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Stone Masters Vampire #1
A Vampire's Rise
For a vampire, the journey from life to death is just the beginning. For Daumia Velde, this torment will take him from the savage bullfighting arenas of 15th century Spain, into the terrifying chambers of desolate mausoleums. From the darkest, winding, city streets of London into bohemian castles imbued with corridors of eternal secrets and endless lies, yet to be discovered. As Daumia hunts down his brother's murderer, he becomes entwined in the fateful love of the alluring Sunaria, the woman that will change his life forever. But as the blood spills and the love grows, Daumia finds that the price of revenge may be the very salvation of his soul. Struggling to hold on to the last remnants of his humanity, Daumia emerges from the underworld, rising out of the ashes of his past and evolving into the deadliest of killers, one that no mortal or immortal can resist.
306 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2010
94 people are currently reading
2054 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Fewings
45 books1,652 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Vanessa Fewings writes both contemporary romance and erotic romance novels.
ENTHRALL has been optioned by Passionflix with the co-director and cinematographer attached from the Netflix hit 365 Days.
Facebook group: Vanessa Fewings' Romance Lounge.
Contact: authorfewings@gmail.com
Book 1: ENTHRALL
Book 2: ENTHRALL HER
Book 3 ENTHRALL HIM
Book 4 CAMERON'S CONTROL
Book 5: CAMERON'S CONTRACT
Book 6: RICHARD'S REIGN
Book 7: ENTHRALL SECRETS
Book 8: ENTHRALL CLIMAX
Book 9: ENTHRALL ECSTASY
Book 10: ENTHRALL SHADOWS
VanessaFewings.com
Instagram: @vanessafewings
twitter: @vanessafewings
Vanessa is on TikTok!
ENTHRALL has been optioned by Passionflix with the co-director and cinematographer attached from the Netflix hit 365 Days.
Facebook group: Vanessa Fewings' Romance Lounge.
Contact: authorfewings@gmail.com
Book 1: ENTHRALL
Book 2: ENTHRALL HER
Book 3 ENTHRALL HIM
Book 4 CAMERON'S CONTROL
Book 5: CAMERON'S CONTRACT
Book 6: RICHARD'S REIGN
Book 7: ENTHRALL SECRETS
Book 8: ENTHRALL CLIMAX
Book 9: ENTHRALL ECSTASY
Book 10: ENTHRALL SHADOWS
VanessaFewings.com
Instagram: @vanessafewings
twitter: @vanessafewings
Vanessa is on TikTok!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2013
Fantastic book! I can't believe more people haven't read this.
This is book one of an old world vampire series, and just as the name suggest, it is A Vampire's Rise
Now I understand. It's time to write it down. For her, I'll document all that I know, everything that I remember.
The story is told through Daumia's voice. His recollection of events starting from the year 1471 when he is just 9 years old, and continues to the year 1805.
I love stories that follow a character from their early years. It makes for a powerful connection. A lot happens to him in his youth, teen and young adult years. Enough to to keep me constantly turning pages, and cracking out some tissue. Yes, I cried twice in this damn book.
The writing was very mature and intelligent, as were the characters. My only issue was that I wish there had been more detail in with the dialogue. Certain scenes were too rapid, and some scenes I had to read over twice. Regardless, this was still a 5 star read for me as the story was fantastic.
Also, there are two versions of book one. I had no idea until I went to the authors page and saw the second edition.
The second being the erotic edition.
I had originally started the first addition and, honestly would have stayed with it. Not because I don't like erotica, but because I was more interested in the story than anything else. However! There was a certain M/M scene that was in the first edition that I wanted to read more of in an erotic fashion. Blush. And so, of course I went and bought the other book, and wow.... *happy grin*
Either or book is very sexy, just one opens up to the sexy scenes more.
I hope more people add this to their TRL, so they can experience what I did reading about Daumia.
This is book one of an old world vampire series, and just as the name suggest, it is A Vampire's Rise
Now I understand. It's time to write it down. For her, I'll document all that I know, everything that I remember.
The story is told through Daumia's voice. His recollection of events starting from the year 1471 when he is just 9 years old, and continues to the year 1805.
I love stories that follow a character from their early years. It makes for a powerful connection. A lot happens to him in his youth, teen and young adult years. Enough to to keep me constantly turning pages, and cracking out some tissue. Yes, I cried twice in this damn book.
The writing was very mature and intelligent, as were the characters. My only issue was that I wish there had been more detail in with the dialogue. Certain scenes were too rapid, and some scenes I had to read over twice. Regardless, this was still a 5 star read for me as the story was fantastic.
Also, there are two versions of book one. I had no idea until I went to the authors page and saw the second edition.
The second being the erotic edition.
I had originally started the first addition and, honestly would have stayed with it. Not because I don't like erotica, but because I was more interested in the story than anything else. However! There was a certain M/M scene that was in the first edition that I wanted to read more of in an erotic fashion. Blush. And so, of course I went and bought the other book, and wow.... *happy grin*
Either or book is very sexy, just one opens up to the sexy scenes more.
I hope more people add this to their TRL, so they can experience what I did reading about Daumia.
May 5, 2012
I purchased my copy at the L.A. Times Festival of Books and the author V.M.K Fewings graciously signed my book after she assured me this would NOT contain anything sparkly, stalkerish, clumsy or the dreaded and nonsensical "love triangle".
Vampires used to be very interesting characters until the dominance of the paranormal genre which has pretty much defanged them and made them into tame pets that on occasion suck blood from mortals (unless they're 'vegetarians'). I've really missed the kind of amoral and even immoral monsters who behaved according to their natures and here, Ms. Fewings does not disappoint. This is historical vampire fiction in the vein of such luminaries as Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Fred Saberhagen and Kim Stanley Robinson. It's dark, violent, seductive, gritty, erotic, lush--in short, damn near perfect.
Before there are any charges about a 'Lestat clone', the only thing the title character Daumia (soon to be re-christened Orpheus) and said Lestat have in common is the fact both were born/reborn in the past. other than that, Daumia is the son of a bullfighter whereas Lestat was nobly born.
Daumia Velde is an interesting character. There's a lot of sympathy for him as a child and as a man, but one sees how cruelty andd violence can shape the most innocent of lives, creating monsters far more loathsome than the make-believe kind. His creatrix, Sunaria, is a woman of mystery, intrigue and insatiable appetites. When we meet her, she is being hunted by an ancient society of vampires called The Creda and all vampires are being stalked by the Stone Masters, a secret human society dedicated to their destruction.
The only quibbles that I had with this book was the less than seamless transition from one era to another. It began in the late 1400's and went to the Elizabethan age, but there was no sense of place. The descriptions of the people, their mode of dress and other details that bring historical fiction to life were in far less quantity. My other quibble was the tendancy of the characters to use modern language instead of period-accurate modes of speaking, but that ocurred very seldom, not enough to be jarring however.
Other than that, this is the novel we vampire purists have been looking for. Yes there's romance and adventure, but trust me, this isn't anything close to what paranormal writers are churning out. This is far better.
Vampires used to be very interesting characters until the dominance of the paranormal genre which has pretty much defanged them and made them into tame pets that on occasion suck blood from mortals (unless they're 'vegetarians'). I've really missed the kind of amoral and even immoral monsters who behaved according to their natures and here, Ms. Fewings does not disappoint. This is historical vampire fiction in the vein of such luminaries as Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Fred Saberhagen and Kim Stanley Robinson. It's dark, violent, seductive, gritty, erotic, lush--in short, damn near perfect.
Before there are any charges about a 'Lestat clone', the only thing the title character Daumia (soon to be re-christened Orpheus) and said Lestat have in common is the fact both were born/reborn in the past. other than that, Daumia is the son of a bullfighter whereas Lestat was nobly born.
Daumia Velde is an interesting character. There's a lot of sympathy for him as a child and as a man, but one sees how cruelty andd violence can shape the most innocent of lives, creating monsters far more loathsome than the make-believe kind. His creatrix, Sunaria, is a woman of mystery, intrigue and insatiable appetites. When we meet her, she is being hunted by an ancient society of vampires called The Creda and all vampires are being stalked by the Stone Masters, a secret human society dedicated to their destruction.
The only quibbles that I had with this book was the less than seamless transition from one era to another. It began in the late 1400's and went to the Elizabethan age, but there was no sense of place. The descriptions of the people, their mode of dress and other details that bring historical fiction to life were in far less quantity. My other quibble was the tendancy of the characters to use modern language instead of period-accurate modes of speaking, but that ocurred very seldom, not enough to be jarring however.
Other than that, this is the novel we vampire purists have been looking for. Yes there's romance and adventure, but trust me, this isn't anything close to what paranormal writers are churning out. This is far better.
May 7, 2012
Finding VMK Fewings is a little like finding Anne Rice. Suddenly you're worlds away from the YA market of "I can't love you or I'll kill you" and amongst grown-up vampires with grown-up desires and motivation. That's not to say I don't enjoy an hour or two with Ms Meyer occasionally - I'm a 'sucker' for the Twilight characters just like millions of others. But the YA field in general does seems to dominate the world of the undead at the moment. It's such a wonderful feeling to read a genre you enjoy, at a reading level that speaks directly to you as an adult. Yet this novel doesn't do that simply by throwing excessive gore and sex into every page. For the most part you are reading an exquisite tale of human struggle - even when the vampire blood takes hold. It's the character development that pushes the tale, not the crimson flow (although you get plenty of that for those with darker urges...)
VMK Fewings poetic, almost literary prose, has a languid beauty even when violence and horror strike. I simply fell in love with her style and ability. Yes, there is a point where book one appears to reach its natural goal in a moment of revenge. then you realise you are nowhere near the end and the story travels into what could easily have been book two. The stretching of the narrative threads has been picked up on by other reviews, but I didn't find this an issue. I did have a sense of needing to adjust to the new strain, but in the same way as starting a sequel - and the joy here is that you don't have to contend with sequel recaps. I wasn't ready to leave Daumia's company and wanted to see how he would transform throughout the remainder of the story - so thank you again Ms Fewing for not leaving me bereft too soon. Twice the book and twice the fulfillment.
Most of all my congratulations on the incredibly evocative, sensual depiction of historical eras, without making me feel at any point that I was being subjected to a history lesson. This author is well researched, but understands when to use her knowledge and when it is not important to the scene. The balance between scene setting and narrative is finely tuned and keeps you entwined. this novel was lush, intelligent and driven. I instantly downloaded book two, which of course is the greatest praise one author can give to another. VMK Fewings work is a gift.
VMK Fewings poetic, almost literary prose, has a languid beauty even when violence and horror strike. I simply fell in love with her style and ability. Yes, there is a point where book one appears to reach its natural goal in a moment of revenge. then you realise you are nowhere near the end and the story travels into what could easily have been book two. The stretching of the narrative threads has been picked up on by other reviews, but I didn't find this an issue. I did have a sense of needing to adjust to the new strain, but in the same way as starting a sequel - and the joy here is that you don't have to contend with sequel recaps. I wasn't ready to leave Daumia's company and wanted to see how he would transform throughout the remainder of the story - so thank you again Ms Fewing for not leaving me bereft too soon. Twice the book and twice the fulfillment.
Most of all my congratulations on the incredibly evocative, sensual depiction of historical eras, without making me feel at any point that I was being subjected to a history lesson. This author is well researched, but understands when to use her knowledge and when it is not important to the scene. The balance between scene setting and narrative is finely tuned and keeps you entwined. this novel was lush, intelligent and driven. I instantly downloaded book two, which of course is the greatest praise one author can give to another. VMK Fewings work is a gift.
July 12, 2013
Thank you for adding the erotic version of Orpheus: A Vampire's Rise.
Responding to popular demand to release the erotic version of the supernatural tale, Orpheus: A Vampire's Rise is now available in its original form.
Responding to popular demand to release the erotic version of the supernatural tale, Orpheus: A Vampire's Rise is now available in its original form.
August 31, 2013
Daumia is taken from his home and made to serve another, for reasons he doesn't quite understand. His guardian is Sunaria, who watches over his life ensuring that harm does not befall him, until one fateful night. Then he has no choice but to become something more. My favorite scene in this book was when Daumia took control from Sunaria. He took control and he held it. That night he is reborn as Orpheus. And his story is quite a tale to read.
I can only think of one other book and one other author who compare with this; that book would be The Vampire Lestat and the Author would be Anne Rice. This was a marvelous read. The timeline for this starts in the late 1400's and ends in the early 1800's. I'm not really fond of historical reads, but this struck me as different. I found the writing to be quite descriptive, bringing about the thoughts of lush homes and the luxury of time. Perhaps the torture of it as well. Vanessa paints the landscape beautifully, words flowing from one scene to the next. One country to the next. I absolutely look forward to reading more of Vanessa's writings and finding out more of Orpheus as well.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I can only think of one other book and one other author who compare with this; that book would be The Vampire Lestat and the Author would be Anne Rice. This was a marvelous read. The timeline for this starts in the late 1400's and ends in the early 1800's. I'm not really fond of historical reads, but this struck me as different. I found the writing to be quite descriptive, bringing about the thoughts of lush homes and the luxury of time. Perhaps the torture of it as well. Vanessa paints the landscape beautifully, words flowing from one scene to the next. One country to the next. I absolutely look forward to reading more of Vanessa's writings and finding out more of Orpheus as well.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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August 12, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I received this eCopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Breathtaking, Spectacular Stars!
A Seriously Delectable Read!
From start to finish, this book was a dramatic tale of pain, love, hate, happiness and loss. I couldn't put it down...
The Review:
Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise follows the life, death and rise of Daumia Velde as he walks through time, facing one metamorphic event after another and the boy who becomes a man and then becomes something more has one sensational story to tell.
When this book opens, Orpheus is sifting through memories in a neglected room that seems to have stood the test of time, where he confesses the need to chronicle his past in a longing desire to bring back something for which has been lost. But to understand, he needs to start at the beginning, where on one fateful night, in Spain 1471, Daumia finds himself facing a raging bull in the middle of a forbidden arena at the young age of eight. Upon barely escaping, he’s thrown into a crypt where he meets a beautiful, mysterious woman named Sunaria, who saves him from certain death and from that point on, his life is inescapably changed.
Being towed away from those he loves, Daumia’s childhood is a somber tale of inequitable penalty that gives way to good fortune after a cunning moment etched out of Daumia’s strength and fortitude ...and the surprising help of his rescuer from years before. His life has moments of great passion, thrilling adventures, an honorable life steeped in happiness which ultimately ends in tragedy only to be revived by the ever present huntress who gives him a chance at rebirth and revenge. After wakening to his new existence a yearning for vengeance has replaced a lust for life and together, they set out to correct what once went wrong. On his journeys he finds himself immersed in a new world of danger and intrigue but using his wit, his cunning and his ingenuity, Daumia finds new ways to conquer his desolate situations and in most cases, prevail. He makes friends, forms a family and has once again found love.
There isn’t a dull moment in Daumia’s journey and I was certainly entertained and pulled into the events as if I were living them alongside the characters!
In short, I absolutely loved this read!
My Thoughts:
A Vampire’s Rise was a thrilling, titillating tale which allows the reader to experience a palette of emotions and with beautifully crafted prose, captivating scenery and unique and fascinating world building, I was entranced in this read from beginning to end!
It was fun watching this alluring and realistic world the author creates reveal itself in each chapter.
These vampires follow closely to the traditional lore. They ignite in sunlight, they must drink human blood to survive, they are sensitive to holy artifacts and they have no reflection. But along with the myth, Daumia finds himself fleshing out lore from superstition as he learns about himself. For example, he has no mirrored reflection but finds he can see himself reflected in water. He also finds he is one of the few who has no aversion to holy artifacts.
It was intriguing watching Daumia go from his human life to his vampire existence as he learned his powers and restrictions. Daumia’s life is one series of tragic event after another, his power constantly tested. Once he transforms from human to vampire, he struggles with what he has become and what he once was. Remnants of his old life keep parts of his humanity present but under the surface, the monster awaits. And when circumstance force his hand, Daumia sets in motion a plan that ends with the strengthening of his unnatural power and stature enabling the child to become the Master.
Through the authors talented writing we get to experience the wonders of time, starting with the mid 1400’s and ending in the late 1700’s, as the settings in both Spain and London are transforming and growing in all its industrious splendor. The incredible views, the acrid smells, the effects the city is experiencing with the influx of humanity without all the niceties of modern living literally come to life as we see it through Daumia’s supernatural senses.
The Wrap Up:
This is my second read by Vanessa Fewings and her writing style completely beguiles me! Her exposition is enchanting, her stories creative and imaginative with the ability to transport the reader into a macabre world of suspense and originality. Just when you think you have things figured out, new twists present themselves and you’re thrown into a whirlwind of melodrama! And for this book, I was fortunate enough to read the Erotic Edition and its seductive and inviting words only bewitched me further.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, A Vampire's Reckoning (The Stone Masters Vampire #2) and continue this extraordinary journey with Orpheus and those he encounters along the way.
Just SOME of My Favorite Quotes
Quote Spotlight...
When your heartbeat ceases, it’s fatal, though for my kind it’s just the beginning, an endless pathway strewn with the remarkable. Myth unravels as we, the immortals, linger in the underworld and, when the mood takes us, integrate with the living. I don't consider myself the walking dead, for I’m very much alive.
Quote Spotlight...
“Orpheus, why do you refuse to talk about the past?” she asked.
“Some memories, I choose to forget.” I sighed.
“The pain fades.”
“What if I don’t want it to?”
She shifted in my arms. “So you hold onto the pain and forget the cause?”
I pushed her away. “Whatever it takes.”
“To survive eternity?” she whispered.
“To exist.”
Quote Spotlight...
This gift, I know no other way to describe it, had provided me with the ability to seduce anyone, a supernatural capacity to entrance. It refined my abilities, enabling me to possess anything that I coveted, and control anyone.
Quote Spotlight...
“Will God ever forgive us?”
“Probably you more than me.”
“You didn’t choose this life?”
“No, but I revel in the dark.”
“You like being this?” He looked surprised.
I shrugged. “I find that I do.”
Quote Spotlight...
The voices in my head has almost gone. Here I’d managed to suppress many of the old inner ghosts, subdue the angst that disallowed any sense of calm, searching for self-forgiveness or even insight as a poor second. Striving to keep at arm’s length that awful feeling of being overtaken by the unseen, and fearing I’d be unable to prevent it.
I received this eCopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Breathtaking, Spectacular Stars!
A Seriously Delectable Read!
From start to finish, this book was a dramatic tale of pain, love, hate, happiness and loss. I couldn't put it down...
The Review:
Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise follows the life, death and rise of Daumia Velde as he walks through time, facing one metamorphic event after another and the boy who becomes a man and then becomes something more has one sensational story to tell.
When this book opens, Orpheus is sifting through memories in a neglected room that seems to have stood the test of time, where he confesses the need to chronicle his past in a longing desire to bring back something for which has been lost. But to understand, he needs to start at the beginning, where on one fateful night, in Spain 1471, Daumia finds himself facing a raging bull in the middle of a forbidden arena at the young age of eight. Upon barely escaping, he’s thrown into a crypt where he meets a beautiful, mysterious woman named Sunaria, who saves him from certain death and from that point on, his life is inescapably changed.
Being towed away from those he loves, Daumia’s childhood is a somber tale of inequitable penalty that gives way to good fortune after a cunning moment etched out of Daumia’s strength and fortitude ...and the surprising help of his rescuer from years before. His life has moments of great passion, thrilling adventures, an honorable life steeped in happiness which ultimately ends in tragedy only to be revived by the ever present huntress who gives him a chance at rebirth and revenge. After wakening to his new existence a yearning for vengeance has replaced a lust for life and together, they set out to correct what once went wrong. On his journeys he finds himself immersed in a new world of danger and intrigue but using his wit, his cunning and his ingenuity, Daumia finds new ways to conquer his desolate situations and in most cases, prevail. He makes friends, forms a family and has once again found love.
There isn’t a dull moment in Daumia’s journey and I was certainly entertained and pulled into the events as if I were living them alongside the characters!
In short, I absolutely loved this read!
My Thoughts:
A Vampire’s Rise was a thrilling, titillating tale which allows the reader to experience a palette of emotions and with beautifully crafted prose, captivating scenery and unique and fascinating world building, I was entranced in this read from beginning to end!
It was fun watching this alluring and realistic world the author creates reveal itself in each chapter.
These vampires follow closely to the traditional lore. They ignite in sunlight, they must drink human blood to survive, they are sensitive to holy artifacts and they have no reflection. But along with the myth, Daumia finds himself fleshing out lore from superstition as he learns about himself. For example, he has no mirrored reflection but finds he can see himself reflected in water. He also finds he is one of the few who has no aversion to holy artifacts.
It was intriguing watching Daumia go from his human life to his vampire existence as he learned his powers and restrictions. Daumia’s life is one series of tragic event after another, his power constantly tested. Once he transforms from human to vampire, he struggles with what he has become and what he once was. Remnants of his old life keep parts of his humanity present but under the surface, the monster awaits. And when circumstance force his hand, Daumia sets in motion a plan that ends with the strengthening of his unnatural power and stature enabling the child to become the Master.
Through the authors talented writing we get to experience the wonders of time, starting with the mid 1400’s and ending in the late 1700’s, as the settings in both Spain and London are transforming and growing in all its industrious splendor. The incredible views, the acrid smells, the effects the city is experiencing with the influx of humanity without all the niceties of modern living literally come to life as we see it through Daumia’s supernatural senses.
The Wrap Up:
This is my second read by Vanessa Fewings and her writing style completely beguiles me! Her exposition is enchanting, her stories creative and imaginative with the ability to transport the reader into a macabre world of suspense and originality. Just when you think you have things figured out, new twists present themselves and you’re thrown into a whirlwind of melodrama! And for this book, I was fortunate enough to read the Erotic Edition and its seductive and inviting words only bewitched me further.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, A Vampire's Reckoning (The Stone Masters Vampire #2) and continue this extraordinary journey with Orpheus and those he encounters along the way.
Just SOME of My Favorite Quotes
Quote Spotlight...
When your heartbeat ceases, it’s fatal, though for my kind it’s just the beginning, an endless pathway strewn with the remarkable. Myth unravels as we, the immortals, linger in the underworld and, when the mood takes us, integrate with the living. I don't consider myself the walking dead, for I’m very much alive.
Quote Spotlight...
“Orpheus, why do you refuse to talk about the past?” she asked.
“Some memories, I choose to forget.” I sighed.
“The pain fades.”
“What if I don’t want it to?”
She shifted in my arms. “So you hold onto the pain and forget the cause?”
I pushed her away. “Whatever it takes.”
“To survive eternity?” she whispered.
“To exist.”
Quote Spotlight...
This gift, I know no other way to describe it, had provided me with the ability to seduce anyone, a supernatural capacity to entrance. It refined my abilities, enabling me to possess anything that I coveted, and control anyone.
Quote Spotlight...
“Will God ever forgive us?”
“Probably you more than me.”
“You didn’t choose this life?”
“No, but I revel in the dark.”
“You like being this?” He looked surprised.
I shrugged. “I find that I do.”
Quote Spotlight...
The voices in my head has almost gone. Here I’d managed to suppress many of the old inner ghosts, subdue the angst that disallowed any sense of calm, searching for self-forgiveness or even insight as a poor second. Striving to keep at arm’s length that awful feeling of being overtaken by the unseen, and fearing I’d be unable to prevent it.
March 6, 2015
“Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise” By Vanessa Fewings
Amazing, Outstanding, and Brilliant is “Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise” By VMK Fewings. This book will draw you into the world of Daumia Valde’s life as a boy and into his transformation of one of the most feared vampires among humans and vampires alike. VMK Fewings will not disappoint with her brilliant writing, I was enthralled from page one of this wonderful master piece.
Daumia Valde’s life changed for him as a boy. When young boys should be playing with their friends, he was kidnapped and held prisoner at the age of nine years old. Daumia manages to befriend his kidnapper, Roelle, where he learns to be Rolle’s servant and takes care of Roelle everyday needs. By the age of sixteen, Daumia is given more freedom, but knows if he should ever try and escape from Roelle he will be killed. By the age of twenty Daumia is full grown and wants to see his family, and notices one day that Roelle has left his will laying on his desk. Daumia forges his signature on the will, and right then an there everything that Daumia has wanted will be given to him. Daumia will gain all of Roelle’s money, land, and investments. One morning while checking on Roelle, Daumia notices that Roelle has all of these blisters on him, and wonders where they came from. Before Daumia can attend to Roelle, he starts to convulse and eventually dies.
Daumia now has his freedom and can do what he pleases without the worry of having Roelle look over him. Daumia can now also take care of all Roelle’s servants and give them a better life. Now that Daumia has all of this money and is dressing nicer, he is invited to aristocratic parties where all of Spain’s elite frequent. While at a party, he meets the host of the party’s son, Salvador, and immediately becomes very good friends with him. Also, while at that same party, he spots a beautiful dancer named Annabelle, who later will become Daumia’s wife and mother to two of his sons. Daumia has no idea that the man who was suppose to inherit everything in Roelle’s will, is at the party too and has questions for Daumia, and furthermore, “eyes” for the lovely Annabelle.
Daumia’s life is going the way he always hoped it would, until Felipe Grenaldi’s finds out that Daumia stole he inheritance and is willing to make Daumia pay for what he did. Felipe is a ruthless politician who steals from the churches and poor, he also has connections to London’s King and politicians, he gets whatever he wants. Felipe has something of Daumia’s and is willing to trade Daumia’s sister, who fathers a son for Felipe, in exchange for everything that Daumia took from him. Daumia will make a fatal mistake in his life when he screws Felipe over by going around his back and convinces his sister come back with him. That was not the deal Felipe asked for, and for that Felipe kills his wife and one of his sons, along with his sister, best friend Salvador, and to make things worse Felipe has Daumia’s nephew stab him the stomach and leave him to bleed to death.
While bleeding to death Daumia thinks he is dreaming when a beautiful women named Sunaria appears and asks Daumia if he wants to live or die. Daumia wants to live and before he knows it he is turned over to immorality and is a vampire. Daumia has lost everything that he has ever loved in his life, but gains someone who will stand by him through his transformation into a vampire and watch him become of the most feared vampires alive. Sunaria will show Daumia the underground world of vampires and they will travel from Spain to London and experience things that Daumia could never have imagined. Daumia will also meet new friends and even turn two people who will also become like family to him. Daumia will also get revenge of Felipe for the death of his loved ones, and it will be so sweet for Daumia.
Follow Daumia and Sunaria as they travel from country to country and experience love and death together in this amazing novel by VMK Fewings. Fans of vampire books will love this book, and it will become one of your favorite books that will read over and over.
Amazing, Outstanding, and Brilliant is “Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise” By VMK Fewings. This book will draw you into the world of Daumia Valde’s life as a boy and into his transformation of one of the most feared vampires among humans and vampires alike. VMK Fewings will not disappoint with her brilliant writing, I was enthralled from page one of this wonderful master piece.
Daumia Valde’s life changed for him as a boy. When young boys should be playing with their friends, he was kidnapped and held prisoner at the age of nine years old. Daumia manages to befriend his kidnapper, Roelle, where he learns to be Rolle’s servant and takes care of Roelle everyday needs. By the age of sixteen, Daumia is given more freedom, but knows if he should ever try and escape from Roelle he will be killed. By the age of twenty Daumia is full grown and wants to see his family, and notices one day that Roelle has left his will laying on his desk. Daumia forges his signature on the will, and right then an there everything that Daumia has wanted will be given to him. Daumia will gain all of Roelle’s money, land, and investments. One morning while checking on Roelle, Daumia notices that Roelle has all of these blisters on him, and wonders where they came from. Before Daumia can attend to Roelle, he starts to convulse and eventually dies.
Daumia now has his freedom and can do what he pleases without the worry of having Roelle look over him. Daumia can now also take care of all Roelle’s servants and give them a better life. Now that Daumia has all of this money and is dressing nicer, he is invited to aristocratic parties where all of Spain’s elite frequent. While at a party, he meets the host of the party’s son, Salvador, and immediately becomes very good friends with him. Also, while at that same party, he spots a beautiful dancer named Annabelle, who later will become Daumia’s wife and mother to two of his sons. Daumia has no idea that the man who was suppose to inherit everything in Roelle’s will, is at the party too and has questions for Daumia, and furthermore, “eyes” for the lovely Annabelle.
Daumia’s life is going the way he always hoped it would, until Felipe Grenaldi’s finds out that Daumia stole he inheritance and is willing to make Daumia pay for what he did. Felipe is a ruthless politician who steals from the churches and poor, he also has connections to London’s King and politicians, he gets whatever he wants. Felipe has something of Daumia’s and is willing to trade Daumia’s sister, who fathers a son for Felipe, in exchange for everything that Daumia took from him. Daumia will make a fatal mistake in his life when he screws Felipe over by going around his back and convinces his sister come back with him. That was not the deal Felipe asked for, and for that Felipe kills his wife and one of his sons, along with his sister, best friend Salvador, and to make things worse Felipe has Daumia’s nephew stab him the stomach and leave him to bleed to death.
While bleeding to death Daumia thinks he is dreaming when a beautiful women named Sunaria appears and asks Daumia if he wants to live or die. Daumia wants to live and before he knows it he is turned over to immorality and is a vampire. Daumia has lost everything that he has ever loved in his life, but gains someone who will stand by him through his transformation into a vampire and watch him become of the most feared vampires alive. Sunaria will show Daumia the underground world of vampires and they will travel from Spain to London and experience things that Daumia could never have imagined. Daumia will also meet new friends and even turn two people who will also become like family to him. Daumia will also get revenge of Felipe for the death of his loved ones, and it will be so sweet for Daumia.
Follow Daumia and Sunaria as they travel from country to country and experience love and death together in this amazing novel by VMK Fewings. Fans of vampire books will love this book, and it will become one of your favorite books that will read over and over.
August 17, 2013
Fantastic book! I can't believe more people haven't read this.
This is book one of an old world vampire series, and just as the name suggest, it is A Vampire's Rise
Now I understand. It's time to write it down. For her, I'll document all that I know, everything that I remember.
The story is told through Daumia's voice. His recollection of events starting from the year 1471 when he is just 9 years old, and continues to the year 1805.
I love stories that follow a character from their early years. It makes for a powerful connection. A lot happens to him in his youth, teen and young adult years. Enough to to keep me constantly turning pages, and cracking out some tissue. Yes, I cried twice in this damn book.
The writing was very mature and intelligent, as were the characters. My only issue was that I wish there had been more detail in with the dialogue. Certain scenes were too rapid, and some scenes I had to read over twice. Regardless, this was still a 5 star read for me as the story was fantastic.
Also, there are two versions of book one. I had no idea until I went to the authors page and saw the second edition.
The second being the erotic edition.
I had originally started the first addition and, honestly would have stayed with it. Not because I don't like erotica, but because I was more interested in the story than anything else. However! There was a certain M/M scene that was in the first edition that I wanted to read more of in an erotic fashion. Blush. And so, of course I went and bought the other book, and wow.... *happy grin*
Either or book is very sexy, just one opens up to the sexy scenes more.
I hope more people add this to their TRL, so they can experience what I did reading about Daumia.
This is book one of an old world vampire series, and just as the name suggest, it is A Vampire's Rise
Now I understand. It's time to write it down. For her, I'll document all that I know, everything that I remember.
The story is told through Daumia's voice. His recollection of events starting from the year 1471 when he is just 9 years old, and continues to the year 1805.
I love stories that follow a character from their early years. It makes for a powerful connection. A lot happens to him in his youth, teen and young adult years. Enough to to keep me constantly turning pages, and cracking out some tissue. Yes, I cried twice in this damn book.
The writing was very mature and intelligent, as were the characters. My only issue was that I wish there had been more detail in with the dialogue. Certain scenes were too rapid, and some scenes I had to read over twice. Regardless, this was still a 5 star read for me as the story was fantastic.
Also, there are two versions of book one. I had no idea until I went to the authors page and saw the second edition.
The second being the erotic edition.
I had originally started the first addition and, honestly would have stayed with it. Not because I don't like erotica, but because I was more interested in the story than anything else. However! There was a certain M/M scene that was in the first edition that I wanted to read more of in an erotic fashion. Blush. And so, of course I went and bought the other book, and wow.... *happy grin*
Either or book is very sexy, just one opens up to the sexy scenes more.
I hope more people add this to their TRL, so they can experience what I did reading about Daumia.
June 12, 2012
Ms. Fewings is an amazing author. The way she writes makes the readers experience knowledgeable, enjoyable, and easy. She does not go into such description that you feel bogged down in the story, yet the description makes you feel and picture every event, era and place. I really enjoyed the history aspect of the book.
The characters are well developed and constantly growing with each experience. You feel sympathy, joy and sadness for everyone in the book. I did not dislike any of the characters, they all had their place in the story.
I would defiantly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
The characters are well developed and constantly growing with each experience. You feel sympathy, joy and sadness for everyone in the book. I did not dislike any of the characters, they all had their place in the story.
I would defiantly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
May 2, 2012
Won a copy through Goodreads' First Reads program.
Great story! Incredibly deep characters, dark at times but keeps you glued to the pages. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Great story! Incredibly deep characters, dark at times but keeps you glued to the pages. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
May 30, 2019
Loved it !
Vampire romance is my favorite genre to read and this Author didn’t disappoint. It has everything, romance , anticipation , sadness and love. I was sad at the ending but also so happy to see one of the characters back . I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!!
Vampire romance is my favorite genre to read and this Author didn’t disappoint. It has everything, romance , anticipation , sadness and love. I was sad at the ending but also so happy to see one of the characters back . I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!!
July 4, 2012
I won a copy on Goodreads Firstreads.
This another book that I am sure will have many people disagewwing with my rating.
There seem to be 2 main camps about how people feel about vampires.Those who feel they make great monsters and those who romanticize them into the ideal beings.Either way can make great stories.Vampires as monsters stories are usually fairly straighforward with the hunters being the focus.But when the vampire is the focus,the author has to walk a much finer line.They can make something a bigger evil that the vampire is working against (even if it is nothing more than the established vampire society)or the vampire can be an anti-hero figure.This last path of the anti-hero is always the hardest because you end up with a character that is not always likeable doing things that are fairly despicable.Therefore those who believe vampires should be villians probably won't like the story.Unfortunately (for this novel)I am in this group.
To make it worse, the story had a staccato pattern.Scenes were short with lots of jumps and at times seemed to be only half told.On the other hand, tyhe book reminded of a fruitcake.It was very dense with lots of things that were hard to identify.The motivation of many characters were confusing.The book was very slow at points and then hectic for brief bursts.
The vampire hunters in the book are called stone masters, hence the stone masters vampire series.So logically you could assume to find out some things about them.In truth, they served almost no purpose in the book.If they would have been made into a bigger villian, I might have cared more for the vampires.
The vampires exhibit great abilities,up to the point they need them. Then they are seem to easily defeated or at least stopped.Naturally all of the vampires hate being turned and say they want to be cured but they never look for one or do that oh so easy walk into the sun.
If you fondest wish is to be a vampire, read this book.If not, approach with caution.
This another book that I am sure will have many people disagewwing with my rating.
There seem to be 2 main camps about how people feel about vampires.Those who feel they make great monsters and those who romanticize them into the ideal beings.Either way can make great stories.Vampires as monsters stories are usually fairly straighforward with the hunters being the focus.But when the vampire is the focus,the author has to walk a much finer line.They can make something a bigger evil that the vampire is working against (even if it is nothing more than the established vampire society)or the vampire can be an anti-hero figure.This last path of the anti-hero is always the hardest because you end up with a character that is not always likeable doing things that are fairly despicable.Therefore those who believe vampires should be villians probably won't like the story.Unfortunately (for this novel)I am in this group.
To make it worse, the story had a staccato pattern.Scenes were short with lots of jumps and at times seemed to be only half told.On the other hand, tyhe book reminded of a fruitcake.It was very dense with lots of things that were hard to identify.The motivation of many characters were confusing.The book was very slow at points and then hectic for brief bursts.
The vampire hunters in the book are called stone masters, hence the stone masters vampire series.So logically you could assume to find out some things about them.In truth, they served almost no purpose in the book.If they would have been made into a bigger villian, I might have cared more for the vampires.
The vampires exhibit great abilities,up to the point they need them. Then they are seem to easily defeated or at least stopped.Naturally all of the vampires hate being turned and say they want to be cured but they never look for one or do that oh so easy walk into the sun.
If you fondest wish is to be a vampire, read this book.If not, approach with caution.
February 10, 2011
Angel’s Adjectives: epic and evocative
The vampire’s journey has fascinated us for hundreds of years. It, quite often, begins in tragedy and ends in even more tragedy. Everything in between is tragedy, romance, and tragedy. What is it about that combination that draws us in so completely?
I’ve just finished Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise by VMK Fewings (her second vampire saga), and I found it had all the qualities of a traditional vampire story, with a few twists that set it apart. The story involves Daumía Velde, who is human for the first third of the book. This is his origin story, the early days of his pre-vampirism and post-embrace life.
Ms. Fewings has a lyrical and economical style that fits beautifully with the theme of her novel. While the story itself is epic, covering great distances and many years, Ms. Fewings chooses to focus on particular events, like points of punctuation, and to bring those captured moments fully into the imagination. Her skill at description inserts you, me, the reader into those moments along with the characters. In them, we find beauty, horror, and love that moves the heart. It moved mine.
Perhaps my one complaint about the book is that I wanted more of that depth. Sometimes, the periods that Ms. Fewings skips are parts of Daumía’s life that I would have liked to see. And yet, a book can only be so long. The story was completely told, and at the end, it all came together.
Anyone who is a fan of the vampire subgenre of horror, especially historical horror (since the story is spread across the 15th through 19th centuries), will devour this book. Its fast pace keeps you involved and looking for the next exciting moment, which you know is just around the corner—and you won’t be disappointed.
Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise is the prequel to Ms. Fewing’s first novel, called StoneMasters: A Vampire’s Reckoning, but you don’t need to read them in any particular order. Either way, it’s a thrilling ride.
The vampire’s journey has fascinated us for hundreds of years. It, quite often, begins in tragedy and ends in even more tragedy. Everything in between is tragedy, romance, and tragedy. What is it about that combination that draws us in so completely?
I’ve just finished Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise by VMK Fewings (her second vampire saga), and I found it had all the qualities of a traditional vampire story, with a few twists that set it apart. The story involves Daumía Velde, who is human for the first third of the book. This is his origin story, the early days of his pre-vampirism and post-embrace life.
Ms. Fewings has a lyrical and economical style that fits beautifully with the theme of her novel. While the story itself is epic, covering great distances and many years, Ms. Fewings chooses to focus on particular events, like points of punctuation, and to bring those captured moments fully into the imagination. Her skill at description inserts you, me, the reader into those moments along with the characters. In them, we find beauty, horror, and love that moves the heart. It moved mine.
Perhaps my one complaint about the book is that I wanted more of that depth. Sometimes, the periods that Ms. Fewings skips are parts of Daumía’s life that I would have liked to see. And yet, a book can only be so long. The story was completely told, and at the end, it all came together.
Anyone who is a fan of the vampire subgenre of horror, especially historical horror (since the story is spread across the 15th through 19th centuries), will devour this book. Its fast pace keeps you involved and looking for the next exciting moment, which you know is just around the corner—and you won’t be disappointed.
Orpheus: A Vampire’s Rise is the prequel to Ms. Fewing’s first novel, called StoneMasters: A Vampire’s Reckoning, but you don’t need to read them in any particular order. Either way, it’s a thrilling ride.
Want to read
June 1, 2019
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January 23, 2013
I was amazed at the detail and depth of this story! The characters are believable and real. The story was very well paced and just pulled you in and held you. I have just started the 2nd book in the series and will keep reading these as long as VMK keeps writing them!
July 26, 2013
Orpheus- What a life to live to have a love, family and friends to have it all taken away.
January 12, 2021
Me gustó, mucho.
Es la historia de un vampiro en los 1400s y cuenta su historia desde que era niño y como la venganza lo lleva a vivir a Londres. Está bien contada pero a veces siento que los hechos los redactó como por encimita, como que le faltaba profundizar en lo que pensaban o sentían los personajes. Siento que se pudo explotar mucho más la parte de la conexión sensorial entre el y Sunaria, sobre todo al final. El final me pareció contado muuuuuuy a la carrera y no le hizo justicia a todo el libro. Es una de estas historias que te recuerdan a Interview with a Vampire de Anne Rice pero como si hubiera Sunaria fuera Lestat y después Orpheus se convierte en una mezcla del atormentado Louis con la dominación de Lestat, muy interesante.
Es la historia de un vampiro en los 1400s y cuenta su historia desde que era niño y como la venganza lo lleva a vivir a Londres. Está bien contada pero a veces siento que los hechos los redactó como por encimita, como que le faltaba profundizar en lo que pensaban o sentían los personajes. Siento que se pudo explotar mucho más la parte de la conexión sensorial entre el y Sunaria, sobre todo al final. El final me pareció contado muuuuuuy a la carrera y no le hizo justicia a todo el libro. Es una de estas historias que te recuerdan a Interview with a Vampire de Anne Rice pero como si hubiera Sunaria fuera Lestat y después Orpheus se convierte en una mezcla del atormentado Louis con la dominación de Lestat, muy interesante.
August 16, 2019
Very good book
I really enjoyed this book and this version of vampirism. Daumia/Orpheus is such an intriguing character. He tries to hold onto his humanity and compassion through it all. Sunaria seems totally in love with him. Reading about their years together definitely keeps you immersed.
I really enjoyed this book and this version of vampirism. Daumia/Orpheus is such an intriguing character. He tries to hold onto his humanity and compassion through it all. Sunaria seems totally in love with him. Reading about their years together definitely keeps you immersed.
July 5, 2020
Good vampire book if you can overlook the historical and occasional grammatical errors
I will be purchasing the next in the series, despite the often grating inaccuracies such as hotels in London as early as the turn of the 14th century and women of the 15th century wearing lacey panties. Good storyline, good character development. There are some sex scenes.
I will be purchasing the next in the series, despite the often grating inaccuracies such as hotels in London as early as the turn of the 14th century and women of the 15th century wearing lacey panties. Good storyline, good character development. There are some sex scenes.
April 26, 2018
Orpheus fan, disappointed in his portrayal
I really enjoyed the 1st two books, but the author lost me with this one. It spent too much time with human and vampire relationships and trying to make them human.
I really enjoyed the 1st two books, but the author lost me with this one. It spent too much time with human and vampire relationships and trying to make them human.
Want to read
February 23, 2023Purchase Amazon August 28, 2019
June 19, 2013
I did like this book, but I found myself with an overall sense of dissatisfaction, which is why I have only given two stars.
Obviously, this being the story of a vampire, the point of the vampire's birth is pretty crucial. Likewise, I would say that the background leading to his creation was also pretty important, yet the tone of this first third of the book seemed to be very superficial in tone, and I felt there was no depth to the character until about half way through the book. The narrative style almost seemed to be in the style of someone reciting by rote from someone else's notes. I found myself asking more questions rather than getting absorbed into the story - why had Daumia been in the bullring? If he had been hit so hard by his attackers, why wasn't he more injured? Why didn't his mother protest when he was taken away? Who was Roelle to decide to take him away? And why did he wait so long before trying to see his mother again?
The writing style is very easy on the mind, and is very much a page turner. But I did find myself not really caring what happened to Daumia, because there didn't seem to be any substance to him - rather, he flitted about like a butterfly, and simply accepted everything. Until one day he changed his mind...but there seemed to be no catalyst or reason as to why he would suddenly change from acceptance to vengeance.
Once Daumia was turned, the substance became much deeper, and I found myself drawn in more, as it began to feel more like a story rather than a simple summary of events, and I started becoming more interested in the characters. Although I did feel that, for all his being a strong and powerful vampire, he wasn't very good at saving himself.
I also felt that there was a sense of confusion about who the 'bad' guys were. When Sunaria first turns Daumia, she lets slip that she is on the run from other vampires, but doesn't reveal any more about who they are. When they are leaving Spain for England, she refers to them as Creda. These are ancient vampires, but nothing more is said about them or about who they are. Once they are in England, they find themselves up against the Stone Masters, and the Creda. The Stone Masters apparently came out of nowhere, and for a while, I have to admit I simply assumed that they were also vampires. Then I thought they were humans trying to wipe out vampires, and then I thought they were vampires again. Unfortunately, for want of a simple line of description, it was unclear who was who, and why they were killing each other.
One other point - there really should have been a context checker. I noted several uses of the word "bare" for "bear", and there was also one, really jarring moment when Daumia, bearing in mind that he was in London in 1498, and was mingling with the aristocracy, responded "Yep!" Seriously?!
Overall, I do have to say that I (eventually) enjoyed the book, and will probably read the others in the trilogy - but I don't think I'll be rushing to download them.
Obviously, this being the story of a vampire, the point of the vampire's birth is pretty crucial. Likewise, I would say that the background leading to his creation was also pretty important, yet the tone of this first third of the book seemed to be very superficial in tone, and I felt there was no depth to the character until about half way through the book. The narrative style almost seemed to be in the style of someone reciting by rote from someone else's notes. I found myself asking more questions rather than getting absorbed into the story - why had Daumia been in the bullring? If he had been hit so hard by his attackers, why wasn't he more injured? Why didn't his mother protest when he was taken away? Who was Roelle to decide to take him away? And why did he wait so long before trying to see his mother again?
The writing style is very easy on the mind, and is very much a page turner. But I did find myself not really caring what happened to Daumia, because there didn't seem to be any substance to him - rather, he flitted about like a butterfly, and simply accepted everything. Until one day he changed his mind...but there seemed to be no catalyst or reason as to why he would suddenly change from acceptance to vengeance.
Once Daumia was turned, the substance became much deeper, and I found myself drawn in more, as it began to feel more like a story rather than a simple summary of events, and I started becoming more interested in the characters. Although I did feel that, for all his being a strong and powerful vampire, he wasn't very good at saving himself.
I also felt that there was a sense of confusion about who the 'bad' guys were. When Sunaria first turns Daumia, she lets slip that she is on the run from other vampires, but doesn't reveal any more about who they are. When they are leaving Spain for England, she refers to them as Creda. These are ancient vampires, but nothing more is said about them or about who they are. Once they are in England, they find themselves up against the Stone Masters, and the Creda. The Stone Masters apparently came out of nowhere, and for a while, I have to admit I simply assumed that they were also vampires. Then I thought they were humans trying to wipe out vampires, and then I thought they were vampires again. Unfortunately, for want of a simple line of description, it was unclear who was who, and why they were killing each other.
One other point - there really should have been a context checker. I noted several uses of the word "bare" for "bear", and there was also one, really jarring moment when Daumia, bearing in mind that he was in London in 1498, and was mingling with the aristocracy, responded "Yep!" Seriously?!
Overall, I do have to say that I (eventually) enjoyed the book, and will probably read the others in the trilogy - but I don't think I'll be rushing to download them.
February 19, 2016
Now, keep in mind I love me some Vanessa Fewings, and I dislike me some Anne Rice.
So what happens when a favorite author meets an un-favorite author's writing style? Well, they kind of cancel each other out. I read this after the Enthrall series, so was headed backwards from the writer's current style to an earlier version. That may have made this a bit more difficult for me.
I found the first 2/3 book to be slow, gothic, and a bit boring. But that's me. If you're one of the gazillion people who loved Anne Rice, then this is probably just the thing for you. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Fewings is a better author than Rice by far. Rice talks to hear herself talking. A lot. I don't think Fewings is guilty of that here, but the endless explications of Orpheus' life pre-vampire, well, I don't know which way to take it. On the one hand, it's called A Vampire's RISE for a reason. On the other hand, he spends less than 2/3 of the book actually being a vampire. A lot of this could have been cut out. Which would have of course made a novella, but that's not a bad thing. Some novellas say more than many lengthier tomes.
I can't really say that I'm going to read any more of the Stone Masters series. Honestly, I found that subtitle confusing (Stone Masters and vampires are two very different things). I found a good deal of the book confusing. That's probably on me.
But let me re-iterate: if you're a fan of gothic novels, of Anne Rice, that sort of thing, then you're going to love Orpheus. Because for all that I didn't personally enjoy it, that doesn't detract from it being a pretty well written book.
So what happens when a favorite author meets an un-favorite author's writing style? Well, they kind of cancel each other out. I read this after the Enthrall series, so was headed backwards from the writer's current style to an earlier version. That may have made this a bit more difficult for me.
I found the first 2/3 book to be slow, gothic, and a bit boring. But that's me. If you're one of the gazillion people who loved Anne Rice, then this is probably just the thing for you. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Fewings is a better author than Rice by far. Rice talks to hear herself talking. A lot. I don't think Fewings is guilty of that here, but the endless explications of Orpheus' life pre-vampire, well, I don't know which way to take it. On the one hand, it's called A Vampire's RISE for a reason. On the other hand, he spends less than 2/3 of the book actually being a vampire. A lot of this could have been cut out. Which would have of course made a novella, but that's not a bad thing. Some novellas say more than many lengthier tomes.
I can't really say that I'm going to read any more of the Stone Masters series. Honestly, I found that subtitle confusing (Stone Masters and vampires are two very different things). I found a good deal of the book confusing. That's probably on me.
But let me re-iterate: if you're a fan of gothic novels, of Anne Rice, that sort of thing, then you're going to love Orpheus. Because for all that I didn't personally enjoy it, that doesn't detract from it being a pretty well written book.
October 7, 2013
I don't even know how to gather my thoughts on this book. So much happened with in these pages. So much loss and change. It's hard to put it into words...
What is harder is deciding if I really liked this book or not. The story was intriguing enough. I was definitely caught up in it, But it seemed to go on forever. There didn't seem to be an ending and time would skip so far ahead in places.
As far as characters go I found myself really getting into a character or plot and then it would drastically change. Usually in a violent death. How many people can you lose before you become emotionally dead? For Daumia I can understand if he completely lost it. He somehow seems to hold onto part of himself. I think this is the basis of the story. I kept looking for the silver lining. I'm not sure if I ever found it.
So overall? Good book. Would I recommend it? Yes. Wasn't my favorite book but definitely worth a read. I would have liked to seen some of these personal relationships for Daumia to actually work out, but life isn't always sunshine and daisies. Especially when you are a vampire and live forever.
Full review at www.twinopinionsreview.blogspot.com
January 9, 2017
An old school vampire romance. It started a bit slow, I almost gave up but persisted. These vampires are predators, they suck blood to survive. Humans are food. The main protagonist a centuries old vampire tells us of his struggles as a young human boy, his mistakes and the consequences. Vampirism did not fully rid him of his mortal compass, so at times his emotions are scattered and he is conflicted. He has loved, and he has faced losses. Immortality has not made him impervious to feelings and in my opinion that's what makes his story interesting. It's also an unusual love story.
July 28, 2015
Good story
I enjoyed this story. It's a good vampire book going back into the 1700 and seeing the world as it was back then. This is not a normal vampire story and is totally different from any others you may have read. Totally worth it.
I look forward to reading more of these books by the author.
I enjoyed this story. It's a good vampire book going back into the 1700 and seeing the world as it was back then. This is not a normal vampire story and is totally different from any others you may have read. Totally worth it.
I look forward to reading more of these books by the author.
June 23, 2014
I received the book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Overall the story was good. But for some reason it just didn't pull me in like other books. The story had depth, details, and emotions. I just couldn't connect.
Overall the story was good. But for some reason it just didn't pull me in like other books. The story had depth, details, and emotions. I just couldn't connect.
Want to read
May 29, 2014Will read soon... and it's FREE right now in AMAZON...
http://www.amazon.com/Orpheus-Vampire...
http://www.amazon.com/Orpheus-Vampire...
November 28, 2015
I truly love author Vanessa Fewings writing style. This series is awesome.
4.5/5 angel stars
4.5/5 angel stars
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