Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "erotica"

"Centuries teach you patience. To wait quietly in the shadows, biding one's time."

First in the spotlight from "Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection" is my erotic horror thriller novel "Bitten", which concludes the omnibus.

A criminal investigation...
an erotic obsession...
and the undead...
This Valentine's Day, join Holleigh as she comes face to face with the Valentine Vampire...

Behind the Story

I first wrote the basic plot outline for "Bitten" in 2015, shortly after completing the first draft of "The Jack O'Lantern Men". Inspired by a short story I had written in school, entitled "Clueless", about a US police detective investigating a suspected serial killer (we were tasked with writing a romance, so I wrote an erotic thriller), there were two other key themes that I added to the mix: first being the seasonal theme of Valentine's Day. I planned "Bitten" to be the third of my seasonal novellas, following the previous two exploring Christmas and Hallowe'en respectively.

The second key theme was that of vampirism. I have loved vampires from a very young age - my first encounter being an abridged version of Bram Stoker's "Dracula". Since then I got to know the Count and his fellow undead creatures through novels and films, and fascinating explorations into their history and folklore.

So, "Bitten" was born. The more I worked on it, the more it expanded. In the end, it became a full-length novel - the characters having far too much to say to cram into a novella.
Another fictional love of mine is erotic thrillers. From the first time I saw "Basic Instinct" I thought it a masterpiece. Its blueprint has inspired many themes of erotic thrillers since - the twisting mystery, the passion that clouds the judgement, the dangerous cat-and-mouse game.

We've seen vampires become ever more romanticised in recent years. As we've seen erotic fiction become ever more romanticised. One of my goals with this novel was to strip both of those back, to let some of their raw darkness resurface - a horror thriller, rather than a paranormal romance; a murder investigation into suspected serial murders, each of which took place on Valentine's Day.

Of course, authentically dealing with such themes in conjunction comes with many other themes and plot points to be illustrated and explored, some of which may be triggering - misogyny, sexism, sexual violence, paraphiliae, and trauma. As difficult as these may be to explore, I think it is vitally important that we do not shy away from these issues. To allow fantasy to dominate over very real and tragically everyday experiences can sometimes aid in silencing victims and empowering offenders. In fiction, as in life, fantasy and reality both have their place. Exploring them side by side is sometimes necessary and right for the story you want to tell.

I could have never imagined how topical the issues of misogyny, sexual violence and murder, within the context of the police service, would have been in the year when I finally published "Bitten". It remains vitally important that we don't lose awareness that such crimes are happening in reality every day. Crime and horror writers have often been accused of glorifying violence and disrespecting victims. We do not do that - it is those who live in denial of these experiences that do so, relegating such offenders to monsters in the dark and forcing their victims into silence. We should never stop having these conversations and fiction is as valid a platform as any other from which to consider, discuss, debate, and, most importantly of all, remember and spread awareness.

In order to tell this story, it needed a strong central character. While she remained nameless for several months while I tried various names, PC Holleigh Ryder was always that character. Throughout "Bitten", we explore her progression in her career, her introverted but compassionate heart, her strength and vulnerability, and an insight into her desires and her pansexuality. She is perhaps one of my favourite characters whom I've created.

And what of the other characters? The mysterious Valentine Vampire? There will be no more spoilers from me. You'll just have to crawl under the covers and open the book for more nighttime exploration into this tale of murder, fear and desire...
___

A serial murder investigation draws near its conclusion. For seven years the killer has evaded capture, but the police finally have their prime suspect in custody – a man who claims to be a vampire over three hundred years old.

PC Holleigh Ryder is tasked with the most unsettling and challenging assignment of her career. All she wants is to get to the truth and achieve justice for the murdered women, but this has been no ordinary case and it is far from over.

The vampire has his own endgame in mind, one that may leave the police praying they had left the damned undisturbed in their graves.

*Note to Readers*
Contains descriptions of an explicit sexual and violent nature.

"You have the heart of a vampire. Your soul is as damned in your body as mine."

Preview the opening scene.

Available standalone ebook and paperback, or as part of the omnibus in ebook, paperback and hardcover. Grab your copy now!

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Tangled Garden: Wilted Petals & Chaotic Delusions by Savvy Rose

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A taut, gripping tale of erotic suspense.

Cyn is coasting through life, unhappy in a marriage to a man while in denial about her sexuality, dabbling in substance misuse just to get through her days and ignore the reason for her misery.

Dev, haunted by her demons, unexpectedly comes into Cyn's life, their attraction instant and impossible to ignore. Beginning a passionate affair, theirs is a romance that threatens to spill over into obsession.

To the other, each is an addiction impossible to satiate, a danger that threatens to escalate to a tragic and irrevocable climax.

'Tangled Garden' is the first in Savvy Rose's 'Beautifully Broken' series. A novella in two parts; the first, 'Wilted Petals', explores the beginnings and the fallout of an extramarital affair, reminiscent of a sapphic 'Fatal Attraction'; while the second, 'Chaotic Delusions', is a psychological drama, a character study in trauma revealing more twists and turns to this tale of two troubled women.

It took a while for me to warm to Cyn; while you can sympathise with the turmoil triggered by her denial and living a lie, it's a struggle to see past both her behaviour towards her husband and her dishonesty with her lover about her marriage, which triggers the catastrophic events that follow. Despite her issues and, at times, alarming behaviour, I found Dev a more sympathetic character. With the novella's second part told from her perspective, we learn more about her history; a psychological autopsy of a traumatised young woman who simply wants to be loved.

Not only erotic fantasy, this is a well-written, character-driven drama; a story realistically told and brimming with romantic suspense. Exploring themes of mental health issues and infidelity, the fantasy doesn't detract from the damage inflicted upon the characters by both the events of their pasts and also their present actions. I look forward to the next in the series and also reading more of Savvy Rose's work.

Gripping and sensual, 'Tangled Garden' is an erotically-charged quickie read that will leave you simultaneously satisfied and eager for more.



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"I veered between a desperate longing to taste every inch of you and a creeping, cold fear as I saw your eyes glow out of the darkness."

This month's spotlight is on short story "Prisoner", an erotic occult prison thriller.

Behind the Story

Under the working title 'Ménage à Trois', 'Prisoner' was the second of three short stories I originally planned for 'Whispers from the Dead of Night' and the fourth of the seven that I wrote.

Exploring psychological elements alongside supernatural themes, it follows a prison officer who performs a ritual to summon a succubus, subsequently developing an obsessive desire for the new prison governor.

Much like when writing 'Bitten', I was inspired by erotic thrillers while working on this story. It was also important to include a strong female character in a position of power. Despite her being the 'object' of desire, her position served the dual purpose of, firstly, not following cliches of how victims may be portrayed, and, secondly, not demonstrating the manipulators and aggressors as always being powerful men.
With demonic influence lurking in the background, throughout remains the constant question as to which of them is truly the victim in this game of power and seduction.
Including scenes of stalking and explicit sex and violence, this is one of the most graphic stories in the collection. Beneath the surface bubbles the mystery at its heart, culminating in a brutal burst of violence at the point of revelation.

As I often try to do with my stories, there are elements of danger presented by both human and otherworldly agents, with psychological undercurrents that leave you to question what is real and what may be imagined, and what may truly be lurking out there in the dark.

Ensure all your windows and doors are locked, shut out the darkness of the night, and dive into this tale of a sexual obsession, spiralling out of control...
___

A mysterious book holds the key to a world of unexplored pleasure at the hands of a goddess of the night.

From the moment I saw you, I could not get you out of my head. I must experience you, all of you. Yet you terrify me.

I know you will pursue me until the end. Unless I am able to destroy you first.

"There were no questions in your deep blue eyes, in the shadows that played over your face. You knew why I had come."

*Note to Readers: Includes descriptions of an explicit and potentially triggering nature*

Opening Scene

Monday

The book quivered in my hands, light glistening off the snake-skin cover. I stroked the lining, down the spine and around the tight binding. The black page edges were smooth as silk. I splayed my fingers over the skin, pulling open the hardcover, parting the delicate pages, which came apart with a gentle elastic pop where adhesive held them together. I pulled back the first page. There she was, nude, kneeling, legs parted, black pubic hair glistening, alluring. Hands rested on muscular thighs, shoulders back, the curve of her back meeting the bulge of her buttocks. Her breasts were heavy between her upper arms, dark nipples erect. Dark hair flowed down her back, two horns protruding from the top of her head and curling around her skull. Her eyes glowed as red as her mouth; lips parted in knowing seduction. She looked at me, captivating me with that look, with her body.

My fingers traced her face, her breasts, her thighs. I was tense, my breathing shallow. She could hurt me, damage me, but I didn’t care. I lifted the book to my face and breathed in the scent. The adhesive was intoxicating. There was another scent beneath it. Carnal. Woman.

Eagerly, I flicked through the pages, my tired eyes battling with this hunger. The small, neat print floated across my vision, my fingers caressing the hardcover edges, enjoying the friction. I could fight desire no longer, knowing the wait was almost over. I turned back to the front page, tracing the edges and curves of her body with my forefinger.

I tucked the book away in the bottom drawer of the cabinet, turning the key and then pocketing it. I crept into the bedroom, undressing and preparing for bed in the en-suite. Kayleigh was still sleeping when I crawled into bed. She woke when I entered her, letting the tension of the day flow from me.

I dreamt of her that night, a bounty of flesh, dark hair, gleaming eyes. I was the serpent and I fed on her, sweet as fruit.
___

Available as part of the original "Whispers from the Dead of Night" short story collection in ebook and paperback and the deluxe collection in ebook, paperback and hardcover.

Order "Whispers from the Dead of Night"
Order "Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection"

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Sliver by Ira Levin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A delicious sliver of menace from a master of suspense.

Someone is always watching. Literary editor Kay Norris moves into her new high-rise apartment, unknowingly becoming the subject of someone's obsession.

Befriending some of her neighbours and soon embarking on a relationship with one of them, Kay continues about her daily life, oblivious to the scrutiny, unaware of the increasing danger she is in.

The tenants are living a real-life soap opera - the footage live, raw and unedited. Behind the scenes is a puppet-master whose fantasies must be fulfilled, and self-preservation guaranteed, at all costs.

Novelist and playwright Ira Levin wrote seven novels; 'Sliver' being the sixth, published in 1991. A short, sharp, fast-paced erotic thriller, it deftly deals with its theme of observing the lives of others, developing into obsession, drawing parallels to ways in which viewers and readers devour fiction and the culture of celebrity. Along with her stalker, we observe Kay go about her daily life. We witness the addictive and compulsive relationship that develops, the revelations of a twisted hobby, and the growing mistrust and burgeoning paranoia as Kay unravels more of the past.

Levin's satirical take on stalking and voyeurism through the apartment block's advanced clandestine visual and audio surveillance system takes on a chilling plausibility in our days of reality TV, social media and mass use of surveillance and security cameras. Much like George Orwell's '1984', albeit in a more light-hearted and non-political way, 'Sliver' was ahead of its time in exploring the extent to which we would one day be monitored and watched, either knowingly or unknowingly, voluntarily or involuntarily.

There are echoes of some of Levin's earlier novels - notably his first, 'A Kiss Before Dying'; as well as 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Stepford Wives' in the dynamics of the relationships. The novel once again demonstrates Levin as a master of his craft, as he builds suspense and unease in the manner of an artist, the result always as irresistible and entertaining as it may be unsettling and thought-provoking.

The novel was also adapted for the screen for the 1993 film of the same name, starring Sharon Stone, hot on the heels of the success of 'Basic Instinct' (and adapted by its screenwriter). The plot translates well to the screen, though with changed character names and an alternate ending.

A thrilling volume in Ira Levin's compelling body of work, 'Sliver' is another portrait of the way in which evil can puncture its way into our lives, watching us, biding its time, without us being conscious of its existence.



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Tampa by Alissa Nutting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Inside the mind of a narcissistic hebephile.

Celeste is eager to begin her new teaching position as the new school year begins, excited and full of enthusiasm. But her true intentions are hidden beneath the surface - she is a predator with a predilection for pubescent boys.

She soon selects a target from amongst her pupils - Jack - and sets to work on seducing him, her grooming quickly escalating into a sexual relationship with the teenager.

But as Celeste's insatiable desires escalate, her veneer of normalcy threatens to crumble, exposing the true face lurking behind her mask for the world to see.

'Tampa' is a psychological drama, on one level playing out as a taboo erotic fantasy, on another exposing the impact of criminal, abusive and exploitative behaviour. Told from the perspective of central character Celeste, we are sucked into her world of paraphilic compulsion, as she grooms and exploits her young victims. She feels her behaviour is justified, while simultaneously being aware that it isn't in taking measures to avoid detection and apprehension. She finds it grossly unfair how so many people in the world can freely explore their sexual desires and she cannot.

The novel explores society's perception of grooming and sexual violence and the key issue of consent, as well as challenging the pre-conceptions as to how both victims and perpetrators look or behave. Sadly, in reality, we often encounter scenarios where there is an apparent struggle to perceive and empathise with victims of abuse, which is particularly evident in the criminal justice system - many often seeking ways to apportion some blame to the victim, expecting them to behave or present in certain ways or expecting the pattern of abuse to develop in a particular way in order to be 'believable', or else simply not believing a crime has even taken place. While we may have made some small progress in recent years in the perception of female victims as victims (with still such a terrifyingly long way to go), the struggle to perceive men as victims of abuse when that abuse is not committed by another man appears to have changed even less. The novel places this question as central to Celeste's defence - "how could a teenage boy who gets to have sex with his attractive teacher possibly be a 'true victim'?"

That being said, Celeste herself does not use this notion to justify her actions to herself. She is entirely aware of the potential damage she can cause to her young victims and nevertheless chooses to pursue her own desires. In fact, she relishes in it - her true sexual gratification comes from the power. The sex is never focused on the pleasure of her partners (victims); it is entirely focused on her own pleasure. In a twisted way, this is where the novel succeeds in its erotica - you could be forgiven for momentarily forgetting this is not a story about pleasuring the body of a beautiful woman, her victims relegated to nothing more than tools for that purpose - she certainly never claims any emotional attachment. Her narcissism dominates the entire novel.

Controversial material such as this only works when it is exceptionally written. Nutting has crafted the narrative cleverly - using Celeste's sociopathy to draw us in whilst simultaneously providing just enough detachment throughout. Our empathy with the victims comes through our own reflection, never from Celeste's perspective - as she isn't truly capable of it. This makes the story a compulsive read, preventing us turning away in disgust from the explicit sexual content. We're in Celeste's head, not in the reality of the situation, as she uses her beauty and capacity to lie and to charm so convincingly to manipulate everyone around her and to achieve her sole objective of satiating her desires.

Disturbing and thought-provoking, 'Tampa' is an intense and extraordinary novel that challenges perception and raises awareness whilst simultaneously delivering a gripping story.



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Hidden From View by Gill D. Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A complex web of sex, lies and human relationships.

Suffering abuse at the hands of her uncle Tommy throughout her childhood, Rita continues to be scarred by her traumatic past. Meanwhile, her husband Lewis’ affair with his work colleague Tamika is building in intensity, something his Sergeant Lynn has her own reasons to exploit.

Lewis’ mother Suzanne makes it her mission to meddle in the lives of her children, both Lewis and his sister Cassie struggling with her interference. Cassie values her independence, living her life on her terms alongside her close group of friends, who each have their own struggles to contend with.

As the sins of the past impact the present, justice may be about to catch up with some, while others may finally find an escape from the shackles of their pain.

‘Hidden from View’ is Gill D. Anderson’s debut novel, a tale of drama, trauma and deviance set primarily in South Australia. This is the third of Gill's books I’ve read and, though it’s a close call between the three, it may just be my favourite so far. With elements of family saga, psychological suspense, erotica and police procedural moulded within the character-driven plot, it delves into themes of abuse and misogyny, taboos and a touch of voodoo.

The story is narrated through the perspectives of the multiple characters, featuring many anecdotes and inner monologues which give each of their tales an authentic feel, so much so that it wouldn’t surprise me if some were inspired by real events (if indeed they are purely fictional, it is testament to Gill’s skill in her character creation). More than once the structure of the novel reminded me of films like ‘Magnolia’, a multi-faceted approach to storytelling with human drama and emotion at its centre, also with some comical elements to balance the novel’s darker moments.

The antagonists often prove themselves to be particularly vile – there are references to child abuse, sexual violence and animal cruelty that some readers may find triggering or simply more than they are comfortable with. Nevertheless, these subjects are dealt with delicately and with a determination that we must strive for change. Perhaps, one day, we will finally achieve it.

Fast-paced and engrossing, ‘Hidden from View’ is a psychological portrait in shades of dark and light that explores the far-reaching consequences of our actions.



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When Stars Become Shadows by Emmie Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An erotic, psychological dark fantasy.

Escaping her life of sex slavery and attempting to stow away aboard a ship, Syn discovers her dreams of freedom may be shortlived.

The crew know more about her than they share, while her chemistry with the captain may ignite far more danger than seduction.

In an odyssey across the ocean and into realms of gods and monsters, Syn may just discover the secrets of her destiny.

'When Stars Become Shadows' is the first novel in a duology by fantasy author Emmie Hamilton. Following the story of Emersyn “Syn” Merona, we are plunged straight into action as she makes a daring escape from a brothel that has become her prison, leaving a dead man in her wake. Immersing us in a world seeped in the magical atmosphere of a fairy tale with a shadowy edge of burgeoning desire, Syn takes to the seas with a crew of pirates in a tale of romance, adventure and mystery. Featuring vivid world-building and a depth of lore and history, taking inspiration from classical mythology, every chapter brims with action and erotic tension.

I don't frequently read fantasy, but when I do this is how I love it - dark, psychological themes, layered with eroticism, mythological imagery and creatures, and entwined with adventurous mystery. I found some of the set-pieces reminiscent of TV series ‘Once Upon a Time’; scenes in this vein a delight to read on the page. Flashbacks reveal Syn's backstory and her deep-rooted trauma, as well as how she developed into the feisty, fierce and courageous young woman she's become. Smart, sassy, strong-willed, foul-mouthed, red-headed and exceedingly beautiful - Syn is an entrancing character; one you may find yourself developing a burning crush on. Surrounded by a host of characters, their actions and motives ranging from morally ambiguous to suspicious, Syn is never quite sure whom she can trust and whether they be friend or foe.

Fantasy, by its very nature, allows us to explore dark themes such as trauma and abuse somewhat through a safety lens, less confrontational than it may be in thriller and horror set in our world. The novel explores the nature of consent, misogyny and exploitation, and the attitudes and expectations of society towards women's relationships with sex and stigma attached to it. Hamilton does a marvellous job of using these heavy themes to evolve Syn's character and encourage empathy with her, exploring her trauma and how it affects her relationships and perceptions, while demonstrating her resilience and fighting spirit - always more a survivor than a victim.

Lustrous and seductive, 'When Stars Become Shadows' is an evocative and titillating fantasy, ending on a delicious cliffhanger; we await, with baited breath, the second part of Syn's story.



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Carving for Cara DARK Edition: A Dark Romance Halloween Novella by Dana LeeAnn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A dangerous and erotic game of trick-or-treat.

**Trigger Warning: This novella contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence and a controversial victim experience.**

Cara is excited for the upcoming Hallowe’en festivities, while also hoping she can finally disentangle herself from her selfish ex and move on.

Meeting her friend for pumpkin spice lattes, she finds herself transfixed by perhaps the most gorgeous man she has ever laid eyes on.

Rhett is equally enthralled by Cara on first sight. But he has a hidden dark side. Now, he will stop at nothing to entirely possess her.

'Carving for Cara', co-written by Melissa McSherry and Dana LeeAnn, is a dark romance novella for Hallowe’en, an erotic fantasy with slasher overtones. Told from the dual perspectives of Cara and Rhett, it delves deep into the psyches of both characters, exploring their thoughts, desires and passions as they head into this fateful Hallowe’en night. Bursting with seasonal imagery and flourishes of horror, the authors vividly set the scene as spice and suspense smoulders and ignites.

Cara, with her love for Hallowe’en and the season's darkness, longs for a lover who can satisfy her dark fantasies. Still in a casual relationship with her ex, unbeknownst to her best friend, she longs for escapism and a depth of pleasure she's not experienced in her life. Spunky, independent and beautiful, we experience her creeping unease as she is stalked by her unseen predator.

From the first moment he sees Cara, Rhett is obsessed: she is his and he knows how much she wants him. Narcissistic and delusional, he sets in play his scheme to claim his woman. I particularly liked how his character was developed authentically - he may be physically attractive, intelligent and highly skilled (in more ways than one), but he is nevertheless portrayed as the dangerous villain he is, not painted as a lovable, misunderstood hero (sometimes a mistake of the genre) - we never lose sight of his true nature as stalker, murderer and rapist.

Building to an intense climax as predator and prey collide in a pursuit through the corn field and into the pumpkin patch, Cara finds herself overpowered and defenseless as she lies bound and terrified. Even as she is assaulted, a deeper, primal part of herself stirs, pleasure rippling through her beyond her control.

Plus, this will be no one night stand - Cara and Rhett are set to return in a sequel, which I hope will be another Hallowe’en frenzy that also explores the aftermath and emotional fall-out of such a conflicting experience at the hands of a narcissist.

Oozing with pumpkin spice, 'Carving for Cara' is a delicious Hallowe’en quickie for readers who enjoy dabbling in CNC and BDSM fantasy or simply enjoy something brutal, rather than romantic, for our favourite dark season.



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Lasher by Anne Rice

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A dark and alluring gothic supernatural thriller, continuing the family saga of the Mayfair witches.

Rowan Mayfair has vanished without a trace. Her husband Michael Curry has been hospitalised since the night of her disappearance. The rest of the Mayfair clan gather around – speculating, in denial, hovering like vultures.

An ancient evil, the demonic entity Lasher, now walks the realm of the living, born of flesh and blood, after centuries of fulfilling the role of dutiful familiar to the Mayfair witches.

Lasher is pursuing his own insidious endgame, a chilling scheme to populate the earth with his progeny.

‘Lasher’ is the second novel in the ‘Lives of the Mayfair Witches’ trilogy by Anne Rice. A dark and twisted Gothic family saga, laced with horror, romance, erotica, philosophy and faith, Rice’s luscious, immersive prose takes us on a delicious and horrific journey into the forbidden, delving back in time and further exploring the past of the Mayfair family, building on the events of the first novel, moving the narrative forwards with a twist of speculative and science fiction, as we meet the wider family in the present day and dig deeper into secrets entwined within their history.

Rice weaves a sublime mix of horror and eroticism, history and villainy, the novel immediately and relentlessly capturing us under its spell. A complex, multi-layered narrative, swirling in mystery and suspense, at times disturbing, often thought-provoking, it explores themes of good and evil, pleasure and pain, genetics and evolution, religion and mythology, survival and sacrifice, forgiveness and vengeance, combining in a mesmerising concoction to tell a tale of power, corruption and tragedy.

Picking up where ‘The Witching Hour’ left off, Rowan has disappeared, escaping with the newborn Lasher after he left Michael for dead. Suffering a dizzying mix of confused emotions, Rowan is imprisoned and raped by her demonic offspring, as he follows his warped desires to impregnate and pleasure her, while experiencing life in the flesh after centuries as a spirit. Meanwhile, Michael returns home from hospital, a lost and broken man, fearing what has become of Rowan and the abomination that was his newborn child.

We are also introduced to the fourteenth designee of the legacy, Mona, only thirteen years old. Intellectually, emotionally and sexually advanced beyond her years, Mona’s relationships are amongst the most controversial elements of the novel. No matter her power and ambition, she is undoubtedly another victim of the curse of the Mayfair legacy and its twisted, seductive darkness. This curse is manifesting in a series of brutal deaths befalling the Mayfair women, the result of rapes and miscarriages, further culmination of a legacy of abuse, incest and trauma. As Rowan manages to affect her escape, she is left comatose after giving birth to yet another unnatural creature.

An encounter with the spirit of Julien Mayfair deepens our understanding of Mayfair history. In the first novel, there was always the feeling there was more to learn from Julien, never regarded as an official designee of the legacy despite his immense power (as interesting reversal of our patriarchal society in that the lineage of witchcraft is a matriarchy) and his relationship with Lasher. We return to perhaps the most decadent period of the Mayfair family’s past, experiencing it from Julien’s perspective, learning of other critical events that occurred surrounding and enriching what we already know.

The mysterious organisation, the Talamasca, investigators of paranormal phenomena through the centuries, continues to be a lurking presence, and may not be as benign and neutrally observant as they claim, leading their own agents Aaron and Yuri to question their motives and turn their backs on them. Through Julien’s story and the involvement of the Talamasca, we unearth Lasher’s history and the mystery of his identity, escalating to a climatic confrontation when we finally hear his confession, which takes us back in British history to a time period that ties beautifully with its religious history and the witchcraft hysteria that will come to grip the country in the succeeding century, when the legacy of the Mayfair witches began and tied them inextricably with the prophecy of the Taltos.

Bewitching and enthralling, ‘Lasher’ is an intense second chapter in an epic gothic saga of witchcraft. I am eagerly anticipating discovering how the trilogy concludes in the final novel, ‘Taltos’.



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