As a series I rate it at 2 stars. Vlad was such a charismatic character in other series that I really wanted for him to have a match that would allow him to carry his temperament and personality in his own series. Unfortunately it didn't happen and Vlad lost some of his luster as a result. 
 As a book I rate this 2.5 stars. (view spoiler)[The Native American witch element should have been introduced in previous books. (hide spoiler)]