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Battle for Blood #1
Essence
After years of negotiations, the vampires and humans finally came to an agreement on how they could co-exist. There was only peace for a short time as the vampire race began to run low on their agreed upon food supply and started feeding on those who were considered off limits.
With many of their own disappearing, the human leaders tasked Stanley Falcon to develop a special substance that once injected into the bloodstream of the humans, made them tainted in the eyes of the vampires. The human leaders saw this as an opportunity to profit and priced the shot astronomically high.
Their efforts to starve the vampire nation created absolute chaos all across the globe. This brought Armand Vallini, the head of the vampire nation, to gather his forces and survive by any means necessary.
The unlikeliest of heroes to be called to arms was Chase Falcon, the son of Stanley Falcon, who had a personal score to settle with Armand Vallini.
With constant deception, double-dealing, and brutality, this trilogy will make you question which race is more inhumane and will intrigue you with the complexity of the characters.
You won’t want to miss this.
With many of their own disappearing, the human leaders tasked Stanley Falcon to develop a special substance that once injected into the bloodstream of the humans, made them tainted in the eyes of the vampires. The human leaders saw this as an opportunity to profit and priced the shot astronomically high.
Their efforts to starve the vampire nation created absolute chaos all across the globe. This brought Armand Vallini, the head of the vampire nation, to gather his forces and survive by any means necessary.
The unlikeliest of heroes to be called to arms was Chase Falcon, the son of Stanley Falcon, who had a personal score to settle with Armand Vallini.
With constant deception, double-dealing, and brutality, this trilogy will make you question which race is more inhumane and will intrigue you with the complexity of the characters.
You won’t want to miss this.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2013
About the author
Joseph DiBartolo
8 books322 followersJoseph DiBartolo is a new author, avid reader, and film enthusiast who resides in South Florida. After many years wasted in other lines of work he decided to follow his long time dream of becoming a writer. A Timely Curse is his first publication and is of the paranormal variety at novella length.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 29, 2013
Stephenie Meyer ruined Vampire novels for me. Vampires were never meant to be romantic. Joseph DiBartolo has given me a renewed hope in the evil carnage that has always been associated with the Undead. From the very beginning of Essence, Joseph makes it clear that Vampires are the monsters that they were always meant to be.
Even though there’s a treaty between these monsters and the humans, the Vampires make it clear that humans are nothing more than a part of the food chain. However, one devious scientist is determined to starve them bastards to death.
The fact that Joseph brings the horror back to Vampires makes Essence a must read, in itself. However, the way he tells this story, the plot and the characters are all factors to be considered. I recently read a book that taught me a lesson . . . not all stories have a plot. Essence has a great story. There’s Vampires, a Scientist, a Kill Squad and other stuff that, if mentioned, will give away too much. These things are put together to make a story that held my attention from the very first chapter. It was well written and I can’t recall rolling my eyes more than once or twice during the entire story. Let me explain that. When I see things that don’t make sense, I roll my eyes. When I see grammatical blunders, I roll my eyes. When I see –ise where it should be –ize (ie. Realise / Realize – recognise / recognize), I roll my eyes. If it is really bad, or something is so overused that it becomes annoying, I groan outloud. I never once groaned while reading Essence.
The plot is intriguing. At first, you think “the plot is typical for a vampire novel”. But after a while, you realize there is a serious plot twist coming. I would say more on this subject; however, I’m not wanting to give too many spoilers.
The characters are all very interesting. I found myself identifying with more than one of the characters. I even found myself relating to a couple of the Vampires and their feelings toward one of the others. The lead has baggage that is emotional. The entire cast is believable.
I would give this story 4.5 stars instead of 5 because of one thing, though. That is the relationship that the lead ends up having. Although believable, there’s no real ‘build-up’. I’m not saying there should be some big romantic gesture or anything like that. It just ‘happens’ too fast. Fortunately, it has no real impact on the story or the plot, so it’s easy to overlook and Goodreads won't let me give a half star. Honestly, it's not enough to drop a full star.
I would definitely recommend Essence to anyone that loves a good Vampire book. Joseph DiBartolo, thank you for bringing Dignity back to the Vampire culture. Stephenie who??
Even though there’s a treaty between these monsters and the humans, the Vampires make it clear that humans are nothing more than a part of the food chain. However, one devious scientist is determined to starve them bastards to death.
The fact that Joseph brings the horror back to Vampires makes Essence a must read, in itself. However, the way he tells this story, the plot and the characters are all factors to be considered. I recently read a book that taught me a lesson . . . not all stories have a plot. Essence has a great story. There’s Vampires, a Scientist, a Kill Squad and other stuff that, if mentioned, will give away too much. These things are put together to make a story that held my attention from the very first chapter. It was well written and I can’t recall rolling my eyes more than once or twice during the entire story. Let me explain that. When I see things that don’t make sense, I roll my eyes. When I see grammatical blunders, I roll my eyes. When I see –ise where it should be –ize (ie. Realise / Realize – recognise / recognize), I roll my eyes. If it is really bad, or something is so overused that it becomes annoying, I groan outloud. I never once groaned while reading Essence.
The plot is intriguing. At first, you think “the plot is typical for a vampire novel”. But after a while, you realize there is a serious plot twist coming. I would say more on this subject; however, I’m not wanting to give too many spoilers.
The characters are all very interesting. I found myself identifying with more than one of the characters. I even found myself relating to a couple of the Vampires and their feelings toward one of the others. The lead has baggage that is emotional. The entire cast is believable.
I would give this story 4.5 stars instead of 5 because of one thing, though. That is the relationship that the lead ends up having. Although believable, there’s no real ‘build-up’. I’m not saying there should be some big romantic gesture or anything like that. It just ‘happens’ too fast. Fortunately, it has no real impact on the story or the plot, so it’s easy to overlook and Goodreads won't let me give a half star. Honestly, it's not enough to drop a full star.
I would definitely recommend Essence to anyone that loves a good Vampire book. Joseph DiBartolo, thank you for bringing Dignity back to the Vampire culture. Stephenie who??
July 22, 2013
definitely 5 stars for this one. Any book that can leave me saying "WTF? I want more" is a 5 star book.
I enjoy the pearly vampire story, the romantic vampire story but Joseph DiBartolo brings you back to basics. Refreshing. Vampires are killers. Period.
The plot intertwines and keeps you going from page one.
The vampires are rampant and not afraid to show it. An elite group of vampire hunters are just as ready to fight back. Throw in a father and son that can't get along. Secrets and government interference. A general public that has become a buffet and there's even room for a little romance. Well, as much as romance has a chance while in the midst of a battle.
Don't get confused this isn't a love story. WAR! One side wants the blood the other wants the bloodsuckers dead. Who will win? The casualties along the way are brutal.
I got to the last page and was glad I was home alone. The loud 'NO' would have been embarrassing in public. I can't wait for the second installment of the series.
I enjoy the pearly vampire story, the romantic vampire story but Joseph DiBartolo brings you back to basics. Refreshing. Vampires are killers. Period.
The plot intertwines and keeps you going from page one.
The vampires are rampant and not afraid to show it. An elite group of vampire hunters are just as ready to fight back. Throw in a father and son that can't get along. Secrets and government interference. A general public that has become a buffet and there's even room for a little romance. Well, as much as romance has a chance while in the midst of a battle.
Don't get confused this isn't a love story. WAR! One side wants the blood the other wants the bloodsuckers dead. Who will win? The casualties along the way are brutal.
I got to the last page and was glad I was home alone. The loud 'NO' would have been embarrassing in public. I can't wait for the second installment of the series.
August 7, 2013
I received Essence ( Battle for Blood #1) from the author Joseph DiBartolo, in exchange for an honest review. This is my review and my opinion of the book.
I love to read about Vamps, and Were's and humans attempting to get along. For that matter any type of Vampire book is usually good. But I have to say this Book WOW!! It is one that you would have to read!! This book has a father, and son who definitely don't like each other. Won't tell you any more on there relationship as it would spoil it for you. But then you add the government into the plot of the book and humans trying to stay alive.
Well---see I told ya!! You just gonna Have to read it for yourself...
The way he writes the story the characters just off the page at you. The creativity of Joseph in the story is just overwhelming. Can't wait for the next book to come out. Please tell me there will be another!!!
WOW WOW WOW
I love to read about Vamps, and Were's and humans attempting to get along. For that matter any type of Vampire book is usually good. But I have to say this Book WOW!! It is one that you would have to read!! This book has a father, and son who definitely don't like each other. Won't tell you any more on there relationship as it would spoil it for you. But then you add the government into the plot of the book and humans trying to stay alive.
Well---see I told ya!! You just gonna Have to read it for yourself...
The way he writes the story the characters just off the page at you. The creativity of Joseph in the story is just overwhelming. Can't wait for the next book to come out. Please tell me there will be another!!!
WOW WOW WOW
November 16, 2013
Joseph gave me this ebook and although he did not ask for a review, I felt it was the least I could do for a free read. I gave this book 4 1/2 stars. I thought the story was new and interesting. The characters felt real and the vampires were VAMPIRES! I am an author of paranormal fantasy myself and I appreciate a good bloodsucker!
The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I felt like the backstory of the book should have been IN the book and not part of the book blurb (book description). Since I did not buy the book, I didn't bother to read the blurb until after I finished the story. I did not find the story confusing without the backstory, but I did find myself wondering how and why these vampires and humans created a treaty. If the backstory would have been part of the book I may not have felt as if it was lacking.
Overall, this was a good quick read!
The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I felt like the backstory of the book should have been IN the book and not part of the book blurb (book description). Since I did not buy the book, I didn't bother to read the blurb until after I finished the story. I did not find the story confusing without the backstory, but I did find myself wondering how and why these vampires and humans created a treaty. If the backstory would have been part of the book I may not have felt as if it was lacking.
Overall, this was a good quick read!
November 1, 2013
This is good, really good. Vampires and humans have a treaty, but it's obvious that both parties will not follow this pact.
The storyline is good, and the characters interesting. The Vampires in here are nasty and cruel and think nothing of the human race. There is a lot packed in here, and some shocking surprises. I had a feeling on one, and was indeed correct, but that only excited me more. I can't wait to see where this leads and all these developments be exposed! Well written. Get some I say, Its 'bloody' worthy of a read.
The storyline is good, and the characters interesting. The Vampires in here are nasty and cruel and think nothing of the human race. There is a lot packed in here, and some shocking surprises. I had a feeling on one, and was indeed correct, but that only excited me more. I can't wait to see where this leads and all these developments be exposed! Well written. Get some I say, Its 'bloody' worthy of a read.
July 4, 2013
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. This book is very well written and the characters pop off the page. It is about a world where the vampires and humans try to co-exist but as their food supply starts to run low the begin to feed on the off limits supply. The humans come up with a way to protect themselves which causes the "king" of the vampires to declare a war. This book has a cliff hanger and I can't wait for book two.
June 26, 2013
There is nothing better than reading a fast paced book that is well written and has great characters. Joseph is defiantly an author to watch out for. He draws you into the story and leaves you wanting more. I fiercely enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I could barely put it down and only did when my children demanded I do so. I cant wait to read what he comes up with next!
December 17, 2013
When I was asked to read this book, I didn't expect to literally get 'sucked' into it. The intense plot keeps you wanting to read more to see what will happen. This isn't usually my kind of book, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable and exciting to read. I would definitely recommend it to vampire lovers!
December 10, 2013
A fascinating horror story with a nice blend of romance and action. Enjoy his writing style. Look forward to the second book and cannot wait to find out how the story unfolds! Exciting!
August 4, 2018
This book was really good, this is like the 4th book I've read by this author. All in all, the book, it's well written and that the characters are well thought out and they all have similar, but distinct personalities. This story definitely has a whole new take on the vampire war to take over the human race. The humans aren't going down without a fight, I like that. I like reading a fast paced book that is well written and has great characters. Joseph is definitely an author to watch out for. He draws you into the story and leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait to read the next book. To this series.
December 21, 2014
New take on human vampire wars
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy supernatural vampire books . This story definitely has a whole new take on the vampire war to take over the human race. The humans aren't going down without a fight. They originally designed and developed a vaccine containing garlic to taint or poison their blood so the vampires wouldn't be able to survive sucking them dry or turning them. But they charged for it and made it so only the wealthy could afford it . The vampires caught on being able to smell the garlic tainted blood and was able to survive by draining the lower class.
The scientists Stanley Falcon created the vaccine but soon found himself the main target of the head vampire being told to destroy the labs or else. When he wouldn't and he wouldn't listen to his son Chase who begged him to stop charging for it and vaccinate the whole population and starve the vampires,the head vampire and his mate attacked Stanley s daughter Serena in front of her father and brother. Chase broke contact for years with his father blaming him for his sister's unwarranted death. Stanley put together a kill team and went after the vampires even harder.
Years later the vampires are bound and determined to get a hold of Chase so he doesn't join his father but his father is bound to save him and have him lead his team of elite vampire hunters. The way the author tells the story your involved your adrenaline is pumping with each attack the vampires do. With each counter the kill squad does. But is Chase right in doubting his father's honesty,and the loyalty of the entire squad? What about the vampires the sexy alluring Lenora, the so called ever loyal guardian Victor, and the beast the 7 ft albino monster white mountain ,Victor s brother and of course their leader . Will they get justice for Selena will they retrieve her body or is there a body to retrieve? Just what is on that tape Victor gave to Stanley? You're going to have to read it I've told too much already.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy supernatural vampire books . This story definitely has a whole new take on the vampire war to take over the human race. The humans aren't going down without a fight. They originally designed and developed a vaccine containing garlic to taint or poison their blood so the vampires wouldn't be able to survive sucking them dry or turning them. But they charged for it and made it so only the wealthy could afford it . The vampires caught on being able to smell the garlic tainted blood and was able to survive by draining the lower class.
The scientists Stanley Falcon created the vaccine but soon found himself the main target of the head vampire being told to destroy the labs or else. When he wouldn't and he wouldn't listen to his son Chase who begged him to stop charging for it and vaccinate the whole population and starve the vampires,the head vampire and his mate attacked Stanley s daughter Serena in front of her father and brother. Chase broke contact for years with his father blaming him for his sister's unwarranted death. Stanley put together a kill team and went after the vampires even harder.
Years later the vampires are bound and determined to get a hold of Chase so he doesn't join his father but his father is bound to save him and have him lead his team of elite vampire hunters. The way the author tells the story your involved your adrenaline is pumping with each attack the vampires do. With each counter the kill squad does. But is Chase right in doubting his father's honesty,and the loyalty of the entire squad? What about the vampires the sexy alluring Lenora, the so called ever loyal guardian Victor, and the beast the 7 ft albino monster white mountain ,Victor s brother and of course their leader . Will they get justice for Selena will they retrieve her body or is there a body to retrieve? Just what is on that tape Victor gave to Stanley? You're going to have to read it I've told too much already.
July 18, 2013
After years of negotiations, the vampires and humans finally came to an agreement on how they could co-exist. There was only peace for a short time as the vampire race began to run low on their agreed upon food supply and started feeding on those who were considered off limits.
I did not hate this read, but I did not like it either. It was slow, the dialogue was boring, the characters were boring and there was no originality. There were silly lines such as she was "a tall drink of water"...cheezy. It just did not grab my interest at any time.
The characters need more personality, and better back stories. The hero is self centered and not too bright. The writing style is more Junior high school. This is just my opinion and you can disregard[[ASIN:B00DIL4M5W Essence (Battle for Blood)]] it of course.
I did not hate this read, but I did not like it either. It was slow, the dialogue was boring, the characters were boring and there was no originality. There were silly lines such as she was "a tall drink of water"...cheezy. It just did not grab my interest at any time.
The characters need more personality, and better back stories. The hero is self centered and not too bright. The writing style is more Junior high school. This is just my opinion and you can disregard[[ASIN:B00DIL4M5W Essence (Battle for Blood)]] it of course.
June 16, 2013
Well this is a new twist, Humans came up with a vaccine that would taint their blood and immediately kill vampires. Of course it is priced so only the rich can afford it leaving the poor to be cattle.
Stanely Falcon is the man who owns the labs. His research cost him his daughter whom the vamps killed and his son, Chase, blames him.
Stanely has a "kill squad" which he uses to protect his labs and is trying to "win the war" with the vamps. He wants Chase to lead it.
Lost of interesting twists and turns as everyone's secrets leads to false loyalties.
Can't wait for book 2!
Stanely Falcon is the man who owns the labs. His research cost him his daughter whom the vamps killed and his son, Chase, blames him.
Stanely has a "kill squad" which he uses to protect his labs and is trying to "win the war" with the vamps. He wants Chase to lead it.
Lost of interesting twists and turns as everyone's secrets leads to false loyalties.
Can't wait for book 2!
June 3, 2014
I got this book as a gift from the Author and it sure kept me at the edge of my seat. I loved the characters and the fact that the Vampires in this book are not nice and that it is a battle between humans and vampires with plenty of twists and turns. This is the first book of the series and I can't wait to see what will happen next, it left off with a bloody cliffhanger and the promise that the next book will be just as action packed as the first.
March 20, 2015
A definite read for vampire fans! Joseph DiBartolo is an excellent author...this book is intriguing and exciting, the characters are vicious and captivating! Looking forward to reading more...can't wait for the next book!!!
November 21, 2013
Awesome! All I can say is vampires, vampires!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews