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Communion
Lester Fuller knows isolation well. It has been his only friend since Jadarius Singleton humiliated him last year. But one night after Jadarius's taunts go too far, Lester stumbles upon the popular Gwynn Daniels’ body. He's sure she's dead. Until she bites him.
Vampires are extinct. There are only the dhampir.
Now something more than human, Lester struggles to determine where he fits in this new society. Just what secrets about the dhampir are his friends keeping from him? And what will he do when a notorious figure from dhampir history sets her eyes on him?
Vampires are extinct. There are only the dhampir.
Now something more than human, Lester struggles to determine where he fits in this new society. Just what secrets about the dhampir are his friends keeping from him? And what will he do when a notorious figure from dhampir history sets her eyes on him?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2013
26 people want to read
About the author
B. Patterson
5 books2 followersI’m a 25 year old writer. I’m a graduate of North Carolina State University where I majored in Psychology and minored in Japanese. I currently live in Southern Maryland.
I wrote a lot as a kid. I began a new story (or 3 or 4) every school year, but rarely finished them. I finally finished one when I was 16. It was about ninjas. It was really bad.
Communion, my first completed novel worth self-publishing, will be released October 1st. Writing it was a labor of love but I’m eagerly looking forward to writing about Les and the other Dhampir in the future.
My values as a writer include:
Writing high-quality books
Diversity
Integrity
Entertainment
I wrote a lot as a kid. I began a new story (or 3 or 4) every school year, but rarely finished them. I finally finished one when I was 16. It was about ninjas. It was really bad.
Communion, my first completed novel worth self-publishing, will be released October 1st. Writing it was a labor of love but I’m eagerly looking forward to writing about Les and the other Dhampir in the future.
My values as a writer include:
Writing high-quality books
Diversity
Integrity
Entertainment
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2013
Hello Readers!
I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of Communion by B Patterson. This is who we are taking a look at today.
Communion tells the interesting story of Lester and the turns his life takes when he is unwittingly turned into a dhampir. What B does in this book that I loved was is keep the story paranormal, but also very grounded. Vampire stories can sometimes be over done and tiresome but B has his characters in such a normal setting with everyday human problems you don't really focus on the paranormal. It's really a story about people, everyday high school students just trying to survive. Don't mistake this as a simple character study, the action scenes totally keep you on the edge of your seat.
I loved the character development! Lester gets bullied and while most writers would have their characters do the "right" thing, B has his characters do what we all want to do. The group dynamic is really interesting to explore, between the dhampirs and how Lester fits into this ready made family. There are a couple issues I did have with the book, like how I didn't feel Lester's father to be all that believable. The relationship I totally understood, but the father I just couldn't get on board with. Gwen and Lester on the other hand to me were spot on. I also just loved to hate Jay.
The story kept me interested, especially the introduction of a long standing mystery Lester is dropped into just weeks after being turned. The twist of articulation gives an interesting spin to the normal take on a sire fledgling bond. It also really throws a wrench in the group dynamic, being tied to as many as two other people constantly adds some extra tension without being tired or trite. Though there were a couple of spots where I think the language might have gotten away from the author with the use of slang. I get it they are high school students, I just don't think it added to the story, especially when in some spots B used a lot of complex terms.
Over all I liked Communion. For a debut novel it really works. Of course there is room for improvement, but isn't there always? I think that most of the story really flowed but there were a couple spots I think the story became a little long winded, but I really feel like that will absolutely come with experience. This is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys paranormal with an interesting twist.
Happy Reading!
~Notte
I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of Communion by B Patterson. This is who we are taking a look at today.
Communion tells the interesting story of Lester and the turns his life takes when he is unwittingly turned into a dhampir. What B does in this book that I loved was is keep the story paranormal, but also very grounded. Vampire stories can sometimes be over done and tiresome but B has his characters in such a normal setting with everyday human problems you don't really focus on the paranormal. It's really a story about people, everyday high school students just trying to survive. Don't mistake this as a simple character study, the action scenes totally keep you on the edge of your seat.
I loved the character development! Lester gets bullied and while most writers would have their characters do the "right" thing, B has his characters do what we all want to do. The group dynamic is really interesting to explore, between the dhampirs and how Lester fits into this ready made family. There are a couple issues I did have with the book, like how I didn't feel Lester's father to be all that believable. The relationship I totally understood, but the father I just couldn't get on board with. Gwen and Lester on the other hand to me were spot on. I also just loved to hate Jay.
The story kept me interested, especially the introduction of a long standing mystery Lester is dropped into just weeks after being turned. The twist of articulation gives an interesting spin to the normal take on a sire fledgling bond. It also really throws a wrench in the group dynamic, being tied to as many as two other people constantly adds some extra tension without being tired or trite. Though there were a couple of spots where I think the language might have gotten away from the author with the use of slang. I get it they are high school students, I just don't think it added to the story, especially when in some spots B used a lot of complex terms.
Over all I liked Communion. For a debut novel it really works. Of course there is room for improvement, but isn't there always? I think that most of the story really flowed but there were a couple spots I think the story became a little long winded, but I really feel like that will absolutely come with experience. This is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys paranormal with an interesting twist.
Happy Reading!
~Notte
October 7, 2013
I liked Communion a lot. Not only does it gives a new twist of the “vampire” tale, but it also deals with some very heavy subjects in a very impressive way. Without sugarcoating it too much. Love, betrayal, bullying, friendship – just to mention a few.
True, Lester doesn’t really have a choice in becoming a Dhampir, but he has the choice of walking away from it – when a Dhampir stops drinking human blood, their extra abilities disappears. Lester chooses to stay as a dhampir for one reason; Jay. All Lester really want is to belong somewhere (even if he claims the opposite), and to be left alone from Jay and his friends. Becoming stronger is one way to ensure that he will be left alone – or so he believes. Because, Lester might have the upper hand right now, but what happens if the fields are evened out a little?
But this isn’t the only problem in Lester’s life. Someone is targeting dhampirs, killing them by draining them dry. But who? And why? It seems like there are more secrets in the dhampir society than initially believed, and now when the secrets are about to come out, the newly turned dhampirs must choose a side and take a stand.
As I said earlier, I enjoyed reading Communion a lot. There was a bit in the beginning where the story is being established, we get to know the characters, their strengths and flaws, who each person is and their relationships with the rest that slowed down the book a bit for me, but once I got to know everyone, it picked up again, and I was caught. The way Lester stands up for himself toward his bully, his reaction when someone offers him something in exchange for his friends lives, the way Lester charges into danger without thinking too much about the consequences.. I liked it. Each character is written with care and love, each person with strengths and flaws, the story is unique, and as an added bonus, you get to know more about the dhampirs history along the way.
If you think the story is straight lined and not without surprises – you’re wrong. Even when I thought I had it all figured out –down to who the bad guy really was and why… Patterson delivers a curveball that throws me out of course, in the best way possible. The ending is well done. It’s not a HEA, but that would’ve been wrong for Communion. Make sure to watch this author closely. I think we can expect many good things in the future from him!
True, Lester doesn’t really have a choice in becoming a Dhampir, but he has the choice of walking away from it – when a Dhampir stops drinking human blood, their extra abilities disappears. Lester chooses to stay as a dhampir for one reason; Jay. All Lester really want is to belong somewhere (even if he claims the opposite), and to be left alone from Jay and his friends. Becoming stronger is one way to ensure that he will be left alone – or so he believes. Because, Lester might have the upper hand right now, but what happens if the fields are evened out a little?
But this isn’t the only problem in Lester’s life. Someone is targeting dhampirs, killing them by draining them dry. But who? And why? It seems like there are more secrets in the dhampir society than initially believed, and now when the secrets are about to come out, the newly turned dhampirs must choose a side and take a stand.
As I said earlier, I enjoyed reading Communion a lot. There was a bit in the beginning where the story is being established, we get to know the characters, their strengths and flaws, who each person is and their relationships with the rest that slowed down the book a bit for me, but once I got to know everyone, it picked up again, and I was caught. The way Lester stands up for himself toward his bully, his reaction when someone offers him something in exchange for his friends lives, the way Lester charges into danger without thinking too much about the consequences.. I liked it. Each character is written with care and love, each person with strengths and flaws, the story is unique, and as an added bonus, you get to know more about the dhampirs history along the way.
If you think the story is straight lined and not without surprises – you’re wrong. Even when I thought I had it all figured out –down to who the bad guy really was and why… Patterson delivers a curveball that throws me out of course, in the best way possible. The ending is well done. It’s not a HEA, but that would’ve been wrong for Communion. Make sure to watch this author closely. I think we can expect many good things in the future from him!
October 28, 2013
Communion is a highly entertaining tale with a fresh take on vampire mythology. It captivated me from the first page to the last!
I loved everything about this book and I barely know where to start listing the things I liked. Let's start with the amazing cover art: it's sharp, it's sexy, and there's no question the story involves vampire lore. As for the main character, Lester (love the name Lester Fuller BTW), it's refreshing to see a non-white MC; as someone of mixed ethnic background myself, hell yeah it's nice to see some variety out there! It's also great to see a male MC because that seems to be more and more rare in YA fiction these days. Lester is a great character you can connect with because he's not perfect; he has a solid moral sense and strives to do the right thing, but he also has a vulnerable side and makes mistakes.
Patterson does an incredible job with characterization, drawing the perfect image of each character's personality piece by piece. The relationships between the teens and their parents, teachers, friends and foes feels genuine and believable. The story line kept me engaged from beginning to end with the ideal mix of mystery and plot twists.
The action sequences were stellar! Man, can this author write an action scene or what? I felt almost out of breath by the end, I got so caught up in it. Speaking of the end, I thought everything wrapped up nicely while leaving room for a sequel. I'll definitely be watching for more from B. Patterson in the future. Communion was awesome and I highly recommend it!
I loved everything about this book and I barely know where to start listing the things I liked. Let's start with the amazing cover art: it's sharp, it's sexy, and there's no question the story involves vampire lore. As for the main character, Lester (love the name Lester Fuller BTW), it's refreshing to see a non-white MC; as someone of mixed ethnic background myself, hell yeah it's nice to see some variety out there! It's also great to see a male MC because that seems to be more and more rare in YA fiction these days. Lester is a great character you can connect with because he's not perfect; he has a solid moral sense and strives to do the right thing, but he also has a vulnerable side and makes mistakes.
Patterson does an incredible job with characterization, drawing the perfect image of each character's personality piece by piece. The relationships between the teens and their parents, teachers, friends and foes feels genuine and believable. The story line kept me engaged from beginning to end with the ideal mix of mystery and plot twists.
The action sequences were stellar! Man, can this author write an action scene or what? I felt almost out of breath by the end, I got so caught up in it. Speaking of the end, I thought everything wrapped up nicely while leaving room for a sequel. I'll definitely be watching for more from B. Patterson in the future. Communion was awesome and I highly recommend it!
October 14, 2013
Great book! I really enjoyed it! although it started of a little slow it quickly gains speed and grabs you attention. You are quickly so intrigued by what is happening you don't realize the book is over before you know it! the ending a total cliff hanger!
Lester Fuller is the school outcast, beaten by bullies and ever the butt of jokes, until one fateful night when he sees the body of Gwen a fellow student beaten and left behind a dumpster. shocked and scared Lester quickly gets out his phone to dial 911, but not before Gwen attacks sinking her fangs into Lester's neck.
Gwen and her friends are dhampir, half human and half vampire, surviving on blood and food is a part of their everyday life and now it is Lester's reality. Now that he is more than human Lester no longer fears the bullies, he is no longer without friends and even the girls at school have started to see him in a new light.
However it all goes awry when others enter there territory and start snacking on and leaving people to die. Who is this new dhampir? and can they stop them in time?
I really love the characters and storyline! B. Patterson is a great author who fills you with intrigue and suspense at every turn. I really liked Gwen she was my favourite, she was the typical lost teen but at the same time powerful and strong.
Great book for all the vampire lovers out there! TBR it today!
Lester Fuller is the school outcast, beaten by bullies and ever the butt of jokes, until one fateful night when he sees the body of Gwen a fellow student beaten and left behind a dumpster. shocked and scared Lester quickly gets out his phone to dial 911, but not before Gwen attacks sinking her fangs into Lester's neck.
Gwen and her friends are dhampir, half human and half vampire, surviving on blood and food is a part of their everyday life and now it is Lester's reality. Now that he is more than human Lester no longer fears the bullies, he is no longer without friends and even the girls at school have started to see him in a new light.
However it all goes awry when others enter there territory and start snacking on and leaving people to die. Who is this new dhampir? and can they stop them in time?
I really love the characters and storyline! B. Patterson is a great author who fills you with intrigue and suspense at every turn. I really liked Gwen she was my favourite, she was the typical lost teen but at the same time powerful and strong.
Great book for all the vampire lovers out there! TBR it today!
October 16, 2013
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I really love the characters and storyline! B. Patterson is a great author who fills you with intrigue and suspense at every turn. I really liked Gwen she was my favourite, she was the typical lost teen but at the same time powerful and strong.I liked Communion a lot. Not only does it gives a new twist of the “vampire” tale, but it also deals with some very heavy subjects in a very impressive way. True, Lester doesn’t really have a choice in becoming a Dhampir, but he has the choice of walking away from it – when a Dhampir stops drinking human blood, their extra abilities disappears. Lester chooses to stay as a dhampir for one reason; Jay. All Lester really want is to belong somewhere (even if he claims the opposite), and to be left alone from Jay and his friends. But this isn’t the only problem in Lester’s life. Someone is targeting dhampirs, killing them by draining them dry. But who? And why?
I really love the characters and storyline! B. Patterson is a great author who fills you with intrigue and suspense at every turn. I really liked Gwen she was my favourite, she was the typical lost teen but at the same time powerful and strong.I liked Communion a lot. Not only does it gives a new twist of the “vampire” tale, but it also deals with some very heavy subjects in a very impressive way. True, Lester doesn’t really have a choice in becoming a Dhampir, but he has the choice of walking away from it – when a Dhampir stops drinking human blood, their extra abilities disappears. Lester chooses to stay as a dhampir for one reason; Jay. All Lester really want is to belong somewhere (even if he claims the opposite), and to be left alone from Jay and his friends. But this isn’t the only problem in Lester’s life. Someone is targeting dhampirs, killing them by draining them dry. But who? And why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2013
I love everything about this book, from the main character Lester's voice as he narrates to the twists and turns along the way and the surprise ending.
Usually, in vampire books, you have a main character who is eventually going to be faced with a choice of whether or not to become a vampire. But in Communion, B. Patterson starts Lester's journey with a bang. When he gets attacked and turned, he discovers a whole new world. Vampires are extinct, but dhampir still exist--which are sort of in between humans and vampires--and now he has the choice to become one of them.
Lester isn't the typical main character, for many reasons. First, it is refreshing to have a first person narrative from a teenage guy's POV. I have to say that most of the books I read have female POVs, so it is nice to have a change. And a good one at that. But also, Lester is a believable outcast. He has issues, but never ventures into melodramatic or emo territory. And even though he is bullied, I never viewed him as weak or a victim. He was strong in his own ways, and showed that by how he stood up to the bully, even when he knew it would mean getting his ass kicked.
What also sets Lester apart from typical main characters is that his journey is anything but simple and stereotypical. Lester is faced with some tough decisions, and makes some hard choices along the way. My heart breaks for some of the things he is forced to do to keep the people he loves safe. Usually, we see the hero of the story built up through the trials and tribulations they face. With Lester, we see him constantly broken down by the choices he is faced with. But then an amazing thing happens that makes me root for him even more: He gets back up. Over and over.
B. Patterson did an amazing job of taking something so common (vampires) with the usual plot points played over and over and over again, and turning it into something unique that he can call his own. Not only is the concept different from what I've seen, but the actions the main character takes along the way are also so different from the norm. I never knew what to expect with this book. Just when you think you know who the bad guy is and what the stakes are that the dhampir are up against, the plot takes a completely different turn and you are thrown for a loop.
Great writing, compelling and unpredictable story full of twists and surprises, and a main character that I can sympathize with and really truly like. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to what is ahead not only for Lester and the dhampir, but I can't wait to see what else the incredibly talented B. Patterson does.
Usually, in vampire books, you have a main character who is eventually going to be faced with a choice of whether or not to become a vampire. But in Communion, B. Patterson starts Lester's journey with a bang. When he gets attacked and turned, he discovers a whole new world. Vampires are extinct, but dhampir still exist--which are sort of in between humans and vampires--and now he has the choice to become one of them.
Lester isn't the typical main character, for many reasons. First, it is refreshing to have a first person narrative from a teenage guy's POV. I have to say that most of the books I read have female POVs, so it is nice to have a change. And a good one at that. But also, Lester is a believable outcast. He has issues, but never ventures into melodramatic or emo territory. And even though he is bullied, I never viewed him as weak or a victim. He was strong in his own ways, and showed that by how he stood up to the bully, even when he knew it would mean getting his ass kicked.
What also sets Lester apart from typical main characters is that his journey is anything but simple and stereotypical. Lester is faced with some tough decisions, and makes some hard choices along the way. My heart breaks for some of the things he is forced to do to keep the people he loves safe. Usually, we see the hero of the story built up through the trials and tribulations they face. With Lester, we see him constantly broken down by the choices he is faced with. But then an amazing thing happens that makes me root for him even more: He gets back up. Over and over.
B. Patterson did an amazing job of taking something so common (vampires) with the usual plot points played over and over and over again, and turning it into something unique that he can call his own. Not only is the concept different from what I've seen, but the actions the main character takes along the way are also so different from the norm. I never knew what to expect with this book. Just when you think you know who the bad guy is and what the stakes are that the dhampir are up against, the plot takes a completely different turn and you are thrown for a loop.
Great writing, compelling and unpredictable story full of twists and surprises, and a main character that I can sympathize with and really truly like. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to what is ahead not only for Lester and the dhampir, but I can't wait to see what else the incredibly talented B. Patterson does.
December 7, 2013
Communion is the story of young, lanky, nerdy Lester Fuller, a high school student who one day is fighting off a hulking bully and dealing with all the problems that go with being an outcast, and in the next, discovers himself in an unbelievable situation with one of the hottest girl in school. And not like what you would expect. And that is certainly not where this story ends. Patterson cuts to the quick and dives right into Lester’s story, his life, and his struggles, giving bones and flesh to his characters and building tension and emotion between them.
Admittedly, I’m not huge fan of vampires or vampire lore in any form, either YA or adult fiction (probably from overexposure), but I must confess that I was pleasantly surprised by B. Patterson’s unique and rapid-fire paranormal YA novel debut.
As a writer, Patterson has a straight shooting style of prose and a direct way of telling a story with the foot on the gas. He writes with a definite edge of youth and hipness that comes along with his swift styling, weaving the two together with ease. Along with his finger on the pulse of high school life, Patterson draws you into Lester’s growing world without the clichés and takes the story to incredible heights. He briskly touches upon topics relatable to teens mixed with the paranormal aspects of the dhampir - NOT vampires - within the social context of the group that draws Lester in. At its heart, Communion is a coming-of-age story and even a story of finding the acceptance that - in the end - everyone in high school is looking for.
A fantastic debut by a fresh new YA writer!
Admittedly, I’m not huge fan of vampires or vampire lore in any form, either YA or adult fiction (probably from overexposure), but I must confess that I was pleasantly surprised by B. Patterson’s unique and rapid-fire paranormal YA novel debut.
As a writer, Patterson has a straight shooting style of prose and a direct way of telling a story with the foot on the gas. He writes with a definite edge of youth and hipness that comes along with his swift styling, weaving the two together with ease. Along with his finger on the pulse of high school life, Patterson draws you into Lester’s growing world without the clichés and takes the story to incredible heights. He briskly touches upon topics relatable to teens mixed with the paranormal aspects of the dhampir - NOT vampires - within the social context of the group that draws Lester in. At its heart, Communion is a coming-of-age story and even a story of finding the acceptance that - in the end - everyone in high school is looking for.
A fantastic debut by a fresh new YA writer!
December 18, 2013
I'm not a fan of paranormal romance, but a friend of mine suggested that I give this book a shot. I'd just finished Game of Thrones, so I shrugged and said, "What the heck?"
I was NOT disappointed. This book gave the right amount of back story and the right amount of action and the right amount of intrigue. I'd never seen vampires done like this before, so it drew me in right away. I know that people are always trying to recreate vamps, but this was a unique approach which was MUCH better than blood-thristy predators sparkling in the sunlight, if you get the reference.
I gave this book 4 stars because it takes a lot to get a 5 outta' me.
There were times when I had to work while reading this book, and I had to extend my break just so that I could finish the chapter because it was really that good. All in all, I highly recommend Communion.
Enjoy!
I was NOT disappointed. This book gave the right amount of back story and the right amount of action and the right amount of intrigue. I'd never seen vampires done like this before, so it drew me in right away. I know that people are always trying to recreate vamps, but this was a unique approach which was MUCH better than blood-thristy predators sparkling in the sunlight, if you get the reference.
I gave this book 4 stars because it takes a lot to get a 5 outta' me.
There were times when I had to work while reading this book, and I had to extend my break just so that I could finish the chapter because it was really that good. All in all, I highly recommend Communion.
Enjoy!
November 11, 2014
I'm not normally a huge reader of vampire books, but I gave this book a try and am glad that I did. Patterson presents a different take on the genre with a cast of interesting teenagers. I really enjoyed the unexpected twists and the ending was completely unpredictable. The dialogue was tight and snappy and hopefully we can see more from these characters. I would definitely recommend this book.
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