Interview with a Vampire.. No really

Its hard in the world of today to avoid the Vampire in day to day life.  In novels, tv or the movies Vampires no longer just flood our dreams but seem to be flooding the creative market as well. The fictional Vampire captures the imagination of many but what about the living Vampire? Those people who feel a draw to the Vampire lifestyle?


This week a friend and I were lucky enough to sit down with a local Vampire, Vlad the Gothic Magician, and got a peek into both the world of stage magic and the life of a living Vampire.

Since he is a professional magician I figured that was the best way to start our interview. Apparently Vlad actually created the term Gothic Magic himself. It seems that while working in a haunted house he developed an interest in theatrical magic. He enjoys pulling the viewer into the story and crafting a magic show that really awes the spectator. In his own words his goal is to be the Vincent Price of magic.


He is obviously well on his way to achieving that goal. As a Gothic Magician he has performed for The Learning Channel, The Discovery Channel and the Canadian Broadcast Channel. He was also asked to perform for MGM studios at the premiere party for their movie "Lord of Illusions". Recently Vlad was asked to speak/perform at Dinning with the Dead hosted by the New England Ghost Project.


Now of course one has to wonder, and so I had to ask, if being a vampire has helped his career as a magician. Vlad answer was an interesting one that will make you think. He said that to him all performers "feed off the energy" of the crowd. Anyone who has ever performed onstage or given a speech will know right what he's talking about. Its that feeling of euphoria you get when a crowd starts cheering. Or how an athlete is able to put on one big surge to cross the finish line because the crowd is cheering him on. After all isn't that why people enjoy being in the spotlight? That rush they feel when everyone is staring at them cheering. Amazing, how could anyone deny that's true?


Of course there are other forms of Vampires out there so let me give you the rundown courtesy of Vlad and The Lure of the Vampire by Bertena Varney.
Modern Vampires tend to fall into a few different categories;

•  the Psychic Vampire or psi  who feeds off the energy of others (by consent) 
• the Elemental Vampire who feed off nature 
• The Tantric who feed off sexual energy
• The Sanguanarians who consume small amounts of blood from healthy consenting donors
• The Lifestylers who are attracted to the clothing, costumes, and etc and enjoy interacting as a Vampire

Vlad went on to tell us that he had his awakening slowly throughout his young adult life. First as an interest in general occult studies and then after that being brought into Vampire society in New York by a friend. He explained that the Vampire society in New York was based on a court style monarchy. A Regent was elected to reside over the court, the court consisting of houses and citizens. With each house having a sire and consisting of the sire, elders and newer vampires. (for all of us who read the Chicago land Vampires- makes you wonder if Chloe Neill did a bit of research before starting that series)


In order to enter this Vampire Society you needed to know someone who would bring you into functions and then continue to show up at court until you had been going for a year. During this year period you would be considered a fledgling and have no voting privileges. After a year you would then become a citizen and then after some uncharted amount of time could become an elder. A Sire would be someone who has brought a new Vampire into the community and would be responsible for their actions and by extension safety.


The New York Vampire Community eventually voted into practice a code of conduct know as The Black Veil. These rules to live by were designed to help Vampires stay quality members in both Vampire Society and in the outside world as functioning adults. Now it does appear the Black Veil has been changing slightly depending on who you talk to but the premise is the same. Use common sense and common courtesy when dealing with those in your community as well as those in the outside world.


Like every reader and movie goer out there I was wondering what kinds of movies and books stand out as worth watching to someone who is in the Vampire lifestyle. Vlad let us in on a few that stood out to him..


For movies he said he enjoys Bram Stokers Dracula since it a period piece and visually beautiful to watch. He also thought that cult-films like The Addiction and Nadja were worth watching.


As for books he thinks The Strain a vampire trilogy co-authored by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan is an interesting take on Vampires. He is also friends with the author of the YA series Vamped by Lucienne Diver and rumor has it there may be a character modeled after Vlad in the near future so you know I'll be checking that one out. He did also mention that he personally doesn't mind when authors make the vampire legends their own, as long as they are adding something to the genre.

Now since we are talking about books I think its worth mentioning that Vlad is friends with another author Bertena Varney author of Lure of the Vampire and is even the Vampire who graces the cover! 


If you read this blog you probably have at least a passing interest in Vampires so I hope you found this interview as interesting and informative as I did. I would like to thank Vlad again for taking time out of his schedule to meet and share his world with all of us. If you'd like to find out more about Vlad and Gothic Magic be sure to check out his website and facebook fan page!

Book Blast ~ Betrayed

Betrayed by Ednah Walters Book Blast

Betrayed Book Blast May 29th to June 5th.  The giveaway will be for a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

Betrayed is a Young Adult book and the sequel to AWAKENED.

Betrayed
Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.

Where can you find Betrayed?

WEBSITE:
http://www.ednahwalters.com/


BLOG:


http://ednahwalters.blogspot.com/


FACEBOOK PAGE:


https://www.facebook.com/ednahyaauthor#!/GuardianLegacyBooks




YOUTUBE:I had to pull down the original Betrayed trailer for this one:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtkmEprzYaY




TWITTER:


https://twitter.com/#!/yaednah_walters


GOODREADS: 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters 

GOOGLE+


https://plus.google.com/u/0/113199492695974871853#113199492695974871853/posts




AMAZON:


http://www.amazon.com/Betrayed-A-Guardian-Legacy-Book/dp/1937053180/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1338009509&sr=1-1-catcorr


B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/betrayed-ednah-walters/1111124607?ean=9781937053185




BOOK DEPOSITORY:


http://www.bookdepository.com/Betrayed-Ednah-Walters/9781937053185

What people are saying....

Just like Awakened, Betrayed has risen above all the other books in this genre. She has created such an amazing world for her Guardians & demons where good and evil are not as simple as it seems they should be. ~J. Whitus (Book Junkies) Walking On Bookshelves


I just love a spunky heroine so I was excited to keep reading about Lil, the demon hunter I got to know in Awakened (book one of The Guardian Legacy series). Walters takes the story and world she built so well in Awakened and adds in an intense plot with lots of twists to make for a strong sequel.~ Kelli (I'd So Rather Be Reading)




Lil is one of my favorite female leads, with all of the traits that you want a strong female lead to have. She's smart, strong, loyal and doesn't know how to back down.~ Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews)

Praise:

Lil has her work cut out for her in this book and she never failed me once!
There is action in this book as well as a lot of emotional turmoil.~ Cathy Garcia 

This blog where the review was originally posted has been removed:  http://thewritingsonthe.blogspot.com/  

The review is found on goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/223502567

A little about Ednah Walters...

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries and fell in love with books

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and epic adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn't enough. So I started to write.

I've written picture books (unpublished), contemporary and romantic suspense (under the pen name E. B. Walters), and finally YA fantasy (as Ednah Walters).

AWAKENED (2010) is the prequel to the YA series about the Nephilim, The Guardian Legacy series. BETRAYED(book # 1) is now available wherever books are sold, HUNTED (book # 2) will be released in February 2013 andFORGOTTEN (later in 2013).

My adult contemporary with or without suspense is about a west coast Irish-American family series. I've published four Fitzgerald books: SLOW BURN (April 5th 2011), MINE UNTIL DAWN (June 29th 2011), KISS ME CRAZY (Sept 25th 2011) and DANGEROUS LOVE (Jan 29th 2012)

When I'm not writing, I do things with my family, five children and my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in northern Utah, the setting for my YA series.

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Wizard ~ Paula Paul

WIZARD by Paula Paul
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wizard is a fantastic YA story. Geared perfectly towards middle grade or early high school students. 


Summary:
In a world corrupted by acceptance, could you be yourself? Meghan’s life had never been easy, either being overlooked as Merlin’s younger sister, or getting the wrong kind of attention for being different. When Merlin’s attempt to save Meghan’s life by transporting her to eleventh century Amorika, France, goes awry, she finds herself in twenty-first century America. There, she discovers that it is all too easy to fit in with the popular crowd—if she hides who she really is. Meghan faces the choice of condoning the same oppression that she had encountered before or giving up her newly won acceptance and becoming an outcast again. She soon realizes that her decision will not only affect her life, but will determine whether a friend lives or dies to the same forces that once threatened her. When the teenage sister of Merlin, the world's most powerful magician, is confronted by life-threatening bullying, where can she run? Megan attempts to escape to the 21st Century but is forced to confront the same demons she hoped to leave behind. 


My Take:


On face value Wizard is about a girl with a magical heritage sent into the future to avoid persecution and potentially death. Landing in a water fountain at a local college she is lucky enough to find a family willing to take her in and teach her the ways of modern day America. As we follow her through her new experiences we learn that Wizard is also a story about tolerance. In the world today we need to practice tolerance and understanding everyday and through Wizard readers will see why it is so important.
This is a fantastic story that I recommend adding to everyones children's TBR list.


You can check out Paula Paul at  http://www.paulapaul.net/index.htm

Book Blast ~ Masters of the Veil

"I absolutely adored Masters of the Veil. It is a unique and creative read in today's sometimes overwhelming YA market. Daniel is taking JK Rowling's lead and putting a whole new twist on fantasy."

-Kristin @ Better Read Than Dead

Summary: 

Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot. As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.






Book Trailer




PRAISE:


"This Book was brilliant, creative, and completely magical. If you want an amazing book to read in 2012, I would suggest you go to the bookstore and pick up a copy of Masters of the Veil."

~Julia @Inkbitten




"I loved this book. I could list all the reasons, but there is one piece of praise I think sums up the book best. My son grabbed it as soon as I was finished reading it and hasn't put it down since. Dan Cohen has a winner with this series."
~Author Michelle Pickett




"A funny, imaginative, and delightful read!"
~Author Kate Kaynak

LINKS:

BOOK TRAILER

BLOG

GOODREADS

FACEBOOK

AMAZON LINK

BN LINK

TWITTER

Author Daniel A. Cohen
Daniel A. Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man.


After gaining eagle-eye vision, abs that could grate cheese, and a talent for imagining things (including his cheese-grating abs), he wrote his first novel and began his epic battle against the formidable business jargon. He continues to fight the good fight by playing saxophone and writing YA fantasy, forever hoping his Veil trilogy will help inspire others to join his cause.
Giveaway Details
Author Daniel Cohen is offering one lucky person a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card.
Last day to enter is May 31st


Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Masquerade ~ Rivka Spicer

Masquerade by Rivka Spicer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Amazing! This one snuck up on me and before I knew it I had been reading all day. I seriously had trouble pulling myself away. I was lucky enough to receive an email from the Author about reviewing Masquerade and even though I had no idea what an indexer was I figured the plot sounded interesting and why not give it a shot?  I am very glad I did.....


Summary:
Oceana is a hard-working, straight down the line indexer with an attitude.

Tristan is the millennia old executioner for the vampire council.

They meet when Tristan seeks her help on a case and she is unwillingly drawn into his twisted and violent world where nothing is as it seems on the surface. As she discovers through Tristan who and what she is, Oceana's life changes irrevocably and the only choice she believes she has left is whether or not to give her love to this charming, perplexing and dangerous man, but even that is twisted around her by the masquerade that is life amongst vampires..


My take:


I know I already told you it was amazing but it bears repeating. Rivka Spicer has created characters you will love. Her vampires are rough around the edges with a brutal side, just the way I like them. Her heroine Oceana is instantly lovable. She is a strong willed, independent woman who learns to pull her power from within to protect the ones around her. This isn't your typical Vampire Romance with a whimsy female lead, Oceana can stand on her own to feet and does. She even manages to save the day a time or two.


Now Tristan is a controlling, but gorgeous Vampire who is concerned with his own affairs taking Oceana along for the ride with him, like it or not. There is also a secondary love interest making you wonder who exactly you should be rooting for. And of course I love that it isn't set in the US. I really enjoyed the police aspect. Its interesting to think of how different countries police investigations differ from the ones I see every day on US TV. Good thing I watch White Chapel so I knew exactly what a DI was (Detective Inspector for all of you who don't watch White Chapel)


I don't want to give away too much, because if you love Vampire stories you should be adding this one to your TBR pile right now, but this is an emotional roller coaster of a novel that you will not be able to put down. Seriously. I will be keeping my eye out for the next installment of Oceana's story!


Don't forget to check out my author interview with Rivka Spicer where she lets us in on some very interesting  facts 
about the creation of this fantastic novel and whats next :)

Author Interview Rivka Spicer

Today at Wolf Majick Reviews we were lucky enough to catch up with Author Rivka Spicer. Rivka is the author of a fantastic Urban Fantasy Novel Masquerade. I will be posting a review for Masquerade later this week but first lets talk with Rivka.

Delia: What do you like most about being a writer?

 

Rivka: I don't think I can condense it into just one thing.  Mostly it's escapism.  That's certainly how it started out for me anyway.  It also settles the voices in my head.  I know that sounds crazy (and probably is!!) but once I get an idea it just turns and turns in my imagination, growing away until I can't think about anything else until I have it down on the paper.  I've always been creative - with textiles, jewellery, dance and writing.  Sometimes there's just not enough room in my brain for all the ideas that I have and I can lie awake at night for hours with my thoughts going at a million miles an hour.  Writing them down, focusing my creative abilities on a plot line and on characters, it grounds me.  Then there's the reward of seeing the way my work affects others.  A close friend is still not speaking to me after 2 weeks because I made her cry with the book but to affect people on such a base emotional level is very touching.

 

 

Delia: Can you tell us anything about your inspiration for writing this book?

 

Rivka: The book started with Oceana.  I did an indexing course last September and absolutely loved it - there was something about the whole flow of information that really appealed to me.  It sounds weird but it profoundly changed the way I look at life - everything suddenly became interconnected and it was an extraordinary feeling.  I realised I had to create a character within that role and Oceana was born.

 

Delia: Tell us about the cover art, it is absolutely breathtaking did you pick it yourself or did the publisher point you in the right direction?

 

Rivka: I was really lucky with the cover art to have a friend who is a graphic designer - Mathew Ward (his details are in the book).  I chose the photograph and he then cropped it and added in the text.  I think we're both really proud of it - it's very striking.  He was incredibly easy to work with and didn't mind my whole laid back attitude of 'this is the picture but you can pick the rest because I trust you absolutely'.  I'll definitely use him again for future covers.

 

 

Delia: What kind of research did you have to do about police procedures? Bead working?

 

Rivka: I actually work as a civilian for the Police in my day job so I guess I kind of cheated when it comes to this question.  I also make jewellery as one of my many random hobbies so I have a working knowledge of all the techniques I described in the books.

 

 

Delia: Are any of your characters based on real people?

 

Rivka: I guess Oceana is based on me in a roundabout way.  She has the same hobbies.  Charlie and Xav are based on two of my brother's best friends from school - I loved them to bits growing up.  I was very lucky to have a whole phalanx of big brothers.  Jo is also very loosely based on a friend from work.  I like to base characters on people I love - I think it gives them a certain kind of depth but it's also really nice to see how excited they get when they realise they're in one of my books.  I have kept a text message Jo sent me, utterly delighted that she'd become a vampire!

 

 

Delia: Why vampires? are they your favorite supernatural creatures? If not what is?

 

Rivka: I went with vampires for two reasons.  One, I absolutely loved the idea of a snarky Tristan and it seemed the only way to give him that backdrop was to show him struggling with his humanity.  Two, I liked the idea of journals spanning centuries.  Could you imagine...first hand accounts of every major historical event.  It would just be fascinating.  I'm not sure if they're my favourite supernatural being.  I'll always have a soft spot for witches.

 

Delia: Will we be seeing more of Oceana in the future?

 

Rivka: You will definitely be seeing more of Oceana in the future.  I've already written more than 11 thousand words of the follow-up to Masquerade.  It's got a working title of 'Carnevale' and will feature Oceana, Will, the rest of the crew and a couple of new faces too.  I'm hoping to have it completed and published by the end of the summer.

 

Delia: Do you have any other published works available?

 

Rivka: There is a short novella on Amazon called Beautiful of Heart.  It's a little story set in the town where I live.  Up here it's still very much Viking country and there's a lot of local history if you're keen enough to go out and look for it.  I loved the idea of a vampire coming back more than a thousand years later to find his roots, to see how the world where he lived his mortal life has changed.  It has funny moments and poignant moments and I really just wanted to put it out there at a very low price for anyone that wanted to see my style before they bought Masquerade.

 

 

Delia: How can readers stay connected with you? Twitter? facebook? Website?

 

Rivka: I'm on Twitter as @Alylonna and I try to respond to every mention I get.  I'll also usually follow back.  I love to hear from people that read my books.  I also blog occasionally on wordpress - http://alylonna.wordpress.com/ .  I tend not to accept friend requests on Facebook because it's more to keep in touch with family.  There'll also be a site going up in the next few weeks where people will be able to buy my jewellery but I don't have the URL yet.  I'll be linking it from Twitter though so if anyone is curious they can keep an eye out for it.

Delia: A special thanks to Rivka for stopping by today. Don't forget you can check out Rivika on Amazon too.

NH Ren Faire

Well this weekend my son and I adventured to the New Hampshire Renaissance Faire. Lucky for me we live only five minutes from the fair grounds so it was a fun filled day without the grueling drive we usually make to King Richards Fair. 

Now for all of you who love to dress in garb and watch some comedy shows this was an excellent event. The prices were incredibly reasonable. The acts were great. 

There were even strolling musicians who did a fantastic job. Everyone was friendly and in good spirits even in the heat. My son really enjoyed all of the knights and pirates (even the zombie pirate and his pet dead rat) He even conned me into buying him some new "armor" which I got for only $12 :)

If you are looking for some affordable family fun next spring be sure to check out the NH Renaissance Faire. 

In my Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly MEME run by The Story Siren


This week I happened to pick up a great new book at the local Ren faire and even got to meet the author!

The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson


Summary: For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?


I also happened upon a used book sale where I picked up

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr



Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.
Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.
Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.
Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

And lastly I added Immortal Sins to my TBR pile

Immortal Sins by Amanda Ashley


Three centuries ago, vampire Jason Rourke succumbed to temptation with a wizard's lovely daughter - and that brief taste of pleasure earned him a powerful curse. Trapped within a painting, unable to quench the hellish thirst that torments him, Jason has given up hope of escape until Karinna Adams purchases the painting and unwittingly frees him. At first, Jason plans only to enlist Kari's help in navigating this strange new world so he can find and punish the wizard who entrapped him. But Kari's enticing sensuality and innocence incite a growing need in Jason to touch and taste her, to possess her utterly. For the gulf between them - and the danger that awaits - is nothing compared to a potent, primal hunger that will last for all eternity...

From the Ashes ~ Jeremy Burns

From the Ashes by Jeremy Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was lucky enough to score this novel as part of Jeremy Burns blog tour. He is a new author I think we will be hearing a lot about in the future.


Summary:
A DEADLY CONSPIRACYGraduate students Jonathan and Michael Rickner, sons of eminent archeologist Sir William Rickner, are no strangers to historical mysteries and archeological adventures. But when Michael is discovered dead in his Washington, D.C. apartment, Jon refuses to believe the official ruling of suicide. Digging deeper into his brother's work, he discovers evidence that Michael was murdered to keep his dissertation research buried.A DEVASTATING NATIONAL SECRETJoined by Michael's fianc e Mara Ellison, Jon travels to New York where he uncovers the threads of a deadly Depression-era conspiracy - one entangling the Hoover Administration, the Rockefellers, and the rise of Nazi Germany - and the elite cadre of assassins that still guard its unspeakable secret.THE LABYRINTHINE PATH TO THE TRUTHFinding themselves in the crosshairs of the same men who killed Michael, Jon and Mara must navigate a complex web of historical cover-ups and modern-day subterfuge, outwitting and outrunning their all-powerful pursuers as they race through the monuments and museums of Manhattan in a labyrinthine treasure hunt to discover the last secret of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., before their enemies can bury the truth - and them - forever


My Take:


Intense from the start, Jeremy Burns keeps you guessing the whole time. I always enjoy a good conspiracy book and honestly think this one was done in an amazing fashion. Its always refreshing to read a novel that isn't afraid to push the limits, like killing off a few people right from the start. It gives you the feeling that no one is safe and that definitely adds to the intensity. 


If your looking for a book that will get your heart pumping then check out From the Ashes! I hope you can take a moment to check out my interview with Jeremy Burns

Harvest Moon ~ C.L Bevill

Harvest Moon by C.L. Bevill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I picked this up on Amazon a few weeks ago. Harvest Moon is set in the same "world" as the moon trilogy. I'm not sure if it is because after three previous books I am already invested in this series or if it is the characters themselves but this was my favorite "moon" book so far.


Summary:
Emma is a member of the Cat Clan. She is an animal shifter who was brutally turned when she was only fourteen years old. Wheeler is the leader of the Cat Clan. He is another shifter who brought Emma into his realm when he scented her presence in another state. Because of her violent introduction to the world of weres, Wheeler has been dancing around Emma for years, waiting for her to adjust and realize their innate attraction. On the cusp of that relationship, Emma is taken by a group of humans that ruthlessly use shifters as big game and experimentation. Both will fight to overcome circumstances. Emma will battle to survive. Wheeler will struggle to find Emma before it’s too late.



My Take:


Since I mentioned the characters I'd like to point out how well they were done even though this was just a novella. The Heroine, Emma,  is strong and determined, able to take care of herself and not wait for the cavalry to arrive. Now thats not to say the male characters didn't have to do some work, but you never felt like there was a damsel in distress.


My only complaint is that this was a novella. I think C.L Bevil has crafted an enjoyable world and I hope there are more stories to be told from it. If you love to read books about shifters this one is not to be missed!

View all my reviews

The Immortal Rules ~ Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What can I say? I loved this book. I was a little nervous at first. I feel like vampires have been done to death, pardon the pun, in YA but this one was fantastic! Julie Kagawa has managed to take the age old Vampire myth and blend it amazingly with the fractured future of mankind.


Summary from Goodreads: Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.


My Take: 
Allie lives in a world lost to illness and desperation. This isn't your typical YA vampire novel which has the heroine running into danger to follow her heart. Instead this is a story of survival. Allie is focused on one thing, living. When the unthinkable happens and she is faced with death, or becoming the monster she has always feared Allie chooses to become a Vampire.
This choice leads her down an uncertain path as she tries to learn what it is to be Vampire, but still hold onto her humanity. We follow Allie through her struggles with bloodlust, pain and confusion in dealing with humans.
Kagawa takes the reader on an amazing journey and shows us the raw and gritty edge of humanity. Her characters have depth and strength. Allies character is spectacular crafted. Her actions and reactions seem to flow effortlessly, as if the character had written it herself. You feel the anguish Allie feels as she is betrayed but her closest friend. You are also able to watch her grow as the story progresses, till she seems to have a handle on what it means to be a Vampire.
I do also want to take a moment to mention Kagawa's future world. This is the first time I have ever read anything that combined the classic Vampire with the future world zombie. Now I know Rabids aren't totally zombies but come on, they are as close to a zombie as you can get. Scary undead humanoid creatures that thirst for human blood. Not to mention the fact that if you survive a Rabid attack you may still turn into one, and if you don't survive well you better hope your friends had the forsight to burn your body. Definetly the kind of creature thats sure to give you nightmares!
Overall this is a fantastic read. It is the type that will keep you up all night and leave you thinking when you are all done. The horrors of what humanity can become is almost as scary as the creatures Kagawa has masterfully crafted. I can't wait till book 2!