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Vampire #1
In the Beginning
Vampire - In the Beginning, is the first in a new serial of novellas detailing the life of Gwen, a 500 year old vampire. The 'Vampires' series begins in Tudor England and continues through each novella until present time.
EXTRACT FROM VAMPIRE - IN THE BEGINNING
'Tom’s mother Martha was sprawled across the large kitchen table, her clothes ripped, and in places, torn completely away; her ageing breasts fell from her laced bodice, flaccid and drooping to the sides of her lifeless body. Her legs were at a strange angle, and her skirts bunched up into a ball at her waist. I could see, even from where I was standing, that she was dead! Martha’s eyes were open, staring into nothingness and devoid of life, but it was her throat that caught my attention, it gaped open, and it looked like, what I imagined, the huge black cavern of hell to look like.'
EXTRACT FROM VAMPIRE - IN THE BEGINNING
'Tom’s mother Martha was sprawled across the large kitchen table, her clothes ripped, and in places, torn completely away; her ageing breasts fell from her laced bodice, flaccid and drooping to the sides of her lifeless body. Her legs were at a strange angle, and her skirts bunched up into a ball at her waist. I could see, even from where I was standing, that she was dead! Martha’s eyes were open, staring into nothingness and devoid of life, but it was her throat that caught my attention, it gaped open, and it looked like, what I imagined, the huge black cavern of hell to look like.'
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2013
214 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Charmain Marie Mitchell
27 books57 followersCharmain Marie Mitchell lives on the south coast of the UK. She feels writing is for her an addiction, and needs her fix daily. She finally decided to take the plunge and become a full time author at the end of 2012, and she is loving every minute of her decision. If you wish to follow Charmain on her writing journey you can connect on twitter @charmain_m or www.charmainmariemitchell.com
Subscribe to Charmain's mailing list for her news and thoughts, email to list@charmainmariemitchell.com and subscribe in the title
Subscribe to Charmain's mailing list for her news and thoughts, email to list@charmainmariemitchell.com and subscribe in the title
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 15, 2021
This is novella length and told in first person. A female vampire who has lived over 500 years has become weary of life and has decided to write down the story of her long years as a vampire, to decide whether it is worth continuing or whether she should destroy herself and find peace.
The author has chosen her own version of vampire vulnerabilities. These vampires can walk in daylight and tend not to kill their victims, but take what they need and move on. There is some information dumping about all this in the beginning and a tendency to change tenses when referring back to things that happened in her past, but otherwise the writing is pretty decent and has a sort of dreamy quality to it that you expect from a vampire tale.
There were a few grammatical mistakes and the changing tenses screamed 'amateur writer' at me, but the plot was actually interesting. Unfortunately it ended rather suddenly with a few things left unexplained. My Kindle version included the beginning of the next book in the series, but it didn't hold my interest.
The author has chosen her own version of vampire vulnerabilities. These vampires can walk in daylight and tend not to kill their victims, but take what they need and move on. There is some information dumping about all this in the beginning and a tendency to change tenses when referring back to things that happened in her past, but otherwise the writing is pretty decent and has a sort of dreamy quality to it that you expect from a vampire tale.
There were a few grammatical mistakes and the changing tenses screamed 'amateur writer' at me, but the plot was actually interesting. Unfortunately it ended rather suddenly with a few things left unexplained. My Kindle version included the beginning of the next book in the series, but it didn't hold my interest.
October 12, 2017
Great short read
Vampires Are one of my favorite things to read about. Love reading new ideas about vampires. This was a great short story and I can't wait to read the next book in this sequel.
Vampires Are one of my favorite things to read about. Love reading new ideas about vampires. This was a great short story and I can't wait to read the next book in this sequel.
March 19, 2020
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
August 8, 2022
This had the makings of a decent enough story, but bad writing let it down.
I struggle to stay immersed when I see things like missing apostrophes, incorrectly used phrases (“must of” instead of “must have”, for example), commas everywhere except where they should be... things like that.
I know those things don’t bother some people, but they bother me. It’s a real shame.
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/medwLg
* Note: That's an affiliate link, so if you click through to a store and end up buying anything, I might earn a commission from your purchase.
I struggle to stay immersed when I see things like missing apostrophes, incorrectly used phrases (“must of” instead of “must have”, for example), commas everywhere except where they should be... things like that.
I know those things don’t bother some people, but they bother me. It’s a real shame.
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: https://books2read.com/u/medwLg
* Note: That's an affiliate link, so if you click through to a store and end up buying anything, I might earn a commission from your purchase.
January 25, 2020
2020 reading challenge ( monster's perspective)
A vampire is telling her story of how she became what she is. At first, it was a slow start. But then I didn't want to put it down. Will she choose to end her existence? I don't know. I would have to read the other books in the series to find out and I haven't decided if I'm going to or not yet.
One of the things that bugged me with this story was how could you learn to love someone that murdered the father of your child??? Maybe I'm thinking too hard
A vampire is telling her story of how she became what she is. At first, it was a slow start. But then I didn't want to put it down. Will she choose to end her existence? I don't know. I would have to read the other books in the series to find out and I haven't decided if I'm going to or not yet.
One of the things that bugged me with this story was how could you learn to love someone that murdered the father of your child??? Maybe I'm thinking too hard
December 9, 2017
short vampire story may have to check out the rest of series
October 12, 2017
short and sweet but interesting read
May 24, 2019
Good book
Good book I strongly recommend to read. Very realistic in some ways. I'm now starting the 2nd book super excited
Good book I strongly recommend to read. Very realistic in some ways. I'm now starting the 2nd book super excited
May 1, 2020
Good
I have enjoyed the 1st book in this series and am looking forward of reading more on Gwen life through out the years of her life.
I have enjoyed the 1st book in this series and am looking forward of reading more on Gwen life through out the years of her life.
October 2, 2023
This series has started off so great!! The time period in history is one of my favs!! Such a quick read, but I feel really connected to the characters
April 4, 2024
short
It is so worth the read and I have high hopes that the other books in the series will meet the mark. I just really dislike how short this book is.
It is so worth the read and I have high hopes that the other books in the series will meet the mark. I just really dislike how short this book is.
October 14, 2025
How did anyone stare death in the eye and calmly say ‘take me’?
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
Read
October 7, 2014Very good book
This short story is about a girl Gwen ,starting in the year in 1522 to present . She was given the choice of becoming a vampire for the. hold she scarring and letting her soon to be maker say he has fathered the child then him and his wife will raise it and turn the. hold at 18 yrs of age.
I like the way the story is written. everything hold true to the facts we no if vampires except they walk in daylight which has only y become the new thing in the last few years. Other then that the killing of vampires. we all no that staking them does the hobbits the taking themselves if they want to die. I'm not too sure on that one. plus beheading doesn't work.or the heart being ripped from their body, they both grow back.that's a bit far fetched too.
other then that the book is a good story. it's kinda fascinating creature if the night I was going to say but since that no longer applies a creature of immortality will do. She's telling her story and deciding if she wants to live after 500 yrs of existence..I do believe she has found her reason. she felt a human feeling and decides her tale m u st be told. I'm definitely going to read book 2. I'd like to know what became of her son. Matilda the evil jealous vampire who took her baby as her own and if her and her maker become lovers.
where their all at now that she seems to be alone.
all in all this is a good read, well put together and told. the second book.is free in UK but not US. that's just wrong but it's cool. I need to read that and soon.
grab this book it's worth reading and it flows so.nicely your done as soon as you. start it seems.
This short story is about a girl Gwen ,starting in the year in 1522 to present . She was given the choice of becoming a vampire for the. hold she scarring and letting her soon to be maker say he has fathered the child then him and his wife will raise it and turn the. hold at 18 yrs of age.
I like the way the story is written. everything hold true to the facts we no if vampires except they walk in daylight which has only y become the new thing in the last few years. Other then that the killing of vampires. we all no that staking them does the hobbits the taking themselves if they want to die. I'm not too sure on that one. plus beheading doesn't work.or the heart being ripped from their body, they both grow back.that's a bit far fetched too.
other then that the book is a good story. it's kinda fascinating creature if the night I was going to say but since that no longer applies a creature of immortality will do. She's telling her story and deciding if she wants to live after 500 yrs of existence..I do believe she has found her reason. she felt a human feeling and decides her tale m u st be told. I'm definitely going to read book 2. I'd like to know what became of her son. Matilda the evil jealous vampire who took her baby as her own and if her and her maker become lovers.
where their all at now that she seems to be alone.
all in all this is a good read, well put together and told. the second book.is free in UK but not US. that's just wrong but it's cool. I need to read that and soon.
grab this book it's worth reading and it flows so.nicely your done as soon as you. start it seems.
August 11, 2014
I just didn't like this story, it's a novella so it should have been a good enough read, but I really disliked the main character; Gwen or her full name Gwendolyn.
Gwen does have a tragic start when she begins her tale, yet something just didn't ad up, why would she agree to be - essentially - a surrogate mother after the love of her life was murdered? She lost everything she cared for and the killers of her lover are there and essentially taunting her she agrees to go with them?
She also finds herself - suddenly mind you - attracted to Robert, even though she is weary of him and he takes the full blame of killing her lover.
You also have Robert's clan of vampires, who don't seem to be well behaved at all considering what James and Roberts wife have been up to during this story.
Over all it just seems flat, there is no real life to it and it really could have done a bit better to make some sense - also Gwen gets to meet Henry VIII? Really? It's hard enough for nobles to meet him, how and indeed why would Robert even bother with presenting her to the King - particularly since he knows his own wife would be jealous, Gwen being the surrogate mother of the future vampire prince or not.
It's an easy enough read, but nothing exciting or worth while.
Gwen does have a tragic start when she begins her tale, yet something just didn't ad up, why would she agree to be - essentially - a surrogate mother after the love of her life was murdered? She lost everything she cared for and the killers of her lover are there and essentially taunting her she agrees to go with them?
She also finds herself - suddenly mind you - attracted to Robert, even though she is weary of him and he takes the full blame of killing her lover.
You also have Robert's clan of vampires, who don't seem to be well behaved at all considering what James and Roberts wife have been up to during this story.
Over all it just seems flat, there is no real life to it and it really could have done a bit better to make some sense - also Gwen gets to meet Henry VIII? Really? It's hard enough for nobles to meet him, how and indeed why would Robert even bother with presenting her to the King - particularly since he knows his own wife would be jealous, Gwen being the surrogate mother of the future vampire prince or not.
It's an easy enough read, but nothing exciting or worth while.
March 20, 2015
Not really a book but the opening chapters of a book. I was also given 2 chapters of the next 'book' but there was no conclusive ending. Shame as there were some interesting characters. It doesn't make clear how the bewitching to servants and murder of locals is overlooked. When Gwen is talking from 2013 explaining how writing her Elizabethan adventures has influenced her current behaviour, it slows the Elizabethan story line down. As this wasn't a complete book however I don't know if this is a dual story line perhaps with her being so filled with self disgust that she decides to die, after she has told her life story as a vampire. The book had possibilities but as it is incomplete the best I can give it is 3 stars.
March 26, 2014
The vampire lore was interesting. I always liked that vampires can’t be in the sunlight, which this book allows, and I’m not sure how a vampire can regrow a head, but I love the way she describes the reason a stake through the heart will kill a vampire. She does make a point that living forever, while it may sound like fun, could get rather tiresome.
This novella is short, which I like, and tightly written, which I also like. I look forward to discovering what she does with the characters in the future.
This novella is short, which I like, and tightly written, which I also like. I look forward to discovering what she does with the characters in the future.
December 24, 2014
A girl made into a vampire to save her life. Vampire - In the Beginning is a short story of how a 500 year old vampire, reflecting on her life, was made. It depicts gory scenes, describing them, but not showing how or why they happened. But this short story is good. The language is good for the time and the story moves along well. Gwen, the main character, has at times conflicting thoughts, but I'm presuming her character develops more as the story progresses.
If you like vampire books, you'd be sure to enjoy this one.
If you like vampire books, you'd be sure to enjoy this one.
May 16, 2015
Fantastic
Was expecting pretty much the typical vampire diaries type book but was pleasantly surprised with the passion in which this author writes. I read from start to finish unable to put the book down. Looking Forward to the second book. Would definitely recommend this read to paranormal vampire book lovers but think I would go over the age 17 a little graphic may be just my mom instincts these days with all the violence. Lol
Was expecting pretty much the typical vampire diaries type book but was pleasantly surprised with the passion in which this author writes. I read from start to finish unable to put the book down. Looking Forward to the second book. Would definitely recommend this read to paranormal vampire book lovers but think I would go over the age 17 a little graphic may be just my mom instincts these days with all the violence. Lol
August 13, 2016
This story is about a woman that has lived as a vampire for over 500 years that is writing out her life and how she became a vampire until the here and now. I think this book is very good and very detailed. The author makes you want to keep reading into the next book. recommended for ages 13 and up only because of a few gore scenes!
February 16, 2014
Best vampire book
Best vampire book
I have never read such a powerful book about vampires . everybody who reads this will find a great start to an excellent series of books about vampires .
Best vampire book
I have never read such a powerful book about vampires . everybody who reads this will find a great start to an excellent series of books about vampires .
July 30, 2014
My friend lent this book to me through amazon and I loved it. It was like a how-to, diary, and Wikipedia article all wrapped into one. The premise was interesting. I am looking forward to reading more.
March 4, 2016
I love Vampire novels (my guilty pleasure) & I'm always happy to find one with a new twist. This story definitely has that.. it will be interesting to follow Gwen through her 500+ years as a vampire!
June 26, 2014
It wasn't that good.
I really didn't understand it. it made no sense. The author should of wrote more. and add some more details.
I really didn't understand it. it made no sense. The author should of wrote more. and add some more details.
November 16, 2014
This short novella was an enjoyable read, it follows the life of Gwen and how she starts her life as a vampire, I think this could be the start of a good series, looking forward to reading more.
January 3, 2015
Very light weight
Difficult to get involved with the characters. Started well but fizzled out real fast. No depth to the characters or storytelling.
Difficult to get involved with the characters. Started well but fizzled out real fast. No depth to the characters or storytelling.
January 27, 2015
Was an ok book to be honest- first Vampire book to of read. Short, but did keep me reading to get to the end.
April 5, 2016
I felt like I was reading a memoir of vampire. Well at least the beginning of a memoir. I really enjoyed the short story.
February 15, 2018
Short but good
Book shows potential, storyline catchy, unique twist on a life and death of a vampire, descriptive but not grossly done
Book shows potential, storyline catchy, unique twist on a life and death of a vampire, descriptive but not grossly done
May 22, 2014
I enjoyed this book, and I am definitely going to continue with the next book or books!
December 22, 2014
Excited to read the next in the series. Will be starting soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews