The Vampire Empress Chronicles: Caroline's Path

by A.S. Johnson

Caroline Fantolini, the future vampire Empress whose destiny to rule the oldest vampire empire in Italy was set in motion before she drew her first breath and a plan to stop her reign before she knew it. This food critic from New York City must be reborn and overcome a great loss before she takes the throne. Primo Gozzoli, a sexy Italian vampire is charged with her protection and education. He has plans of his own to conquer more than just the throne as he ignites Caroline's desire or will another love interest spoil his seductively sinister plan.

The Vampire Empress Chronicles: Caroline's Path takes the reader into a mystical world within the human world. The storyline and concept takes on a level of excitement, passion, and shakes the evolutionary tree in the process.


Available from the publisher Sept. 13, 2011 at the following link: http://www.publishamerica.net/product...

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I am A.S. Johnson, a disabled Army Veteran turned Science Fiction and Romance novel writer. I published my first novel, “Orion” in December 2010 with a small press publisher and it's been non-stop fun ever since!

I write a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy. ;)

I love to read. I love to write Science Fiction & Romance novels, and Poetry. Love to cook. Love watching programs and learning about all the Military History/Military-Alien Conspiracies, and Paranormal/Ghost Hunting. I enjoy sightseeing, funny movies, traveling the world, and spend time with family. I moved to Cancun, Mexcio with my husband in June 2015 and we are looking forward to a new chapter in life.

I write Fiction: Science Fiction & Romance
For who? Teen/YA to Adult
Everything from Military/Alien Conspiracy/ to Time Travel/Futuristic/Otherworldly to Paranormal/Vampire/Alien/Demon to Altered-History/Wild Western Historical/Native-American-Historical to Contemporary/Sweet-heart Romance to even Erotica.
... all with a strong female/self-empowerment to boot.
I'm living the dream by turning all my wild dreams into novels!
~A.S. Johnson

Follow & Add me @ Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, & MySpace.


www.authorasjohnson.com

Reviews

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different & Interesting Vampire Concept.

Caroline’s character was very interesting; the story was solely based on her life before and after her rebirth into a vampire. Her human life totally sucked when it came to two relationships from hell leaving her feeling like she would never find true love, however, once her change, things become clearer, her appearance changes, her strength changes, and her luck changes as she finally finds someone who adores and loves her for who she really is.

Caroline’s story is full of heartache, death, friendship, love, betrayal, and finally happiness. The romance between Caroline and Nerio was very sweet and though the book leads them into the throes of passion there is no erotica in the book. I found the family heritage background of being Italian was very interesting as well and thought the author did a great job on her research in to the historical Greece, its rulers, and the surrounding areas of the Villas.

I thought the story had an interesting world building that was based on the concept of Vampires being the original race of the world and how it de-evolved into a human race. A Race where Vampires DNA has been allowed to become dormant because of the rivals within the clans fighting for leadership amongst each other and where the only way to awaken their vampire DNA is to be reborn by making one kill and consuming the blood of a human.

It took me a few chapters to get into the book for it was not a fast paced read but at times the story peaked with excitement as it became interesting in intervals but would have slow moments in-between. It was one of those reads where the author slowly gets you hooked to the character and you have to finish the story to find out what happens to her in the end. I’m glad I did not give up on the book because it turned out really interesting, had a great ending and I will probably be dreaming about Caroline and her sister Charlotte’s life as they rebuild and readjust to their new roles as royalty vampires.

[Iva Kenaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vampire Empress Chronicles: Caroline’s Path tells a story of a seemingly ordinary woman in her thirties, Caroline Fantolini, who has been living in her beloved New York City since her family immigrated there from Italy. After Caroline travels to California to meet with a man with whom she has started a promising romance, she is left deeply disappointed, and assured in her terrible taste in men. But then, she finds herself in a mysterious community amidst Californian wildlife that will change her life forever.

What I liked most about this novel was the different take on vampirism. It’s not dark as most other vampire stories tend to be, and instead has a light, feel-good mood to it. I also liked that the vampires in this novel aren’t depicted as blood crazed creatures, but just a certain breed of men that they claim is the original one. Also, as opposed to other vampire stories, they were actually born the way they are, and don’t need to be “turned”. I also appreciated the locations – New York, California and Italian Lombardy, as I have a special bond to each one of those places.

The author has a very pleasant writing style. She allows the reader to sink into her story smoothly and always manages to keep a positive, up-beat atmosphere, even in moments that could be portrayed darkly. Reading her novel is always a pleasure.

[Kelley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read her novel in an advanced(pre-production) format and loved it. I'm so happy to read a really good novel without all the filth. I don't read erotica and I'm very impressed A.S. Johnson doesn't copy other writers nor thinks she has to put filth in a novel to sell it.

If someone doesn't enjoy novels without having soft porn in them then don't buy or offer a review for one, if soft porn/erotica is your thing then don't read this book, you won't find it.

I'm sick of seeing people bash writer after writer because they don't put enough "erotica" in them.
Seriously, people don't waste true romance lovers time. The measure of a true "romance" writer is one who can capture the intent without giving details and leave it up to your own imagination, one who can pull the reader in, feel the emotions, see what's being described, and keep our attention until the very last page is read.
If you have to put porn in your novel to sell it, then stop writing. Sorry, I just needed to vent! Sick of seeing good books get ratings less than they deserve because they weren't filthy enough for someone!!

If you want a strong female character, hunky men, good story line, and a romance novel that you and your teenage daughter can read, then this is a great book you won't be ashamed to share. I enjoyed the family ties, the bonds created and love evoked. I enjoyed the action, the twist in the plot, the underlying love triangle, betrayal, and I just loved the part where the traitor is caught. Nice use of Greek history and Italian geography and use of ancient Latin. Great vampire romance novel that stands out from the rest, not your typical vampire storyline which made it very refreshing.
Thank you for giving me the privledge of reading an advanced copy. I look forward to reading the other upcoming novels in this series you told me about.

[Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I’d like to thank A.S. Johnson for the opportunity to read this wonderful book; I won this as a first reads through good reads and have thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure. Thank you once again.

Caroline Fantolini, the future vampire Empress whose destiny to rule the oldest vampire empire in Italy was set in motion before she drew her first breath and a plan to stop her reign before she knew it. This food critic from New York City must be reborn and overcome a great loss before she takes the throne. Primo Gozzoli, a sexy Italian vampire is charged with her protection and education. He has plans of his own to conquer more than just the throne as he ignites Caroline's desire or will another love interest spoil his seductively sinister plan.

The Vampire Empress Chronicles takes the reader into a mystical world within the human world. The storyline and concept takes on a level of excitement, passion, and shakes the evolutionary tree in the process.

This is a beautiful poem written by the author that I’d like to share with all the readers that haven’t as of yet to read.

JUST BREATHE

Today I took my first breath of life
Many days past not knowing
Many weeks past giving nothing to my life.
Today I took my first step of life
Walking slowly towards a path unknown
Running as my mind was set free.
Today I took my first taste of life
Flavors like this only appeared in my dreams, how could this be
Sensations danced like the wind blowing through the weeping willow.
Today I took my first chance of life
Was it really a gamble or something locked away like a forgotten dream? moving forward, never looking back, and risking everything to live.

Because today, I just learned to breathe.

I found that I was captured and fully immersed from the very first page. Pulling me into feel the emotions, seeing what is being described, my full attention held until the very last page! I didn’t want it to end.

Caroline is from a very powerful line of royal vampires ingrained it Italy. Unlike most Italians who have very large families, there was only Caroline and her twin sister. She has always lived in New York City where she grew up. Caroline was born a vampire, but it’s unknown to her until after a break up with a guy who she loved and also lived with.

She receives an email sometime later from an old crush who will be coming to town and asks to meet up with her while he is here. Things happen, old feelings are rekindled. He asks her to come to L.A. where he lives to see if things will blossom further in the relationship.
Caroline decides to take a weeks’ vacation and goes to visit him. After returning from dinner they bump into his old girlfriend in the hotel lobby. Angry at the turn of events, Caroline goes for a drink in the lounge before returning to her room.

Theo’s ex is in her room, sitting on her bed while he’s in the shower. She finds out that he had slept with his ex. Caroline decides to end her trip with Theo and goes to visit her Aunt who lives nearby. Taking a taxi to her Aunts, Caroline falls asleep in the backseat only to be awakened by the cab driver that she is here, and that he couldn’t take her any further.

Things seemed strange; nothing looked as she remembered it, like she had never been there before. Yet she finds herself drawn it to, and she can't explain why. THEY have been waiting for her. She knows and feels that things aren’t just right, knows that she should turn around and leave, but can’t seem to make herself do it.

Walking into a new life, and leaving her old life behind. She has now been reborn. After Caroline is reborn the confusions become clear, her appearance and strength have changed, (as it does with all vampires) but the best is her luck with love and men changes as she finds someone who adores and loves her for who she really is.

The epic romance you find with Caroline and Nerio was so loving and sweet. The thing I found awesome about this love is all through the story, it takes them into the throes of heated passion, you don’t find erotica in the novel. This makes it a novel for YA as well.
The family heritage and the research into historical Greece were very interesting to me, its rulers, and the surrounding villas and the areas.

I liked the interesting concept of Vampires being the original race of our world and how it in turn re-evolved into a human race. A race where vampires DNA have been allowed to become dormant, because of rivals between the clans fighting for leadership.

If you have a passion for vampires with a twist, and a trace of history thrown in, then this book is A MUST READ. Some areas are a bit slow, but are quickly followed by an area of fast paced excitement. All in all a very good read.

Recommendation: YA and up
Rating: 4/5 stars
Lovetiggi Book Reviews
Angel Anne Reviews

[Yvensong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an advanced pdf version of the novel.

I'll start with the disclaimer that I rarely read romance novels, so my review may be a little slanted because of this fact. Also, as this was an advanced version of the novel, I'll add that I hope that many of the typographical errors were resolved before going into print. I found them distracting and detracting from my enjoyment of the novel.

This is a light and easy read about Caroline, a woman who learns that she is destined to be a vampire empress. Since I'm more accustomed to novels that are dark, I found it took me a little while to get into this story. Some of the issues that Caroline faced were devastating, yet Caroline faced them with very little inner conflict, doubt or emotional upheaval; which I would have preferred to see. Later, when we visit the story from Charlotte's point of view, we see some emotional depth, and I grew to like Charlotte quickly.

The world that the author has built is interesting, full of history and villas and villages that sound fun to visit.

The love story is sweet and comes to fruition fairly quick. For readers looking for a story full of hunky men, yet without all the heavy eroticism found in many romance and paranormal romance, this might just be the story for them.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to Thank A.S.Johnson for letting me read her book "Vampire Empress Chronicles", It was an honor to be chosen.
I enjoyed this book, full of romance and suspense with a twist, to the Vampire normalcy. Caroline is born a vampire, she's from a long line of royal Vampire's from Italy. She doesn't know that about her family history. Her family has always lived in New York.
Where she grew up, married her high school sweet heart, Worked for a newspaper, writing food articles. While putting her fashion design dreams on hold, so her husband can go to school. She catches her husband cheating on her, she swears off men, till she meets an old friend, old feeling are rekindled, he wants her to come to LA and spend time together, things happen, she leaves LA to go visit her aunt, but there's strange events happens and she wakes up in a place shes never seen before but is drawn to, they have been waiting for her. She knows things doesn't seam right but she can't make herself leave.

[Desiree Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank A.S. Johnson for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Secondly I have to say that I've read a lot of different vampire books, but I really like this one. I like the spin on vampires that A.S. Johnson takes with this book; it's one that is different than most of what I've read. And I love all of these characters, as well. I can just picture Nerio and Uros in my minds eye, and it really makes me wish they were real! (Sigh!) My only complaint with this book is that, for me, the plot was a little slow through some of the book, but other than that I have to say that overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great pleasure reading this book. A great story line and great characters. Caroline is a wonderful lead character, in that she has many aspects to her. Love for her family, and those around her. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes romance, vampires, or just great stories.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new twist on an old tale. Romance and adventure woven through out the book are just enough to make the reader want more. A good curl up and enjoy book!

[Patricia Yost · Rating 5 out of 5]

looks and sounds awesome cant wait to read it...

[Tricia Kristufek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caroline is born into a royal line of vampires from Italy. Destined to rule them as the Vampire Empress, Caroline faces one trial after the other until she takes the vampire throne.

The concept for this story was original. The vampires were the original race, with humans their de-evolved state. Once reborn, the vampires go through a transformation period, learning about being a vampire and honing their abilities. Caroline finds love with Nerio, and finds strength within herself to protect her family and govern the vampires.

While the story had such potential, for me if fell flat of achieving what it set out to do. There were several issues that I had with the actual telling of the story: Too much repetition, information forced down the reader's throat, POV flaws, and plot loopholes. These issues were just too many issues for me to ignore. I got tired of Caroline telling me (the reader) that she could communicate telepathically; I scoffed when she stated that vampires have no emotions after she had already confessed her love for Nerio to the reader; I found it hard to swallow that Charlotte could go from mourning her dead husband to the giddy, love-swept relationship she has with Uros; I found a use for my high school Latin class, pointing out incorrect phrases used in the ceremony.

A sweet romance novel with age-old vampires which, if the flaws can be overlooked, shows an original spin on vampire love stories.

[Alissa Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as a First Reads book from Goodreads.

The story is a new twist on the Vampire tale, including hierarchy, creation, and nutrition. Not at all scary or too sexual. The ideas are interesting and there are lots of interesting characters too. A few of the Vampires have notable relatives, which is always fun.

I do think the book could have been edited a little better. Unfortunately typos bug me as do grammatical errors. Also I found that the sense of time passing in the book was a little strange, some characters would act like a huge amount of time had passed, but I do not think a year even could have passed in the timeline of the book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks great sounds awesome cant wait to read it!!!

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!