubs and stuff are fictitious as least I couldn't find them.
Fave Scenes: the ravens, the story of the vampiress and the countess, Della’s punishment and the Lion & the Lamb pub.
The Queenshill girls are hiding out in London after Dawn and her friends discovered their mini-Underground. A new custode had plans of her own for the girls. And so do the girls for themselves. Between the two some interesting things happen
Meanwhile, Jonah and Costin are battling it out for control of the body. Eva loses it and disappears.
Dawn is emotionally depressed, but sees some great fighting action, especially at the end. And the scene is set for the last book.
Quick Thoughts: 1) I checked out all the places on Google maps and except for obvious things like London and the Highgate cemetery, the pubs and stuff are fictitious as least I couldn't find them.
Fave Scenes: the ravens, the story of the vampiress and the countess, Della’s punishment and the Lion & the Lamb pub.
October 15, 2009
Maybe I would give it a 3.5. I wasn't that impressed with this one. I had a hard time getting into the story this time. A lot of information came out, which was neat, but for some reason, I still felt like the book was missing something. Maybe it's the way the characters have changed. I don't know if I like what has happened to the characters. The next installment won't be out until Mar. 2010, so I have a while to wait. I'll read the next one because it will wrap up this arc, and then I'll decide if I want to keep reading more or not. I wonder how many more there will be. Obviously, another 3 are needed for the next story arc. And, are we really any closer to the main battle?
May 28, 2024
Reread of an old favourite. This is probably my second favourite in the series, and I LOVE it. The plot is very sharp, the worldbuilding details are absolutely great and I really love everything that happens with the characters. Just really, really great. And I'd recommend it to anyone!
Reread #A Billion: I love you Della. I love you Claudia/Claudius. I love you Dawn. <33
Reread #A Billion: I love you Della. I love you Claudia/Claudius. I love you Dawn. <33
January 26, 2015
I found that dawn and her friends are still finding there way and grown in a group they are fight two master vampires finally hoping to find the Dragon vampire . I love this series and hope you will too
August 22, 2016
Ok after some back track, the book before this.
Chris is back on track. Running full steam ahead here.
Twists, turns, changes of allegiances among the enemy.
As before, she keeps your curiosity and interest peeked.
On to the final book, this story arc.
Chris is back on track. Running full steam ahead here.
Twists, turns, changes of allegiances among the enemy.
As before, she keeps your curiosity and interest peeked.
On to the final book, this story arc.
October 17, 2012
I enjoyed the series much more with Matt Lonigan. He helped to balance Dawn out in a way that Jonah could not.
December 2, 2014
i am beginning to despise finding books that are trilogies turned into 3 books!
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