Tag: vampires

#BadMoonRising Fiona’s Guardians by Dan Klefstad #horror #vampires #paranormal

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising43 Comments

Today’s author is making his BMR debut! I’ve been a vampire fan since I saw the original Fright Night, so his book immediately grabbed my attention. He names The Shining as the King novel that unsettled him most – but he poses an interesting theory that makes me look at the book and movie in a different light. Welcome Dan Klefstad!

Which Stephen King novel unsettled you the most?

The Shining. This is so much more than a ghost story. The theme of family disintegration is especially unsettling as the father, Jack Torrance, grows increasingly obsessive and violent, and Wendy and son Danny feel threatened by his behavior. I was also fascinated by how Danny’s presence at the Overlook Hotel seems to intensify the paranormal disturbances there. My own interpretation of this novel, and the 1980 film, is that Danny’s visions, or “shining,” hint that he may be consciously destroying his father.

What is the spookiest ghost story you’ve ever heard?

A former cop in Rockford, Illinois, told me the story of a haunted apartment she rented. Her Sicilian mother refused to step into it, declaring something evil lurked there. She crossed herself and walked away. The former cop described various phenomena like faucets turning on, cabinet doors opening, etc. One night she was depressed and sat on the floor in the dark next to her fish tank, which provided the only light in the room. Soon she noticed all the fish had gathered in one corner near the bottom, as if they felt threatened by something. Suddenly, the cop was doused with water. Drenched, she went to a bar and called a friend who took her home. She moved out soon after.

Would you rather go to a real haunted house or watch a horror movie marathon?

Oh definitely the former. I’d love to visit a haunted home — especially one with a well-documented history of hauntings. I’ve never experienced the paranormal first-hand.

How do you use social media as an author?

Mainly to co-brand with independent bookstores. I’ve been lucky enough to get my book stocked by 27 indie bookshops, so I mainly use Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share pics of smiling booksellers holding my book. One shop (From My Shelf Books in Wellsboro, PA) sent a pic featuring their bookstore cats, which I’m attaching. I’m proud of my association with indie bookstores, and we both win because the pics they send usually get the most engagement. Of course, I also use social media to announce reading & signing events, or when a new book is coming out.

What is your kryptonite as a writer?

Noise. I can’t listen to music when I write. If I’m outside, birds are fine. But traffic and lawnmowers will drive me to a quiet place inside.

What are you working on now?

The sequel to my vampire novel, Fiona’s Guardians. In it, I introduce a species of vampire little known in the west called a penanggalan.

When a vampire seduces you, death is minutes away. When she hires you, you’ll soon wish you were dead.

It’s a truth known to every guardian who worked for Fiona, including Daniel. Aside from managing the day to day chores and keeping her protected, he manages an investment portfolio to buy stolen blood from hospital workers. The 250-year-old Fiona needs 10 pints of human blood every night. As a result of this, Daniel and Fiona are always on the lookout for police, but fail to notice their gradual encirclement by Mors Strigae, an ancient order of monks dedicated to the extermination of vampires. Gone for a century, the monks start a new war when they destroy Fiona’s sire. This time, her vampire family is pushed to the edge of extinction — and the humans who serve them are hunted and executed.

After 35 years, what keeps him loyal? And will he ever be allowed to leave? 

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Author Bio and Social Media

Dan Klefstad is a longtime radio host and newscaster at NPR station WNIJ. His latest novel, Fiona’s Guardians, is about humans who work for a beautiful manipulative vampire named Fiona. The book was adapted by Artists’ Ensemble Theater for their Mysterious Journey podcast. Dan is currently working on a sequel. He writes in DeKalb, Illinois.

www.facebook.com/dan.klefstad

@danklefstad on Twitter

@danklefstad on Instagram

#BadMoonRising Blood Ending (A Vampire Novel) by Michael McGovern #horror #thriller

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising34 Comments

It’s a double debut for today’s author – his first published novel and BMR debut. You guys know how I feel about black cats, and he states black cats are his spirit animal. Obviously, he’s good people. Welcome Michael McGovern!

If you were stuck as the protagonist in any horror movie, which would you choose?

I would choose Peter Cushing as Van Helsing in HORROR OF DRACULA. Can’t get much cooler than that!

If you could have a spooky Halloween pet (black cat, owl, bat, rat, wolf, etc.), which would you choose?

Black cat definitely.  Black cats are my spirit animals.

Would you rather go to a real haunted house or watch a horror movie marathon?

A horror movie marathon. Horror to me is an art form. Facing a real horror would be far too upsetting!

What books did you grow up reading?

As a kid I read a lot of Greek and Roman mythology. Biographies through school book clubs were another favorite. Once I was in high school, science fiction was of interest (especially DOC SAVAGE), as well as classics like FRANKENSTEIN, DRACULA etc. And Shakespeare! Also read a lot of Agatha Christie novels. Another absolute favorite was THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE by Shirley Jackson.

If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be? 

Stephen King. ‘Nuff said.

What are you working on now?

WITHIN THESE TAINTED WALLS is about a curse and subsequent haunting that starts off wrong and goes awry. Horror takes on many forms as madness, innocent deaths, and a terrifying decay takes root inside the walls of Weatherly House. She made mistakes! She made mistakes!

With elements of Gothic horror, alchemy, sex magic, and science, BLOOD ENDING chronicles the rise of master vampire Severin, his Trinity of female vampires, and the obsessed love-sick alchemist Praetorious Biederbeck.  As one century ends and a new one heads towards devastating war they find that the “old ways” are no longer viable–the lure of sex and blood now competes with the lure of science.  Assisted by the doomed vampire bride Justine, Biederbeck chases after Severin and the Trinity through the decades.  And what a chase it is!

            From an ancient school of black magic to the slave auction block in Syria; from the decadent vampire society of old Vienna to Berlin’s 1920s cabaret scene, a fetish club in London, the fires of Dresden, and ending in the streets of New York, these preternatural beings are affected not only by their own whims and foibles, but also by a world that is changing itself, and the state of magic, at a frenzied pace.  If  you’re seeking a pulse-pounding, blood drenched vampire saga quench your thirst with BLOOD ENDING.

Purchase Links (preorder for November 10th release)

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/horrorsuspense/bloodending (At checkout use the code PREORDER2022 for a 15% discount.)

Amazon

Author Bio and Social Media

Twitter — @Michaelwrites9

Facebook Michael McGovern-Writer

Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco and Daphne by Josh Malerman #bookreview #horror #asianmyth #vampires #LGBTQ

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews21 Comments

I know I’ve been featuring more reviews than usual lately (and you’re probably getting a little tired of them), but I’ve been trying to get the September releases posted before Bad Moon Rising takes over the month of October. The fun starts tomorrow with the preview of BMR authors!

Full of court intrigue, queer romance, and terrifying monsters—this gothic epic fantasy will appeal to fans of Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree and the adult animated series Castlevania.

Remy Pendergast is many things: the only son of the Duke of Valenbonne (though his father might wish otherwise), an elite bounty hunter of rogue vampires, and an outcast among his fellow Reapers. His mother was the subject of gossip even before she eloped with a vampire, giving rise to the rumors that Remy is half-vampire himself. Though the kingdom of Aluria barely tolerates him, Remy’s father has been shaping him into a weapon to fight for the kingdom at any cost.

When a terrifying new breed of vampire is sighted outside of the city, Remy prepares to investigate alone. But then he encounters the shockingly warmhearted vampire heiress Xiaodan Song and her infuriatingly arrogant fiancé, vampire lord Zidan Malekh, who may hold the key to defeating the creatures—though he knows associating with them won’t do his reputation any favors. When he’s offered a spot alongside them to find the truth about the mutating virus Rot that’s plaguing the kingdom, Remy faces a choice.

It’s one he’s certain he’ll regret.

But as the three face dangerous hardships during their journey, Remy develops fond and complicated feelings for the couple. He begins to question what he holds true about vampires, as well as the story behind his own family legacy. As the Rot continues to spread across the kingdom, Remy must decide where his loyalties lie: with his father and the kingdom he’s been trained all his life to defend or the vampires who might just be the death of him. 

I’m a fan of Chupeco’s YA books and jumped at the chance to read their first foray into the adult genre. I nearly did a happy dance when I learned the story involves vampires.

Remy’s life hasn’t been an easy one. He’s a vampire hunter but is shunned by other hunters because of rumors his mother ran away with a vampire – and Remy might be half vampire. His father, a human and former hunter, is ambitious, power-hungry, and constantly demeans Remy. He also pimps Remy out to the wives of men who hold strategic positions in society in order to gain information. Trust me, no Father of the Year trophies will ever grace this guy’s mantle. As a result of all this, Remy doesn’t think highly of himself and believes he’s not worthy of kindness from anyone. He’s definitely an easy character to root for.

When a new breed of vampire shows up, Remy finds himself teamed up with an engaged vampire couple, both of them high up in their respective courts. Having read several vampire books, I liked this different take on a mutant strain of vamps. I also enjoyed seeing a human and vampires working alongside each other, encountering plenty of obstacles along the way, in order to discover who’s behind the Rot. What Remy lacks in self-esteem he more than makes up for as a hunter and can hold his own in a fight. And there are plenty of bloody ones in this story. It’s also full of gothic atmosphere, and the polyamorous relationship that develops between the three of them is pretty amusing at times because of differing personalities. Seeing Remy begin to realize he’s worthy of love and kindness also comes with some heartfelt moments.

At over five hundred pages, this is a chunk of a novel that moves at a brisk pace. It’s not listed as a series on Goodreads, but the ending makes me believe a sequel will be coming – and I’ll absolutely be reading it. HIghly recommend to fans of supernatural mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s the last summer for Kit Lamb: The last summer before college. The last summer with her high school basketball team, and with Dana, her best friend. The last summer before her life begins.

But the night before the big game, one of the players tells a ghost story about Daphne, a girl who went to their school many years ago and died under mysterious circumstances. Some say she was murdered, others that she died by her own hand. And some say that Daphne is a murderer herself. They also say that Daphne is still out there, obsessed with revenge, and will appear to kill again anytime someone thinks about her.

After Kit hears the story, her teammates vanish, one by one, and Kit begins to suspect that the stories about Daphne are real . . . and to fear that her own mind is conjuring the killer. Now it’s a race against time as Kit searches for the truth behind the legend and learns to face her own fears—before the summer of her life becomes the last summer of her life.

Mixing a nostalgic coming-of-age story and an instantly iconic female villain with an innovative new vision of classic horror, Daphne is an unforgettable thriller as only Josh Malerman could imagine it.

When you’re told not to think about a certain thing, see how well you do. It’s not easy. At all. In this novel, if you think about Daphne, she comes for you. And you won’t survive the visit.

Daphne is kind of an urban legend in this town. Seven feet tall, the owner of a muscle car, and rumored to be a murderer, she was an outcast in high school, but has been dead for many years. Or has she? When one of the basketball players tells a ghost story about Daphne to the team, the body count begins a couple days later. With her friends dying one by one in horrific ways, Kit is sure it’s only a matter of time before Daphne pays her a visit. Can she be stopped?

If you’re a fan of both basketball and horror, you’ll be thrilled with this book. Basketball isn’t one of my interests, so I skimmed over a good bit of those parts. But when Daphne is on the page? I couldn’t look away. Those scenes are creepy, bloodcurdling, and exactly what I’d hoped. For me, this had the feel of an 80s slasher movie, and it was something I really liked. As a KISS fan, I also appreciated them being mentioned, but chuckled over Kit not knowing who they were.

Daphne is a chilling blend of horror and psychological thriller that may keep you awake at night. Just try not to think about her. Good luck.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#BadMoonRising Demon’s Life (Demon’s Blood Universe #2) by Shari Sakurai #horror #LGBTQ #vampires

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising33 Comments

I’ve been a vampire fan since the first time I saw them in movies. Even when they were “out of style”, I still read vamp books. Today’s author is here with the second book in a series, and it features the two vampires I got to know and love in Never Change, the novella companion to this series. Welcome Shari Sakurai!

Was there a horror movie you refused to watch because the previews were too scary?

The human centipede. This wasn’t because it looked too scary though, it’s because it just looked horrible!

If you watch horror movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, covers your eyes, or falls asleep?

I’m definitely the person who is yelling ‘look behind you!’ or ‘watch out for…!’

Do you ever see figures in your peripheral vision?

I do sometimes and they never fail to make me jump!

If you decided to write a spinoff of a side character, who would you choose?

I would choose Akito Okada who is one of the antagonists of the series. He has some rare abilities as a vampire that in the series he chooses to use for his own selfish gains. I would like to explore his character and abilities in more depth in his own novel.

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?

I will buy myself a gift to say ‘well done’ and then start with the editing!

What are you working on now?

I have just finished working on the third novel in my Perfect World series. I plan on writing the fourth novel next and the fourth book in my Demon’s Blood series.

Out of respect for the relationship we once had I will spare your life. However, if you try to obstruct me again then I will kill you

Vampires are now an endangered species. Possessed by the demon Kurai, Kokawa Taku has sworn to eradicate all those whom he deems inferior.

Determined to free Taku from the demon’s corruption Thane seeks help from Taku’s sire, Takata Koji. Thane’s search for answers takes him to Hong Kong where he learns the devastating truth. That in order to save Taku, Thane may have to kill him.

Refusing to accept this, Thane makes a decision that places the fate of all vampires in the balance. However Thane is unaware of the betrayal around him and that his actions will either save Taku or destroy him.

Purchase Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Author Bio and Social Media

Shari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBTQ protagonist and/or antagonist. She has always loved to write and it is her escape from the sometimes stressful modern life!

Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.

Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge twelve times!

Websites: http://www.sharisakurai.com  / http://www.perfectworldseries.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharisakurai

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShariSakurai

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shari_sakurai

#BadMoonRising Corral of Blood (Son of Earp #5) by Chuck Buda #horror #western #vampires

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising42 Comments

This isn’t the first appearance at BMR for today’s author, but he sure has been busy writing since he was here last. Today he’s featuring the fifth book in his Son of Earp series. He’ll also make you think twice before accepting drinks from other folks. Welcome Chuck Buda!

Which urban legend scares you most?

The urban legend which scares me the most is the organ thief. It is horrifying to imagine waking up in a bathtub with my kidneys missing. Too many times in my life, I have accepted drinks in bars and at parties that could have been easily laced with a substance to render me unconscious. The thought of someone rooting around in my innards, removing the precious cargo and leaving me to fend for survival is truly terrifying. STAY OUT OF MY BELLY!

What’s your favorite season of American Horror Story?

Rather than show my age and admit that Season 9: 1984 is my favorite, I would choose Season 2: Asylum. I found the second season extremely satisfying in how the characters from the first season were reimagined with different roles and personalities. Yet, some of the intricacies of the first season were utilized to increase the depth of the story. I can’t remember enjoying such a twist in celluloid. The second season twist reminded me of Stephen King’s books, The Regulators and Desperation, which did something similar.

If you watch horror movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, covers your eyes, or falls asleep?

When I watch horror movies, I typically cheer on the monster or the killer. I do empathize with the protagonist but there is something visceral about living vicariously through the eyes of evil. Covering your eyes during the “good parts” defeats the purpose of the scare. And nobody should speak to the screen at home or in the theater. I’m not sure how one could fall asleep during a horror film but I am going to have to try it out. The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre might be a good choice to attempt such a feat!

Would you and your main character get along?

I believe James Johnson, the main character in the Son of Earp series, embodies many facets of my own life. So I would answer in the affirmative. James and I would get along famously. James is young in spirit and tries to always do the right thing. Me too. James gets himself into lots of trouble, allowing his emotions to get the best of him. Me too. James is a champion of underdogs and stands up for what he believes in. Me too. James is a lover of adventure and a romantic dreamer. Me too.

What do you do to get inside your characters’ heads?

My stories involve multiple character point-of-views. Jumping into different heads in alternate chapters allows me, as a storyteller, to add depth and perspective to the tale. Spending an entire novel in one character’s mind is not always appropriate for getting the most out of a story, but it can serve a purpose. However, I find the added value of multiple viewpoints refreshing and necessary to round out the tale. It also enhances the suspense of opposing motives between characters.

If you could spend the day with another popular author, who would you choose?

If I could spend a day with another popular author, I would have to choose Bernard Cornwell. His historical fiction is incredible. The characters are so rich and the realism of the settings and periods are breathtaking. In my humble opinion, his books are instant classics and should be revered as much as James Clavell and Gore Vidal. I would study at his side the entire day, absorbing the masterful techniques that breathe life into his fiction.

Dark forces collide in the O.K. Corral.

James Johnson, illegitimate son of the legendary Wyatt Earp, strikes out on his own with his mentally disabled friend, Carson. They travel to the legendary Tombstone, Arizona where fortunes are made or men die in their pursuit of riches. With gold in the nearby hills, folks are too busy toiling in the hot sun to notice the dangers that exist within their town.

After stepping boot first into a new line of work, the boys befriend an odd loner who doesn’t quite fit in. And James falls for an angel. But people have secrets and their pasts follow them like a dusty shadow. James and Carson must survive multiple threats to their lives as a new showdown comes to Tombstone. One which pits vampires against witches.

Can James and Carson avoid burial in Boot Hill? Or will the battle lines drawn in blood send their souls straight to Hell? This is a nerve-rattling tale of supernatural horror. Read this book to continue the terrifying series today! Corral of Blood is the fifth novel in the Son of Earp series by Chuck Buda.

Purchase Link

Amazon

Author Bio and Social Media

Chuck Buda writes across multiple genres including westerns, horror, and crime thrillers. He loves to eat pizza, drink whiskey and craft beers, listen to Norwegian Black Metal and search for answers about Bigfoot and UFOs. Plus, he works very hard to fit quotes from Seinfeld or Big Bang Theory into every conversation. That’s a ton of fun in one man.

Join his mailing list for free stories and things of weirdness:

https://www.authorchuckbuda.com

Follow Chuck on BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chuck-buda

Follow Chuck on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/Chuck_Buda

Chuck Buda co-hosts The Mando Method Podcast on Project Entertainment Network with author, Armand Rosamilia. They talk about all aspects of writing.

WEBSITE

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Son of Earp Series

Gushers Series

Debt Collector Series

Beers And Fears Series

Keyport Cthulhu Series

#BadMoonRising Inheritance Revealed (Vampire Hunter #1) by Cheryl A. Hunt #paranormal #vampires

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising44 Comments

Any vampire fans out there? If so, today’s featured author will make your vamp-loving heart happy with the first book in a series. She’s a talented pumpkin carver and loves it so much it’s not just for Halloween anymore. Welcome Cheryl A. Hunt!

Which urban legend scares you most?

The hook man legend scares me. I remember when I was a teenager, it was a favorite to tell around a campfire, and I was always scared.

Would you rather dunk for apples or carve a Jack o’ lantern?

Carve a Jack o’ lantern. I have always purchased several pumpkins each year to carve on Halloween. I love owls and usually carve at least one of my pumpkins with an owl design. Recently I started growing pumpkins in my garden, and I am carving for Thanksgiving as well.

If you watch horror movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, covers your eyes, or falls asleep?

I am definitely the person who covers her eyes. I remember sitting on the couch watching Dracula with my daughter when she was 12 or 13. She sat eating popcorn, and I had my arms over my head and my eyes closed.

Would you and your main character get along?

Yes, we would get along because we have some similar interests. When I wrote the main character, I made her interested in Mythology because it is a something I enjoy.

If you decided to write a spinoff of a side character, who would you choose?

I would write Marcus’ story. He turned into such an interesting character. I have hinted that he is very old and a soldier, so his story would be interesting to write.

What are you working on now?

I have a few novels in the works, and I am writing short stories that expand on my vampire hunter series. I usually work on a couple of stories until one takes hold and then I focus on it.

Arianna Sabini is twenty-five years old and a first-year professor finishing her PhD. dissertation and teaching at Weymouth University in upstate New York. She meets James Merden, a handsome and intriguing man who is at the university under the guise of writing a novel, but who is really there to get to know Arianna. Their relationship develops, and it seems like everything in her ordered and planned life is falling into place when she is viciously attacked. Arianna awakens and must accept the reality of how her life is changed, forever. She discovers she is a vampire hunter, James is a vampire, and the mythology she teaches is not entirely fiction. With help from Giovanni, a rough and cranky old vampire hunter, Arianna discovers her inner talents, and she begins to unravel the mysterious family secret in her past.

Purchase Link

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Revealed-Vampire-Hunter-Novel-ebook/dp/B094RHPZWX Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Revealed-Vampire-Hunter-Novel/dp/1684336848

Author Bio

Cheryl A. Hunter is an author and artist. Her books span multiple genres including contemporary fiction, paranormal fantasy, and nonfiction. Cheryl is also an artist who works in glass, ink and watercolor, and photography. When she is not writing, taking pictures, or creating glass art, she loves to travel. Her interest in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures has taken her to many Archeological sites and museums in several countries.

Social Media

Website: www.cherylahunter.com 

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/CherylAHunter.writer

Twitter: @CherylAHunter4

Instagram: Cherylahunter101

Never Change by Shari Sakurai #bookreview #shortstory #vampires #LGBTQ #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews27 Comments

Thane’s arms curved around his back and he felt the younger vampire trembling as he rested his head on Taku’s shoulder. So easily broken, Taku often forgot what it had been like in the beginning. For him things had been different, he reminded himself. He had already known what it felt like to take a life.

With Nagasaki in the grip of a bitter winter, two vampires struggle to hunt in the challenging conditions. When an opportunity to feed from a dying man presents itself, Taku insists that they take advantage of it. Yet his newly turned lover is left feeling devastated by their actions. Seeing Thane so distraught is more than Taku can bear and so he makes a decision to shield Thane as much as he can from the darker side to their existence. However his desire to protect Thane might one day cost him everything.

Never Change is a short story set in the Demon’s Blood universe.

I “met” this author through hosting Bad Moon Rising a few years ago. Although I haven’t read this series, no prior knowledge is required to read this short story.

I’m always a vampire fan – have been since watching the original Fright Night. Even when they were out of fashion for a while in the book world, I had faith they’d come back. I’ve never been one to bow to fashion anyway. It’s a bitter, cold winter in Nagasaki – not that the temperature affects Taku and Thane. But plenty of snow makes it difficult to hunt and limits their food sources. Not very many warm bodies are out and about. Being a fairly new vampire, Thane still struggles with their darker side. With years (centuries?) of experience, Taku is more practical about what they should do when coming across a dying man.

Don’t think the whole story deals with heavy themes. There’s a fun, light-hearted snowball fight between the two, and even a snowman. It’s a sweet novella, and I can tell I’d enjoy this series based on meeting these wonderful characters.

The Ballad of Mrs. Molony (The Hat #3) by C.S. Boyack #bookreview #vampires #paranormal #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews52 Comments

Lizzie and the hat are back, and this time they’re chasing vampires across a subculture of America. A pair of rodeo cowboys are holding a woman captive to use like a milk cow since they joined the undead.

The person who put them onto the trail is also a vampire, but he has to be the worst vampire in history. Is he really that pitiful, or is he setting a trap for our heroes? Does the woman even exist? Can Lizzie and the hat find her before she also takes up blood sucking?

Follow Lizzie and the hat as they use their cover band to stalk vamps across the country music scene. 

I’m a real fan of this series and, also being a vamp fan, was super excited to go on this hunting/staking adventure with Lizzie and the hat.

Working several part time jobs and playing in a band keep Lizzie busy enough, but she and the hat also have a duty to fight crime. Luckily, they can still make some money playing gigs at the same time. When Kevin asks Lizzie and the hat to help rescue his sister from a group of vampires, Lizzie wants to volunteer, but the hat is suspicious. Kevin is also a vampire, but not the dark, mysterious, sexy type – trust me on this. He doesn’t feed on humans, and he certainly doesn’t sparkle, but the hat wants to stake him anyway, nice guy or not. Having no choice but to give in, the hat loses this battle.

The banter between Lizzie and the hat is always a favorite for me in this series. Sometimes it’s like listening to an old married couple. Since discovering the internet (especially Amazon), the hat has discovered the joys of online shopping. Lizzie has to occasionally veto purchasing requests (I didn’t think the fog machine was an entirely bad idea) due to budget constraints. At least it keeps him busy (he doesn’t sleep) and out of Lizzie’s hair for a while.

I’m not a country music fan, so I was amused by the band’s attempts to slide some other non-country artists into the playlist by introducing them as cowboys. I also snorted out loud several times at the hat’s attempts to remember (more like poke fun at) Kevin’s sister’s name, Ida Rose.

At less than two hundred pages, this is a quick read. With humor, vampires (one that’s very memorable), banter, and music, this is another adventurous romp with the ever patient Lizzie and shopaholic hat. The fourth book in the series dropped recently, and I can’t wait to get started.

#BadMoonRising: Demon’s Life by Shari Sakurai #horror #LGBT #paranormal

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising10 Comments

During Bad Moon Rising, we’ve had a lot of discussion about being vampires and werewolves – pros, cons, hair, no hair, sparkling, etc.  In the featured book (scheduled for release November 4th) by today’s author, vampires are an endangered species.  Wonder why?  Welcome Shari Sakurai!

Would you rather walk through a haunted graveyard at midnight or spend the night in a haunted, abandoned house?

I’d say definitely a haunted graveyard. Abandoned houses tend to be home to massive spiders and I’m way more scared of them than ghosts!

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf? 

Vampire! Of all the supernatural species, they are the ones that hold most fascination for me so I would be interested in experiencing for myself what it would be like to actually become one.

Would you rather be part of the X-Files team or Ghostbusters?

I grew up watching X-Files so I’d love to be a part of the team!

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in the same setting, where would you choose?

Nagasaki, Japan. The prequel to my novel Demon’s Blood is set in Nagasaki so it would be amazing to be able to write it whilst living in the city!

What is your favorite cover of all your books?  Why?

It’s so difficult to choose, but I would say Demon’s Blood. When I had all the covers for my novels re-designed I was especially pleased with how that one turned out. It just really illustrates the plot of the novel so well.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Too many! Mostly unfinished ones though. They are all stored in folders and I hope to be able to finish them all one day, in particular my fantasy novel which has been sitting in drafts for over ten years!

Out of respect for the relationship we once had I will spare your life. However, if you try to obstruct me again then I will kill you.

Vampires are now an endangered species. Possessed by the demon Kurai, Kokawa Taku has sworn to eradicate all those whom he deems inferior.

Determined to free Taku from the demon’s corruption Thane seeks help from Taku’s sire, Takata Koji. Thane’s search for answers takes him to Hong Kong where he learns the devastating truth. That in order to save Taku, Thane may have to kill him.

Refusing to accept this, Thane makes a decision that places the fate of all vampires in the balance. However Thane is unaware of the betrayal around him and that his actions will either save Taku or destroy him.

Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XQ7BZ4P

Bio

Shari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBT protagonist and/or antagonist. She has always loved to write and it is her escape from the sometimes stressful modern life!

Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.

Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge ten times!

Social Media:

Website: http://www.sharisakurai.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharisakurai
Twitter: @ShariSakurai

The Island: Vampires of Merovingi #1 by Sarah M. Cradit #bookreview #vampires #fantasy

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews11 Comments

1789. Saint-Domingue. Hispaniola. West Indies. 

Etienne de Blanchefort has seen incredible success as a colonial planter in the Northern Province of Saint-Domingue. Though uprooting his family from France a decade past was a gamble, life in the tropical West Indies has been good to him, his wife, and four children. With France embroiled in their great revolution across the Atlantic, he harbors little doubt he made the right decision for his family’s future.

Until, that is, the arrival of his fiend.

Etienne’s practical nature cannot reconcile what he knows to be true of his world with what he cannot ignore about the abominable creature haunting his family and the island.

Nor can he ignore his wife’s terrifying dreams that slowly steal her vitality.

Or Victorine’s burgeoning free spirit and wariness of their way of life.

Or Nanette’s curious, furtive behavior as she hides in trees.

Or Marius’ secret new friendship with one he cannot name.

Or Flosine’s unsettling drawings of a man from a time long before theirs.

Etienne’s fiend will not stay elusive for long. He has a request. A very particular, very important request, one that will change the lives of Etienne, his family, and his descendants forever.

I’ve been a vampire fan since the original Fright Night movie with Chris Sarandon.  After the Twilight novels, vampire books flooded the market for a while, then receded, but I’m glad to see them making a comeback.  Maybe not quite as big of a splash this time, but that’s alright with me.  Since I’ve read all this author’s Crimson and Clover series, I was thrilled to learn she was starting a new series featuring vampires that fit within that same world.

Not having read a ton of historical fiction books, I appreciated the attention to detail and extensive research the author clearly performed for this book.  As always, her imagery is rich with description.  Although the first 25% of the book was a little slow for my taste, the pace moved along much quicker after that.

The Island looks to be the start of a riveting series and I look forward to meeting more of the vampires!

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author.