Old Blood – A Novella (Experiment in Terror #5.5) (*slight spoiler alert* for those of you who are not familiar with this series yet, skip this review and scroll all the way to the bottom for everything I’ve written about it. I LOVE THIS series, just thought I’d let you know). 
A great short read to fill in many of the blanks concerning Dex and Perry and their mutual tie to “Pippa”. This is Pippa’s story in great detail. I’m sure the majority of EIT fans have already read this one, and/or remember Pippa, but just in case you haven’t yet, and need a refresher, Pippa is… “creepy clown lady”.
*blush* You guys know that I LOVE this series to death, but I’ll admit, I was a bit restless knowing that this one had to be read first before Dex’s book (The Dex-Files). Not that it didn’t prove to be a great story in it’s own right, and actually quite affecting in it’s eerie back story, (super eerie but so very good)…
But I knew then that what I saw was real and not real at once. I was special. And not in a fortunate way.
… but you know. I knew this one would “connect” us to Dex and Perry despite not actually giving us more of them. But hey… anything to keep us in their world, and keep us moving along in the series gets much love from me, so of course I was happy that the author sent it my way.
But “it” kept calling me. There it was…. I had The Dex Files sitting right there, but i knew better. No DEX before Pippa!! And so I simmered in my longing for it, but I didn’t cheat and skip ahead. I didn’t!!
I was told not to, and since I’m a stickler for propriety (even in my reading order) I knew better. It was like I had to eat my nutritious (but still delightful) supper before diving into that yummy cake!!! Arghhhhh!!!! It was worth it though. Well worth it, because while it was somewhat of a slower start, Pippa’s “voice” was strangely soothing. Comforting. And knowing that she played a big part in Dex and Perry’s world (and obviously continues to do so) meant I wanted to be connected to her, too.
“Very few people with these abilities can find each other in all the worlds. When it happens, you know. It’s a magnet affect, a sense of finding your missing half, someone who gives off what you do and draws you in like they do to you.”
Her own story, her former human life, how she became who she is now… just wow. And why she is still around made my heart clench.
I just wasn’t sure how I’d make a difference at all.
But I had to try.
I agree. A MUST read in the series to know and fully be able to connect to, who Dex is. And then guess what you get after this. FULL ON DEX!
Okay. I ate all my supper like a good girl should. Now bring me my cake!!
Tee hee!!!
4 stars!
P.S. And I shall be telling you just how yummy it was shortly… cake coming right up!
For more about what I’ve written on the Experiment in Terror series, see below (lots, right? haha. I LOVE this series soooo much. In fact I’ve been in a “Dex-daze” all day today…):
- Karina Halle – Experiment in Terror Series Reading Order
- The Experiment in Terror Series – Intrigued Readers Want to Know…
- Behind The Books – Interview With Karina Halle
- Book Review – Darkhouse by Karina Halle
- Book Review – Red Fox by Karina Halle
- Book Review – Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle
- Just Finished Reading Lying Season by Karina Halle & I’m Freaking Out!! The Torture Is Just So Gooood!!
- Book Review – Lying Season by Karina Halle
- Book Review – On Demon Wings by Karina Halle
- Book Review – Old Blood by Karina Halle
I am happily addicted to reading but I need to expend my book energy (especially when one puts me in an emotional frenzy - SO fun!). So, I release my feelings about the stories, by writing them down here. It's my book therapy. 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Yup, I couldnt agree more. It is a must read if you want to understand Dex and Perry’s relationship. Pippa’s story explains so many things about herself, Dex, and Perry. I was surprised to find out all the lil secrets that Pippa held.
I agree with you! Definitely a must read in the series.. And it does fill in a ton of blanks.. However, I was just itching to pick up the Dex Files!!! The entire time I was reading it!
Loved the insight into Dex’s childhood and I definitely had an OMG moment when Perry first realizes her abilities, and the reason why. Dex Files was amazing. Book candy.
Oh I LOVED that part Nikki. I thought OMG NO!!! But yep.
Thanks Maryse after reading this review and the one you did for The Dex-Files, I am going to follow your lead and eat my veggies…errr…I mean read this one first. I’m not going to skip straight to Dex…I don’t think.
I am struggling with the same problem right now and it’s making it hard for me to get into Old Blood. I have terrible self control as it is but with the temptation of Dex Files after this, it’s practically non existant!!
Has anybody questioned the chronology in Old Blood? If Dex was 13 when Pippa was committed and Perry wasn’t even born yet.. how could they be just 10 years apart? Did I miss something? To be honest – I don’t really care – I am so hooked on this series – it doesn’t matter. Just wonderin’. June 2013 (Book #7) cannot come fast enough! Great review!