This short story is numbered 2.5 in the Order of the Sanguines series. The story centers around Christian, a young Sanguinist we met in Innocent Blood. I understand why the authors decided to give Christian a more detailed backstory as he is a very interesting and charismatic character. Unlike the prequel short story, City of Screams, this additional story does seem to fit with the main story and provides more character depth. This story should be read as a supplement to the rest of the series as the reader would miss some of the nuances if it was read as a standalone. Rating 4 ( )

In Blood Brothers, a short story exclusive by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell, journalist Arthur Crane receives an orchid on what he assumes will be the day of his death. Back in the late 60's he was tracking a killer who left an orchid with the person who would be his next victim. Arthur knows who the killer is, his blood brother Christian, and thinks he knows why the killer is coming for him - again.

This short story is a prequel or back story for the latest release, Innocent Blood, by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell that is due our in December. The previous book was Blood Gospel. This series contains the action/adventure that Rollins is known for combined with a supernatural element. It is well written with excellent characterization and a sharp focus, or in other words, a wonderfully tantalizing glimpse into part of the mythology for the Sanguine series.

very highly recommended

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of HarperCollins via Edelweiss for review purposes. ( )

Started and finished January 12th, 2014.
Be warned, do not pay too much for this, it is good, but very short and half of the pages are the beginning of [b:Innocent Blood|18089930|Innocent Blood (The Order of the Sanguines, #2)|James Rollins|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1375677202s/18089930.jpg|25003590], which you might by anyway, and which was ok as long as it was not available.
The book explains a few things and if you have not read or forgotten [b:The Blood Gospel|15818164|The Blood Gospel (The Order of the Sanguines, #1)|James Rollins|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1357605320s/15818164.jpg|21545770], you might need it.
In my opinion they should give short stories like this away for free as a teaser for buying the real thing.
Still, I recommend reading it.
Four stars may be too much, but I liked the way it was written, the action scenes are quite good and even in this short work you get to know the characters. ( )

Arthur is searching for the truth. The truth about the White Orchid murders in the late 1960s, and the truth about where his brother, Christian, disappeared.

Even though this is a short story, there is plenty of action and mystery.

The narrative is full of time overlapping mysteries and complex characters. While not all of the mysteries are fully resolved, as this is a series, they do come to enough closure to bring satisfaction.

Emotion, passion, and the pull of investigation are major influences on the characters, which present themselves well with authenticity and heartfelt compassion.

Overall, a compelling read. ( )

http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.ca/2013/11/rollins-cantrell-bleed-back-story-wit... ( )