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Blood Sine Qua Non
Covered in blood, a knife in one hand and a gun in the other. This rescue attempt has gone terribly wrong.
I was finally getting used to life among the am’r (the name vampires use for themselves) in Romania, archiving a library of ancient texts, learning how to fight, and having lots of quality time with Sandu—who used to go by the name Dracula—perhaps you’ve heard of him?
But then the dreams started. Bagamil, the maker of Sandu (and, ahem, also my lover—life has gotten a lot more exciting recently), was supposed to be on a mission to the am’r of South America, but he has been missing for months now, and those nightmares tell me that something is terribly wrong.
So Sandu made rescue plans, and I insisted on coming along to help. But now I’ve been separated from all the am’r who are our allies, and I’m trapped in a booby-trapped cave system down at the bottom of the world, chased by enemy vampires with knives and guns—not fair!
And I have two problems even on top of that! First, I’m now part-am’r, which makes me smell even more delicious to them, and secondly, well, there seems to be even more bad guys than expected down here, and they all seem to be holding some deep grudges against both Sandu and Bagamil. And they want revenge right now.
How can I find my beloveds without falling into a trap or being taken captive by the hangry bad guys? Once we’re all together again, how do we figure some way out of all of this? If I’ve learned anything in my time amongst the am’r, it’s only going to be by fighting our way out….
Blood Sine Qua Non is the second book in a brand new, dark urban fantasy series mixing horror, history, and blood-soaked romance featuring a snarky librarian heroine and a sensual but complex hero in the story of an adventure like no other, with thrilling plot-twists and characters faced with “personal growth or death.” Ranging from Romania through gorgeous settings in Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego, get caught up in the clashes of personality and chaotic melees, fight for love with guns, knives, and the ultimate weapon against vampires: fire.
I was finally getting used to life among the am’r (the name vampires use for themselves) in Romania, archiving a library of ancient texts, learning how to fight, and having lots of quality time with Sandu—who used to go by the name Dracula—perhaps you’ve heard of him?
But then the dreams started. Bagamil, the maker of Sandu (and, ahem, also my lover—life has gotten a lot more exciting recently), was supposed to be on a mission to the am’r of South America, but he has been missing for months now, and those nightmares tell me that something is terribly wrong.
So Sandu made rescue plans, and I insisted on coming along to help. But now I’ve been separated from all the am’r who are our allies, and I’m trapped in a booby-trapped cave system down at the bottom of the world, chased by enemy vampires with knives and guns—not fair!
And I have two problems even on top of that! First, I’m now part-am’r, which makes me smell even more delicious to them, and secondly, well, there seems to be even more bad guys than expected down here, and they all seem to be holding some deep grudges against both Sandu and Bagamil. And they want revenge right now.
How can I find my beloveds without falling into a trap or being taken captive by the hangry bad guys? Once we’re all together again, how do we figure some way out of all of this? If I’ve learned anything in my time amongst the am’r, it’s only going to be by fighting our way out….
Blood Sine Qua Non is the second book in a brand new, dark urban fantasy series mixing horror, history, and blood-soaked romance featuring a snarky librarian heroine and a sensual but complex hero in the story of an adventure like no other, with thrilling plot-twists and characters faced with “personal growth or death.” Ranging from Romania through gorgeous settings in Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego, get caught up in the clashes of personality and chaotic melees, fight for love with guns, knives, and the ultimate weapon against vampires: fire.
- GenresVampires
426 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
14 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Raven Belasco
11 books30 followersRaven Belasco wanted to be an author since she was a little eight year old bookworm. When she turned seventeen she became chronically ill, and reading and writing “saved” her. After college, she worked as an editor and a myriad of her articles and short stories were published. But she wanted more, and in 2019 her first novel, Blood Ex Libris, was finally published after years of rejection letter after rejection letter.
Belasco’s writing style has been described as both “darkly lyrical” and at the same time “an easy, breezy writing style; a more colloquial and relaxed John Scalzi.” Her influences from a degree in Comparative literature and a lifetime devotion to genre fiction fused this unique style: constructed with the same dedication as literary fiction, yet easily accessible for any reader.
Belasco writes about the complexities of being human as viewed through a dark mirror. She is known for a dedication in keeping the monstrous aspects in vampire fiction, for exploring themes of love and resilience, immersive world-building, nuanced character dynamics, and diverse perspectives.
Raven Belasco is also known for a deep connection with her readers through a very personal newsletter, regularly asking for their input on which characters they want her to write about next. Her Blood & Ancient Scrolls Series has a deeply loyal fan base who are equally enthusiastic about both the characters and their author.
Belasco’s writing style has been described as both “darkly lyrical” and at the same time “an easy, breezy writing style; a more colloquial and relaxed John Scalzi.” Her influences from a degree in Comparative literature and a lifetime devotion to genre fiction fused this unique style: constructed with the same dedication as literary fiction, yet easily accessible for any reader.
Belasco writes about the complexities of being human as viewed through a dark mirror. She is known for a dedication in keeping the monstrous aspects in vampire fiction, for exploring themes of love and resilience, immersive world-building, nuanced character dynamics, and diverse perspectives.
Raven Belasco is also known for a deep connection with her readers through a very personal newsletter, regularly asking for their input on which characters they want her to write about next. Her Blood & Ancient Scrolls Series has a deeply loyal fan base who are equally enthusiastic about both the characters and their author.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2020
Noosh Grows and Networks
Noosh goes into a bad situation, doesn't give up and survives. Lots of action, new characters, like a real adventure where many things happen you would rather they didn't.
In the process she adds more Am'r to her "family"
Eager to see what happens to her and her "family" next.
Noosh goes into a bad situation, doesn't give up and survives. Lots of action, new characters, like a real adventure where many things happen you would rather they didn't.
In the process she adds more Am'r to her "family"
Eager to see what happens to her and her "family" next.
August 27, 2020
Great follow up
Continuing Noosh in her inclusion to the vampire 'world'. How very different her life has become. Has she made the right decision? She's finding out how very bloodthirsty the race is. Must have the next one soon.
Continuing Noosh in her inclusion to the vampire 'world'. How very different her life has become. Has she made the right decision? She's finding out how very bloodthirsty the race is. Must have the next one soon.
September 9, 2020
Next one please? Now!?
Wonderful story. Noosh is slowly adjusting to her new life and world. Sex scenes are tastefully done, and enjoyable to read. Need the next book ASAP.
Wonderful story. Noosh is slowly adjusting to her new life and world. Sex scenes are tastefully done, and enjoyable to read. Need the next book ASAP.
January 1, 2025
This starts where Blood Ex Libris ended. Noosh signed up to be an archivist for the Am'r (vampires) and ended up getting so much more. As an Am'r-nafsh (half-human/half-vamp), Noosh has been exposed to the violent and sensual side of the Am'r world. She's starting to get her sea legs though and is no helpless kee (human) anymore. Definitely spicy but it is spicy for relationship building not just spice for spice sake. I listened to and read this. Amber Benson is an awesome narrator who makes the language come to life.
May 26, 2021
Having enjoyed Blood Ex Libris thoroughly, I was looking forward to Blood Sine Qua None, and very curious where it would lead Noosh (Anushka), her vampire lover Sandu, and *his* maker Bagamil. They end up traveling the globe and getting into all kinds of steamy and action-packed adventures, the plot moving along at a brisk clip, but with Noosh's enhanced sensory skills, she savors the sights and scents of each location. The occasional Romanian and Spanish words referred to in conversation added to the richness of this book, and the handful of words were easily referenced in a vocabulary list in the back.
A few things I particularly enjoyed about this novel: the deeper sense we get of each character; the extra queer, authentic sex scenes which absolutely must be read; the sumptuous and occasionally grotesque details of what vampire ephemera really needs to be catalogued in Dracula's library! And also, getting to experience each location through Noosh's heightened perceptions was wonderful. It truly felt as if I were deep in a humid South American forest or a hidden, perfect cliffside cottage. All of this led to the perfect escape reading for quarantine staying-in-place. Reading this book, I got the sense that it was truly as fun to write as it was to read, and I was transported and immersed in each scene. I recommend it highly, and can't wait to see where they romp to next.
A few things I particularly enjoyed about this novel: the deeper sense we get of each character; the extra queer, authentic sex scenes which absolutely must be read; the sumptuous and occasionally grotesque details of what vampire ephemera really needs to be catalogued in Dracula's library! And also, getting to experience each location through Noosh's heightened perceptions was wonderful. It truly felt as if I were deep in a humid South American forest or a hidden, perfect cliffside cottage. All of this led to the perfect escape reading for quarantine staying-in-place. Reading this book, I got the sense that it was truly as fun to write as it was to read, and I was transported and immersed in each scene. I recommend it highly, and can't wait to see where they romp to next.
August 22, 2020
Even better than the first!
While not a standalone (read Blood Ex Libris first), this continuation of Noosh’s story is even better than the first!
I love that Belasco challenges gender and straight stereotypes, and creates a world where female vampires are equal in viciousness, cunning, and manipulation as their male counterparts. I also love that she understands her readers are intelligent enough to pick up new vocabulary and common Spanish phrases without talking down. But there is a comprehensive appendix after the text of the book that covers all the am’r vocabulary and non-English phrases. Do not let a few unfamiliar words get in the way of a great story!
Noosh’s character development is established by her internal rambling and debates, and the male figures in her life — primarily Sandu and Bagamil — are developed through her eyes in small bits that are fascinating and teasing. I want to know more about them all.
[This review was written from an ARC provided by the author. The review is my own, though, and I’m still purchasing the book because I like it.]
While not a standalone (read Blood Ex Libris first), this continuation of Noosh’s story is even better than the first!
I love that Belasco challenges gender and straight stereotypes, and creates a world where female vampires are equal in viciousness, cunning, and manipulation as their male counterparts. I also love that she understands her readers are intelligent enough to pick up new vocabulary and common Spanish phrases without talking down. But there is a comprehensive appendix after the text of the book that covers all the am’r vocabulary and non-English phrases. Do not let a few unfamiliar words get in the way of a great story!
Noosh’s character development is established by her internal rambling and debates, and the male figures in her life — primarily Sandu and Bagamil — are developed through her eyes in small bits that are fascinating and teasing. I want to know more about them all.
[This review was written from an ARC provided by the author. The review is my own, though, and I’m still purchasing the book because I like it.]
April 8, 2021
If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you’ll love this one. It was quite the adventure! While the plot was similar to the first book, it was done in a way that made it feel fresh. Certain parts of the story get pretty tense, and I found it hard to put the book down. I couldn’t go to sleep until I found out what happened next! I got so absorbed in the action, I realised my heart was beating as fast as if I was really in the fight.
The fight scenes were detailed, but not so descriptive that they took away from the action, and they felt pretty believable compared to a lot of fantasy.
Character development is pretty good. I felt like the characters all had distinct personalities, and I didn’t forget who was who, which means they can’t of been boring. I’m interested to see how Noosh’s relationship with the Am’r evolves. She’s gotten pretty close to some of them, but can they all be trusted?
(I was sent this book free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review, however I’ve enjoyed these so much that’ll I’ll be buying the third when it comes out.)
July 13, 2021
Raven Belasco has done it again! The second installment of the Blood And Ancient Scrolls Series did not disappoint. Blood Sine Quanon is a thrilling continuation, picking up right where Blood Ex Libris left off.
As new enemies are revealed and old alliances are solidified, our heroine librarian, Noosh, once again finds herself in an AP crash course in the politics, history, customs, and violence of the vampire world. What I found particularly enjoyable about this leg of Noosh’s journey, was that while her motivation in Blood Ex Libris seemed to be about survival, in Blood Sine Quanon, it’s about love. And as always, the erotica is quite steamy.
Raven Belasco is the George R.R Martin of Vampire Fiction. Her detailed world-building is extraordinary, and she continues to show us that we should never get too attached to our favorite characters.
Highly Recommend! Can’t wait to dive into the third book, Blood Ad Infinitum.
As new enemies are revealed and old alliances are solidified, our heroine librarian, Noosh, once again finds herself in an AP crash course in the politics, history, customs, and violence of the vampire world. What I found particularly enjoyable about this leg of Noosh’s journey, was that while her motivation in Blood Ex Libris seemed to be about survival, in Blood Sine Quanon, it’s about love. And as always, the erotica is quite steamy.
Raven Belasco is the George R.R Martin of Vampire Fiction. Her detailed world-building is extraordinary, and she continues to show us that we should never get too attached to our favorite characters.
Highly Recommend! Can’t wait to dive into the third book, Blood Ad Infinitum.
August 26, 2020
This series is for people who think they don’t like vampires stories. Balancing old myths with the modern world, the story makes vampire fiction accessible for first time readers while providing something new and exciting for longtime fans of the genre. What sets this series apart is the author’s ability to write intimate scenes that are titillating without being cringeworthy as well as clearly detailed action sequences that are clear, direct and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Finally, the authors deep love of language is apparently throughout the book, with the addition of a handy index at the back to help you through the story. Well worth you time!
September 29, 2020
A worthy addition to a stunning addition to the vampire genre!
Belasco's done it again, with a story that takes us into the intricacies and age-old rivalries of the am'r world she had created. Extending her deeply researched and fascinating take on the Dracula legend, Blood Sine Qua Non is a rollicking ride from start to finish.
Fans of Anne Rice's Interview With a Vampire will find even greater depths in Belasco's work, while readers who enjoyed The Historian will find a faster pace and significantly more sensuality here.
But it, read it, and wait with anticipation for the next installment!
Belasco's done it again, with a story that takes us into the intricacies and age-old rivalries of the am'r world she had created. Extending her deeply researched and fascinating take on the Dracula legend, Blood Sine Qua Non is a rollicking ride from start to finish.
Fans of Anne Rice's Interview With a Vampire will find even greater depths in Belasco's work, while readers who enjoyed The Historian will find a faster pace and significantly more sensuality here.
But it, read it, and wait with anticipation for the next installment!
August 25, 2020
So much fun! I received an advanced copy to review. Raven Belasco did it again! This was a fun, enjoyable read. The story picked up where book 1 left off - and the adventure continued. I enjoyed seeing the relationships develop and deepen between the characters. Understanding the power of blood, watching Noosh grow into her own. I don't think you have to read book 1 to enjoy this story, as it stands on its own. But book 1 is great, too, so it's a fine place to start.
The story is rife with adventure, toil, blood and love.
The story is rife with adventure, toil, blood and love.
August 25, 2020
Raven Belasco has woven together romance and action/adventure in a way that’s satisfying for all readers. It may not be “YA”, but the sex scenes are well done and not gratuitous. many people don’t look at the TOC, so do not realize there is an index for all the foreign words in the book, which I found to be very helpful. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Read
October 8, 2020DNF because I got bored.
I ended up re-reading Jeaniene Frost's Once Burned instead... The Night Prince series has a much more exciting Vlad <3
I ended up re-reading Jeaniene Frost's Once Burned instead... The Night Prince series has a much more exciting Vlad <3
August 24, 2021
Good second book in series.
A good book. Not as good as the first but good. It has more fighting than the first. It has different sexual exploration than the first. It has less library time.
A good book. Not as good as the first but good. It has more fighting than the first. It has different sexual exploration than the first. It has less library time.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews