Blood Rites

by D.R. Racey

Daniel lived in the town of Boone, North Carolina, high in the Appalachian Mountains. He lived a simple life as a lumber mill worker by day, but hid a deadly secret from those around him. At night Daniel prowled the woods and hunted the animals and residents of the small mountain town.

Over 150 years earlier he betrayed his former master, Makareus, when he had an affair with his wife. Makareus began the chase for Daniel after the affair and started chasing him from their lair just outside of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Daniel has fallen in love with a young woman named Sara and tries to maintain his human side as he struggles to not feed on her. His two primal urges, to feed and to mate, control many aspects of his secret life. His love for Sara leads him to the hardest decision he has ever had to make.

Join Daniel now as he avoids death at the hands of the lycan pack and experiences love, hate, lust, and bloodshed under the moonlit sky of the Appalachian Mountains.

Genres: Supernatural, Paranormal, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

D.R. Racey has served on active duty in the U.S. Military since 1998 and spends much of his time off writing, developing his next story, and designing his own cover art. He has been married since 2000 and has three children.

He started writing in 2008 as a hobby and published his first book in 2012. His first published book is Blood Rites which a paranormal novel about a werewolf on the run from his former pack master. D.R. Racey has also published a historical fiction novella about an Army National Guard unit stationed in Baghdad, Iraq during the surge (War - 8000 Miles From Home). He has also completed two fantasy novels as part of the Phoenix Blade Trilogy (Conflagration and Lineage).
All D.R. Racey novels are available from Amazon.com in Paperback and for Kindle.

I hope you enjoy your reading.

D.R. Racey
Author

Books by D.R. Racey
Blood Rites
The Phoenix Blade Trilogy
Book One - Conflagration
Book Two - Lineage
Book Three - Impasse (Available 2016)
War - 8000 Miles From Home


http://www.facebook.com/pages/DR-Race...

Reviews

[Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! I loved this book. It was full of action, blood, lycans, fighting, and blood! Not so much blood that it was gory though. The story was great and I'm hoping the author writes more. The villains were evils and I loved Sara and Daniel! I thought Dana was going to be annoying but, she ended up being a tough lycan! I still hate Jennifer and her crazy else though!
I can't wait to see what else this author comes up with!

I was given this book by author for an honest review!

Bravo bravo!

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

Blood Rites introduces us to Daniel. A man and lycan who has spent the past 150 years running from his past or more specifically his old master who is out for Daniel's life due to an affair Daniel had with his wife many years prior. Although still haunted by his past, Daniel has seemingly settled in to his new life in a small town in Boone, North Carolina. By day he works at a lumber mill and is in a happy relationship with his girlfriend Sara who is a bartender at a local pub. Everything seems to be falling into place for him. But as we all know, eventually one's past catches up with them and that is exactly what happens to Daniel. Blood Rites takes us through the story of Daniel and Sara in their attempt to try and remain at each others sides and see if they can finally close this haunting chapter in Daniel's life. One thing is for certain though, old grudges die hard and nothing will be simple in their undertaking.

As a lover of the supernatural, I found this book to be decently executed and found the plot line somewhat intriguing. The beginning is a bit slow and I will admit that I didn't really feel a connection to Daniel as much as I would have liked, however, I found Sara to be interesting albeit a bit cliched at times. The author didn't really put any kind of new spin on the lycan which wasn't bad but I think could have helped the book feel a little less generic if they had. The last quarter of the book was probably the most exciting, in my opinion, and the end left me with enough suspense that I would read the sequel. All in all, if you are a fan of the supernatural genre and looking for something to read I would recommend this book. However, I wouldn't put it at the top of my to read list either.

[Simon Okill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rites is an entertaining and viciously bloody tale of rampant Lycans on the hunt not just for human flesh but their own kind. What makes this so different and so fast-paced is Makareus the Master Lycan’s hunt for the traitor, our hero Daniel. The use of Lycan blood to feel the pack’s adventures is well thought out and the graphic sex is as one would expect for mating werewolves. The ending leaves the reader wanting so much more as the hunted Daniel awaits the next onslaught from his ancient enemy. Highly recommended for any Lycanthropic reader. A FIVE STAR thriller that will satisfy every werewolf fan.

[Diane Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not normally the kind of book I would read. This is a fast paced adventure. If you like adult themes, Lycans, lots of action, a blood thirsty tale, then read about Makareus and Daniel. In this first part, of what is promised to be a trilogy, the adventure begins in Boone and ends outside of Nashville. The story leaves you well prepared for Book 2. If you are looking for something different, this could be the one for you.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything and more.....

When the term you can't run from your past was invented, they were thinking about Daniel.
One mistake will follow him for a lifetime.

This book have it all, it's a book lover dream, the action will hold you until the end of the book.

Sara is the perfect girlfriend ( she is was is called a ride or die for him )
she had his back to the end.

This is a must read don't take my word for it pick up a copy.

Love it.........

[Thomas Rydder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a fan of werewolves, I was anxious to see how the author handled his description of their mannerisms and lifestyle - and D.R. didn't disappoint. The kills were bloody and savage, and no punches were pulled, as is proper. Werewolves, after all, don't eat with utensils. So, if you like to read about blood and chunks of flesh and screaming, this one is for you.
There is plenty of sex too, which provides an interesting counterpoint to all the havoc going on throughout the entire story. The sex scenes are very graphic, which seems to be the writer's style - it hurts like hell when a werewolf is killing you, and it feels great when you're having hot sex with a beautiful woman (or man).
The action is pretty much non-stop, although it did take a bit for the plot to get rolling, and the story line was pretty well thought out. I did find a few discrepancies in the story, but they were pretty much swallowed by the fast flowing action. There were also a number of problems with things like grammatical tense and such, and those caused me some hiccups, and I think the book could have used a bit of editing. Other than that, it was enjoyable and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
All in all, I give it 3.5 stars, and I'm waiting to read the sequel. I understand it incorporates vampires into the plot, so I'd imagine even more blood will flow - very cool :)

Thomas Rydder
Author of "The Clearing"

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing surprise. I was a bit put off by Daniel in the beginning because he was so cold and calculating in his approach to humans and feeding. As the story progressed, I found myself intrigued by him as his true relationship with Sara was revealed and we were given a glimpse or two of his emotions toward her. I really liked this book. I liked the fact that the lycans were depicted as blood thirsty and very aggressive. However, I also liked the premise that a few of them were shown to have a conscience and a regard for the humans that nourish them. The action in this book was outstanding and you never really could just sit back and let it happen. This story had me on the edge of my chair in many places. If you like a werewolf story that has blood, grit, aggression, many fight scenes, and a love story with great sex, I highly recommend this book! I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Rites was fast paced and full of action and blood lust!!

Daniel was on the run from his former master Makareus for having affair with her! Makareus is brutal and harsh and thinks he that everyone is beneath him. Hated him from the start!
This is not a book that I normally pick up! But glad I did!! The characters Daniel and Sara I loved.. At first I wasn't so sure of Daniel he seemed he didn't have any heart!! But boy was I wrong!! I also LOVED Dana! she was awesome and bad ass! The story was great and the ending well it left you wanting to know more! I can't wait to find out what happen next! Lets hope Jennifer gets what's coming to her!

All in all it was a great read that I read in one sitting! I would recommend it if you want something different from your normal werewolf book!

[Amanda Dover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This book was action packed and original. I haven't previously read any books about werewolves so this was a first for me. I enjoyed the characters of Daniel and Sara but felt like Marecues (not sure I spelled that right) was the most developed character. I think there is great potential for another book also. The sexual content was a bot graphic for me but I had a lot of trouble with fifty shades too so I could see where others might find this explicit detail interesting. Overall I enjoyed the book and would read the next and other books by this author.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel could smell the camper's dinner cooking over the fire and thought, that smells good. But it wasn't their food he was thinking about.

In the morning, he went to the diner for his normal breakfast, a steak as warm as possible, while still being rare. Sara, his girlfriend, came in and commented on the article in the newspaper. Three campers had been killed in a bear attack.

Daniel functioned as a normal human would, other than occasional forays into the woods for deer, or other game, and the occasional human.

Twice Daniel had smelled a familiar scent, but tonight he followed it to its source. He saw the werewolf feeding off a body. He couldn't allow it. He liked living here, in Boone, North Carolina. He had always been careful about not feeding on the townspeople. This would ruin it for him.

Daniel had thought of his past. He had an affair with his Master's wife. His Master, Makareus, had killed her and vowed never to stop hunting Daniel, until he was dead.

Sara was attacked and shot, while walking home from work one night. Daniel knew of only one way to save her. They would have to leave Boone, and quickly. Makareus was on their trail and would stop at nothing to get his revenge.

Daniels life in Boone would be coming to an end, or worse.

3 STARS - Would Recommend To Others

WARNING: 18+ Language. Sexual content. Savagery. Blood and guts galore.

The cover is beautiful. The colors and simplicity made me stop and look deeper. The title is so very appropriate.

A vicious lycanthrope story of love and revenge.

I had a hard time writing this review, because I have never read a book so filled with savagery and cruelty. The goriest werewolf story I ever read. I find it hard to put into words the carnage contained in the book. It revved up a couple notches when Makareus turned his army loose in Boone, driving them to seek his revenge.

Daniel only knew one way to save Sara. He had never felt love for a woman before and knew he couldn't live without her. Wasn't this selfish on his part? What about what she would want? By saving her, he put her life at risk. I was surprised that I fell for Daniel. He was a werewolf, but he had a code he lived by. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? You will have to decide for yourself.

Makareus had only loved one woman. He blamed Daniel for having an affair with his wife and forcing him to kill her. He would seek his revenge on Daniel and anyone with him.

This is a trilogy and I would continue to read the future books, because I want to know what happens to Daniel and Sara. Do they get to have a "normal" life?

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.



D.R. Racey

[Missdevora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Rites is an entertaining and viciously bloody tale of rampant Lycans on the hunt not just for human flesh but their own kind.

The kills were bloody and savage, full of blood and chunks of flesh and screaming, so the action is pretty much non-stop.

The sex scenes are very graphic, it hurts like hell when a werewolf is killing you or playing like a cat plays with a mouse just before it eats you, and it feels great when you're having hot sex with a beautiful man/woman. There are also rape attempts, love scenes, gory pregnancy and some sexy dance scenes.

As heroes we have Daniel, a sexy, ‘good’ werewolf that tries to keep as much as he can a non-human diet. He also has a beautiful girlfriend, Sara, who has nice parents and lives a pretty normal life studying at the University and working at a dance bar.

As the bad guys there is Makareus, the master/king of the Lycanthropes, Brandon, Jessica and a lot of lycans, that do as their king dictates.

Daniel’s previous master, Makareus, has been searching for him for many years since Daniel’s betrayal with his master’s wife. Makareus will not rest until he finds and kills Daniel with the help of his ‘minions’ that cause havoc wherever they set foot.

When Daniel and Sara have to flee their city, they go to Sara’s friend, Dana…who became my favorite character and I hope she becomes even more kickass than she is already seems to be.

This is the first book, part of a trilogy and I would continue to read future books.

Highly recommended for any Lycanthropic reader.

WARNING: 18+ Language. Sexual content. Savagery. Blood and guts gore.

Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandy Nacole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story about the tale of running from someone who holds a lifetime vendetta.

Blood Rites shows a new side to the lycans most read about. Racey actually delivers a story that shows the true nature of how the lycans were built to be portrayed. The lycans are led by their lust for human blood/flesh, the scenes are gory and not framed with a nice daisy frame.

My problem with this book, there are several. The big things, I didn't really like any of the characters. The only character I actually enjoyed was Sara. The meaningless sex on every other page. I, like most, enjoy a good steamy scene, however, I didn't feel like the overuse added anything to the story, especially when they were pleasing themselves. The other big thing I didn't like was the battle at the end. Yes there was a great build up to the fight between Daniel and Makareus but when their fight came it felt too simple. Makareus is built up as a great threat and fighter that all should fear, yet when he faces Daniel he goes down in what I felt was a simple fight.

I think this story has great potential and I did enjoy the actual storyline.

(I received a copy of Blood Rites from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.)

[Sonya Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Rites is the story of the need for an old vendetta to be satisfied. Daniel’s previous master, Makareus, has been searching for him for many years since Daniel’s betrayal with his master’s wife. Makareus will not rest until he finds and kills Daniel.

I liked the graphic fights throughout the book. The Author is very descriptive with the action and in describing the physical pain felt by each character. It was easy for me to visualize each scene. The portrayal of the Lycan's natural behavior is honest, even with Daniel. He just makes different choices compared to the other lycans.

Overall, I liked the story and it definitely kept my interest. I would like to have seen more interaction between Makareus and Daniel at the end. Throughout the book, you understand Makareus hates Daniel for his betrayal so I was expecting more of a confrontation between them and the death to be more dramatic. I also was a little confused to why Makareus wanted to rape Dana in the middle of his lifelong vengeance battle with Daniel.

I ultimately enjoyed reading Blood Rites and look forward to the next book!

(I received a copy of Blood Rites from the Author in exchange for my honest opinion)

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

It appears I'm in the minority here, but I just could not get into this book. At its core, Blood Rites is werewolf tale about revenge. An entertaining premise! But one that failed to engage me as a reader due to poor character development and lack of imagery necessary to immerse one in what was likely a beautiful mountain town setting.

The underlying revenge that guides the story is only revealed through a very brief (paragraph) flashback, so I found it difficult to comprehend where the rage originated, or feel the urgency between the characters. Had this been fleshed out, it may have made for a more emotional read or allowed for some sympathy towards the main character, Daniel, and his girlfriend, Sara. But having no emotional investment as to how the story would end, I struggled to finish the read.

[Craig McGray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Rites was a great read for me. I knew there were some sex scenes written into the book and quite honestly, I didn't think it would work for me. This is yet another case where I should keep an open mind and see what happens.

The way the author weaved the sex into the story was well done and I found that it blended quite well. I am definitely not one for explicit romance, though it does not bother me in the least, so I wasn't sure I would be able to focus on the reason I picked up the book, vicious werewolves. I was wrong!

Racey provided a fast paced story that held my interest and had me turning the pages quickly. There were some areas of the dialogue that seemed a bit too formal but nothing that had me skipping pages, as I so often do when I come across sketchy dialogue.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend it for those who like brutal, well written supernatural books with a spicy twist.

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off as far as story line goes this is generally a good story. But as for content there are things it would be better without.
I am all for lycanthropes. But I'm not really into the "steaminess" of the intimate moments. lol But that's just me. ;)

That being said and set aside. I was not crazy about Daniel's character although I loved Sara and Dana. Along with Sara's parents and the sweet waitress at the diner.

Before I knew it I was biting my nails through the action and crying at Sara's loss.
Freaked out over what happens to Sara and then relieved with the outcome.

As for Markareus I was truly relieved when his fate was sealed almost cheering! I am definitely looking forward to seeing Jennifer go down. I am also interested to see what will happen with Brandon.
All in all I will see this series through to the end. The action is my favorite part!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a quick, fast paced, full of action, with hot lycans and lots of naughty bits and blooooood, then this book is for you lol. I thouroughly enjoyed the characters in this book, and yum Daniel can bite me any day :p lucky Sara ;p
I will definitely be completing the series.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out with blood and gore which lasts throughout the tale. Daniel, Sara and Dana are our protagonists with Markerius and to a lesser part Jennifer and Brandon are the antagonists. Revenge runs rampid throughout the story line. Daniel and crew trying to evade Markerius and his gang. Somewhat predictable but still an interesting story.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be exciting, and riveting. A well written novel with believable characters. I keeps you enthralled throughout the entire book.
I can't wait to see what else he has to offer.

[Ariella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love the characters. I'm giving this book 5 stars.

[Carole Shelby]

No stars. Couldn't finish. Too boring and slow.

[Samantha Emery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible, difficult to read, did not flow well. This is one trilogy I will not finish.