Reviewed by Stephanie D. for Readers' Favorite

"Arctic Prison" by J E Hopkins is actually quite a hot book! It is a sensual paranormal romance novel with some interesting twists to this genre. You don’t usually come across sirens in such books, nor such non-dysfunctional families. Vampire Julian’s family isn’t perfect by any means, and Julian has had a hard 164 years feeling somehow inadequate compared to his older brother Kaden, and also reluctant to live life to the full and allow himself to love. In many ways the ice that Julian always found comforting in the past reflects his frozen emotions. But now Julian is dying. He took a bullet intended for his brother which is slowly killing him. Should he just give up or finally seize hold of life and make the most of it? He also needs to sort out his feelings. Yasmine, the Moroccan witch, is the woman he desires but feisty Russian siren Anastasia, who really, really hates Cinderella, is the one who helps him live rather than exist. What choice will he make as his time runs out? Will he escape from his self-imposed arctic prison?

There are some nice touches in this book. The characterization with its multicultural elements is fascinating and original. There are some laugh aloud moments, usually involving Anastasia who is the sort of person who lightens up any room, not to mention a touch of craziness! But there is tenderness and violence, and a very serious side to this book. Julian may be a vampire but his flaws and anxieties are ones that many of us humans share too. You can’t help but empathize with him and it’s that element that makes this such a powerful novel.