The Arrival of Armando DeLeon

In Darkness We Must Abide Episodic Serial #3

by Rhiannon Frater

Episode 3:

A mysterious new vampire appears in the life of the Socolis. Is he friend or foe?

In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

Each episode will be between 10,000 and 20,000 words with new installments being published every 2 to 3 weeks.

Episode 1: Death Comes Home
Roman Socoli inadvertently releases a terrible evil when he has his Romanian ancestors entombed on his estate in Houston, Texas.

Episode 2: Death in the Shadows
Death has claimed a Socoli, but the family curse will not allow him to stay dead. Vanora and Alisha must battle the creature that stole their brother's life while fearing the possible resurrection of Roman.

Genres: Vampires, Horror, Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Gothic, Young Adult

Nook

First published April 11, 2013

About the author

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog).

She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).

She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I want to kiss Armando or kick him? That is the question. He drives me crazy, and he only gets better and worse, and I get more crazy. Seriously people this is the most fun I've had reading in a long time. Rhiannon Frater bring her signature style, chaos and badassery and paints this baby all pretty, and soon enough she's gonna rip it all to shreds because that's what she does. I. CANNOT. WAIT. Love it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intially worried that the series might begin to drop off for me since I’ve been fairly in the middle with my last two reviews. It’s a good series, however I haven’t felt that real need for the next chapter once I finish the one I have. I can say that I’m beginning to feel that now.

The Arrival of Armando really picked up the story for me and I also really enjoyed seeing how the Socoli’s have managed to carve out a life for themselves very similar to how they lived before. It’s clearly not the same but I like that there is an effort to it and it’s interesting to learn more about the other vampires in this would as well. I like that we get to see a more grown up Vanora in this and that she’s becoming her own person, and has some wit to her.

Readalong Discussion: Armando

So this week we are focusing on Armando and all of his swoon-worthy goodness. He’s dark, mysterious, and sounds damn near perfect to look at. I think the best thing about him is the fact that we truly have no idea what he’s truly up to, is he a good guy or is he a bad guy? We get glimpses of him for both past and present, so we can kind of tell where it lies but I’m more than a little curious to see how he gets to that point.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, we meet Armando!

From Goodreads: "A mysterious new vampire appears in the life of the Socolis. Is he friend or foe? In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night. Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever. As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul."

Episode 3 starts out strongly with present day Vanora driving for her life. Someone is after her. Is it Armando or is he trying to help her?

We revisit the past and learn how Vanora and her siblings meet Armando. He clearly has an agenda but what isn't clear is if he will hurt Vanora or protect her.

I loved the movement forward in this series and think that Armando is a great addition. He is mysterious and I cannot wait to learn more about him. Plus, I know there is so much more coming regarding the future relationship between these two. Are they friends with benefits or more?

Vanora's character is growing on me with each installment. Roman is the ever overprotective brother. Alisha, I'm still not sure about.

This was another 5/5 star read. Pick it up on Amazon or at the author's website. You won't be disappointed.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh! What an interesting turn of events...

The hardest thing about reading a serial is that I can't just keep reading. I'm being forced to wait! I'll be clawing up the wall in no time! O_O

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title so aptly describes, this third installment of the Texas-based vampire saga introduces a mysterious new character, that of Armando DeLeon. A centuries-old vampire, Armando purports to friend the fledglings in order to combat his own malaise and to introduce them to the vampire culture. The truth, however, is soon revealed: Armando is puppet to a hidden plot that somehow involves his Master and the albino Vanoro, who apparently holds tremendous powers.

So far this episode has really upped the game for the story overall - the complexity of the characters, the development of the backstory for vampiric factions within the world - these elements combine to heighten the drama and the overall building tension within the story.

Reading on...

[LotusFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

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In Darkness We Must Abide
Death Comes Home, Book #1-3
By Rhiannon Frater

*I DO NOT RECAP THE BOOKS IN MY REVIEWS, THAT IS WHAT THE BOOK DESCRIPTION IS FOR. NOR DO I HAVE SPOILERS*

You can read this review and many more kick ass reviews at abitchandabook.blogspot.com. As of 4-25-13, you can get the first book in this series free on Amazon and Kobo so go get it!This review is for books #1-3 of this series.

Overall Rating
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I have heard of serial series before and always wanted to try reading them, but have just put it off. Until I saw that Rhiannon Frater has released a serial series. I was like “Oh Hell Yeah Baby!!!!!” Rhiannon Frater is one of my all time top fav authors. She has style and imagination and this series shows it. For those of you that don’t know what serial series are, think of books released like your favorite tv show. It is a book series that contains typically a shorter book (like a novella) and each book or “episode” is released every 1-3 weeks depending on the series. This story is about a family that has had some serious tragedy befall them and they work together to persevere. Throw in some vampires, supernatural events, and some suspense and you have a winning series. I dove from one book to the next and as of 4-25-13, there are 3 books out and another release I believe tomorrow. And you know I am getting that one!!!

Originality/Creativity:
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I definitely find there to be a strong element of creativity in this book and the series. My most favorite genre is supernatural/paranormal. And this author is one of my favorites, she is just bursting with creativity so I know that if I get a book by her, it will have the perfect amount of creativity and the most amazing storyline. This story isn’t just your typical vampire story, you can relate to the characters. Besides the existence of vampires, this story is about a family in peril and how they work together to overcome it and I think most of us can say that we have been through an event where we had to pull together with our family and try to get through it. That is why I loved this series so much.

Complexity of Characters/Storyline:
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This story is definitely complex. It takes place in modern day, but you get to dip back every now and then and hear a bit of history. You also get to jump around and get the perspective of several characters, not just one. I always enjoy books like that so you can better have an understanding of how each character ticks. And there is a character in the story that has a sort of “coming of age” and it is spectacular to get to watch that character progress during the series. I believe that this series has great complexity but not so much that the reader is confused. You will have a fantastic time reading this series as the characters grow on you and you find your heart pulled in each direction during their hardships. The storyline is one of a kind!

Quality of writing:
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Rhiannon Frater is one of my most favorite authors, as I have said over and over so far! Seriously, her style of writing is amazing. For a book to be great, not just good, I have to be able to see a clear picture in my mind of each character and their surroundings based on the descriptions the author gives. By the end of a great book, I should feel not that I just read a book, but that I watched a movie because I was able to so clearly see everything in my mind. That is what Rhiannon’s writing does for me. It is that amazing!

Action/Suspense:
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I am an action junkie so the best way to keep me extremely happy is to have non-stop action. This series does that. There is barely a time where you are not reading some sort of crazy suspenseful scene. I freaking love that! I sped through thi series. Each book took me barely over an hour to read and so I jumped from one book to the next quickly and I was not bored for a second! Thank you Rhiannon, I loathe a boring read and I never get that from your books.

Would I recommend the series? Yes. Hell Yeah. F%#@ yeah I do! And if you have never read a serial series, this is the best one to start with! So go get it! I know for a fact that you can get the first book in the series free right now on Amazon and Kobo right now so there is no excuse not to get reading!

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/04/read-along-review-giveaway-arrival-of.html

The Arrival of Armando DeLeon is the the third serial in Rhiannon Frater's In Darkness We Must Abide series. Varona is now in her teens and has adjusted well to her new life. Her older brother and sister are now vampires, but they are nothing like the monster that turned them. They are actually quite normal. Things are going well until one night while Varona and Alisha go shopping for junk, she meets a man named Armando. Varona knows he is a vampire and can't help but sense danger around him, yet she is attracted to him. Armando is interested in her as well, but maybe for entirely different reasons.

Finally! We finally get to meet the elusive Armando. I am both happy and pissed. He knows Roman is alive and he knows exactly what he is, He wants to be a part of his circle. He is tired of the other vampires and their games and finds it refreshing to be around vampires who still have a human life and are not sucked into the vampire's way of thinking. I won't say more about it, but he has more reasons as to why he wants to be in the Socolis' lives. I am dying to know where this goes since we know Vanora is still talking to him when she is in her twenties.

I really enjoy this family. They had me cracking up at times. Alisha is being a bit rebellious with her new boyfriend, Sin. I am with Roman on this one, dating a guy named Sin, you are doomed from the start. But he wasn't all that bad, I must admit. Vanora was a blast. She is fifteen and obviously wants to grow out of her childish ways. When Armando shows up, it couldn't be more clear. She wants to impress him and not seem like a child in front him. But she was a lot of fun. She is one of those characters I would love to know and be friends with in real life.

I can't believe where this book ended. I didn't see that coming. Armando apparently isn't the only one who wants in on the Socoli family, well Roman anyway. This was a very interesting part in the book for sure. It made it just that more amazing.

These books get better and better. The more information we get with each book, the more intrigued we are. The Socoli family is such a blast. It will be very exciting and scary to see what will happen next. I really want to know what Armando will do and what the Socolis' will do when they discover his secret. I can't wait.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode started out so ominous!

As with every episode, it starts out with grown up Vanora. Her inner monologue drops hints that something really bad happened with her family once she turned 18, which by the end of this episode is about two years away. As she’s driving home, things seem to get worse. She sees shadowy figures out in a field and when she pulls over, thinking it’s Armando, he calls her and tells her to “drive. Don’t stop again. Just drive.” Yikes.

We are now four years into the future of the flashbacks - does that make sense? Roman, Alisha, and Vanora have pretty much figured out how to make this vampire thing work, with the help of Ryan and Miss Robbins. Roman getting the short end of the stick because he is dead to the world, while Alisha at least as the opportunity to be seen in pubic.

This is also the episode in which we meet Armando - obviously - another vampire who claims to have been alone for hundreds of years and is grateful to find more vampires as most vampires live in desolate houses and pretty much keep to themselves. He spends a good deal about of time with the Socoli family and eventually earns their trust and the affections of Vanora (she’s 14-15 at this point). I���m still not sure how I feel about him at this point.

Episode three felt more like a filler to me. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but not a lot actually happened. I get it though, you can’t constantly have something going on. Downtime is a necessity. Frater moves us forward in the timeline throughout the episode and everything is seemingly perfect. Alisha even has a boyfriend!

There is one scene that gets pretty intense, but it was pretty intense in comparison to episodes one and two. This episode brought on a lot of questions. What’s the deal with Armando? What are his real intentions? What the heck happened between now and our present day scenes in the beginning of the episode? And most importantly: when does the shit in the fan (because I know it’s going to happen at some point)?

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armando attempts to grow closer to Vanora, which set off warning bells for me. What are his intentions? Can he be trusted, or does he have some sort of sinister plans for Vanora and her family? He's suave and an old world gentleman, but there's something underneath the surface that I don't trust even though I like his character. There's a chemistry between the two of them that is undeniable and interesting because it isn't just as simple as a crust - there's much more to it.

Vanora begins to grow apart from Alisha and Roman, which really saddened me, but it's an honest and realistic view into someone her age. She's a teenager becoming a young adult and developing her own identity. Already she's mature and intelligent beyond her years. Not only is she growing apart from them as any normal teenager might, but there's also the huge obstacle of Alisha and Roman being vampires while Vanora is not. Alisha and Roman really are more like parents to her than siblings, and the interactions between them remind me of a teenager vs. her parents situation, which led to some comical moments.

I really love that about these episodes - there are serious moments, funny moments, tense moments, and sad moments all which make for a story that seems to jump off the pages. The writing is stellar, the characters are ones I care about, and the plot reels me in right away. I'm looking forward to the rest of this season, and luckily, I have episode four waiting for me!

~I received a copy of this episode from the author in exchange for an honest review~

[Erin Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the third episode of In Darkness We Must Abide, I am fully invested in the Socoli family and the tragedy that has befallen them. Especially Vanora, whom I've taken a great liking to. She's the kind of character that you could find yourself being friends with.

Episode 3 finds the Socolis adjusting to their new life, as Roman and Alisha are now vampires trying to live a mortal life with their younger and human sister, Vanora.

And then the mysterious Armando DeLeon (from the title of this Episode) shows up. I don't want to give away too much of what happens, let's just say that he shakes things up in the Socoli household. As a reader, I'm very cautious of Armando's motivations because he comes across as a conflicted character.

This third episode is a must if you've A) been reading IDWMA serial, because a lot of integral things happen, or B) a big horror fan who loves vampires the way they're meant to be (in which case, go back and read from Episode One).

Rhiannon Frater has done a great job of producing a serial that keeps me coming back for - her characters are all very lifelike, including Vanora, who never ceases to make me smile or back her up. These are well-written, suspenseful, and scary. And I can't wait for the next one.

Five stars.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third installment was OUTSTANDING! Rhiannon Frater really knows how to draw you right back in where you left off, and leave you salivating for more at the end, just like a weekly television series. Everything about this installment was captivating. I bit off every one of my nails in the time it took me to read it. I want to talk about how much I love what an awesome young woman Vanora is growing up to be, and about how adorable her crush is, but I am supposed to be discussing Armando. Sexy, swoon-worthy Armando with his auburn eyes and dark lashes. His story had a slight Interview with a Vampire feel to it in some ways; the story he told to the Socoli’s, even though he wasn’t being honest with them. I feel like I am getting to know his character, just as the Socoli’s feel they are becoming his friends. I can understand how easily he was able to manipulate them with his charms. I have a feeling that, although Armando has an ulterior motive, he really does care for Vanora, and that he will end up protecting her at all costs, for his own sake, not because it’s what his Master has commanded. I am so excited to read the fourth episode! I want to curl up and devour this entire series in one night (preferably tonight!).

[Amy Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests, we meet Armando DeLeon in this one. I wasn't sure what to think of him, and as the episodes go on, I am really invested in the characters and the story so I totally don't trust what his motives toward the Socolis. Especially since Vanora got a bad feeling from him when she first meets him.

Armando starts to integrate himself into their lives, but Roman being the super protective older brother/father figure doesn't want the vampire around Vanora very much. He becomes a regular in their lives though and is around a lot. Still, though he seems friendly enough, I still didn't quite know what I should think of him. Vanora is smitten with him, but of course she would be. He's an attractive vampire who seems to just ooze charm.

Armando entering into their lives changes things a lot and now they have a whole other set of issues that pop up. We get to see just how protective of Vanora not only her brother and sister are, but Armando too. Though this episode was a little on the slower side (just like not every episode of your favorite show can be amped up), this episode definitely takes you for a loop and leaves you needing the next one right away.

[Alexia Purdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Possible Spoilers...

A lot happens in this episode and we get to meet Armando DeLeon, a mysterious, lone vampire who has a hidden agenda. Vanora is growing older and definitely has some teenage surly attitude going on. Alisha has come into her own and is enjoying her life once more, venturing out into the world often and developing her artistic career and human relationships. Roman is the only one still isolated, but with Armando showing up, their friendship grows and the comradery is apparent.

This is my least favorite episode so far. The lingering darkness surrounding the family seems to be somewhat forgotten, and it feels out of place. Even with Armando arriving, he seems to fit in way too easily in the family.

The ending of the episode did return to the horror elements somewhat again with the arrival of a new danger, but it felt quickly stilted and the terror was also snuffed out way too quickly and unexpectedly.

I hope to find more scary elements and edge of my seat horror returning in the next episode, though I did quite like the mystery of the group that shows up at the end.

[Unabridged Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arrival of Armando DeLeon feels like a crack in the dam before all the water comes flooding out to destroy everything. As each episode of In Darkness We Must Abide, I seem to be a little more attached to the Socoli Family, and at the end of each episode, I worry about what is going to happen in the next episode. In episode three, there is a strange foreboding feeling throughout the episode. I am now very nervous to find out what is in store next for Roman, Alisha, and especially Vanora.

Finally, we meet the stranger, Armando DeLeon who made a brief appearance in the beginning of the first episode. I will admit I have been curious to see how he met Vanora, and how he factored into the story. Episode 3 gives some insight into those details, but keeps a lot more behind closed doors for future episodes. I know as the serial continues those little details will continue to grow. The Arrival of Armando DeLeon has left me wanting more, so I cannot wait to “devour” the next episode.

[Rachel Tsoumbakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yeah baby – HELLO Armando! So hot (even when he’s dead cold), so sexy, so vampire – I SO love him!

Not only is this the introduction of the delicious Armando, but Vanora blossoms into a character that I truly love. She’s just so sassy. The author also decides to add plot twist after plot twist. The story was getting thick enough to dish out in a bowl with some bread on the side.

And I devoured every last drop of this episode.

And licked the bowl clean too!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Episode 3. I could not put it down till I was finished. It moved along at a great pace, has interesting characters that leave you wanting to know more and a story that keeps you interested and entertained and waiting to see what happens next.

I am looking forward to reading the next episode.

[Darlene Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my In Darkness We Must Abide fix but now I want MORE!! I was happy to hear there will be a paperback of the first five episodes that will go on sale soon. This is one of those books I need to have in my gothic horror collection. Patiently waiting for Episode 4!!

[Eric Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What destiny lies in wait for Vanora? Roman's Law has unexpected side effects, and Frater uses it to both hint at Vanora's abilities and set the stage for episode four. Again, I can do nothing but recommend this serial. It is well worth your time.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This serial just keeps getting better with each Episode; I can't stop reading after I purchase it. This one left me wanting more & wanting to find out more about Armando

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting and suspenseful. It's clearly building up to something.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 3 and Brilliant

[Terri Bynum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I continue to want more of this story. I'm also beginning to hate "episodes"; too short! Yeah yeah, I get it-that's the point...but I don't have to like it!

[Aleera - 1st Time Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Armando DeLeon