VampChix

Guest: Suzy McKee Charnas

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

VampChix is thrilled to feature the award-winning Suzy McKee Charnas today. I will refer you to her website for her long list of distinguished awards and stories. Long before vampire romance and Twilight became popular, she offered us a unique look into the realm of the vampire. Please do visit her at: www.suzymckeecharnas.com.

It can't just be the sexiness. I mean, they've got irresistible attractiveness, magical powers, and the glamor of wealth
going for them (how many ugly, helpless, poor vampires have you read stories about?). Is that why I can't seem to stay away from writing about vampires? My first vampiric tale, "The Ancient Mind at Work", was written in 1978 and became the first chapter of a novel, "The Vampire Tapestry". The most recent story I've written, "Late Bloomer", just came out last year in a collection called "Teeth", about guess what. That's -- thirty-plus years I've had vamp-ideas simmering in the old brain-pan (although lots of other kinds of fiction got written meanwhile}. What *is* this vampie thing, anyway?

Sexy? Dr. Weyland, the predatory protagonist of "Tapestry", was designed specifically as an antidote to the smooth, seductive vampires already beginning to overwhelm the vampire genre then. He's not young (in reality or appearance), isn't only interested in girls or anybody else, especially -- strictly an equal opportunity snacker), and works for a living (he's a professor). True, he attracts prey with his rather austere good looks and calculated charm; but that's all just bait in his trap.

Although, I should add, readers have told me that they find him extremely sexy, the way the hard-to-get can be . . .

But he has no magical powers, apart from being extra-strong and gifted with animal-sharp senses. Oh, and he can sleep for decades and wake refreshed (and VERY hungry) in a completely different time period; but there are primitive organisms, including viruses and a few fish, that can do this too, so . . .

The other vampire figures that have caught come to me with stories trailing after them are a nice Jewish grandma, a French lady with a sharp eye for a bargain in antiques, an African-American teen-aged girl doing teen-attitude to something of an extreme, and a good old fashioned eastern European nobleman from the 14th century. He's more traditional, with extra strength and even a sort of blood demon as a kind of supernatural familiar, but he still can't turn into fog or summon wolves and sure enough, he works for a living.

I prefer no special powers in my vamps beyond the power to live a long time without being detected or killed, and that means -- they are smart. That's a big attractor, for me as an author. I like 'em with good-sized brains (now I sound like a zombie) and plenty of experience to draw on, which I guess is how I like think I myself would lead a successful vampiric life. They're not rich: wealth makes life easier and smoother, and I like my vampires engaged in the world, not just skating through it in smart black outfits (though I like a bit of flair, too).

It's friction that makes an interesting story -- conflict with circumstances, surroundings, or other characters. The conflict between what she wants and what's keeping her from getting/having/keeping it is the point where swords cross and sparks fly -- and the life of a story is in those flying sparks.

Vampires keep coming back for me as a writer because they have minds interesting enough to play with, plenty of friction (with a world that's not really theirs but ours) to throw good sparks of story, and, most of all, amazing variety -- because every writer goes after those sparks of story-life in her own way. What's not to like?

Guest Blog with J.E. Hopkins

2012-01-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

Harsh Reality of War

My blog tour journey continues and I am very happy to have the opportunity to guest post on your site.

In my novel, We Shall Rise, an immortal race war has been waged by those considered lesser immortals (hybrids, witches, sages, demons, and other immortal misfits) against the pureblood vampires and werewolves who for years enslaved the “weaker” races. The tables have turned and those deemed the weaker class are uniting against the tyranny of the purebloods, using chemical warfare and other means of brutality to destroy their former masters.

Like any war, many innocents are caught in a battle for which they never wanted to fight. In the end, is there ever truly a winner when the inevitability of death impacts all?

I have always been fascinated with the art of war and the costly ramifications. Both sides feel completely justified in their actions yet so often a war that may have started out as a legitimate fight for valid goals morphs into something so dreadfully disturbing. Tactics are employed that call into question which side is good and which is evil. The reality is that neither side is truly innocent.

In We Shall Rise, the lesser immortals claim to be fighting for equality and freedom, yet they force others to fight their war as they set out on a mission to destroy all pureblood vampires and werewolves. As a result, they combat years of oppression, by turning into oppressors. Although their original goals seemed noble and right, their tactics make them no better than the purebloods they are trying to destroy. That’s the danger of war. The ends are tainted by the horrors of the means used to achieve them.

I hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed writing it.

We Shall Rise
By J.E. Hopkins

Book Blurb:

War surrounds him, yet for vampire Kaden Gaspard, there is no greater battle than the one his mind has waged against his heart. He knows he should stay away from her. Reysa. The half-breed vampire warrior who had risked her life to prove his innocence for the seven murders for which he was accused, but had not committed. This stubbornly loyal woman who dedicated her life to her family of misfits - immortals shunned and abandoned by their clans for their impurity of blood and genetic mutations. This courageous and valiant African warrior who Kaden fears could never love the monster that he is destined to be.

As Kaden and Reysa struggle to accept the undeniable bond between them, they must come together to stop the emerging terror that threatens to destroy all immortals. The lesser immortals – witches, sages, shifters, demons, hybrids, charmers and foreseers – have declared war against the pureblood vampires and lycans who have used their purity of blood and greater strength to enslave the weaker races. No immortal is safe. This is a fight for freedom and a fight against genocide. There can be no true victor as death looms for them all.

Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback Smashwords BN

Author Bio:

J.E. Hopkins is a practicing attorney in New York and an avid fiction writer. Hopkins holds a Juris Doctor from St. John's University and a Bachelor of Arts from New York
University.

J.E. Hopkins published her first novel, The Broken, in 2007. She subsequently published her first paranormal romance of the Misfits of the Lore Series, Lover's Betrayal, in 2011.

For more information about this author and upcoming works, please visit www.jehopkinsauthor.com

YA Vamps in House of Night Series #9!

2012-01-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

Destined is the 9th book in the House of Night series.

Goodreads says:
"In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what is destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series."

There are so many twists and turns in this book it is unbelievable! To even begin to explain them is... well, vamp-boggling! And there are not just vamps, but winged creatures and extra dark vamps and another type of vampires called red vamps. There are also vamps or fledglings that aren't quite vampires yet that have special powers, one has true sight and she sees people in colors and as they are, their true nature. Kind of a cool gift, I hope we see more of that, she's a new one in this book. And there is the fledgling turned back to human, but not really who has visions that tend to come true. And another who has the gift of poems that usually go along with the visions. There is a circle; air, water, fire, earth and spirit that work together just as their gifts do and it makes for a very interesting adventure. Especially when the dark and winged and this time even bull shaped figures interfere.

It's definitely worth a read! Have you read it yet? I look forward to the next one... Only 3 left in the series from what I hear. A total of 12. :) Find me on Goodreads and we can keep track together!

Happy YA vamp reading!
~Shauna

Review: Angel of Darkness by Cynthia Eden

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 11/29/2011
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
ISBN: 0758242174 / 9780758242174

As an angel of death, Keenan’s job is to collect the souls on his list. He’s carried out his duty for two thousand years and never faltered once. Until he meets Nicole St. James. When the moment of death comes, Keenan hesitates, and instead of taking Nicole, Keenan touches the vampire who’s attacking her.

Cast out of heaven for disobedience, Keenan plummets to earth. Six months later, he finally manages to track Nicole to a bar in Mexico. He’s stunned to discover that the woman he remembers has undergone a dramatic change—she’s become a vampire. And when he realizes that she’s the target of all manner of enemies—other vampires, demons, even shifters—he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if all hell breaks loose…

Review:

Cynthia Eden is one of my go-to authors when I'm in any sort of reading rut. She always brings something new to the table, her characters are strong, and the relationships are usually steamy, just how I like it. However, I was skeptical about this new series, The Fallen, because angels aren't my thing. As in, I avoid reading about them. I'm not sure why, except that I don't usually like my paranormal romances steeped in religion, and yes, I've had a few bad experiences with exactly that. But, I consider myself an open minded reader, and Eden has never disappointed before, which is how I came to review this book. I am so glad that I gave angels a chance!

Angel of Darkness jumps straight into the action and I was hooked before I finished the prologue. Keenan defies his orders to protect Nicole and I just had to know why he would do something so incredibly against his nature. This one act strips him of his wings, sends him plummeting through fire towards earth where he is forced to learn a whole new way to survive. Only he isn't letting Nicole escape that easily. After months of searching he finally finds her only to discover that she has changed...a lot.

I enjoyed this fallen angel/vampire story and found the relationship between Keenan and Nicole to be very emotional and full of passion. They shared a few scenes that were crazy hot, especially the very first because it was so raw and primal. As with all of Eden's sexy scenes, this one was expertly written with none of the flowery prose that can easily crush what should be erotic. I'd have to say that Keenan put his years of observation to good use!

After poking around at the author's website I discovered that I have but a few months, about 6, to wait for the next Fallen book. Angel Betrayed will be out this summer and I'm seriously hoping that it gives us a whole lot more of the mysterious Sam. This guy has some deep dark secrets that I want to know all about.

Reviewed by Anna Dougherty for VampChix
This book was sent via publisher for review

Win Adele's talisman!

2012-01-22T11:41:00.001-08:00

Clay and Susan Griffith, authors of the amazing Vampire Empire series are hosting a cool contest right now. You can win a replica of Adele's geomancer talisman. Click on over to enter at their blog!

Review: Bella Notte by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Book description:

Vampires? Check. Werewolves? Check. Death prophecy to hang over your head? Double check.

Seventeen year old Emma Hutchinson struggles to find her place in the world she has been born to as she tries to decide whether she should be with Michael, the boy she has been dreaming about since she was three or if she belongs with Dominic, her betrothed.

Review:

Emma is haunted by the same dream every night. She enters the woods with him and then there is howling in the air. She heads off to her senior year only to find that the boy from her dreams is sitting in class with her. She does not know what to do but feels instant attraction to this young man. Mike introduces himself to her and then spend the rest of the day together, and they fall into a fast track system of spending all their time together. They fall in love with each other at first sight. The problems start for Emma when she is told that she betrothed to Dominic her long lost best friends older brother. She is frustrated and confused because she is learning that her family is keeping secrets from her that she just cant quite put her finger on. The more time she spends around Dominic, she begins to have different dreams as her and Mike are being pulled apart. They are both going through a “change” that he seems to understand and she does not as no one will tell her about it. But after two weeks in Italy with Dominic things are starting to get more out of her control. She finds out that Mike is also betrothed to someone. When she gets back to school it is very difficult for her, and her change finally occurs. She is a vampire and Mike has changed to a werewolf. Can their love find their way through the hatred that separates their families? Or will her growing fondness for Dominic replace Mike? What is she going to do now

I thought that this book had a great story line. A vampire and werewolf that are in love with each other, neither really knowing what they are, or what the other one is becoming. I think that it made for an interesting plot point that the main character Emma was completely in the dark about everything around her, including that her whole family were vampires and she was changing into one. It was also made interesting by the fact that vampires and werewolves are not created, that sometime around age eighteen they change into what they are to become.

My only concern in this book is that I did wish that the characters were more developed. I had this sense that Emma’s character could have had more depth and the character of Mike was not a part of the story at all, he rarely said anything except to profess his love for her and then to ask her what she wanted to do. He just seemed missing from the story. I wanted more of a relationship built there. I thought it was odd that Emma left for two weeks to hang out with Dominic and then it seemed as though she was still in love with Mike. She did not do much to pursue the relationship while she was gone either. When she got back it just seemed ho hum about being together instead of fighting to see him again. It was missing the longing. I guess I just wanted more relationship building between the lovers that wanted to be together. I think that if these characters were more captivating it would have had more impact on the story. The way they were developed it was hard to believe that they really wanted to be together. I had a hard time with this book because the characters just seemed blah to me and some story lines were not developed enough to make sense to the story, so it seemed strange and disjointed.

I think that this is appropriate for any high school reader or older.

Author website and blog:

http://bellanottethebook.weebly.com/

Reviewed by Jenny for VampChix

This book was sent by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Vampire in Denial by Dale Mayer

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Blood doesn’t just make her who she is…it also makes her what she is.

Like being a sixteen-year-old vampire isn’t hard enough, Tessa’s throwback human genes make her an outcast among her relatives. But try as she might, she can’t get a handle on the vampire lifestyle and all the…blood.

Turning her back on the vamp world, she embraces the human teenage lifestyle—high school, peer pressure and finding a boyfriend. Jared manages to stir something in her blood. He’s smart and fun and oh, so cute. But Tessa’s dream of a having the perfect boyfriend turns into a nightmare when vampires attack the movie theatre and kidnap her date.

Once again, Tessa finds herself torn between the human world and the vampire one. Will blood own out? Can she make peace with who she is as well as what?

Jenny's review:

Tessa does not fit into any world she knows. She is not fully human, nor full vampire, and so her family and the vampire community have not fully accepted her. Feeling out of place she begins to spend time with humans. One night while seeing a movie with her human friends, Tessa sensed that there was something wrong, and the next thing she knew, the humans were being attacked by vampires. She knows this is wrong because of the peace treaty they have, and she manages to get her friends out of the theater only to be attacked while walking home, and her friend Jared taken.

When Tess reports this to her family, they do not want to care or listen so she sets out alone to find him. Her older brother's friend Cody follows her and reluctantly agrees to help her. It is a good thing he is there because she gets herself hurt again and opens up a huge secret that she will not be able to solve herself. She does find out however that she has more vampire ability than she actually ever thought, and with the help of her family and Cody's family they set out to find out what these different vampires are hiding. The problem is they get themselves into something bigger than they expected, hopefully it will turn out okay.

I really liked this book. From the moment it started I was hooked. I loved how it started with Tessa being so different that she did not feel like she fit in with anyone and showed that she was so special. I thought the action in the book was great and the strong will of Tessa to fight for something she knew to be important even when the others doubted her. The little hints about feelings between her and her brother's friend also make this book interesting, as she finds out that she is more vampire than she thought, and he is there to support her with the mixed feelings of his own. Of course, there is a cliff hanger ending that is fantastic because it means there are more books about this great character to come! I can't wait! I would recommend this for any high school or older reader as it is totally appropriate and fantastic.

Website:
http://dalemayer.com/

Reviewed by Jenny for VampChix
This book was sent via the author for review purposes.

2012-01-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

The Silver Kiss

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Another precursor of the YA vampire romances so abundant now, THE SILVER KISS (1990), by Annette Curtis Klause, isn’t strictly a romance but definitely a passionate, tender love story, although with touches of horror. Teenage heroine Zoe’s mother is dying of cancer. While her mother lies in the hospital, Zoe has to take care of the house and her father, from whom she becomes steadily more disconnected. To make her isolation worse, her best friend is about to move away. While brooding in the park one evening, she meets Simon, a boy with an intuitive awareness of the shadow of death on her thoughts. Despite his reticence about his past, she finds him compellingly attractive and sympathetic. From scenes in Simon’s viewpoint, we learn he’s a vampire long before Zoe does. An ethical monster, he resists killing his human prey and feeds on animals as much as possible, although they can’t satisfy his hunger in the long term. He fights his attraction to Zoe, unsuccessfully of course. He tells her the truth about himself around the middle of the novel. Born in seventeenth-century England, he lost his older brother, then about six years old, to a vampire. Their mother later died of a vampire’s attack, so Simon shares with Zoe the experience of losing a mother. Simon reveals that the recent mysterious killings in town have been perpetrated by his brother, Christopher, a vicious monster forever trapped in the body of a small boy. Klause portrays Christopher as an effectively creepy child vampire with a unique use for the teddy bear he carries everywhere. Love grows between Simon and Zoe, and at her urging he determines to destroy Christopher.

A conflict between two vampire brothers, good and evil, was a fairly fresh theme when THE SILVER KISS appeared. Making the older, stronger brother look smaller and weaker gives the premise an interesting twist. Simon’s first taste of Zoe’s blood comes across as entrancing and erotic without letting her or the reader forget the potential danger. Still more romantic, though, is the scene where he pleads with her for “Just a kiss. A real kiss,” and they briefly imagine they can share love like an ordinary couple. Through knowing Simon, Zoe gains new strength to face her mother’s illness.

Klause also wrote a YA werewolf novel, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (1997), which has a movie based on it.

Margaret L. Carter
Carter's Crypt

Sneak Peek

2012-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

At Johnny Depp at Barnabas Collins and Michelle Pfeiffer as Elizabeth.

Don't miss Bite Club!

2012-01-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

VampChix may be posting rather sparsely lately, but that doesn't mean you should avoid our sister site, Bite Club. There's lots 'o fab happenings going on over there. While VampChix figures how to blend this site with Bite Club, do keep checking in!

Being Human (US) Does it compare to the UK version?

2012-01-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

I've just watched the first episode of the US remake of BEING HUMAN. It features Aidan the vampire (weird the character's name is the actor's name who plays Mitchel in the UK; coincidence I'm sure), Sally the ghost, and Josh the werewolf. The episode ends on a cliff-hanger, with Josh and his sister trapped in a room while Josh is quickly shifting to werewolf shape and his sister's life is in danger because of it.

I'm not compelled to watch episode two. I know it's only one episode, but I'm just not feeling the love for this version that I do for the original. I ADORE the UK show. (Yes, even obnoxiously giddy Annie.) I think the character that bugs me the most in this new one is Aidan. I feel as though the actor is trying to mimic the brooding, dark charisma that Aidan Turner naturally exudes in the role. The UK vampire oozes danger and charm. The US vampire just looks likes he's trying too hard.

The werewolf Josh works fine for me, and I do appreciate that his shifting screams are not so girlie as the UK werewolf. I think he can handle the role with ease and embue it with the dark, awkward humor it requires. Sally the ghost is sort of meh for me. I like her a little; I guess I'd have to give her a few more episodes to make a final determination. Pellegrino as Bishop doesn't work for me, but then I didn't like him in Lost or Supernatural, so that's probably a personal thing.

I also realize that the show will follow the original with its episodes, and that sort of bothered me. I wonder if it work better if they ventured off on their own plots? Though perhaps they are restricted to certain plotlines since the series are the same? I don't know.

My reaction to this episode? A big meh. No need to watch anymore. Unless someone can convince me that the few episodes get better? I'd love to hear your thoughts, comparing the two series. I'd also like to hear from those who have only seen the US version. Perhaps without the original to sway your thoughts, you might give this one much higher marks than I did.

Have a Happy New One!

2012-01-01T07:39:00.001-08:00

Winner!

2011-12-31T08:27:00.001-08:00

BARB P is the winner of THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness!

Barb, send your snailmail address to vampchixmail@gmail.com

Congrats!

Happy New Year To All!

December New Vampire Releases

2011-12-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Angel of Darkness (The Fallen)
by Cynthia Eden
Brava (December 1, 2011)

As an angel of death, Keenan's job is to collect the souls on his list. He's carried out his duty for two thousand years and never faltered once. Until he meets Nicole St. James. When the moment of death comes, Keenan hesitates, and instead of taking Nicole, Keenan touches the vampire who's attacking her.Cast out of heaven for disobedience, Keenan plummets to earth. Six months later, he finally manages to track Nicole to a bar in Mexico. He's stunned to discover that the woman he remembers has undergone a dramatic change--she's become a vampire. And when he realizes that she's the target of all manner of enemies--other vampires, demons, even shifters--he'll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if all hell breaks loose...

Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles)
by Alyxandra Harvey
Walker Childrens (December 20, 2011)

As vampires from all over the world descend on the Drake farm for the Blood Moon gathering, security is ramped up. Lucy has been temporarily banned, for her own safety—and to allow Solange some time to adjust to her new existence. But their enemies realize how much Lucy means to the family, and plan to abduct her to use her for leverage against the new royal family. Instead, Lucy’s cousin Christabel is kidnapped by mistake—and Connor Drake immediately heads off in pursuit, but isn’t in time to prevent Christabel’s infection by the Hel Blar. He can’t save her human life, but he can still try to save her new vampire life, and is willing to put his own life on the line for the girl he has grown to care so much about. Can he save Christabel, the Blood Moon, and his mother’s newly forged Vampire Alliance?

Blood Legacy: Origin of Species
by Kerri Hawkins
Red Raptor Productions (December 10, 2011)

Ryan Alexander has been left physically and mentally battered from contact with the species that spawned her Kind. Although her power has increased exponentially, she has little control over her new abilities. Worse, as memories of the origins of the Old Ones surface, her own memory begins to suffer. Those closest to Ryan watch her internal battle with growing unease as she herself wonders if she has become a threat to all that she loves. When she begins seeing creatures that no one else sees, she does not know if her guilt is manifesting as illusion, or if she is simply losing her mind. Dr. Susan Ryerson monitors her friend’s increasing instability. She is not certain if Ryan has been sickened by blood contact with the parent species, or if this is simply the aftermath of Ryan’s torture and captivity.

But it was a blood mutation that created Ryan and her Kind, giving rise to the myth of the vampire, and now Susan wonders if a second transition is occurring, if in fact Ryan is undergoing a second Change. Which brings to her mind a most terrifying question…into what? Book #4 in the Blood Legacy series.

Bound By Darkness (Guardians of Eternity)
by Alexandra Ivy
Zebra; Original edition (December 1, 2011)

The Sylvermyst have a reputation as sinister cousins to the fey, and none are more mysterious than Ariyal and his tribe. To save his people from banishment, he sold himself to the evil Morgana. Finally free, he faces a new challenge: Jaelyn, an elite vampire warrior sent to capture him. By rights, he should kill her on sight. Yet he cannot bring himself to hurt her - or to resist her. Jaelyn is stunningly beautiful, utterly lethal - and always alone. Until Ariyal. From their first encounter, she knows that what's between them is more dangerous than simple lust. And as they unite to thwart a terrifying prophecy that will mean the end of his clan and of the world they know, she will risk everything to fulfil her destiny by his side.

Bound by the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen Novels)
by Joey W. Hill
Berkley Trade; 1 edition (December 6, 2011)

His soul is hers for the asking, as the phenomenally arousing series continues.

Sworn to obedience, compelled by loyalty, and threatened with damnation for betrayal, Jacob is Lady Lyssa's vampire servant. But as Lyssa struggles with the powers that have come alive in her paternal Fae blood, she is challenged by two deadly enemies.

The Cross: Vampire Federation
by Sean McCabe
Signet Select; Original edition (December 6, 2011)

The vampires call it the Cross of Ardaich: a relic thought to have been destroyed in the war between the Federation and the rebels. But it has been found, and its incredible powers could signal the end of civilization...

A cannibalistic serial killer becomes the perfect tool for the race of the Ubervampyr. His mission: find the cross. His reward: join the ranks of the undead. On his trail are Detective Joel Solomon and Vampire Federation agent Alex Bishop. Once lovers and now enemies, they must work together to prevent the ultimate disaster. Unless they can foil the vampyrs' plans, salvation for the race will be just a dream gone bad.

Dark Moon presents: VAMPIRES!
by Stan Swanson, Lori Michelle and Araminta Star Matthews
Dark Moon Books (December 19, 2011)

It's true that few of us would choose the life of a zombie, mindlessly consuming every moving thing in sight as we rot and shrivel with decay. It's also true that few of us would choose to become a ghost, dolefully watching the comings and goings of the living, unable to touch, to breathe, to feel them in a physical way. But, if given the chance to become a vampire, I think most of us would bite.

Vampires make our pulses quicken: whether they are the velveteen figures of Anne Rice or Bram Stoker, or the violent monsters of Stephen King, we don't care. Not the hunters. Not the hopefuls. The real, blood-drinking, neck-biting fiends. Vampires are timeless because they are immortal. And the vampires in these pages may just come back to bite you in the end. These are stories you can really sink your teeth into. Promise.

Forever Freed
by Laura Kaye
Black Rose (December 8, 2011)

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear or reservation-talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and calling to the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can...

Interview with a Jewish Vampire
by Erica Manfred
Fredonia Communications (December 18, 2011)

The last thing zaftig middle-aged journalist, Rhoda Ginsburg, expects when she signs up for JDate is to fall for a vampire. But when she meets drop-dead gorgeous Sheldon, a Hasidic vampire, she falls hard. She rationalizes that he may not be alive, but at least he’s Jewish. Desperate to save the life of her terminally ill mother, Rhoda comes up with the crackpot idea of getting Sheldon to turn her and her little old Jewish lady friends into vampires. Who knew that they would “go rogue” and start preying on the young?

New Blood: Vampire in the City -- Book One
by Donna Ansari
CreateSpace (December 6, 2011)

Emma Hammond is a normal young woman living in New York City whose life changes forever when one misstep brings her very close to death. Luckily, Alex Thompson, a handsome stranger (who also happens to be a vampire), jumps in to save her, turning Emma into a vampire. She quickly discovers the numerous advantages (no more allergies, glasses, or acne) and slight drawbacks (wanting to eat her boyfriend) of joining the ranks of the creatures of the night. But Emma soon finds out her new undead life isn't all it's cracked up to be when she gets pulled in to an age-old dispute between two feuding vampire clans.

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, Book 2)
by Dianne Duvall
Zebra; Original edition (December 1, 2011)

Dianne Duvall portrays a world of temptation, loyalty, and heartbreak . . . a world where danger and desire walk hand in hand . . .

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets -- how can she defeat death itself?

Scarlet Letters: The Tale of the Vampire Mailman
by Allison M. Dickson
CreateSpace (December 5, 2011)

“It is perfectly normal to experience depression and ruminate morosely about your fate as an immortal. This is the one part Anne Rice got right. That and the steamy homoeroticism.” --“Vampires in Popular Culture,” Dexter Bloodgood’s Survival Guide for Modern Vampires, 19th Edition His skin is blistered from the sun, he can't sleep at night, and he wants to suck the blood out of a raw steak, but mailman Louis Cross still can't believe his doctor's diagnosis: he's a vampire. But it turns out the small town Doc has an agenda. He's an ancient creature of the night, and his people are an endangered species. His plan? To turn Louis along with half the town into vampires using a serum disguised as a flu shot.

Thanks to a handy book, DEXTER BLOODGOOD'S SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR MODERN VAMPIRES, Louis learns that being a vampire comes with all sorts of drawbacks (erectile dysfunction, anyone?), and when the new fledglings start to turn up missing or, in several cases, murdered and dismembered, he suspects the doctor's plans are a lot more sinister. He and his friends embark on an adventure to learn the absurd truths at the heart of vampire lore so they can save their town and give Louis back the only job he ever wanted: carrying the mail. A satirical urban fantasy, Scarlet Letters: The Tale of the Vampire Mailman sticks its tongue firmly in its cheek and keeps it there.

Thirsty Are The Damned: A True Vampire Anthology
by Joe Filippone, John Beck, T.A. Branom and Charlotte Emma Gledson
Rainstorm Press (December 21, 2011)

Thirsty are the Damned is a collection of 22 Vampiric tales and poems to whet your appetite if you what a thrill that will chill and entertain. With no romantic contagions, this book is filled with vampires that are cursed, deprived and damn right blood obsessed. Each story and poem has its unique take on the vampire myth, bringing alive the mystery and horror that surrounds the legends, leaving you wondering if vampires actually do walk amongst us.

The Undead That Saved Christmas: Vampire Edition
by Cinsearae S., Melissa Helwig, Suzanne Robb and Patrick Shand
CreateSpace (October 14, 2010)

The Undead That Saved Christmas is the heart-chilling anthology with stories across the spectrum of holiday mythology. The perfect stocking stuffer that doesn't include a box of shotgun shells or a macheté, The Undead That Saved Christmas brings together various talented authors and artists from Great Britain, the United States and Ireland.

Stories include The Magic of Christmas, by Rebecca Besser; Santa Claws is Coming to Town, by Calvin A.L. Miller II; Night of the Frozen Elf, by Richard S. Crawford; And to All a Good Fright by Stacey Graham; and many others. The anthology also includes rich illustrations by David Naughton-Shires, Jason Tudor, Chris Williams and more. Another thing to expect in this anthology is a fun collection of holiday zombie-themed poems and carols. And to wrap things up there is an awesome assortment of original comics, from Mike Schneider, Nate Call, and many others. Proceeds from the sales of The Undead That Saved Christmas benefit the Hugs Foster Family Agency (hugsffa.org) and will help them give their foster children gifts this holiday season.

Vaempires: White Christmas: A Prelude to The Evolutionary War
by Thomas Winship
Thomas Winship (December 14, 2011)

It's almost Christmas. With the global holiday days away, the people of the world should be turning their attention toward celebrating peace and goodwill, but tension between humans, vampires, and væmpires is at an all-time high. Desperate for solutions, King Brant schedules a secret summit deep in North America's Northern Forest. Along with Queen Anne, Princess Cassandra, Daniel's family, and the human president and First Lady, the vampire leader seeks to reaffirm the ties between humans and vampires, while brainstorming ways to respond to the growing hostility among væmpires.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Cassie's relationship is at an all-time low. The princess is still reeling from her breakup with Vielyn, and Daniel doesn't know what he should or shouldn't do to help. Little does he know that the summit will be flooded with surprises--guests, allegations, accusations, proposals, and even Christmas Eve revelations--but not all of the surprises will be pleasant.

Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide
Michelle Rowen, and Richelle Mead.
Razorbill; Original edition (December 22, 2011)

Sink your teeth into the perfect holiday gift and must-have collector's item for every fan of Richelle Mead's totally addicting Vampire Academy series.

Discover the history of St. Vladimir's Academy, explore the dark psychology behind Rose and Lissa's spirit bond, and find out even more illicit secrets about Moroi society. This ultimate guide will feature everything readers want and need to go even deeper into the world of Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, and Last Sacrifice . . . every heartache, every betrayal, every sacrifice, and so much more!

Vampires in America (America's Supernatural Secrets)
Sam Navarre
Rosen Central (December 15, 2011)

While many of our cultures ideas about vampires originated in Eastern Europe, the United States is home to its own terrifying true tales of voracious vampires and bloodsucking beasts. Traveling from the coasts of New England to the swamps of Louisiana and to the dramatic deserts of the Southwest, this book uncovers the hidden history of vampires in America. Readers will enjoy learning about the natural phenomena underlying local vampire legends, as well as exploring images of the vampire in American popular culture.

Vampire's Trill
Lorelei Bell
Copperhill Media Corporation (December 2, 2011)

Lorelei Bell has created another unique and mesmerizing mystery masterwork that tops its prequel Vampire Ascending in drama, fast-paced action, love, passion, heartache, and devastation. New friends, new adventures, shocking revelations, and harrowing experiences make for riveting reading in this second installment of the Sabrina Strong Series. Sabrina learns more details - through Vasyl's recounting of his human and vampire life - of what her role as a sibyl means and how the past and the future will come together. She finally learns what role Vasyl has played in his search for the next sibyl and why she is so tremendously important.

As Sabrina's partner Dante puts himself at risk to help all of mankind, Sabrina learns why newcomer Bill Gannon is so interested in her, and she works to protect Bjorn Tremayne from losing it all. Sabrina's past catches up to her, and she discovers that not everyone is, or was, what she thought. New characters, some kind and trustworthy and some not, contribute to a captivating story line, and Sabrina finds herself on a journey she never thought possible.

Vowed (Book #7 in the Vampire Journals)
by Morgan Rice
Morgan Rice (December 6, 2011)

In VOWED (Book #7 of the Vampire Journals), Caitlin and Caleb find themselves in medieval Scotland, in 1350, a time of knights and shining armor, of castles and warriors, of the quest for the Holy Grail said to contain the key to true vampire immortality. Landing on the shores of the ancient Isle of Skye, a remote island off the Western coast of Scotland where only the most elite warriors live and train, they are ecstatic to reunite with Sam and Polly, Scarlet and Ruth, a human king and his warriors, and with all of Aiden's coven. Before they can continue their mission for the fourth and final key, the time has come for Caleb and Caitlin to wed. Against the most amazing backdrop Caitlin could ever hope for, an elaborate vampire wedding is planned, including all of the ancient rituals and ceremonies that accompany it. It is the wedding of a lifetime, meticulously planned by Polly and the others, and Caitlin and Caleb are happier than they've ever been.

Simultaneously, Sam and Polly, to their own surprise, are each falling deeply in love with one another. As their relationship accelerates, Sam surprises Polly with a vow of his own. And Polly surprises him with her own shocking news. But all is not well beneath the surface. Blake has appeared again, and his deep love for Caitlin might just threaten her union, on the day before her wedding. Sera has appeared again, too, and vows to break apart what she cannot have. Scarlet, too, finds herself in danger, as the source of her deep powers are revealed-along with the revelation of who are her true parents. Worst of all, Kyle has landed back in time, and has tracked down his old protégé, Rynd, to force him to use his shapeshifting skill to trick and kill Caitlin and her people. As they fall into his elaborate trap, Caitlin and the others find themselves in deeper danger than ever before. It will be a race to find the final key, before everyone Caitlin holds dear is wiped out for good. This time, she will have to make the hardest choices and sacrifices of her life. VOWED is Book #7 in the Vampire Journals.

Breaking Dawn Part 1

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

YA Vamps and Weres come alive on screen in Breaking Dawn Part 1. Have you all seen it by now? I have been a little off the radar with some things in my personal life going on like moving (lots!) and well many things, but life has settled down and I finally got to see it, twice now! And... it's pretty good!

I say pretty good, because I am not really sure what I was expecting, but it a good watch for sure. It just might take some study from the book, because it definitely covers only about half of the 4th book in the series and doesn't do much to explain certain details such as Jacob "Imprinting" on Bella and Edward's baby Renesmee. Sounds kind of odd, right? Well, the wolves find their soul mate by imprinting, which is apparently permanent and they will do anything for them and no one can harm them in the pack. And apparently they don't have to be another wolf or all wolf. It's very difficult to explain without having read the book and it's actually been a year or two since I've re-read this book so I'm having trouble explaining it myself. The link above goes to a link for more info.

The wolves get better with each movie and sound so sad at times. Great effects and Jacob, Taylor Lautner, gets better and better as Jacob as well. I used to be an Edward fan only, but this Jacob (as opposed to the book Jacob) has really grown on me.

Bella's transformation, or just before her transformation is done really well. And at the beginning the wedding is also REALLY well. There is a lot of realistic feeling in the wedding even for a vampire movie. I loved that part. And when Jacob comes to see Bella at the wedding and dance with her, that's another great part, true to the book. Love those moments that match up with the way I imagined it from the book! That was one of them.

The exchanges between wolves and vampires though from there varied some from book to movie, but the overall idea was the same. The main ideas were shown, but again, reading the book would go a long way in understanding what was going on since there is a lot of communication between vampires and vampires and werewolves and then weres themselves. Oh and human Bella before she becomes a vampire and her baby who's almost there and causing an uproar among the werewolves!

Have you seen it? What did you think? What differences from the book, if there were any, did you notice? Did you like where they split the movies from part 1 to part 2 compared to the book storyline? I was satisfied with the ending point, but definitely surprised! So, I won't say where they end, just in case you haven't seen it yet... Are you looking forward to part 2? I am! :) I think part 1 did a great job of setting up part 2, the final movie in the Twilight saga, due out next November 2012.

There is also a great soundtrack with this movie as usual with the Twilight movies. I'm not sure I can pick a favorite song yet, but one of them for me might be "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri:

You can watch one of the trailer's here.

Happy vamp/were (twi!) watching! :)
~Shauna

A Discovery of Witches now out in paperback - contest!

2011-12-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

This mesmerizing novel debuted at # 2 on the New York Times bestseller list and became an international phenomenon with major publications following in 34 countries. This summer, Warner Brothers acquired screen rights to A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES and its sequels. With over 300,000 copies sold, this was truly the “it” book of early 2011, and fans are now eagerly awaiting the second installment in the All Souls Trilogy, Shadow of Night, due out in summer 2012.

The publisher has donated a copy for one lucky winner! Tell us, have you read the book yet? If so, who would you like to see cast as the main characters in the movie? If you haven't read it, tell us your favorite gift you got for Christmas!

Check out Deborah Harkness's website and Facebook page!

2011-12-23T17:48:00.001-08:00

Got an eReader? Check out these free reads!

2011-12-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

[Click on titles for direct buy link]

VICTORIA GARDELLA: VAMPIRE SLAYER

A short story introducing readers to the Gardella Vampire Chronicles.

1820: Victoria Gardella tries to enjoy a ball with her new beau, Lord Rockley--but when bloodthirsty vampires come upon the scene, she must leave the fun in order to employ her stake along- side a grim Max Pesaro (vampire slayer) and the mysterious Sebastian Vioget.

Dead Drop: A Lawson Vampire Bonus Story (Includes a sneak peek of THE KENSEI!)

Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando -- a James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home.

This time, Lawson has been given an easy assignment, a “dead drop.” That is until an old enemy returns…

PALE IMMORTAL

The sleepy town of Tuonela, Wisconsin, is known for one thing: the killer who stalked its streets one hundred years ago, drinking the blood of his victims. And when the drained corpse of a young girl is found, the citizens fear their past has risen from the grave -- and point their fingers at one man.... Evan Stroud can never see the light of day. The prisoner of a strange and terrible disease, he lives in tragic solitude, taunted for being a "vampire" --until the son he never knew he had shows up in Tuonela, and is drawn into its depraved, vampire-obsessed underworld. Then Evan must rely on his childhood friend, coroner Rachel Burton, for help. But the evil that they face is powerful and elusive -- and about to take them to the very edge of madness.

KISS ME DEADLY

Death cocktail is what the vampires call a witch's blood. It's poisonous a drop will destroy a vampire within minutes. Nikolaus Drake is the rare vampire who has survived his first taste. Now he's on the hunt for the witch who almost brought him to his demise Ravin Crosse.

A witch who spends her nights hunting vampire tribes, Ravin has three obligations to fulfill to set her soul free. One of those obligations crafting a love spell twists her world upside down when Nikolaus draws the spell from her veins. Natural enemies rarely make the best bedfellows--but is it possible their intentions are really, truly the same? Can Nikolaus's tribal loyalty survive if he surrenders to desires far darker than his own?

JUST ONE TASTE

Like your vampires strong, deadly and full of passion? The twist this time is the ancient vampire is a woman and it's a delectable, innocent human man she needs to resist. In 1945 Dria runs an exclusive Paris hotel for the undead. A man from her past tracks her down, determined to win her over.

This 2500-word short story (which equates to about ten pages) is for the fans who wanted to know how our characters from Vampire Vacation, Dria (Vivian) and Rafe, met. It's simply a taste of their tumultuous beginning, but their full story--including Dria's much asked about past--will be the sole focus of the full length novel, book four, in The V V Inn series.

THE EMERALD TALISMAN

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide.

To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

Winners!

2011-12-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

The winner of Jeff Berg's MRS CLAUS & THE BATTY CHRISTMAS is...

SandyG265! (Sandy, please send your snail mail address to vampchixmail@gmail.com)

And the winner of Lorelei Bell's VAMPIRE'S TRILL is...

Cylver (Please also send address to above email; state whether you'd like print of digital format)

Congrats!!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2011-12-16T07:51:00.001-08:00

Introducing a trueholiday treat: Væmpires: WhiteChristmas.

Aprelude to The Evolutionary Warseries, White Christmas is setsix months before the events in Væmpires:Revolution. Here’s a summary:

It’salmost Christmas. With the global holiday days away, the people of the worldshould be turning their attention toward celebrating peace and goodwill, buttension between humans, vampires, and væmpires is at an all-time high.Desperate for solutions, King Brant schedules a secret summit deep in NorthAmerica’s Northern Forest. Along with Queen Anne, Princess Cassandra, Daniel’sfamily, and the human president and First Lady, the vampire leader seeks toreaffirm the ties between humans and vampires, while brainstorming ways torespond to the growing hostility among væmpires.

Meanwhile,Daniel and Cassie’s relationship is at an all-time low. The princess is stillreeling from her breakup with Vielyn, and Daniel doesn’t know what he should orshouldn’t do to help. Little does he know that the summit will be flooded withsurprises—guests, allegations, accusations, proposals, and even Christmas Everevelations—but not all of the surprises will be pleasant.

Væmpires: White Christmas is available as an eBookand trade paperback:

Amazon

Barnes& Noble

Website

Also, check out the website for a current giveaway and “Twelve Days ofChristmas” blog series!

Don’tmiss Væmpires: Revolution,Book One in The Evolutionary Warseries:

It isthe morning of Princess Cassandra’s sixteenth birthday. Everyone’s attention isfocused on the heir to the vampire throne. World leaders, the rich and famous,and VIPs from every corner of the globe have gathered in the nation’s capitalto celebrate the momentous event.

Cassandra’sboyfriend, Daniel, is late for the party. He’s still outside the city when allhell breaks loose. What he believes is an act of terrorism proves to be afull-fledged revolution. Væmpires—former vampires who mutated into warm-bloodedcreatures with an insatiable hunger for cold blood—have launched coordinatedattacks across the globe, with three goals: the eradication of humanity, theenslavement of vampires, and the ascension of væmpires as the dominant specieson the planet.

Thevampire and human leaders are killed. Cassandra is missing. Daniel is theacting king. Desperate to find the princess, Daniel and his friends fight theirway across the besieged city. With the hopes of the free world resting on theshoulders of four vampire teenagers, væmpires unleash their secret weapons: anew breed of væmpire that is far deadlier than any ever seen before.

Whatcan four teens do against an enemy that can shape-shift, fly, and walk throughwalls?

Companions of the Night

2011-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

One of the best YA vampire novels I’ve ever read, COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT (1995) by Vivian Vande Velde, came out when vampire romance was becoming popular in the adult market but hadn’t yet filtered into YA fiction in a big way. This novel has romantic elements but is definitely not a conventional romance.

Sixteen-year-old Kerry goes to a laundromat in the middle of the night to retrieve her little brother’s lost teddy bear and finds herself entangled in a fight between a group of apparently crazy fanatics and a teenage boy they claim is a vampire. Unsure whether Kerry may be a vampire, too, the hunters tie her up along with the boy, Ethan. She manages to free herself and save Ethan. The hunters haven’t given up, though. Now convinced that Kerry is either a vampire or in the process of turning, they kidnap her father and brother. When they kill Regina, a friend of Ethan’s, he and Kerry join forces to track down the hunters. The reader isn’t surprised to discover Ethan actually is a vampire. He never reveals his true age, but he drops hints that it’s measured in centuries.

Kerry is quite rationally terrified of Ethan but compelled to trust him during the time they spend together on their quest. He has his own agenda, with rescuing Kerry’s family only a side issue for him. She can never be sure how much he’s lying to and manipulating her. Her choices highlight the ethical problem of making an alliance with a creature she knows to be a killer. Vande Velde makes Ethan alluring but never lets us forget how dangerous he is. When Kerry confronts the remaining hunter, Professor Marsala, his arguments turn her perceptions of Ethan inside out. Vande Velde also makes us feel sorry for the Professor, who lost his son to what he thinks of as a vampire’s corruption but which was probably normal adolescent rebellion. Yet Marsala, like the vampires, has killed people. By the end of the story, Kerry has to make hard choices, and the bond between her and Ethan has become powerful and complicated. COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT is only one example of Vande Velde’s characteristically innovative treatment of familiar tropes, another of my favorites being DRAGON’S BAIT.

Margaret L. Carter
Carter's Crypt

Guest: Jeff Berg

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

VampChix welcomes Jeff Berg today with an appropriately vampy Christmas story, MRS. CLAUS & THE BATTY CHRISTMAS, that will appeal to all! If the gorgeous artwork within the covers doesn't attract you, the cute tale certainly will. And just in time for Christmas, Jeff has a copy of the book for one lucky winner. So answer his delving question at the end of this post, and let's all have a vampy Christmas!

So why a Vampire Christmas book? Well, my house like many over the past couple years has been consumed with the Twilight series. We then graduated to True Blood but then all hades broke loose and my wife was reading anything and everything in the genre. As a family who “lives out loud” my young twin daughters were not only aware of this emerging trend but immersed in it.

So it should have been no surprise when my daughter came to me on Christmas morning two years ago and asked “Dad, how do vampires get their presents if they’re up all night?” I knew at that moment that I had just been given my gift. Now, for the record I drew pictures as a kid but I had let these skills rust as an adult. Yet Christmas day, inspired by her question, I began drawing and writing about vampires.

Now when it came time to publish, I knew first hand what a Herculean and almost impossible task this was. My first job in NYC was book design. So when it came time to actually make the book I made the decision to self publish. You only live once. Right?

It’s really been fun getting emails and even pictures from new “little” fans of the book. And just this past week I was notified that I’m a nominee for the MN Book Awards. Last week I even received a hug from a little girl at the end of my last reading. And that’s made it all worth it. Hope you enjoy the book.

To find out more and purchase books go to: peppermintbooks.com [do stop by the site where you can preview the book!]

Remember when Peeps were just for Easter? Is this melding of holidays and genres good or bad? And I won’t be offended if you Christmas purists stick it to me ;)

Free vamp read

2011-12-10T13:38:00.001-08:00

ENDLESSLY by C.V. Hunt

Show your loved one how much you love their—blood

2011-12-08T13:37:00.001-08:00

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? This is about as unique as they come. Make your own blood slide, using yours or perhaps a flavorful friend's sample. For all the details, click here.

Anne Rice fans...

2011-12-07T12:18:00.001-08:00

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE fans there's something special up for auction you might be interested in. One of Claudia's dolls from the file (along with a certificate of authenticity). The auction is Dec 16th. For more info, check it out!

Guest: Lorelei Bell

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

VampChix welcomes Lorelei Bell today! Along with an exciting excerpt of her newest release, VAMPIRE'S TRILL, she will give away a copy of the book (print or digital format) to one lucky commenter!

Visit Lorelei's blog here, and like her on Facebook!

New friends, new adventures . . . shocking revelations and harrowing experiences make for riveting reading in this second installment of the Sabrina Strong Series.

Lorelei Bell has created another unique and mesmerizing mystery masterwork that tops its prequel Vampire Ascending in drama, fast-paced action, love, passion, heartache, and devastation,. New friends, new adventures, shocking revelations, and harrowing experiences make for riveting reading in this second installment of the Sabrina Strong Series.

Sabrina learns more details - through Vasyl's recounting of his human and vampire life˜ of what her role as a sibyl means and how the past and the future will come together. She finally learns what role Vasyl has played in his search for the next sibyl and why she is so tremendously important.

As Sabrina's partner, Dante, puts himself at risk to help all of mankind, Sabrina learns why newcomer, Bill Gannon, is so interested in her, and she works to protect Bjorn Tremayne from losing it all. Sabrina's past catches up to her, and she discovers that not everyone is, or was, what she thought. New characters, some kind and trustworthy, and some not, contribute to a captivating story line, and Sabrina finds herself on a journey she never thought possible.

Excerpt:

Sabrina Strong (a touch clairvoyant), lets Vasyl - the vampire who has been watching for her for over 1,000 years - into her house for the first time. Sabrina is the first sybil for two thousand years. Vasyl bit her when she was ten, and now has come to claim her...

“Do not resist me, cherie,” he said, head lowered to gaze at me with beautiful eyes. Up 'til now I'd thought his eyes were warm-brown, but I was mistaken. In the glow of the little lamp situated behind him, and those from my bedroom, I could see they were a dark blue. Almost violet. Perhaps they were.

“Who's resisting? You can't be real,” I said, my heart thumping inside my chest as I neared him, taking him in — his beautiful face, coiled black hair, and broad white chest. He looked like a rock star and seemed out of his element standing in my dining room. He needed an electric guitar or something to bring it all together. I'd never seen him wear shoes, and he didn't tonight. The white shirt (a companion to the one he had given me to wear, and was still in my closet) draped on him, open in the front, had my eyes tracing the edges where his chest and abdomen were exposed, right to where his faded jeans hung low on his hips — yowza! Both pierced ears, when I looked close — my God — had tiny gold crosses with tiny diamonds in their centers dangling from each ear. How could he wear them? His response to my absurd question interrupted my thoughts on a vampire wearing dangling crucifix earrings.

“I am very real, cherie.”

“Can I touch you?” I asked, apprehensive of his answer either way. “Without you touching me, I mean?”

“S'il vous plaît, Sabrina. Please, touch me all you wish,” he said in an inviting tone, moving his arms out to his sides to let me approach him, showing that he wouldn't touch me — and I trusted he wouldn't bring his arms around me to trap me against him. He stood stone still, only his eyes watching me.

“And block me from picking up thoughts and emotions from you, please?” Normally I couldn't get a read from a vampire, but I worried because I'd had his blood.

“Oui, I shall do so,” he agreed.

I moved in closer, my trembling hand reaching up toward his long glistening hair. It came to below his waist in the back, and in the front, it grew to his waist in loose coils. Incredibly thick and heavy, it was a wonder his head didn't snap off from the weight of it all. I took a bit of it in my fingers and marveled at how silky it felt. His face looked like chiseled alabaster, the large crimson lips almost the only color. His large dark eyes and hair contrasted to his dazzling white skin so that if he stood naked in the snow, that's all you would see of him. But it was enough.

“Closer, cherie, closer,” he whispered. “I will not harm you. I have fed well tonight and do not require your blood.”

With the invitation, I wavered on an unseen knife's edge between reality and my dream world. He was here, the man, vampire, of my dreams, in my house! The things I'd dreamt I would do to him, and here I was with my irritating monthly. I was never the aggressor in any relationship I'd ever had — all two of them. Dante had been a gentle lover, but unarguably the aggressive one. This was all new to me. Whether it was a regular man, or vampire, it didn't matter. Vampires were highly aggressive; sex and blood lust drove them to choose their partners with care, as they wanted someone they could come to on a continuous, nightly basis. Jealous of their donors, they wouldn't allow anyone else to touch them. It made for a decidedly one-sided relationship unless the human had no problem being a vampire's paramour. Right now, I didn't want to think about this part. I wanted to act out my dreams, just this once.

I moved a bit closer breathing in his scent. Every vampire had his or her own scent. I gathered that they probably sniffed us for exactly that same reason. His was a mixture of the aroma of an exotic flower, freshly tilled earth, and old leather, like saddle leather. It reminded me of horses. The barn where he slept held horses. I knew now that he fed from these animals, instead of hunting humans.

“Touch me,” he whispered. “Do not be afraid.” He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, arms out. “I ache for your touch, mon amour.”

I wasn't afraid of him. I was in awe of him.

Soft Bite

2011-12-03T08:10:00.001-08:00

This Barbie has bite!

2011-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Still play with Barbie? Here's one you'll want to add to your collection! More info here.
Forever young and eternally beautiful, this royal lady’s ensemble features a magnificent pannier skirt lined with metallic red-woven fabric, an enchanting collar and soaring headpiece encapsulating four inch high fiery red hair. Clear teardrop rhinestones sparkle on her earrings and also accent her red and purple Louis-style shoes. Once bitten, and never shy!

November New Vampire Releases

2011-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Acquainted With the Night
Piper Maitland
Berkley; Original edition (November 29, 2011)

A woman's quest for the truth...A medieval icon that holds the clues...And an ancient book with the power to shake Christianity-and humanity itself.

London tour guide Caroline Clifford has never believe in vampires- until her uncle is brutally murdered at a Bulgarian archaeological site, and a vampire hunter who corresponded with him seeks her out.

Strange anagrams on her uncle's passport lead them to a cliff-top monastery in Greece, where a shattering revelation connects a relic Caro inherited to an age-old text on immortality-and an enigmatic prophecy that pits the forces of darkness and light in a showdown that could destroy all they know...

Angel of Darkness (the Fallen)
Cynthia Eden
Brava (November 29, 2011)

As an angel of death, Keenan's job is to collect the souls on his list. He's carried out his duty for two thousand years and never faltered once. Until he meets Nicole St. James. When the moment of death comes, Keenan hesitates, and instead of taking Nicole, Keenan touches the vampire who's attacking her.

Cast out of heaven for disobedience, Keenan plummets to earth. Six months later, he finally manages to track Nicole to a bar in Mexico. He's stunned to discover that the woman he remembers has undergone a dramatic change - she's become a vampire. And when he realises that she's the target of all manner of enemies - other vampires, demons, even shifters - he'll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if all hell breaks loose...

Blood Legacy (Pulse Vampire Series #6)
Kailin Gow
theEDGEbooks.com, November 30, 2011

Kalina’s Life’s Blood continues to cause changes in her, and as she embark on a journey to find Octavius, Max, and other Carriers, tragedy hits that changes everything she believed in and stood for in this exciting new addition to the PULSE Vampire Series.

Better Off Red: Vampire Sorority Sisters Book 1
Rebekah Weatherspoon
Bold Strokes Books (November 15, 2011)

Every sorority has its secrets...

And college freshman Ginger Carmichael couldn't care less. She has more important things on her mind, like maintaining her perfect GPA. No matter how much she can't stand the idea of the cliques and the matching colors, there's something about the girls of Alpha Beta Omega—their beauty, confidence, and unapologetic sexuality—that draws Ginger in. But once initiation begins, Ginger finds that her pledge is more than a bond of sisterhood, it’s a lifelong pact to serve six bloodthirsty demons with a lot more than nutritional needs.

Despite her fears, Ginger falls hard for the immortal queen of this nest, and as the semester draws to a close, she sees that protecting her family from the secret of her forbidden love is much harder than studying for finals.

Bound By Darkness (Guardians of Eternity)
Alexandra Ivy
Zebra; Original edition (November 29, 2011)

The Sylvermyst have a reputation as sinister cousins to the fey, and none are more mysterious than Ariyal and his tribe. To save his people from banishment, he sold himself to the evil Morgana. Finally free, he faces a new challenge: Jaelyn, an elite vampire warrior sent to capture him. By rights, he should kill her on sight. Yet he cannot bring himself to hurt her - or to resist her.

Jaelyn is stunningly beautiful, utterly lethal - and always alone. Until Ariyal. From their first encounter, she knows that what's between them is more dangerous than simple lust. And as they unite to thwart a terrifying prophecy that will mean the end of his clan and of the world they know, she will risk everything to fulfil her destiny by his side.

Bride of the Night
Heather Graham
HQN Books; Original edition (November 22, 2011)

She's the vampire that could destroy a nation.

At least, that's what Pinkerton detective Finn Dunne thinks of Tara Fox. Capturing her aboard a ship sneaking its way northward, he's convinced she's been sent to take out President Lincoln. While she's certainly the most attractive assassin he's ever faced, that won't keep him from his duty.

Tara has always been caught between worlds. As a vampire born and raised in Key West, she has many friends among the humans. Many friends that are now fighting and dying in the raging Civil War.

When her strange dreams began, she thought of them as abstract visions. But she now knows that she must travel to Washington, D.C., and protect the president at all costs. Finn still won't trust her, despite what he's seen. And if Tara has to go through him—or bring reinforcements—to save Lincoln, she will do whatever it takes, even if it costs her her heart.

Claimed
Rebecca Zanetti
Brava; 1 edition (November 1, 2011)

A Daring Rescue: Emma Paulsen is a geneticist driven by science. But she's also a psychic, so when a dark, good-hearted vampire frees her from the clutches of the evil Kurjans, she realizes he must be the man who's been haunting her dreams. But with a virus threatening vampires' mates, Emma may discover a whole new meaning of "lovesick"...

A Deadly Decision: As King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs has learned to practice diplomacy. Still, it's taken three hundred years to find his mate, so he'll stop at nothing to protect her - even if it means turning his back on his own kind...

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 5)
Chloe Neill
New American Library; 1 edition (November 1, 2011)

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and Merit the vampire can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn, or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times have never been more precarious for the vampires. If only they could lay low for a bit...

Then magic rears its ugly head when Lake Michigan turns black. The mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows a panic is coming.

Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré)
Kristen Painter
Orbit; Original edition (November 1, 2011)

With the ring of sorrows still missing, and the covenant between othernaturals and mortals broken, Chrysabelle and Malkolm's problems are just beginning. Chrysabelle still owes Malkolm for his help, but fulfilling that debt means returning to Corvinestri, the hidden vampire city neither of them is welcome in.

The discovery that Chrysabelle has a brother could mean reneging on her promise to Malkolm, something that might make him angry enough to loose the beast living inside him. And fulfilling her vow could prove devastating for Chrysabelle --- especially when you throw in power hungry witches, dead fringe vampires, and the Kubai Mata.

Last Breath: The Morganville Vampires
Rachel Caine
NAL Hardcover; 1 edition (November 1, 2011)

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely?

Mrs. Claus and the Batty Christmas
Jeff Berg
Peppermint Books (November 4, 2011)

Santa's elves decide to stay on vacation after Halloween, but Santa needs help on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus comes to the rescue by calling on vampire bats to help deliver presents and stuff stockings. Illustrated in colorful, graphic-novel style, this story was inspired by a question the author's young daughter asked him on Christmas morning, Daddy, how do vampires get their presents if they re up all night? As he pondered his answer, the idea for this story was born.

Nightshine: A Novel of the Kyndred
Lynn Viehl
Signet Select; Original edition (November 1, 2011)

As a psychic, Samuel Taske can see the future, but he never predicted that he'd fall for San Francisco paramedic Charlotte Marena, the woman he's been charged with protecting. GenHance-the biotech company willing to do anything to acquire superhuman DNA-is after them. And when Samuel discovers that his Takyn powers have abandoned him, Charlie and her secret nighttime telepathic ability are their only hope for survival...

The Real Werewives of Vampire County
Alexandra Ivy, Angie Fox, Tami Dane, and Jess Haines
Kensington; 1 Original edition (November 1, 2011)

Drama. Scandal. Secrets. And a whole lot of supernatural goings-on.

I'm Pureblood Were, And Proud Of It. . .
"Where Darkness Lives" by Alexandra Ivy

No one's more surprised than Sophia when she's struck by an unfamiliar maternal urge to move near her daughters. But instead of being greeted by a welcome committee, she's targeted by kidnappers. . .and saddled with a gorgeous bodyguard on a mission to protect—and seduce. . .

I'm A Tomboy At Heart, But I Want A Man Who Makes Me Feel Like A Real Woman. . .
"Murder on Mysteria Lane" by Angie Fox

When a werewolf trophy wife is found dead in Vampire County, Heather McPhee goes undercover to investigate. Heather's never been a mascara-and-manicures sort of girl, but she's willing to learn. Especially with sexy vampire detective Lucien Mead posing as her husband. . .

Who's Afraid Of The Big, Bad Werewolves? Not Me, That's For Sure. . .
"What's Yours is Mine" by Jess Haines

Still Waters is like many other exclusive gated communities—except that it's home to one of the largest werewolf packs in the state. But Tiffany Winters isn't frightened of her big, bad new neighbors. In fact, she intends to take her place among the pack. . .

This Is A Town Full Of Secrets. And I Intend To Uncover All Of Them...
"Werewolves in Chic Clothing" by Tami Dane

Ever since Christine Price moved in with her fiancé, Jonathan, and his twelve year-old son, she's worked hard to fit in with a cadre of local women whose lives seem picture-perfect. Except no one in Jon's upscale neighborhood is quite who they appear to be. Least of all Jon.

Tied With a Bow
Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks, and Kimberly Frost
Berkley Trade; Original edition (November 1, 2011)

New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh features the Breeds in her story. New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra brings a haunting tale of a fallen angel. USA Today bestselling author Eileen Wilks returns to the shapeshifing Lupi for another magical tale. National bestselling author Kimberly Frost introduces a new paronormal world of muses and vampires.

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan’s Diaries #4: The Ripper
L. J. Smith, Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec
HarperTeen; Original edition (November 8, 2011)

Haunted by the past . . .

The year is 1888, and the scent of blood lingers heavy in the London air. Stefan Salvatore thought he could escape his violent origins by settling in the peaceful countryside of England, but when a heinous murderer named Jack the Ripper surfaces, Stefan fears darkness will always follow him. Drawn into the investigation, Stefan assumes the worst: This is the work of a vampire. And the more he learns, the more he becomes convinced that the killer is someone close to him—and that he can never outrun his past.

Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

Vampires Dead Ahead: A Night Tracker Novel
Cheyenne McCray
St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition edition (November 29, 2011)

In the acclaimed Night Tracker series by New York Times bestselling author Cheyenne McCray, the vampires are back to make a brand new start of it—in old New York…

With zero tolerance for bloodsuckers, Nyx and the Trackers have made the streets safer for warm-blooded New Yorkers. Unfortunately, they didn’t drive a stake through the problem nationwide. Vampire attacks are on the rise. Proctors are dropping like flies. And Volod—New York’s ousted Master Vampire—is trying to make a comeback…

Nyx is worried—about her city, her job, and her neck. But mostly she’s concerned about her former lover, Rodán, a Proctor who’s gone missing. Scarier still, Volod is capturing and “turning” paranorms to help him paint the town red. Which sucks. Because some of these new vampires are Nyx’s old friends. But hey—if she can stake them

VampChix is...revamping!

2011-11-29T16:24:00.001-08:00

As most of you know I have two paranormal-related blogs, VampChix and Bite Club. I do the majority of the work here at VampChix, along with some fabulous helpers, such as Margaret L. Carter, Patricia Altner, Roxanne Rhoads, Shauna Leigh Atkinson and Anna Dougherty. Not to mention all the great guests we have!
Bite Club is principally run by the amazing Anna Dougherty (I couldn't have that blog without her), along with her regular contributors, Jen D., Betty Turner, and Jenny O. Great stuff over at Bite Club, and it encompasses all paranormals not just vampires, as we do here at VampChix.
With less and less time to devote to both blogs, and a genuine desire to put out the best content possible, I plan to combine the two next year, along with The Ultimate VampList.
What I'd love to hear from you all are the things you enjoy most about the two blogs. What you think are definite keepers, what you don't pay much attention to. Is there something that keeps you coming back to visit either blog? Is there something missing that you'd like to see featured? And also, do you have a title suggestion? I'd like to keep both VampChix and Bite Club, but how to combine them?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Winners!!!!!

2011-11-29T09:04:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who commented to win during our Book Bonanza! I know everyone comes out of the woodwork for contests, and we love to give books away here at VampChix, but it would be awesome to see some more comments on guest posts as well. Even if it's just a 'hey!'.
All right! As always, VampChix uses random.org to draw winners. The list is below. If you see your name, please email vampchixmail@gmail.com with your snail mail address, and the title of book you won. You have two weeks to claim your prize before it goes back into the prize vault! Books may go out as early as this week, but do allow VampChix until end of next week to get to the post office. ;-)

HIS DARKEST HUNGER - Lorelei Bell
FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD - Spav (provide email to send digital file to)
ECSTASY UNTAMED - magan@riverina romantics
THE WATERS RISING - cissikat
JANE AND THE DAMNED - lisagk
PLAYING WITH FIRE - erin (dog pic on avatar; provide email to send digital file)
CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS - CrystalGB
THE INHERITANCE - Roni (no pic on avatar)
THIRTEEN YEARS LATER - lil (no pic on avatar)
EVOLVE TWO - LisaRichards/alterlisa
VAMPIRE EMPIRE: THE RIFT WALKER - jfort357
DARK HEAVENS set - M.A.D.
SHARING KNIFE set - anonymous (with bryannsjenn email)
EXTINCTION AGENDA - I (heart) Book Gossip
PALE DEMON - alainala

Congrats to all!

Free Book Bonanza!

2011-11-25T16:52:00.001-08:00

If you stayed at home to avoid Black Friday and decided to do a little blog crawling instead, today is your lucky day. And all weekend! I've dug through the VampChix stocks of review copies and have a huge pile to give away. (Most books we receive more than one copy or just don't have time to review them all. Or sometimes we have giveaways and people don't claim their prizes within two weeks, so we have to give the book away again.) And what do you have to do to win? Just comment! Leave us a love note, or let us know what you did buy today, or that you avoided the pepper spray and stayed at home. We'll announce winners next Tuesday, so enter today through Monday! Open to everyone, no matter where you live.

Here are the prizes you may win (1 per person unless a set):

HIS DARKEST HUNGER by Juliana Stone
FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD by Michael Lee (downloadable copy)
ECSTASY UNTAMED by Pamela Palmer
THE WATERS RISING by Sheri S. Tepper
JANE AND THE DAMNED by Janet Mullany
PLAYING WITH FIRE by Michele Hauf (download; not avail until Dec 1st)
CHILDREN OF SCARABAEUS by Sara Creasy
THE INHERITANCE & OTHER STORIES by Robin Hobb/Megan Lindholm
THIRTEEN YEARS LATER by Jasper Kent (ARC copy)
EVOLVE TWO edited by Nancy Kilpatrick
VAMPIRE EMPIRE: THE RIFT WALKER by Clay & Susan Griffith
DARK HEAVENS set: RED PHOENIX, WHITE TIGER, BLUE DRAGON by Kylie Chan
SHARING KNIFE set: BEGUILEMENT, PASSAGE, HORIZON by Lois McMaster Bujold
EXTINCTION AGENDA by Marcus Pelegrimas
PALE DEMON by Kim Harrison
HONOR AMONG THIEVES by David Chandler
Random copies of A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS will be mailed with some prizes.

Be sure to stop in on Tuesday to see if you've won! We can't send you your prize if we don't hear from you to get your address. And guess what? We do try to contact you if you don't contact us, but if you don't have an email in your profile, well then. Two weeks, people! And then the prize goes back in the pile for the next bonanza. ;-)

Winner!

2011-11-24T15:19:00.001-08:00

Of Maya DeLiena's FLESH FANTASY is...

Mortiana!

Please email vampchixmail@gmail.com

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T07:16:00.001-08:00

Some treats for after the main meal...

Guest: Maya DeLeina

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

VampChix, please welcome Maya DeLeina today, who talks a bit about creating her erotic vamp series, The Ambrose Heights Vampires. Maya has a Kindle version of FLESH FANTASY for one lucky winner, so show her some love in the comments!

Window to the soul

Maya DeLeina

As an avid reader of Vampire Romance,I have certain expectations of the Vampires I am about to sink my teeth into. Mesmerizingbeauty, dashing good-looks with a fearsome and lustful bite are my typicalstaples. So, it’s no wonder that the Vampires in my Erotic Vampire Romanceseries, The Ambrose Heights Vampires, are built in a similar fashion. But, Icraved more of Vampires. So, they are gods in bed, can cast the perfect hypnoticspell on humans and can be downright petrifying.

But what else?

Maybe it was just too much to askthat these creatures of the night have more depth or flair than the usual plotof lure, sex and bite.

Maybe not.

February 2010 is when I created myvery first story. And of course, it was Vampire based. I had just finishedreading a book that I had been bracing for twists and turns that never came. Itwas like sitting in the cart of that scary rollercoaster you had been admiringfrom the ground, the excitement and anticipation all coiled up inside of you.And when the ride makes its slow and chilling climb up the tracks, you get tothe top and realize that you instead got in the cart of the kiddy-coaster.

When you crave a brief escape fromreality in a book, this let down is more than just disappointing- you feelcheated.

This is when I started writing my ownVampire tales and seven months later, I had two books completed.

And did my Vampires have that diverseand distinctive gift- that unique somethingthat I was craving for?

Absolutely.

Diversity is the spice of life. The contrastin society is what makes life interesting and makes the world go round. But what exactly makes peopledifferent?

Certainly, it has to do somethingwith cultural beliefs and upbringings, but still, they are influential pieceson what is innate in us. When you get right down to it, it is what is embeddedin us at birth that is a foundation on what will shape our lives. Sure, influencesand choices can develop our path, but in the end, it is our thoughts, tastes,morals and views that ultimately guide our choices and experiences.

So this is what I did for myvampires. And their diversity is captured in the eyes.

There is a saying that the eyes arethe window to the soul. The eyescan reveal everything the body cannot. They are the undeniable evidence, the telling of themoral fiber a vampire inherits from their human character. And it is the colorsprojected in the eyes of a newborn vampire that are tell-tale signs of theireternal destiny.

Black- Decadence

White – Harmony

Yellow – Valor

Red – Passion

The continuum of traits within eachshade can be extensive.

In the AmbroseHeights Vampire series, the Vampires are branded by the color the sclera oftheir eyes project during their turning. Their Vampire maker sits and waits forthis color inversion to learn what their Vampire is made of. And while the eyesreturn to their human form, the brief moment of the color projection canvalidate the passage they are sure to take and what influences the vampirefamily can create to help change or enhance this destined path.

Make nomistake- the fangs, strength and bite of a Vampire is forbidding andterrifying, but the eyes can be much more disturbing.

Sometimes, theeyes can be far-reaching. For the eyes of one vampire can shape the destiny foranother.

And for thosethat are wondering, the answer is yes. Lure, Sex and Bite is also anotherstaple worked into the Ambrose Heights Vampires series.

Nodisappointments here!

Flesh Fantasy- Book 1 (Now available in ebook. Paperbackcoming in December 2012)

Tonight, Rain Calistosearches for her man, and Rhys Matthews comes into focus. He is well-built andsinisterly sexy. In the same Denver nightclub, Armand Anastasio searches forhis woman—Rain.
But the men are more thangorgeous.
They are vampires, andthey are unmated.
A chance encounter landsRhys and Rain together. Their attraction remains undeniably powerful and theyfall prey to lust. With each passionate tryst, Rhys senses a connection thatgoes beyond the flesh. Unbeknownst to Rhys, Rain is a diabetic. Her insulinalters her biological makeup, disguising a revelation he isn’t quite preparedfor.
Rain is Rhys's fated mate.
As they struggle with thisknowledge, another bombshell is dropped. Rain’s insulin-laced tissue creates arare vampiric blood that can fetch a hefty profit, and Armand has always knownthis.
Is his attraction to Raingenuine, or is he just out for her blood?
This is the diary of Rainand Rhys. Recorded here is their transformation from a flesh fantasy to eternallove

***

Free Read: http://mayadeleina.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Flesh-Fantasy-Free-Read-Prologue-Chapter-1-2-New.pdf

Adult Excerpt: http://www.bookstrand.com/flesh-fantasy

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Ambrose-Vampires-Publishing-ebook/dp/B005OASCLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317335071&sr=8-1

Barnes&Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flesh-fantasy-maya-deleina/1105947256

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/flesh-fantasy

Mobipocket:http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=523936

Dracula in Paris

2011-11-20T13:14:00.001-08:00

Learned about this awesome show being featured in Paris right now, which looks like a blend of Broadway, ballet, and Cirque de Soleil with a good dose of rock n' roll and blood tossed in the mix. Click to their website for all the details and to watch videos and listen to the music. I've got my fingers crossed it makes it to the US!

Another winner!

2011-11-18T18:08:00.001-08:00

Gothical wins a copy of Laura Enright's Vampires Most Wanted. Congrats!

Please email vampchixmail@gmail.com with your snail mail address.

Winner!

2011-11-18T11:41:00.001-08:00

Winner of a download of Michael Lee's FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD is...

Raider Ro!

Please contact vampchixmail@gmail.com

Congrats!

Review: Bride of the Night by Heather Graham

2011-11-18T00:00:00.001-08:00

Book description:

She's the vampire that could destroy a nation.At least, that's what Pinkerton detective Finn Dunne thinks of Tara Fox. Capturing her aboard a ship sneaking its way northward, he's convinced she's been sent to take out President Lincoln. While she's certainly the most attractive assassin he's ever faced, that won't keep him from his duty.
Tara has always been caught between worlds. As a vampire born and raised in Key West, she has many friends among the humans. Many friends that are now fighting and dying in the raging Civil War.
When her strange dreams began, she thought of them as abstract visions. But she now knows that she must travel to Washington, D.C., and protect the president at all costs. Finn still won't trust her, despite what he's seen. And if Tara has to go through him—or bring reinforcements—to save Lincoln, she will do whatever it takes, even if it costs her her heart.

Review:

Heather Graham has an incredible knack for historical descriptions, making the reader an extension of the scene, with each word creating a deeper sense of authenticity. I can't imagine the amount of research that goes into each book, the same can be said for her Krewe of Hunters series which is also fabulous. I am able to learn about these factual events through her fictional world because the details are plentiful and thorough. It's like a side adventure on a video game: I read about some battle in the Civil War, for example, and then I look it up on the computer to see what's real and what's not. I love it! Tara's "dream" discussions with Lincoln make me wish that I had the opportunity to meet with such a great man and leader for myself. The Civil War makes a believable backdrop for a vampire book and the historical additions make the story interesting and the characters more dimensional.

We are born, we love, we see the world around us, and we find our place within it. We all know laughter and happiness, and tragedy. We are the same, really.~ Lincoln, speaking to Tara

Tara and Finn make a fine couple and an even finer team. Finn takes great pride in his job as a Pinkerton man and maintains a razor sharp focus, one that Tara manages to shake. She also gives him a new sense of hope. Her ability to survive hardship and violence, while embracing her half-blood vampire status, all without losing any of the qualities that make her such a beautiful person, draws Finn closer. She feels so much and because of her Finn can as well. He accepts her equally, not to say easily as it takes time for them to acknowledge their feelings and trust. They develop slowly buy passionately, like a slow burn, that evolves into something strong and unbreakable.

As an added bonus we get to reacquaint ourselves with Cole and Megan, along with Cody and Alexandra, both couples from the other vampire books. It isn't necessary to read these in order, just fun, all stand alone just fine. I'm not the best at finding comparable authors since that is totally subjective, but I think if you like Stella Cameron (Out of Body) or Brenda Joyce (Masters of Time series) then you will probably like most of Graham's books too.

Other vampire books:

Night of the Wolves (2009)

Night of the Vampires (2010)

Author website:

http://www.eheathergraham.com/index.htm

*reviewed by Anna Dougherty for VampChix

*I requested this book from NetGalley for review.

Review: Adam by Jacquelyn Frank

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Zebra
ISBN-10: 1420109863
ISBN-13: 978-1420109863

The Nightwalkers- Book 6

Haunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face their darkest hour yet. And when they unthinkable happens, only one legendary male has the power, the will, to save them: Adam....

FOR 400 YEARS HE WAS LOST TO HER, BUT HE IS HERS TONIGHT...

From their first tantalizing touch, Jasmine knows he is different. What other lover could unlock her tight control, flood Vampire senses jaded by a lifetime of decadent self indulgence? Centuries ago, when he disappeared without a trace, she had given up hope of ever fulfilling the promise of incomparable passion. But here he is, against the very laws of nature, ready to bring down their most vicious enemy, ready to bring her blood to the boiling point.... If she will only let him.

Review:

If you've read the other books in this series, like I have, then this was like riding an emotional roller coaster to hell and back again. I was so floored at the beginning that I didn't even take notes. It went a bit like this:

Turn page, turn page, gasp in shock, turn page, look at cover to make sure I was reading the right book, turn page, gasp, stare unbelieving at my husband like he could somehow fix it, turn page, turn page, and repeat.

Things like this make it exceptionally hard to review a book because I want to talk about why I read voraciously for hours until this book was finished, only I can't really do that. I did manage a few notes towards the end, but because I also have a strict no spoiler policy, and any discussion of the plot would ruin it for other readers, I can't talk about those parts either. Maybe I should start a chat or something.

Here's what I can tell you:

I love the characters in this series and I've been a big fan since the very beginning, so it's easy enough to recommend this book. Adam is an excellent addition and he definitely adds to the ongoing storyline. These books do have a continuing story arc that crosses from one book to the next, however, it isn't difficult to read this as a stand alone. I didn't have time to reacquaint myself with previous books, but that didn't create any issues for me trying to follow along.

The romance between Jasmine and Adam is intense, hotter than hell, sweet as sin, and they fall very, very fast. In fact, that is my only real complaint with the story because that kind of love takes time to build, and they definitely skip the getting to know you stage. It's a believability issue for me and fated mate or no, I find it hard to believe that lasting love occurs over the course of a day or two. Lust, yes. Even a level of respect and trust can be achieved fairly quickly, but as with most mate-style romances, they accept their fate without much arguing. I still like them, the book still put me through the emotional wringer and I still want more from Jacquelyn Frank. If you enjoy reading Alexandra Ivy or Lara Adrian, then The Nightwalkers should be a good fit for you. If you like fast paced action that keeps you on the edge of your seat then the same goes.

Other books in the series:
Jacob
Gideon
Elijah
Damien
Noah

Author website:
http://www.jacquelynfrank.com/main.html

*This book was sent via the publisher for review purposes.

*Reviewed by Anna Dougherty for VampChix

Still time to enter...

2011-11-15T15:08:00.001-08:00

Did you know that last week's guest, Laura Enright, is giving away a copy of Vampires Most Wanted? Only one comment so far! So I'm extending the contest for a bit. Click on this link, then comment for a chance to win a copy of this fab book!

AfterAge

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yvonne Navarro’s apocalyptic AFTERAGE (1993) reads like an updated homage to I AM LEGEND (1954), Richard Matheson’s classic treatment of vampirism as an infectious disease. In Navarro’s novel, just as in I AM LEGEND, the vampire plague has spread out of control, causing the breakdown of society and wiping out most of the human race. The vampires have out-multiplied their food supply, precipitating a disastrous crash in the numbers of the prey species. Instead of Matheson’s solitary survivor barricaded in his suburban home, Navarro’s remaining humans prowl the urban landscape of a devastated Chicago. Eighteen months after the collapse of civilization, a varied cast of characters comes together and forms an alliance to combat the bloodsuckers. The group includes, among others, a mysterious woman named Jo, whose blood causes vampires to spontaneously combust when they bite her, and Dr. William Perlman, who discovers and engineers a bacterium capable of killing the undead.

The vampires follow most of the rules established in twentieth-century fiction, such as hypnotic power and vulnerability to sunlight. Perlman describes the creatures as literally “not alive” but also “not dead”: “They’re like people-sized viruses, parasitically using a host for sustenance and reproduction.” These parasites, though, have minds and individuality. Realizing the ravaged ecosystem can’t support large numbers of bloodsucking predators, some practice “birth control” by destroying victims so they can’t rise from death. The vampires quarrel among themselves, pursuing personal agendas, and one at least is humanized by her willingness to help the non-vampire remnant. Human traitors collaborate with vampires in the capture and imprisonment of people to serve as a reliable food supply. One such man aids the breeding program of his “Mistress” by raping female captives to impregnate them. Meanwhile, the heroes fight for survival while Perlman experiments on a captured vampire child and, later, a member of their own group who gets bitten.

Thanks to the doctor’s research, Navarro's story, unlike Matheson’s, doesn’t climax with the extinction of humanity. Finally, the birth of a healthy baby symbolizes the renewal of the world and hope for the future. This epic novel of almost 400 pages maintains both vivid characterization and a level of tension that never slackens for long.

One of Navarro’s early stories, by the way, appeared in No. 3 of my former fanzine THE VAMPIRE’S CRYPT. You can find tables of contents of all issues and a buying link (issues are sold in bundles of two or three) here. Issues aren’t in strict publication order on the distributor’s page, so be sure to scroll down to see all the numbers:

The Vampire's Crypt

Margaret L. Carter

Guest: Rebeka Harrington

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today's guest, Rebeka Harrington, author of VAMPIRE REVEALED, tells us how she got lured into writing about vampires. Please welcome her!

Sincereleasing Vampires Revealed I’ve done several interviews. One question whichkeeps popping up is “What inspired you to write it?”. The short answer is; toself-indulgently answer my own questions. That really doesn’t give you thewhole picture so, when Vamp Chix asked me to do a guest post, I decided Iwanted to talk more about how Vampires Revealed came to be written.

Don’t askme when it started, but for as long as I can remember I have been fascinatedwith vampires. To be honest, I don’t know what drew me to them, maybe I was ‘glamoured’.

Like manypeople my first encounter with vampires was I discovered Anne Rice’s VampireChronicles, I was in Heaven. Lestat, so good at being bad. Louis desperatelytrying to come to grips with the ‘dark gift’. Claudia, Armand, Marius,Pandora, Akasha and more… a host of vampires came flying at me from the pagesand embraced me in their world. There was something enigmatic and intriguingabout vampires and I loved them.

Then when Igot my first taste of vampire movies I fell in love with them all over again.To see the danger, brutality, charm and intelligence was almost magical. Towitness vampires come to life, right before my eyes on the big screen… Wow!

As you canimagine I’ve consumed my fair share of vampire fiction since I first discoveredthem.

While oftennow vampires are portrayed with a more ‘human’ quality, it wasn’t always thecase. Mostly vampires were the monsters of nightmares, superstars of horror.Forever cast in the role of evil demons. Vampires will never be (I hope)described as soft and cuddly, but I adamantly believed there had to be more tothese creatures of intelligence besides being killers.

Vampiresare sentient and self-aware beings, we accept this as a fact. Sure they killand cause mayhem, but is that truly all that is going on inside their mind?

Some timeago, I found myself with an unusual amount of free time on my hands and wasobsessing over every little detail I could think of about vampires. The most criticalwas ‘where did vampires come from?’ Generally they are accepted assupernatural creatures, but where exactly did they come, How did it all start?Who was the first?

Was it some sort of religious ceremony gone wrong? Did someone summon the wrong God and vampires were sent as a plague on mankind? Or was it the product of a God/human coupling gone wrong? Or something else entirely?

Once I got started asking questions I couldn’t stop.

They drink A LOT of blood. Do they ever need to use thetoilet?

If they’re capable of physical intimacy with human beings(think True Blood) then do their bodies perform and function in the same way ashumans? If not, then how the heck does that work?

Are vampires heterosexual, homosexual, cross-dressingtransvestites? Do they even think about these things?

Are they single-minded killers or are they a nation ofcomplex individuals all with different personalities?

Do vampires live in harmony with each other? Do they fightamong themselves over stupid stuff like humans?

Seriously I just couldn’t stop. For every question I wasable to answer another three would spring to mind. This is where Bektamunstepped in to save me.

Having lived for more than 3000 years, Bektamun is supremelyconfident of her own abilities. One might say she is downright arrogant, even abossy-boots at times. But her knowledge and experience is unquestionable.

Some people might think I’m crazy, because I ‘talk’to my characters. Tucked away in my home office I sit and talk at length withmy characters. In particular Bektamun while I was writing Vampires Revealed.Here’s a sample of a conversation between myself and Bektamun.

Bektamun: “Vampires cannot feed from a human sufferingleukemia?”

Rebeka: “Why?”

Bektamun: “It reacts with metabolic chemicals.”

Rebeka: “What happens then?”

Bektamun: “The infected vampire goes crazy.”

Rebeka: “Really? What sort of behavior do they display?”

Almost without fail my opening to question to Bektamunregarding anything is ‘why’. It's like trying to explain to a three yearold why the sky is blue…”Why?”, “Because it is.”, “Why?”, “Just because.”Luckily for me, Bektamun is extremely patient and didn’t mind answering myincessant questions.

The combination of applied logic, research, characterquestioning and input helped me create my very own vampire mythology. Myvampires remain familiar enough to be recognized by fans of the genre, howeverstrike out on their own in a unique way.

Writing Vampires Revealed was at times headache inducing,but overall it was extremely fun. And who wouldn’t want to hang out withBektamun? She’s a pretty groovy chick, especially for a vampire.

Vampires Revealed by Rebeka Harrington

Leave behind your preconceived ideas, forget thehorror stories and disregard everything you think you know about vampires.

For centuries the debate has raged; are vampires real? There has been plenty of myth and superstition regarding vampires but not a lotof truth or answers. In a unique piece of work, Bektamun a 3000 year oldvampire, puts to rest all the myth and finally reveals the truth about thelegendary creatures known across the globe as vampires.

Vampires Revealed is a journey of discovery. Neverbefore have humans had and an opportunity such as this. To know theunadulterated truth, for every question you may have ever had about vampires tobe answered.

Available for Purchase:

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86670

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LFQMNI

About Rebeka Harrington

Raised in country Victoria, Rebeka started her writing career working forthe local newspaper as a teenager. While she decided not to pursue this as acareer, she has always enjoyed writing and being creative
With so many varied interests and eclectic taste in most things, Rebekaenjoys incorporating all of them in her writing. She particularly enjoyswriting about vampires.
Rebeka seeks to define and explain vampires in a way not done before. Thishas been achieved with her debut title "Vampires Revealed". Followingtitles will revolve around exploring the world and characters created in herfirst release.

Currently Rebeka lives in Melbourne with her “demented” butlovable cat, dividing her time between writing and managing a small boutiqueentertainment agency.

Character Blog - http://www.vampiresrevealed.com

Author Blog - http://www.rebekaharrington.com

Guest: Michael Lee

2011-11-10T07:27:00.001-08:00

VampChix welcomes Michael J. Lee, author of FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD, a new vampire adventure story you'll want to check out. Bite Club reviewed his fabulous MY FRANKENSTEIN (have you read it? Read it!), so it's awesome to have him back here with us today. Michael has a copy of FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD (in the form of a Smashwords coupon) for one lucky commenter!

First let me say thank you to Michele Hauf and the greatpeople here at VampChix. You guys rock! Thanks for having me here to talk aboutmy latest From Russia with Blood.

This is my first vampire novel though not the first timeI’ve tackled writing a vampire character. Years ago I made it to the semifinals of the Austin Film Festival teleplay competition with a Buffy theVampire Slayer spec script. In that one Spike had a pretty memorable role. Theantagonists were all vampires. I made them vampire doctors working at ahospital. Even then I was looking for new venues for vampires. It was funwriting these powerful characters.

When I approach vampires as characters that’s the firstthing I think of, power. Of course they’re strong and fast but most importantlythese characters have power over mankind’s greatest fear; death. They do notdie as long as they keep drinking blood. Even if immortality was their onlyability that gives them incredible power compared to us mortals. Would you wantto cross someone who never aged? All he needs to be is patient and wait untilyou’re old and feeble.

Of course drinking blood gives them their other definingcharacteristic. They look like us but they aren’t us. Even when you get aroundthat little problem as in True Blood, the vampire remains something other thanhuman. So you have a powerful character but he is cut off from humanity. Is helonely, aloof, sociopathic? Maybe he can be all three.

And maybe sometimes he’s just bored. Remember that Far Sidecartoon of a man sitting on cloud. He’s made to heaven. He has all eternity.What is he thinking? “I wish I’d brought a magazine.” That’s where I startedwith Ian Redd. I thought boredom would be a constant danger to a vampire. Avampire doesn’t need True Blood to live a quiet life. There are so many humansnow that a vampire could parcel out his feeding and no one would be the wiser.

But then what do you do for fun? After a few centurieswouldn’t you crave excitement? What would you do to cure that? In Ian’s case, that was join BritishIntelligence. But he gets way more than he ever anticipated from his littleadventure.

Ian was a great character to create and write and I lookforward to guiding him through many more adventures. I’ve already started workon the sequel, Live and Let Bleed. I’ll be sure to let you know when it’sready!

FROM RUSSIA WITH BLOOD

400 year old vampire Ian Redd joined British Intelligenceduring the Cold War. But after the Berlin Wall came down they decided they nolonger needed his services. He was retired, almost permanently. Ian escaped andhas lived the quiet life in a small town until a professional hit team arrivedat his doorstep. Who sent them? That’s a question that will lead Ian into thearms of a beautiful woman named Larissa Barton and into the most dangerousoperation of his unlife.

Larissa Barton’s life has barely begun and it’s already goneoff the tracks. She’s back in her hometown working as a barista. But thingschange when Ian Redd enters her life. Dark, mysterious and gorgeous, Ian is heronly protection from the people and creatures who suddenly want her dead. WithIan by her side Larissa plunges into a world of magic, werewolves, vampires,spies and assassins and discovers her own secret past.

"One part James Bond, one part Dracula, and a whole lotof action and adventure. From Russia withBlood kicks ass!" - Vivi Anna, award winning author of the ValorianChronicles

Smashwords

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99540

Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZX7500

Kindle UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005ZX7500

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Russia-with-Blood/178585135559238

Excerpt:

Instantly he was right next to her. Onehand gripped her shoulder and yanked her backward. His other hand heldsomething that flashed brightly. There was a loud echoing sound.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Gunfire.He’s got a gun!

Larissa stumbled away from Ian. She saw thespeeding auto tear down the center of the road. It swerved toward her as sheran.

There was a dark alley immediately behindher. She sprinted into it. It looked narrow. She didn’t think a car couldfollow. She hoped it couldn’t.

She was ten steps down the alley when sheheard a huge crash behind her. She felt it too and half stumbled for a fewsteps. Larissa whipped her head around and saw the car with its hood crumpledaround the corner of the alley. The headlights were flickering and the hornblared.

She slowed a little bit. The car hornstopped blaring. The driver’s side door opened with a crunch and a large man ina dark suit kicked his way out. He staggered into the mouth of the alleyclutching his forehead. Larissa saw blood oozing from a cut on his scalp. Thenshe saw the gun in his other hand. The man raised it at her.

She stood frozen. Was this it? The momenther dreams had warned her about?

Pop! Pop! Pop!

It was the same sound as before. Sharp andloud like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The man hadn’t fired. He stumbledand then fell awkwardly to the ground. She’d never seen a dead body before butshe knew that man was dead. He lay in such a twisted manner there could be nodoubt.

A shadow approached the alley.

Larissa tore herself from the spot and ran.

She looked back once and saw a tall figureenter the alley. She was on the verge of recognizing him when she smacked intosomething large and heavy.

Two burly men had jumped out of the shadowsand she had run right into their arms. She screamed with all her might as theylifted her off the ground. She kicked and flailed around.

“Is this her?” asked one man in a roughvoice.

“Who cares. Shut her up!” came the answer.

A hand like sandpaper clamped down over hermouth and smothered her screams. She saw the black metal of a gun barrel. Ithovered above her forehead. She bit down hard on the hand but it wouldn’t letgo, even as her teeth tore through the skin.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw thetall figure streaking down the alley toward them. It was Ian. He was movingfaster than any man she’d ever seen. It didn’t seem real. She’d been to theCentral Park Zoo once. There she’d seen a snow leopard dash across itsenclosure. It moved so fast and so fluid, like lightning. That was what it waslike watching Ian move. There was nothing human about it.

Her attackers dropped her. She fell on herbutt as Ian collided with the two of them like a train. There was a flurry ofblows. One dropped to the ground. He crumpled like the man at the mouth of thealley and Larissa knew he was dead.

She backed away from the fight. Brokenglass and other bits of debris scraped and cut her hands and rear end but shebarely noticed. She was too busy watching the fight. What little fight therewas.

Ian seized the other man. The brute wasnearly twice his size but Ian held him tight and forced him to his knees. Theywere standing over a sodium lamp and by its pale light she saw the fangsgleaming inside Ian’s mouth.

Winners!

2011-11-09T07:06:00.001-08:00

Winner of Kristin Painter's BLOOD RIGHTS is...

Amy Kennedy

Winners of Thomas Winship's VAEMPIRE, REVOLUTION are...

SandyG265
Lorelei
Mortiana

Please send your snail mail address to vampchixmail@gmail.com. Congrats!

Guest: Laura Enright

2011-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Please welcome Laura Enright today, author of the neat little book that covers a lot of cool vampire history, info, and facts using a top ten list format. We reviewed it a few months ago and loved it. Highly recommended! Laura has a copy of the book for one lucky commenter, so please show her some love in the comments!

A Variety of Vampires

When Potomac Publishers approachedme to do another book in their MostWanted series (My book Chicago’s MostWanted was published in 2005), it seemed perfect timing. I’d just finished the fourth book in myvampire series (working title The KhanFamily Saga) and vampires seemed a perfect subject for the Most Wanted series. I wasn’t aware just how perfect thesubject was until I started researching Vampires’Most Wanted: The Top Ten Book of Bloodthirsty Biters, Stake-wielding Slayers,and Other Undead Oddities.

One of the questions I’m askedwhile publicizing the book is, “Should vampires sparkle?” Stephenie Meyer’s curious device tokeep her vampires in a dark and gloomy place has caused a slight controversywith some vampire purists (in Meyer’s series the vampires are not hurt by thesun but rather sparkle when the sun hits them)

My reply to the question is thatvampires should do whatever the story calls for. There is no one true vampire. The notion of vampirism has appeared in cultures around theworld as long as we could tell stories and recognized the power of blood.

At the core of the vampire is theneed for the creature to take a life essence from another to survive. Sometimes this essence is givenfreely. Sometimes it’s stolen. But other elements that make up thestory: The causes, the abilities, the weaknesses, differ per culture andtime. I believe that it’s thisvariety that has given the vampire legend a resilience other legends just don’thave. As I say in the Forward ofmy book, the vampire has the ability to become what we need when we needit. From god to ghoul to innocentbystander, it’s run the gamut. Ithas evolved as we have, becoming more complex as our own questions of life anddeath have grown deeper.

The popularity has ebbed and flowedbut writers usually come along to reinvigorate the genre. For example, the vampire was at onetime considered little more than a walking corpse. A legend told to convince people not to break a particulartaboo (or they’d return as a vampire) and while certain ideas differed fromculture to culture, there was nothing sexy or sparkly about the vampire.

Then the gothic writers beganexploring the dark side of life and gave us vampires with motivations beyondmerely the obtaining of blood. Polidori’svampire in “The Vampyre” seems to seek revenge as much as he seeks blood, while Le Fanu’s “Carmilla” seems tofall in love with each victim she chooses. Decades later, Stoker gave us Dracula keeping his vampire nebulous but hinting at a historyfilled with power and cruelty. Dracula wasn’t just a corpse, he was a count and somehow had retained thevestige of the power that he possessed centuries before.

Still there was very little sexyabout the vampire in Dracula. Itwas Bela Lugosi, with his piercing gaze and imperious demeanor who brought amysterious allure to the role on the stage and the screen and while he onlyplayed the character twice on film, his portrayal would provide the iconicimage for Dracula and vampires for decades to come. It is perhaps why in the minds of so many the vampire seemedrooted in Eastern Europe when the legends actually cross countries andcultures.

The interest in vampires seemed towane in the 1950s, despite the Hammer Studios’ successful take on the Draculalegend. After all, the atomic ageshowed us the destruction that science can cause. How frightening was a vampire in the face of that? Richard Matheson was one of the firstto use science to reclaim the vampire in his 1954 novel I Am Legend. By usinga disease to describe the vampiric affliction affecting his friends andneighbors, he made the notion of the vampire more plausible to a culture lessinclined toward fantasy.

Still it wasn’t until Anne Ricetook the focus off the vampire hunters and put it on the vampires themselves thatthe next great resurgence in popularity occurred. By asking the question “What goes on in the vampire’s head?”she reminded us of something that had been lost all this time. No matter how they were created, magicor science, vampires were at one time humans. Is it possible that they did not automatically give up theirhumanity after turning into vampires?

This theme has opened up the storytelling dramatically. Where at onetime the human history of “the monster” generally remained unexplained, it isnow an integral element to the vampire story. We want to know what led to the conversion. That’s half the fun.

I’ve found this elementparticularly enjoyable to create in my own vampire fiction in which I wanted topresent characters dealing with a strange, sometimes deadly disease. In my series, the morality of thevampires, good or evil, is what it was before they became vampires. Narain Khan is a good man going throughthe decades trying to retain his sense of morality despite the strangeness of hiscondition and the difficulties of the situations that arise from it. The person he was before his conversionoften wars with the person he must sometimes now be to survive. As his nemesis Reg Jameson tells him,“I must say, Khan, I don’t envy you your life. You always seems as though you’re placed in situationswhere, no matter what you do, you stand to lose something.”

Remembering the vampire’s humanity,has made it easier to take the creature from monster to romantic hero, superhero or teen dream. Even Draculawas given a romantic facelift in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 adaptation of thenovel. Love was Dracula’smotivation for going to England. He was intent on tracking down Mina Harker, who he believed to be thereincarnation of his wife.

Now novels, TV and film use thissympathy for the vampire to draw people into the universe they create.

Though that’s not to say that theidea of the vampire as deadly feeding machines is gone. Graphic novels like 30 Days of Night and the film based onit, films like “Daybreakers” and “Fright Night” (the remake a better film thanthe box office made it out to be) still feature the vampire as a dangerousthreat. Which is great. The fact is there is room for allvariations on the tale.

So while I think the idea ofvampires sparkling in the sun is a weak concept (I prefer the notion that thesun is a true danger to them because I believe the character, good or bad,needs a definite vulnerability to help with dramatic tension), Meyer is simplydoing what countless story tellers have done before her. She reinvented the creature to fit the universe she createdand this universe has found fans. Fans who may create their own universe that will help keep interest inthe vampire alive. As long as wedon’t forget the sheer variety that came before, this is a good thing.

My book Vampires Most Wanted is available on Amazon and other book storeson line and in the physical world. It was a ton of fun to write though I offer the caveat that while itsays “Top Ten” I make no claims that the choices I made were Top Ten in eachlist. The sheer volume of work outthere that I wasn’t able to get to, not mention the fact that everyone’s tastesdiffer, keeps me from making that claim. Rather, my intention with the book was to show the incredible variety ofvampires in myths, legends, and media. Some of the stuff I already knew, some was a journey of discovery, and Iwanted people to have as much fun reading it as I had writing it.

Currently I’m working on finding ahome for my vampire series. Alongwith writing Vampires’ Most Wanted,I’ve spent a good portion of the last few years writing the four books in whatI plan to be an ongoing series. Ialso have an idea for a spin-off of the series. I’ve fallen in love with this universe I’ve created andcan’t stop telling the stories.

For information on me or futureprojects, people can visit my blog at http://lauraenright.blogspot.com/. I canalso be found on Facebook and on Twitter at laura_enright. And I’d like to thank the folks atVampChix for giving me the chance to say hello on their wonderful site.

Midnight Son

2011-11-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

Premiering on FEARnet January 2012..

Guest: Thomas Winship

2011-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Time for a switch from our usual sexy, brooding vampires to something a little darker. If you're a vampire fan, you have to mix in some horror every so often. I saw this book,VAEMPIRES, REVOLUTION, at Amazon, and was intrigued, so was very pleased when I invited the author to join us, and he agreed. And he's generously donating 3 copies of the book, so we will draw three winners [this weekend]. So do show him some love in the comments, and do stop by his various haunts online! Here's Thomas Winship...

Something inside of me is twisted. I know it. I’veknown it for a long time. Thoseclosest to me do, as well. Yousee, I love fear—I like being scared. Being terrified is even better. Being rendered utterly speechless (or even wetting myself) because of abjecthorror would make my day.

Now, I’m not referring to real-life situations, ofcourse. Anyone who finds pleasurein the everyday chaos around us is a special kind of twisted that I can’t evenrelate to. But in the world of makebelieve entertainment, my preference is… the scarier the better.

This means I’m consistently disappointed. I can’t remember the last movie that frightened me. The ParanormalActivity movies didn’t. The Saw franchise was gory, but notscary. The endless Hollywoodremakes are endlessly frustrating. All too often, I find myself laughing out loud at the parts that aresupposed to be scary—and no, it isn’t in defiance of the scene, it’s inresponse to it. In fact, I’ve evenbegun to fall prey to ludicrous thoughts at just those moments. For instance, during a climactic sceneof The Thing a few weeks ago, Ithought that it would be a perfect time to insert the chorus of Tavares’ “ItOnly Takes A Minute.”

My family members just shake their collective heads when I sharethese ideas.

But anyway, Hollywood lets me down. I won’t even bother with television beyond stating thispoint: television shows are not scary. Ever.

Now, I know what the (my) problem is. The powers behind the silver screen and the televisionscreen are not entirely to blame. They simply don’t have what it takes to rise to the occasion because ofmy expectations.

My parents took me to the drive-in to see Jaws way back in the summer of 1975. I was four. Itwas not the worst of their parental transgressions—they never made us useseatbelts, we used whole milk in our breakfast cereal, our play time was notproperly scheduled or synchronized, and we were sometimes forced to walk tosports practice, among others—but Jawsscared the living daylights out of me. For months, I was terrified. Not terrified of taking a bath or going in the ocean. Terrified of stepping out of bed orgoing in the closet.

It was exhilarating.

The only thing that stopped me from being a horror movie junkie bythe age of six was that there weren’t that many movies on regular televisionduring my waking hours. Then cabletelevision arrived.

1978’s Halloween holds thedistinction of being the only movie I ever stopped watching because I was tooscared to go on. When MichaelMyers was at the bottom of the stairs and Laurie Strode had to venture past him…I couldn’t take any more and left the room. Subsequently, I was so disgusted with myself that I satthrough the entire movie the very next time it was on. Alone. At night. I waseight. (And I wonder why I’mtwisted.)

There was no stopping me after that. Unfortunately, I became desensitized. I couldn’t recapture the lingering fearof Jaws or the gut-clenching terrorof Halloween—with one brilliantexception. 1980’s Friday the 13^th. I slept fitfully for weeks after thatone.

It was around that time that I turned to books. I’m being figurative, of course. Yes, sometimes I had to turn to reachone, but there were plenty of times when… well, you get the point.

My early years were filled with the typical fare for young malereaders—Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Joyce, and the like, by which I mean the HardyBoys, the Three Investigators, and Black Stallion books. But in the late summer of 1980, myworld was about to change.

While at a cousin’s house for a barbeque, I stumbled across a copyof ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. I don’t know why I started reading itwhen I should’ve been outside playing ball or swimming, but I did. I couldn’t put it down. I spent the whole day inside, eschewingfood, activity, and anything else besides the book. I finished it before we went home and haven’t looked backever since. Stephen King changedmy life.

I’m not going to wax philosophical about that, though. You came here to read about vampires,and I thank you for seven hundred words worth of patience while I meandered tothe topic.

As best as I can recall, ‘Salem’sLot was my introduction to the world of vampires. I’m sure I must’ve watched on old movie or two along theway, but nothing that made an impression. King’s vampires weren’t old and stuffy and black and white (although,technically, they were black words on white paper), they were realistic, theyseemed possible, and they were awesome.

In the interest of fulldisclosure, however, I must admit that I didn’t find them frightening as muchas I found them unsettling. Frankly, they creeped me out. The thought of vampires hiding beneath floorboards or lurking indarkened spaces played tricks with my mind. The fact that vampires could multiply—and didn’tdiscriminate—turned those tricks into mean, dirty tricks. A ten-year-old’s imagination can runrampant with the idea of an undead horde of women and babies after hisblood.

Over the years, I’ve come to the realization that I love frighteningthings… but I hate creepy things. Beingcreeped out is so much worse than being frightened. I don’t like bugs. I don’t like reptiles. Idon’t like rodents. I don’t likehordes of anything. Well, okay,hordes of screaming fans will be just fine, but anything beyond that isunacceptable.

In the threedecades since ‘Salem’s Lot, I’ve reada library’s worth of books. Idon’t read for enlightenment or education, I read for pleasure. It’s a hedonistic pursuit that I’m proudof. I firmly believe that if morepeople read for pleasure, the world would be a better place. I’m all for a fiction-only readingexperience. Who needsnon-fiction? Self-help booksremind us that we’re all messed up. Historical novels point out that things were always screwed up. Biographies highlight the fact that noone wants to read our life stories. Throw ‘em aside and grab a novel.

Over thelast fifteen years, I’ve gravitated toward the mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi genresmore often than horror. It’s aconcession to expectations, as well. Although my heart lies in horror, I grew tired of horror novels thatdidn’t scare me.

A few yearsago, I decided it might be fun to take things one step further and actuallywrite a book. So I did. I wrote a mystery entitled Temporary Insanity in 2007. Little did I know that it wouldn’t be formulaicenough to garner industry attention.

The creativeprocess is amazing in many ways, but perhaps what’s most amazing is the waythat creativity begets creativity. While writing that first novel, it wasn’t uncommon for multiple ideas tospring from my mind’s well. Aseach new idea came, I would stop typing, dutifully jot it into a notebook, andthen return (or try to return) to the task at hand. Before long, I had captured dozens of ideas; more than Icould develop in a lifetime.

One of thoseideas was a story about mutated vampires. It percolated, it festered, and eventually it fought its waypast the others to the forefront of my mind. In August 2008 I typed the first words of the story. I didn’t touch it again untilJanuary. Between January andSeptember of 2009 I added to the story an average of one day per week. Determined to complete something ofsubstance by year’s end, I buckled down and completed a 45,000 word draft ofPart I of the first book in mid-December. Satisfied, I sent it off for a critique.

It did notgo well. Let’s just leave it atthat because my psyche still bears the scars. The bottom line was this: my love affair with flashbacks andasides needed to end. I didn’t writeanother word until February of this year. Instead, I learned how to write (or, at least, I hope I did).

I’m proud tosay that my novel, Vaempires: Revolutionwas released this week. My vampiretale is not for the faint of heart. It’s bloody, it’s gory, it’s everything I want a vampire novel to be…and I want my vampires to be even more awesomethan the ten-year-old inside remembers. They have to be, because, in my world, vampires aren’t thepredator, they are the prey.

That doesn’tmean it’s all blood and guts and action. For even I know that we do not live on excitement alone. There’s plenty of intrigue and romanceto satisfy all but the most insatiable appetites.

Here’s theback cover excerpt:

Inthe future, humans trigger a nuclear winter that lasts for hundreds ofyears. Water levels rise. The shape of the world changes. When the world recovers, vampiresemerge from the darkness. For amillennium, humans and vampires fight for supremacy… until synthetic humanblood is created, ushering in a period of peace and prosperity.

Andthe world changes yet again. Vampires begin morphing into væmpires, warm-blooded creatures with aninsatiable hunger for cold vampire blood. There is no rhyme or reason as to who morphs—male or female, old oryoung, from one end of the world to another—no vampire is safe. And no human is safe, either, becausethese væmpires aren’t interested in coexistence. They want three things: the eradication of humanity, theenslavement of vampires, and their ascension as the dominant species on theplanet.

Itis the morning of Princess Cassandra’s sixteenth birthday. With the world’s attention focused onthe heir to the vampire throne, væmpires revolt. In their initial attack, they kill the vampire and humanleaders and take over the capital. As Cassandra, her boyfriend, Daniel, and the rest of the world fight forsurvival, væmpires unleash their secret weapons.

The links atthe bottom of this post will take you to the various sites where you can findout more. You can even read samplechapters or buy the book.

I trulythank you for your time and I wish you happy reading! Also, I’d like to express my gratitude to Michele andeveryone at VampChix for allowing me to serve as guest blogger.

As a finalnote (and a final indulgence), the last book to frighten me was Stephen King’s It. Not the whole book, but the part where Eddie Corcoran ispursued by the creature. Frightening stuff. Kindacreepy, too. It is my all-time favorite book and the King of horror is myall-time favorite author.

Now… howabout you? Do you prefer to be frightenedor creeped out? Why? And what does it take to make you feel oneway or the other? Three awesome responses will win a copy of Vaempires: Revolution.

www.vaempires.com

www.facebook.com/vaempires

www.twitter.com/vaempires

www.youtube.com/vaempires

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060ZO5JG

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vaempires-thomas-winship-jr/1106954678?ean=2940013227651&itm=1&usri=thomas%2bwinship

Guest: Kristen Painter

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

VampChix is thrilled to host Kristen Painter today, whose new vampire series The House of Comarre, debuts with BLOOD RIGHTS. FLESH AND BLOOD follows close behind in November, and it's a December release for the third in the series, BAD BLOOD. Don't you love it when publishers put series books out back to back? Let us know if you like your series books that way, or if you don't mind waiting longer, sometimes more than a year for the next book in the series, in the comments! And let Kristen know what it is about vampires that keeps you reading. One lucky commenter will receive a copy of BLOOD RIGHTS from Kristen. [US only for the contest.]

The Lureof Vampires

ByKristen Painter

Much has been written about vampiresand their enduring appeal, so I don’t think anyone’s questioning that. In fact,as a culture, we’re no different in our love of the creatures than those beforeus. Whether it be Stoker’s dark count, Rice’s rock stars or Harris’s Southernfried fangers, vampires in literature have survived – and thrived – through theages as befitting their immortal status.

But why are female readers so drawn tothem? I have my own theories about these undead bad boys. I think much of thevampire hero’s allure lies in his excusabledarkness. A bad boy without a great reason to be bad is just a jerk. A vampire,on the other hand, has a built-in reason to be dark, moody and dangerous.Depending on what series you’re reading, he might have been born bad, cursedinto being bad, turned bad by a bite or infected with badness via some kind ofparasite/host.

Either way, it’s not his fault. And thatmakes him easier to love.

His brokenness also provides a degreeof fascination. Women love a challenge and the challenge of fixing a woundedhero is one many heroines have accepted. Of course, fixing a broken man is mucheasier accomplished in fiction than in real life, but perhaps that’s part ofthe appeal too? Fiction is an escape for many and doing the (often) impossiblecan be a real thrill. What woman can’t understand the draw of taming a man noother woman has? Of being the one woman who can soothe the tortured hero?Beauty and the Beast, anyone? This fantasy is an old and dear one.

Lastly, there is the appeal of avampire’s worldliness. Their age gives them an edge no mortal man could everhave. Not only do they understand how the world works, but they understand itin a way that allows them to manipulate it for their own benefit. And unlikethe average mortal man, they often understand women. How to talk to them, howto romance them, how to appreciate them. That quality alone is probably enoughfor most female readers, but combine that with a vampire’s other attributes andit’s no wonder they’ve headlined in some of our favorite books, tv shows andmovies as the years have gone by.

No matter how you feel about thecreatures, vampires are here to stay. What is it about vampires that makes youkeep reading?

October New Vampire Releases

2011-10-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

The spooky month of October brings plenty of treats for readers. Check out the following vampire extravaganza!

Better Off Undead: The Bloodhound Files
DD Barant
St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition edition (October 4, 2011)

Dark magic, unknown enemies, monsters of every stripe—FBI profiler Jace Valchek has seen it all. In this bizarre parallel universe, shape-shifting werewolves and blood-thirsty vampires don’t even warrant a raised eyebrow. That is, until Jace has to face what life might look like as one of them …

It starts off as just another run-of-the-mill assignment: to track down the rogue don of a mafia werewolf family before he upsets the delicate balance of the underworld. But Jace wasn’t counting on being bitten…and soon she’s fighting the growing wolf inside her with a startling antidote—vampirism. Stopping a bloody gangland war won’t be easy when Jace is feeling some new, and very inhuman, desires …

The Bite Before Christmas
Lynsay Sands, Jeaniene Frost
William Morrow (October 25, 2011)

In Lynsay Sands' "The Gift," Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer.

Blood Drive: A Vampire Otherkin Novel
Traci Houston (Author)
Writers Of The Round Table Press (October 16, 2011)

When a group of vampires rises from the dark of the humid Miami summer and murders her partner, officer Cara Evens gathers a group of allies with their own unique abilities to avenge her partner's death and save the city. To succeed she'll have to accept her own changing abilities, ignore her lust for a vampire and hide the one thing her enemies need to kill them all.

Blood Drunk: Faded Blue (Volume 1)
Angela Lovell
CreateSpace (October 11, 2011)

With summer waning quickly before the start of his senior year, a family emergency forces Blue Knightly to leave his small Midwest town and travel to New York City to locate his rebellious sister. From the morgue to Central Park to the underbelly of New York, he quickly discovers the big city is the least of his concerns as he reluctantly takes sides within a warring faction of vampires to unravel the mystery of his sister’s disappearance. In their underground world of abandoned subway tunnels, Blue finds himself falling for a femme fatale vampire whose vibe is seldom clear. Not knowing who to trust, Blue finds himself battling not only the undead, but his own heart, as the family crisis escalates and every decision could be his last.

Blood Eternal: An Awakened by Blood Novel
Marie Treanor
Signet (October 4, 2011)

Despite the growing passion that unites them, all is not well between Elizabeth and Saloman. She refuses to follow him as he builds his influence among the human population and consolidates his rule over the vampire world. A shocking revolt is just the latest crisis that's call him away.

But under Saloman's regime, vampires have become less concerned with secrecy. And after he joins forces with vampire hunters, Elizabeth begins to understand the inevitable collision of the two worlds. She could be a conduit between humanity and the undead-if she can manage to play both sides and stay alive...

Blood Rights (House of Comarré)
Kristen Painter
Orbit; 1 edition (October 1, 2011)

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle's body bears the telltale marks of a comarré -- a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world...and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now, Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

Bound By Blood
Amanda Ashley
Zebra; Original edition (October 4, 2011

Zack Ravenscroft loves women - all women - and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Nevada, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his 600 years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her - except that he craves her. Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human - and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven's master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she's ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move...watches their every kiss...and waits to destroy their undying love.

Chrysalis: The Awakening
M. L. Lacy
Knight Romance Publishing (October 7, 2011)

All families have secrets. At 32, Bree Campbell discovers her entire life has been a secret. A mortal born into a family of Magicals, she begins questioning everything and everyone around her. The prophecy told at her birth speaks of a Chosen One; the last and greatest of a long line of Chosen Ones charged with saving both the Mortal and Magical worlds. Bree must face this reality and life with her new family; a clan of vampires protecting her. The sorceress, Esmeralda, will stop at nothing until this Chosen One is dead. None could then oppose her and she would be free to rid the world of all mortals. Will Bree awaken the hidden powers and find inner strength needed to save the world?

Crave (Harlequin Teen)
Melissa Darnell
Harlequin; Original edition (October 25, 2011)

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Crave The Night
Michele Hauf, Patti O'Shea, Sharon Ashwood, Lori Devoti
Swell Cat (October 6, 2011)

This collection of novellas features paranormal pairings romance readers will pine for. Vampires, demons, werewolves, faeries and even a mermaid will satisfy the darkest of cravings.

ENEMY EMBRACE by Patti O'Shea When vampire hunter Nicole Ruiz nearly loses her life to a powerful vampire, she offers an alliance to her rescuer, a demon name Daktan. Demons might be an enemy, but she'd make a deal with the devil himself if that's what it took to avenge her family.

ONE SOUL TO SHARE by Lori Devoti Mermaid, Sarina Neri, is desperate to regain her sister's soul. The sea spirit who has it wants a man who can survive in her realm, underwater, in exchange. Fortunately, Sarina has found such a man, vampire Nolan Moore. Unfortunately, Nolan wants the soul too, for himself.

CRUEL ENCHANTMENT by Michele Hauf Investigating the vicious werewolf blood games, vampire Revin Parker struggles with his attraction to the faery informant, Sabrina Kriss. Six months earlier she had cursed him with an addiction to faery dust. Can they risk the desire that demands they fall in love with the one who could become their worst nightmare?

HIDDEN by Sharon Ashwood Rafe returns to the Devries werewolf pack to rescue his people from a scheming fey beauty. Pitting his will against her wits, he plans to seduce his way free of the ice queen's trap. But surrender means death for the fey, and little does Rafe know that he's gambling with more than hearts...

Darkness Rising: A Dark Angels Novel
Keri Arthur
Dell (October 25, 2011)

The sexy, thrilling adventures continue in bestselling author Keri Arthur’s new Dark Angels series, starring half-werewolf/half-Aedh Risa Jones.

Risa will go to any lengths to avenge her mother’s murder—even if it means making a pact with the most evil vampire she’s ever met. Lethal and powerful, Madeline Hunter is leader of the vampire council, and will put her resources behind finding the killer—for a price. The venerable vampire requires the assistance of Risa’s psychic powers. Quid pro quo.

Someone—or something—is targeting the elders of the local council, cursing the immortal vampires to rapidly age, sink into madness, and die. Risa must track down the vengeful being responsible. But Risa’s father, a rogue Aedh priest, also enlists her in a dangerous mission. And not even the great Madeline Hunter may be able to protect her from the shadowy forces that desire nothing less than Risa’s destruction.

Destined (House of Night)
P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast
St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (October 25, 2011)

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Embraced by the Shadows
Mayra Calvani
Paladin Timeless Books (October 15, 2011)

Against the exotic backdrop of Istanbul and San Juan, Alana is a young woman torn between a vampire she cannot resist, loyalties to old friends and a confusing new life. Despite these complications, endowed with her new preternatural powers, she sets out to hunt the truth regarding her mother's tragic death...

Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré)
Kristen Painter
Orbit; Original edition (October 25, 2011)

With the ring of sorrows still missing, and the covenant between othernaturals and mortals broken, Chrysabelle and Malkolm's problems are just beginning. Chrysabelle still owes Malkolm for his help, but fulfilling that debt means returning to Corvinestri, the hidden vampire city neither of them is welcome in.

The discovery that Chrysabelle has a brother could mean reneging on her promise to Malkolm, something that might make him angry enough to loose the beast living inside him. And fulfilling her vow could prove devastating for Chrysabelle --- especially when you throw in power hungry witches, dead fringe vampires, and the Kubai Mata.

Food for the Dead: On the Trail of New England's Vampires
Michael E. Bell
Wesleyan (October 15, 2011)

For nineteenth-century New Englanders, "vampires" lurked behind tuberculosis. To try to rid their houses and communities from the scourge of the wasting disease, families sometimes relied on folk practices, including exhuming and consuming the bodies of the deceased.

Author and folklorist Michael E. Bell spent twenty years pursuing stories of the vampire in New England. While writers like H. P. Lovecraft, Henry David Thoreau, and Amy Lowell drew on portions of these stories in their writings, Bell brings the actual practices to light for the first time. He shows that the belief in vampires was widespread, and, for some families, lasted well into the twentieth century. With humor, insight, and sympathy, he uncovers story upon story of dying men, women, and children who believed they were food for the dead. This Wesleyan paperback edition includes an extensive preface by the author unveiling some of the new cases he's learned about since Food for the Dead was first published in 2001.

Heart of Darkness
Felicity Heaton
CreateSpace (October 19, 2011)

A vampire prince on a four hundred year old mission to avenge his murdered sister...

Aleksandr Nemov won't stop until the last of the vampire hunter's progeny is wiped from the Earth. Each kill has stolen a piece of his humanity, pushing him towards the black abyss all vampires hold within their hearts. Now he is teetering on the edge, close to devolving into a beast, and time is running out as he tracks the last hunter to Prague. There he finds a beautiful woman who could be his one chance for salvation, but is it already too late for him?

A vampire guard who will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves...

Elise is dedicated to her duty. It's the only thing she has left. All that changes when she meets Aleksandr in Prague and her master grants him permission to stay at her bloodline's mansion. She knows all about Aleksandr but none of it prepares her for how she feels when the legendary prince's hunt becomes one for her heart.

The Hollows Insider: New fiction, facts, maps, murders, and more in the world of Rachel Morgan
Kim Harrison
Harper Voyager; First Edition edition (October 25, 2011)

New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison has won legions of fans with her sexy supernatural novels featuring bounty-hunting witch Rachel Morgan. And now comes a unique look inside her beloved Hollows series that no fan should miss. . . . The Hollows Insider

In the Hollows, the supernatural Inderlanders rule, and humanity must abide by their conventions, or else.

To survive among vampires, witches, Weres, gargoyles, trolls, fairies, and banshees—to say nothing of demons—humanity needs a guide. And now, written by Kim Harrison herself, here is an insider’s look at the supernatural world of the Hollows, from an overarching new story to character profiles, maps, spell guides, charm recipes, secret correspondence from the elusive Trent Kalamack, and much more.

How to Party with a Killer Vampire: A Party-Planning Mystery
Penny Warner
Signet; Original edition (October 4, 2011)

Party planner Presley Parker's new gig is the star-studded wrap party for a horror film. The location is a graveyard-conveniently, because the night of the bash, a tabloid journalist is murdered.

The Vampire Book Immortal Nights: The Anthology Of Vampire Books Volume 1
Caden Thrace, Nathan Squires, Rebeka Harrington, L.A. Freed, Dicey Grenor, Kim Faulks
TGA Productions, Inc (October 27, 2011)

Infused with blood and fangs, shrouded in terror and darkness the call of the Vampire mythos beckons to us all. Inside this work you will discover 6 haunting stories from today's hottest underground authors. Forget what you think you know about vampires because inside you will have entered a twisted new world. Featuring Stories From: Rebeka Harrington, Nathan Squiers, L. A. Freed, Dicey Grenor, Kim Faulks with introduction by Caden Thrace this work is sure to quickly become a classic for all lovers of the genera.

In Blood We Trust (A Novel of the Bloodlands)
Christine Cody
Ace (September 27, 2011)

They are monsters: Mariah, the reluctant rebel who has become a god to others of her kind, and Gabriel, the vampire, who loves her at his own peril.

They have returned to the Bloodlands, where their story began-to face the horrors of Mariah's past and the uncertainties of Gabriel's future- and to make a final stand, for their lives-and their love.

In Memories We Fear: A Vampire Memories Novel
Barb Hendee
Roc; Original edition (October 4, 2011)

A series of killings in England point to a new-and feral-vampire. Vampires Eleisha and Philip and their human companion travel to London to make contact with the terrified creature, to offer him sanctuary and stop the bloodshed. But the vampire they find is not what they expected...

The Journal of Mina Harker [Kindle Edition]
By Bobbi Chukran
Limestone Ledge Books (October 10, 2011)

A comedy adaptation stage play of the original Bram Stoker DRACULA, with a few twists. Written by Bobbi A. Chukran, award-winning playwright and novelist.
Suitable for adults and young adults...rated PG-13.

THE JOURNAL OF MINA HARKER
A Vampire Play

You’ve never seen a DRACULA adaptation quite like this one!

Who IS the mysterious Count that purchases Carfax Abbey, near Dr. Seward’s “bloomin’ looney bin” of a home, outside London? Is he a blood-suckin’ fiend, or just a nice older gentleman who loves a good meal and creeps about in the middle of the night to borrow an onion from a neighbor? Or is he just an average bloke who loves nicely ironed shirts, drinks copious amounts of wine, and wants to make sure his new home near London has nice curtains?

Read The Journal of Mina Harker to find out!

And can you see Mr. Renfield as a poet? You’ll laugh ‘til your sides split when this crazy fellow is on stage….and he’s “Doin’ the Renfield Rap!” But watch out. NEVER mention the word….FLIES! around him.

Daniel (not ”Jonathan That’s a Different Book”) Harker as a gourmand who loves to cook? Lovable, but a bit dense.

Mina, a no-nonsense young woman who MUST always wear a gigantic hat?

Then there’s her best friend Lucy. Ditzy, crazy, sweet, and very fond of pheasant feathers. And babies.

Delightful word play, a cast of quirky, crazy characters…and yes, there are the required flapping bats and howling wolves…that’s The Journal of Mina Harker.

Kiss of Night
Debbie Viguie
FaithWords; 1 Original edition (October 7, 2011)

Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.

For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can't control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question? What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God?

Midwinterblood
Marcus Sedgwick
Indigo (October 6, 2011)

Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar, even though you've never been there before, or felt that you know someone well, even though you are meeting them for the first time? It happens. In 2073 on the remote and secretive island of Blessed, where rumour has it that no one ages and no children are born, a visiting journalist, Eric Seven, and a young local woman known as Merle are ritually slain. Their deaths echo a moment ten centuries before, when, in the dark of the moon, a king was slain, tragically torn from his queen.

Their souls search to be reunited, and as mother and son, artist and child, forbidden lovers, victims of a vampire they come close to finding what they've lost. In a novel comprising seven parts, each influenced by a moon - the flower moon, the harvest moon, the hunter's moon, the blood moon - this is the story of Eric and Merle whose souls have been searching for each other since their untimely parting. Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured, this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story with the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touches of atmosphere, blood-spilling and sacrifice.

Much Ado About Vampires: A Dark Ones Novel
Katie MacAlister
Signet (October 4, 2011)

Corazon Ferreira is a jaded woman. Turns out she was a vampire's mate in a past life. And no matter how distractingly gorgeous he is, she just can't get the image of him killing someone out of her head. But when her life depends on him, Corazon's going to have to stop overthinking things-and start trusting her heart...

The Night Eternal
Guillermo Del Toro, Chuck Hogan
William Morrow (October 25, 2011)

From the authors of the instant New York Times bestsellers The Strain and The Fall comes the final volume in one of the most electrifying thriller series in years

It’s been two years since the vampiric virus was unleashed in The Strain, and the entire world now lies on the brink of annihilation. There is only night as nuclear winter blankets the land, the sun filtering through the poisoned atmosphere for two hours each day—the perfect environment for the propagation of vampires.

There has been a mass extermination of humans, the best and the brightest, the wealthy and the influential, orchestrated by the Master—an ancient vampire possessed of unparalleled powers—who selects survivors based on compliance. Those humans who remain are entirely subjugated, interred in camps, and separated by status: those who breed more humans, and those who are bled for the sustenance of the Master’s vast army.

The future of humankind lies in the hands of a ragtag band of freedom fighters—Dr. Eph Goodweather, former head of the Centers for Disease Control’s biological threats team; Dr. Nora Martinez, a fellow doctor with a talent for dispatching the undead; Vasiliy Fet, the colorful Russian exterminator; and Mr. Quinlan, the half-breed offspring of the Master who is bent on revenge. It’s their job to rescue Eph’s son, Zack, and overturn this devastating new world order. But good and evil are malleable terms now, and the Master is most skilled at preying on the weaknesses of humans.

Now, at this critical hour, there is evidence of a traitor in their midst. . . . And only one man holds the answer to the Master’s demise, but is he one who can be trusted with the fate of the world?

Serpent's Kiss (A Novel of the Elder Races)
Thea Harrison
Berkley; Original edition (October 4, 2011)

Recently, Vampire Queen Carling's power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee. Wyr sentinel Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help find a cure for the serpent's kiss-the vampyric disease that's killing her. With their desire for each other escalating they will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss...

The Shadowed Path (Volume 1)
Simon Stone
CreateSpace (October 14, 2011)

In the west the ancient empire of Prast crumbles, an old man too sick to climb out of his deathbed. In the east an upstart nation of sun worshipers spread their heathen ways, swallowing up city-states and small kingdoms as they tread ever closer to Prast’s borders. War is inevitable. A war greater and more bloodthirsty than any seen since the old gods left the world. And yet, war is as nothing compared to the greatest danger.

The Shadowland. A vast swathe of corrupted jungles, deserts and mountains, saturated in malevolence. Ever since the time of myth it has separated east from west, a mark on the world to remind all men of the anger of their gods. Now it has begun to spread, spewing out its deadly creatures on the nations, threatening to corrupt and consume everything. Only one man carries the key to stopping the Shadowland, a man battered and scarred from his years alone in its deadly grasp. To stop it he must first make a friend of his greatest enemy... ...and then he must enter the Shadowland again...

Shining in Crimson: Empire of Blood Book One (Volume 1)
Robert S Wilson
CreateSpace (October 2, 2011)

Set in a dystopian, religiously-demented American Empire, the city of Las Vegas is no longer a city of sin. Now called Necropolis, it is a city that eats sin. The vampires of Necropolis wait patiently for the Empire's weekly drop off of guilty Penitents; sinners and criminals full of fresh blood. Hank Evans is one of those Penitents and he would gladly let the vampires take every drop of his blood if it weren’t for one detail: Toby. Toby is Hank’s only son. Now, Hank must do whatever it takes to escape the city of the dead and save his son from an Empire as bloodthirsty as the vampires it uses to keep its people in line.

The Third Section (The Danilov Quintet #3)
by Jasper Kent
Pyr (October 25, 2011)

The third novel in Jasper Kent's enthralling, chilling and acclaimed historical vampire sequence -- The Danilov Quintet.
Russia 1855. After forty years of peace in Europe, war rages. In the Crimea, the city of Sevastopol is besieged. In the north, Saint Petersburg is blockaded. But in Moscow there is one who needs only to sit and wait -- wait for the death of an aging tsar, and for the curse upon his blood to be passed to a new generation.

As their country grows weaker, a brother and sister -- each unaware of the other's existence -- must come to terms with the legacy left them by their father. In Moscow, Tamara Valentinovna Lavrova uncovers a brutal murder and discovers that it is not the first in a sequence of similar crimes, merely the latest, carried out by a killer who has stalked the city since 1812.

And in Sevastopol, Dmitry Alekseevich Danilov faces not only the guns of the combined armies of Britain and France, but must also make a stand against creatures that his father had thought buried beneath the earth, thirty years before.

A Touch of Crimson: A Renegade Angels Novel
Sylvia Day (Author)
Signet; Original edition (October 4, 2011

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES! CAN TRUE LOVE SURVIVE A WAR BETWEEN ANGELS, VAMPIRES, AND LYCANS?

Adrian Mitchell is a powerful angel leading an elite Special Ops unit of Seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen--angels who have become vampires--and command a restless pack of indentured lycans. But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals--losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her--Shadoe--her soul once more inhabiting a new body, with no memory of him. And this time, he won't let her go...

Vamparazzi: An Esther Diamond Novel
by Laura Resnick
DAW (October 4, 2011

Playing a scantily clad vampire victim in an off-Broadway play, struggling actress Esther Diamond now may be the target of someone who claims to be a genuine bloodsucker...
Vampires and Volts (Raven Mysteries) [Paperback]Marcus Sedgwick (Author)

A Vampire Christmas Carol
by Sarah Gray (Oct 1, 2011)
Kensington; 1 Original edition (October 1, 2011)

That dubious honour belongs to the vampires who surround him, preying on the weak and laying traps for the strong. They have dogged his footsteps since he was born, driving him from the love of his friends, family, and faithful fiancee. Now, on Christmas Eve, Scrooge's old friend Jacob Marley rises from the grave to warn him about the evil gathering around him. With three mysterious spirits to guide him, he rediscovers his lost love Belle, toiling fearlessly as a seamstress by day and vampire hunter by night. He sees the secrets of his nephew Fred and his clerk Bob Cratchit, who risk their lives as Belle's loyal soldiers. And he learns of the plot mounting to attack all of them, starting with the innocent sacrifice of Bob's son Tiny Tim...Scrooge has only one night to save himself and all that he once treasured - but if he can vanquish the vampires, he might finally earn back the love he cast away...

The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom
L. J. Smith
HarperTeen (October 25, 2011)

The past is never far. . . .

Elena Gilbert and her friends saved Fell’s Church from evil spirits bent on destroying it, but the town’s freedom came at a price: Damon Salvatore’s life.

Damon’s death changes everything. He and his vampire brother, Stefan, had been locked in a vicious battle for Elena’s heart. Now that he’s gone, Elena and Stefan can finally be together. So why can’t Elena stop dreaming of Damon? As Elena’s feelings for Damon grow, a new darkness is brewing in Fell’s Church. Elena has been to hell and back, but this demon is like nothing she’s ever seen. Its only goal is to kill Elena and everyone she loves.

A Vampire for Christmas: Enchanted by Blood\ Monsters Don't Do Christmas\ When Herald Angels Sing\ All I Want for Christmas
Laurie London, Michele Hauf, Caridad Pineiro, Alexis Morgn
HQN Books; Original edition (October 18, 2011)

All they want for Christmas is you…

It's the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.

And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.

Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there's no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can't wait for an invitation.

Vampire Fun and Games
H. W Kondras (Author)
Blue River Press (October 1, 2011)

Love vampires? Test your knowledge and have some fun with this collection of crossword puzzles and trivia questions about the children of the night. From Vlad the Impaler to Edward Cullen, your favorite bloodsuckers from books, movies and television are covered. See how much you know about Sookie Stackhouse, Count Dracula and Angel while perhaps learning about your next favorite blooksucker.

From vampire romances to vampire comedies, from fantasy to real-life, all vampire fact and fiction from history are used to create this unique collection of puzzles and games for all those who love the undead. Grab a pencil and some garlic and join the fun!

The book includes crossword puzzles, word searches, and trivia questions.

The Vampire Hunters: Dominion
by Scott Baker
Pill Hill Press, October 1, 2011

The exciting conclusion of The Vampire Hunters After being hidden away for centuries, the Vampyrnomicon, the Book of the Undead, is finally unearthed, and with it the terrible secret of the vampires' origins. The discovery of the Vampyrnomicon gives Drake Matthews the means to defeat the Master and eradicate the vampire threat, but it also provides Chiang Shih with the knowledge she needs to make her masters immortal. Now more powerful than ever, Chiang Shih raises an army of the undead and creates a vampire nation in Washington D.C.

Her attempt to assassinate Drake and his colleagues nearly cripples the hunters, but fails to kill them all. Driven by vengeance, and with his band of hunters swelled by unlikely allies, Drake leads the group into the infested city. With the fate of humankind hanging in the balance, hunters and vampires wage the final epic battle in the streets of the nation's capital to determine who will hold dominion over the Earth.

The Vampire Trilogy
David Pinner
Oberon Books (October 18, 2011)

This trilogy of plays from prolific writer David Pinner taps into the very present fashion for all things vampire related. Encompassing three plays written over a period of forty-five years, The Vampire Trilogy offers unique slants on the occult. Includes Fanghorn, Edred the Vampire, and Lucifer's Fair.

The spooky month of October brings many treats for readers. Check out the following vampire extravaganza!

Vampire's Witch
Rebecca Airies
Ellora's Cave (October 21, 2011)

Serena Blackwood can’t believe it when she learns she’s becoming a vix. Finding that she has to work with sexy vampire Marcus Castillo to catch a rogue vampire only adds to her stress. She’s unbelievably attracted to the hunky man but knows staying near him will increase the chances of her jumping his bones—and Marcus discovering her secret. Marcus knows the witch working with his team is hiding something. She’s beautiful and talented and he wants to know the mysteries she’s hiding almost as much as he needs to know the feel of her body moving against his. But the rogue has plans of his own and unless Serena and marcus work together, they could lose everything.

Winners!!

2011-10-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Do you think you won? VampChix uses random.org to draw winning names from the comments for each contest. And the winners are...

Roni wins a copy of Mayra Calvani's EMBRACED BY THE SHADOWS. (please email vampchixmail@gmail.com with the email address where you'd like to receive your book)

Kirsten wins the review copy of SEXIEST VAMPIRE ALIVE (send VampChix your snail mail address, please)

And Elizabeth Irvin wins a copy of ALL WOUNDS by Dina James. (Please send snail mail address.)

YA Vamps in Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses #8)

2011-10-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Goodreads says:
"The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?

And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want?

With cryptic secrets and cravings, this eighth installment in the Vampire Kisses series is a romantic and mysterious thrill ride."

This 8th installment of Vampire Kisses has such great potential! Another great vampire nightclub book with Raven and Alexander and yes even Jasper. Great cast of characters and setting and makes for a good read. However, I do have to say by this book, the first half took me a little getting into. Once I was halfway in though it was all fast and fun vamp reading from there though. I think for me, the first one that had the night clubs scenes, a few books back was just my favorite. This one was still a good read in the series.

The issues between Raven and Alexander are still there, what will there future be? We still don't know. And a few more questions and adventures are introduced at the very end. Schreiber is always throwing in new surprises which keeps the series fresh.

I look forward to the next installment of this series! Keep up with the series at Ellen Schreiber's site. I was thinking there were going to be 12 books, but it looks like the next one Immortal Hearts will be the last one. That makes me sad. Especially since this one left me wanting a little bit more. Sniffles.

Another great YA Vamp read just came out in the House of Night series:

Destined, #9 in HoN series!

I'll probably read this next, after I finish Silence (#3 in Hush, Hush series). What are you reading?

Happy YA Vamp reading all!
~Your YA VampChix,
Shauna

Shauna Leigh Atkinson
goodreads*examiner*twitter

Just One Bite

2011-10-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

All Romance eBooks has been holding a JUST ONE BITE contest and it's down to the final days, and the final four entries, to vote. I'm partial to one of the entries THIS COWBOY BITES by Randi Alexander, but I'll leave the decision up to you. So stop by RIGHT HERE and vote!

Guests: Clay & Susan Griffith

2011-10-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

VampChix is thrilled to have the Griffiths back in the hot seat, talking about their...vampire love.

Where Does Vampire Love Start?

Clay and Susan Griffith

Clay:

Dracula. Handsdown. He is so far ahead that any other vampire is closer to last than second.I love the cape and the stare and the castle and the bat transformation and thehaughty sexiness and the pure power. I love Draculas portrayed by Bela andChristopher Lee and Jack Palance and Louis Jordan and Frank Langella and GaryOldman. I love the version of Dracula created by writer Marv Wolfman (yes,that’s his real name) and artists Gene Colan and Tom Palmer in theirunprecedented run on Marvel Comic’s Tombof Dracula. Love them all.

But, above allthat, I love the Dracula from Bram Stoker’s book. I read that novel when I was13 and was never the same. I consumed all the Dracula material I could afterthat, but none of the other versions are the same as the horrifying creaturefrom Stoker’s novel. The movie versions bear resemblance the book, but they’redifferent in so many ways. Stoker’s Dracula is not a cape-wearing bon vivantwho makes women swoon, nor a vigorous superman in evening clothes who throwsmen across castle great rooms.

In the book,Dracula isn’t really that sexy himself, although he does tap into the repressedsexuality of his female victims. But he doesn’t woo any of them with his suavecharm. He has to hypnotize poor Mina and physically forces her to drink his blood (a pretty weird scene for a13-year old to understand).

In addition, whilehe has a sinister supervillain attitude, he doesn’t rely on supernaturalstrength to scatter his enemies. Dracula is portrayed more as a creepy old manwho is pathetic at times. There’s a scene early in the book when JonathanHarker is being hypnotically assaulted by Dracula’s “brides” when the agedwhite-haired Count shows up, furious at the females for bothering his realestate agent before he has finalized the deal for his new British home, CarfaxAbbey, so he tosses the females aside. Are the brides afraid of him? No, theyactually taunt old Count for being impotent. Dracula placates his sulky bridesby tossing them a bag with a baby inside for them to feed. What? Theinvulnerable lord of the undead stealing babies? Yes. Count Dracula is outskulking around in the night snatching helpless infants from local peasants. Thatis so disturbing, and not a scene that typically finds its way into Draculamovies where the Count is usually portrayed as a crackling sexpot fiend.

Now, it’s not thatI have a particular enjoyment of old baby-stealing Transylvanian weirdos. CountDracula is a fascinating character, truly strange and disturbing. He is notlikeable; he is not some sad, wronged villain. He is disgusting and vile, buthe has enough sophistication to mix with human society without being detected.He looks like a human, but he is a monster. That is why Dracula means “vampire”.

Susan:

I’lladmit my penchant for vampires didn’t come from the dark inhuman ones that Clayloves, at least not until much later. Originally, mine came from later works offiction and television, and portrayed a different side of the bloodsuckers. Ilike the quirkier bad boys. Yes, I mean Spike from Buffy.

Personally,I liked Spike even before Spike was considered “good”. He was a vampire thatdidn’t hold back punches, was straightforward, and didn’t get all weepy at thedrop of a hat, except that one time Drusilla left him. Actually, not even then.He just decided to tie her up and torture her till she loved him again. The manwas damn dark and witty to boot. A snarky attitude is like a magnet to me. Hewore that long black leather duster that he took from a slayer he killed and hewas proud of it. He loved his mother; he even tried turned her before he had tokill her. That’s true devotion to parents. And he wrote poetry, using wordslike “effulgent”. I’m not sure Angel would even know what that word means.

Butbottom line he was a character with delicious depth and a rare complexity.Unlike Angel who had his soul thrust upon him by gypsies, Spike went in searchof it for the woman he loved, a true hero’s journey, sacrificing everything forher. That type of hero’s journey is very intoxicating to me.

Anothergreat vampire is Henry Fitzroy from Tanya Huff’s Blood series. The character in the books is fascinating. He is theillegitimate heir of Henry VIII and leads a quiet life in Toronto working onhis day job as a romance novelist. After all who better to write such thingsthan someone who has lived it. Huff gives us flashes into Henry’s past thatdefine him in the present. We see him get turned and his lost loves, all ofwhich play a part in his ongoing relationship with the heroine, Vicki Nelson.Forget the television show and read the books for a truly great vampire thatread very realistically for a contemporary vampire story.

We hope that thevampires from our Vampire Empireseries will be the origins of many people’s vampire love in the future. Youwon’t have to look hard to see elements – heroic, admirable, troubled, inhuman,vile – of all of the above characters in the vampires who inhabit our trilogy,whether Prince Gareth, or Cesare, or Flay.

So, is there aparticular trait that your vampire HAS to have for you to love it? Or are youopen to anything that says “vampire” on it?

Clay and Susan Griffith are writers who have also beenmarried for over 15 years. They are the co-authors of The Greyfriar and The RiftWalker, (Pyr Books), the first two novels in the Vampire Empire trilogy. The books are a rousing combination of pulpadventure, steampunk fantasy, and romance. Paul Goat Allen, the sci-fi/fantasymoderator of B&N.com, referred to VampireEmpire as “the future of genre fiction.” The third book of the series willbe published in 2012.

Clay and Susan have written many comic books over the yearsincluding The Tick, The Man-Eating Cow and, more recently, Allan Quatermain and the Lord of Locusts.They also script and contribute to the tv/web show Monster Creature Feature (www.mcftv.com).

Oh, and James Marsters (Spike himself!) is narrating theaudio version of Vampire Empire.Check out this link for a sample of TheGreyfriar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOugs5EDzHI&feature=youtu.be

www.facebook.com/vampireempire

www.clayandsusangriffith.blogspot.com

Guest: Michaela August

2011-10-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Michaela August to the party today. This author is actually the writing team of Marian Gibbons and Karin Weiss, and they have the Rose vampire series available.

The Magical Mystery Vampire Tour of History

I don't know about you, but Marian and I have always loved vampire novels (and the occasional movies) that focus on the immortality aspect of vampires, and explore what it means to be able to live through centuries...millennia, even. In discussing the appeal of vampires, we both realize that we were always less interested in stories that focused on the good guys defeating the Vampire Villain, or (the modern corollary) the vampire as Sex God.

A large part of the appeal of Anne Rice's early vampire novels (INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE and its sequel, THE VAMPIRE LESTAT) was that we got to see the vampires as the protagonists, and we got to experience history through their eyes. Sure, Louis and Lestat weren't very heroic in the traditional sense (one was hopelessly passive and depressed, and the other arrogant and sublimely self-absorbed) but at least they were *interesting* and not just the run-of-the-mill bloodsucking undead. And we got a grand tour of eighteenth-century France and nineteenth-century New Orleans in the bargain.

And then there was the Comte de St. Germain. I remember discovering Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA at my local library when I was in high school, and thinking that I'd finally found the perfect vampire novel, with an interesting historical setting, a grand romance, and a very sympathetic (and heroic) vampire as the main character. Marian had a similar reaction to the early St. Germain novels--finally, a good guy who wore fangs! And whose author actually spent some time exploring the effect of immortality on the soul and character of a profoundly compassionate man who loves and loses his mortal friends and lovers over and over again. In Yarbro's vampire universe, the real villains are found in the intrigues among power-hungry upper classes of ancient Rome, invading Mongols in medieval China, Satanic cultists in pre-Revolution eighteenth-century France, or among religious fanatics and the Inquisition in Renaissance Florence.

It's no wonder that we both became fans of the late-night vampire cop show, FOREVER KNIGHT, that aired in the early 90's. Handsome, brooding vampire hero trying to atone for the sins of his past? Check. Lots of historical flashbacks? Check. Attractive, and talented cast? Check!

Marian and I actually met through the FOREVER KNIGHT fandom--she was trying to establish herself as a screenwriter, and had written several FOREVER KNIGHT spec scripts, and I had long wanted to write a vampire novel that incorporated the historical flashbacks I enjoyed so much. We soon became critique partners, and then, a year later, embarked on co-authoring the first version of the novel that eventually became GLASS SOULS.In the process of writing, we evolved a somewhat different kind of vampire by discussing how immortality might work from a practical standpoint. Instead of making our vampires the traditional brooding loners, haunting the centuries in solitude, we gave them a support network (The House of the Rose, a vast mercantile empire of perfumers) and jobs (they're the protectors of the House's business enterprises and its people, as well as the keepers of the family's memories and traditions). And in doing so, we got to evolve a whole set of traditions and a hidden culture based on ancient Sumerian mythology, as well as set our stories in some very interesting periods of history, such as the Crusades and the Mongol invasion of the Middle East.

How about you? What's the thing about vampire novels or movies that appeals to you the most?

About Michaela August:

A writing team composed of Marian Gibbons and Karin Welss, Michaela August is an award-winning author of historical romance and the critically-praised five-volume House of the Rose vampire series: GLASS SOULS, HOUSE OF MEMORY, BROKEN GODS, QUEEN OF HEAVEN, and the SHATTERED CROWN.

Michaela's web site (http://www.michaela-august.com) contains detailed information and excerpts from all of the novels, plus free short stories for download. There are also photo-tours of various places mentioned in the novels, taken during Karin's travels to England, Italy, France, the Greek islands, and Turkey. We hope you'll stop by and take a look!
Karin also maintains a blog that features her anime and manga reviews, as well as her travel journal and photos, at http://sharibet.livejournal.com

Vampires!

2011-10-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

The best part of this print is that Blade is so focused on the goal. ;-) Buy here!

Anne Rice Vampire Ball and Undead Con!

2011-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

We will start off with the UnDead Con on Oct. 27th this will run through the 29th. We will be having a Wine & Vodka Tasting that evening the 27th of Oct. Each day through the 29th at the UnDead Con will be different guest authors, such as Kelly Armstrong, Rachel Caine, Heather Graham, etc... your afternoons are free the Ball is the evening of the 28th of Oct. We will close out everything with a Cocktail Party & Art Auction. Each day we will be auctioning & raffling off wonderful prizes from donations from many different authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton, Michele Hauf, Lara Adrian, P.C. Cast, Jeaniene Frost, Kate Pierce, Lynsay Sands, Kerrelyn Sparks, and Katie MacAlister are just a few who have donated. Over 70 authors donated there books for this wonderful charity cause. The proceeds will be given to Habitat For Humanity and The Save Our Cemertaries Organization. So come out to join us for this fun filled adventure. Tickets can be purchased at our website www.ARVLFC.com . Take a look under Contributors and friends and look at some of the things that have been donated.

Guest: Mayra Calvani

2011-10-21T01:00:00.001-07:00

Please welcome Mayra Calvani—er, Alana Piovanetti to VampChix today. Alana is the protagonist of Mayra's EMBRACED BY THE SHADOWS, and she has a few things to tell us about her life, and an offer for a free electronic copy of her story to one lucky commenter. [Photo is Mayra].

Hola! Myname is Alana Piovanetti—Corsican descendance, no mafia connection, that I knowof. I’m 22 years old and live in San Juan. I recently graduated from Boston University,Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Philosophy. Yep, I’m wild about Nietzche,Kant, Hegel and all the rest. I have long reddish hair (it doesn’t have a clearstyle, it just falls all over my back and shoulders) and black eyes—gypsy eyes,some people say. I guess you could say I’m beautiful, though I’ve never letthat fact affect me, really. Oh, I forgot one thing… I’m also immortal.

My creator,Mayra Calvani (nice gal, by the way, though too wimpy for my tastes—she oncefainted at the sight of blood in her vet’s office, for Christ’s sake!), askedme to take over this guest post for her. Talk about lazy, not to mention thatfact that it’s shameless promotion. After all, Embraced by the Shadows was just released two weeks ago. But howcould I refuse? She gave me life, after all… and what a life this is!

So please,allow me to humor my creator…Allow me to tell you a bit about myself, at leastenough to awaken your curiosity.

When I’mnot feeding, I love listening to Baroque music, especially Bach and Vivaldi.Bach’s Air on G String, for example, will usually send me into a trancewhich only the lust for blood can break. I’m fiercely protective of those Ilove, but merciless with the unjust. If provoked, I can be quite mean. I’m alsovolatile and temperamental; I can tear a murderer to shreds one minute and helpa little old lady cross the street the next.

Paintingsof angels captivate me. I always give money to street beggars. Am I some weirdsort of saint? Far from it, and if you saw my deadly teeth, you would agree. Mybest friend calls me ‘The Virgin Vampire’ because I was innocent in the ways ofthe flesh when I joined the club of the undead. I love to argue about good andevil, justice, the higher good. Because of my high concept of justice and strongconvictions on what is right and wrong, I’m an eternal vigilante at heart. Ihave a black Firebird, a gift from Sadash (he must appease his consciencesomehow, for robbing me of my soul), that looks like a coffin on wheels, veryappropriate. And of course, I never drink… wine. (Okay, that was a lame one.)

One morething: I have been accused of being self-centered. Whatdo you think? Hmm...

Anyway, Mayrais already signalling me with an annoyed look on her face, telling me to keepit short. But I haven’t even had time to tell you about what happens in the story—mystormy, love-hate relationship with Sadash and how I drive him crazy 24/7, themystery of my mother’s death and how I come to solve it, but, most importantly,the inner turmoil that twists my insides day and night… for eternity.

So please,I’m BEGGING you, get a copy of Embracedby the Shadows! It’s only $2.99. The price of a latte! (Subtlety has neverbeen one of my greatest qualities). Best of all, Mayra is giving away 2 FREEparanormal books on Smashwords—whether you buy Embraced by the Shadows or not. Her gift to you this October!Didn’t I say she’s a nice gal?

The freebooks are:

Dark Lullaby https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94529

The Cat Cellar and Other Stories https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95031

What morecan you ask for?

Well,there’s more! Mayra will be giving away a FREE electronic copy of Embraced by the Shadows! Just leave acomment at the bottom of this post to be eligible and answer the question:“What do you like or dislike about Alana?”

But I’mgetting sleepy... In fact, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I can feel itapproaching… dawn. A force so powerful, so much stronger than myself. I mustleave this desk… quickly, down to the cellar where it’s cool and completelydark… quickly… I must…

Justreleased: Embraced by the Shadows

In a bazaar in Istanbul one evening,ten-year-old Alana Piovanetti sees a man standing in the shadows. He smiles,and over time she convinces herself that it was just her imagination thatplaced sharp fangs amongst those flashing teeth.

Twelve years later, Alana is surprised when sheis chosen to manage a new restaurant opening in her home city of San Juan. Shehas neither training nor experience to justify her success. But La Cueva delVampiro has the kind of ambience she adores, for Alana has always had apenchant for horror and the dark side of life. Yet she is also plagued withdreams of dark sensuality, dreams that take on shattering reality when shemeets the stunningly handsome, charismatic Sadash.

For Sadash is the man she saw in the shadows somany years before...and Sadash isn't human….

You may read the prologue and first chapter here: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/EmbracedbyShadows_ch1.html

The link toKindle is:

http://www.amazon.com/Embraced-by-the-Shadows-ebook/dp/B005T4DPCM/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318158557&sr=1-2

The link to B&N:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940013242814

Bio:

Mayra Calvani writesfiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozenbooks, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews andarticles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal,Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. Areviewer for over a decade, she now offers online reviewing workshops. Whenshe’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog,traveling, and spending time with her family.

Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com, join her mailing list, and automaticallyreceive the free ebooks, Reviewers Talkabout Their Craft and the first lesson from my Slippery Art of BookReviewing Workshop.