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Bonds of Blood #1
Beckoning Blood
A gripping, blood-drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies -- no matter how many times you kill it.
Thierry d'Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir -- Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.
Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d'Arjou cares for only two his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his -- Thierry, made immortal just for him.
Thierry d'Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir -- Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.
Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d'Arjou cares for only two his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his -- Thierry, made immortal just for him.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
53 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Daniel de Lorne
21 books102 followersDaniel de Lorne writes about men, monsters and magic.
In love with writing since he wrote a story about a talking tree at age six, his first novel, the romantic horror Beckoning Blood, was published in 2014. At the heart of every book is a romance between two men, whether they’re irresistible vampires, historical hotties, or professional paramours.
If you take your LGBT romance fiction with supernatural, urban fantasy or contemporary flavoring, Daniel de Lorne delivers.
In his other life, Daniel is a professional writer and researcher in Perth, Australia, with a love of history and nature. All of which makes for great story fodder.
And when he’s not working, he and his husband explore as much of this amazing world as they can, from the ruins of Welsh abbeys to trekking famous routes and swimming with whales.
To get to the real heart of the matter, visit danieldelorne.com.
In love with writing since he wrote a story about a talking tree at age six, his first novel, the romantic horror Beckoning Blood, was published in 2014. At the heart of every book is a romance between two men, whether they’re irresistible vampires, historical hotties, or professional paramours.
If you take your LGBT romance fiction with supernatural, urban fantasy or contemporary flavoring, Daniel de Lorne delivers.
In his other life, Daniel is a professional writer and researcher in Perth, Australia, with a love of history and nature. All of which makes for great story fodder.
And when he’s not working, he and his husband explore as much of this amazing world as they can, from the ruins of Welsh abbeys to trekking famous routes and swimming with whales.
To get to the real heart of the matter, visit danieldelorne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 2, 2014
An impossible task...to provide a SPOILER free review.
**4 Blood Filled Stars**
This sick monster that wore his face 1390 Carcassonne, France.
Twin brothers, identical in appearance...but as opposite as night and day. Thierry a loving and compassionate soul...is no match to his calculating and evil brother, Olivier. The two share a powerful bond- though unwanted by Thierry- keeps them from truly being alone. A connection that bares their thoughts and feelings to each other.
Thoughts that might lead to Olivier discovering Thierry's secret. A secret he holds close to his heart...his lover, Etienne. A forbidden relationship, that could have them killed. And a love, hated by Olivier, who seeks to destroy it. But soon thoughts of vengeance, hopes of dreams and life as they know it, is taken away from the brothers...and their new existence is darker, far beyond anything they have ever experienced.
Blood, hatred, betrayal and lose...are all apart of the beginning of this story. I will admit to cringing many times as I read, even contemplating to stop...but I couldn't. I was drawn in by this intriguing and dark read, obviously written by a very talented author. So, I continued...
Wine, blood and loose talk 1792 Near Neulehn, Saxony.
How can one survive the loss of a loved one...then be expected to live along side those, who caused all their pain?
Centuries has passed, since the night Thierry lost all dear to him. He walks the earth as a vampire...the undead, along with his treacherous and evil brother, Olivier. He has spent years attempting to end his life...to end the lonely existence he was forced in. He lives with the impossible task of keeping his brother in check. Attempting to hide their secret from the humans...and minimize the death and destruction created by his sadistic brother.
An invitation by a Baroness, leads Thierry and Olivier to spend time among the noblemen and women of Saxony...where new conquests and havoc, can be delivered by Olivier.
But things have changed for Thierry. He no longer seeks to prevent his brothers actions...not when his thoughts are consumed by the beautiful and familiar, Reiner. A familiarity that whispers of his former lover Etienne.
Thierry must do all in his power, to prevent Olivier from discovering his love . For Olivier's jealousy is deadly...and his possessiveness towards his brother, would lead to the murder of Reiner. He must seek a way to prevent the past from repeating its self...and find away to keep Reiner safe and forever. But will all be destroyed and lost by Olivier's wicked and malicious games?
OMG, at this point...the story blew me away. Its intensity and directness, kept me from taking a breath and slowing my heart rate. I only imagine the worst around every corner. And could't predict what the sadistic, Olivier would do next. I experienced fear, tears with heartache and even...happiness.
A bored vampire is a dangerous thing Present day Perth, Australia
Again, time has passed and Thierry has learnt to live with his pain. He's numbed his feeling to nothing, other than the kill...and the blood he receives to satisfy his thirst. He's lost another love...and hopes for his return.
"Even In Death"
Give me a reason to believe that you're gone
I see your shadow so I know they're all wrong
Moonlight on the soft brown earth
It leads me to where you lay
They took you away from me but now I'm taking you home
I will stay forever here with you
My love
The softly spoken words you gave me
Even in death our love goes on
Some say I'm crazy for my love, Oh my love
But no bonds can hold me from your side, Oh my love
They don't know you can't leave me
They don't hear you singing to me
With Olivier still connected and attached to Thierry...how will he ever experiences peace? How will he protect his love...if he's ever found? And how will he break the bond, linking him to his brutal brother?
WOW, what an amazing, thrilling, and at times, gruesome read. The ending was very unexpected for me...but still had me smiling when I finished. I'm glad it wasn't a Mates, I highly recommend this dark and gripping read...but not for the light hearted xx
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Enterprises Australia, for an honest review.
**4 Blood Filled Stars**
We may look the same,but we are nothing alike.
I won't be tortured for your sins.
This sick monster that wore his face 1390 Carcassonne, France.
Twin brothers, identical in appearance...but as opposite as night and day. Thierry a loving and compassionate soul...is no match to his calculating and evil brother, Olivier. The two share a powerful bond- though unwanted by Thierry- keeps them from truly being alone. A connection that bares their thoughts and feelings to each other.
Thoughts that might lead to Olivier discovering Thierry's secret. A secret he holds close to his heart...his lover, Etienne. A forbidden relationship, that could have them killed. And a love, hated by Olivier, who seeks to destroy it. But soon thoughts of vengeance, hopes of dreams and life as they know it, is taken away from the brothers...and their new existence is darker, far beyond anything they have ever experienced.
Blood, hatred, betrayal and lose...are all apart of the beginning of this story. I will admit to cringing many times as I read, even contemplating to stop...but I couldn't. I was drawn in by this intriguing and dark read, obviously written by a very talented author. So, I continued...
Wine, blood and loose talk 1792 Near Neulehn, Saxony.
How can one survive the loss of a loved one...then be expected to live along side those, who caused all their pain?
Centuries has passed, since the night Thierry lost all dear to him. He walks the earth as a vampire...the undead, along with his treacherous and evil brother, Olivier. He has spent years attempting to end his life...to end the lonely existence he was forced in. He lives with the impossible task of keeping his brother in check. Attempting to hide their secret from the humans...and minimize the death and destruction created by his sadistic brother.
An invitation by a Baroness, leads Thierry and Olivier to spend time among the noblemen and women of Saxony...where new conquests and havoc, can be delivered by Olivier.
But things have changed for Thierry. He no longer seeks to prevent his brothers actions...not when his thoughts are consumed by the beautiful and familiar, Reiner. A familiarity that whispers of his former lover Etienne.
Thierry must do all in his power, to prevent Olivier from discovering his love . For Olivier's jealousy is deadly...and his possessiveness towards his brother, would lead to the murder of Reiner. He must seek a way to prevent the past from repeating its self...and find away to keep Reiner safe and forever. But will all be destroyed and lost by Olivier's wicked and malicious games?
OMG, at this point...the story blew me away. Its intensity and directness, kept me from taking a breath and slowing my heart rate. I only imagine the worst around every corner. And could't predict what the sadistic, Olivier would do next. I experienced fear, tears with heartache and even...happiness.
A bored vampire is a dangerous thing Present day Perth, Australia
Again, time has passed and Thierry has learnt to live with his pain. He's numbed his feeling to nothing, other than the kill...and the blood he receives to satisfy his thirst. He's lost another love...and hopes for his return.
"Even In Death"
Give me a reason to believe that you're gone
I see your shadow so I know they're all wrong
Moonlight on the soft brown earth
It leads me to where you lay
They took you away from me but now I'm taking you home
I will stay forever here with you
My love
The softly spoken words you gave me
Even in death our love goes on
Some say I'm crazy for my love, Oh my love
But no bonds can hold me from your side, Oh my love
They don't know you can't leave me
They don't hear you singing to me
With Olivier still connected and attached to Thierry...how will he ever experiences peace? How will he protect his love...if he's ever found? And how will he break the bond, linking him to his brutal brother?
WOW, what an amazing, thrilling, and at times, gruesome read. The ending was very unexpected for me...but still had me smiling when I finished. I'm glad it wasn't a Mates, I highly recommend this dark and gripping read...but not for the light hearted xx
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Enterprises Australia, for an honest review.
July 20, 2016
*waves hands frantically* Guilty as charged!
4 HEARTS--The d'Arjou twins...vampire twins, gruesome, twisted and quite a tale they weave.
Any True Blood or Vampire Diaries fans out there? I'm a fan of both. And surprise, surprise, I gravitate to the twisted ones. The anti-hero/villains are way better the good guys. There's just something about the depraved ones, the less morals, the better!
Think of having Damon Salvatore times two and one is without a conscience! :D
Warning for the easily squicked: There is rape, brief mention of sexual abuse, incest overtones -no actual incest happens on page and blood play. Oh and the bloody warning in the blurb isn't an exaggeration. This book has tons of blood and gore.
Twins Thierry and Olivier were human identical twins in Carcassonne, France in 1390. Sons of a mean butcher with a secretive little sister, the brothers were used to a harsh and abusive live. But Thierry had a secret lover named Etienne that he hid from his twin...even though the twins have a psychic bond. Thierry hid his lover well...or so he thought. Olivier is changed into a vampire by accident by an obsessed vampire, mistaken for Theirry. But once Olivier learns of his brother's lover and that Olivier is not number one in Thierry's life, let's just say it gets bloody.
The story spans from 1390 France to 1792 Saxony until present day Australia. during this time the twins cause mayhem and havoc. But Thierry was always the softer of the two, looking for a love to claim for his own. He's charged to keep an eye on his brother but not a leash.The trouble they cause. Whew boy! That incest line is never crossed between the brothers so if twincest isn't your thing, have no fear. (I'm still pouting about it)
Thierry is the damaged protagonist who misses his dead love Etienne so much. And he gets to meets his reincarnated love more than once in his very long undead vampire life...but Olivier. Oh Olivier is the debauched vampire hostess with the most-est.
Dayum...depraved, vile, revolting, murderer, wicked...delicious.
Olivier is a sociopath with a sick obsession for his twin. He lets nothing come in the way of having his brother in his life. And we're talking some sick shit, to be honest. Two thumbs for Olivier. I'm sure Thierry will garner sympathy but Olivier is alright with me. Finally, vampires that enjoy being a vampire. No whiny 'I want to be a human' or 'I'm drinking animal's blood to prove I'm tame and lame'.
There are issues such as the parts where it didn't fully drag but had a lull of sorts. It was not a lot of times but I felt some filler could have been dropped. Another issue is not enough description into what happened with the brothers when their relationship strained during the years. There was a period briefly mentioned where they were separated. Why? What happened? Olivier is the sick, obsessive type to not be separated from his brother without good reason for so long. also for all the centuries between them and the annoyance Thierry felt for his brother...why was he so unmotivated to pull away? He might have been the timid brother, the lover, the dreamer and romantic but he came off so resigned. And then Olivier lacks morals and is psychotic...why didn't he take what he really wanted from Thierry? And what is the purpose of the magic and the twin bond?
You see the plot lines are laced into the appropriate holes (it's why it's getting 4 Hearts from me) but it's not fully tightened. This author has room to grow. This book I enjoyed with the love of a good story. I'll ignore technical things if the story is good.
And it's good.
If the author plans to continue with more from this world, a little more description into a vampire's full extent of powers, a little more development of the important bonds between characters and (me being greedy) maybe a a little bro-on-bro action? Yes? No? It's alright. Get back to me. ;P
The story ends with a HEA but there are unresolved questions - Aurelia? Oberon? The Duke? This magic cycle?
Recommended for vampire lovers. Not the fans of the glitter-in-the-sun-woe-is-me vampires, I talking about the ones the enjoy a vampire that revels in being a bloodsucker.
I'm a proud fangbanger and I definitely will be reading more from this author.
A copy provided for an honest review.
October 16, 2014
3.75 Stars
You know how some books grab you right away and you're invested in the story/characters?
That didn't happen for me here.
It screamed Vampire Diaries fanfic.
Not hatin'. I like Damon and Stefan myself, but the whole good brother vs. bad brother, how they become vampires, the time jumps, the lost love that returns all struck me as a regurgitation of the show. Aside from these brothers being twins, French and gay/bisexual.
It's told in three parts the first two of which I meandered through. Part three picked up momentum and ensnared me then left me high and dry on that cliff face.
We first meet Thierry and Olivier in Carcassonne, France in 1390 and it quickly becomes clear they are competitive and have an unhealthy relationship. They also have an abusive father and a sister who play pivotal roles throughout the story. Thierry is keeping Etienne, his lover, a secret, but it's a small town and Olivier is a bit obsessive. Then…
Someone does something bad.
Fast forward to 1792 and we have Regency era vampire twins at a country estate in Neulehn, Saxony. We get up close and personal with Olivier's diabolical side. Etienne returns in the form of Reiner, again Thierry is secreting him away and again… something bad happens.
Naturally.
Fast forward to present day Perth and we catch up to the twins seemingly reconciled, feasting regularly and whipping the crowd into a frenzy on a dais in a club. A new player in the game is introduced, Oberon, who proves to be an interesting piece to the puzzle. Everything that started in part two carries over to part three and Etienne returns yet again in the form of Alex.
The writing is good. The sex was medium hot. The characters can be overly dramatic and they are cast from the same mold as Damon and Stefan. But I liked how the story was woven together, how these characters' powers evolved and especially how it gained traction as it went along. The story is told from both Olivier's and Thierry's perspectives, but I think the sister, Aurelia, is the puppet master of this show. I'd love to have her perspective in the next installment which I'll be reading.
Vampire Diaries fans or fans of amoral vampires will enjoy this.
A copy was provided through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
You know how some books grab you right away and you're invested in the story/characters?
That didn't happen for me here.
It screamed Vampire Diaries fanfic.
Not hatin'. I like Damon and Stefan myself, but the whole good brother vs. bad brother, how they become vampires, the time jumps, the lost love that returns all struck me as a regurgitation of the show. Aside from these brothers being twins, French and gay/bisexual.
It's told in three parts the first two of which I meandered through. Part three picked up momentum and ensnared me then left me high and dry on that cliff face.
We first meet Thierry and Olivier in Carcassonne, France in 1390 and it quickly becomes clear they are competitive and have an unhealthy relationship. They also have an abusive father and a sister who play pivotal roles throughout the story. Thierry is keeping Etienne, his lover, a secret, but it's a small town and Olivier is a bit obsessive. Then…
Someone does something bad.
Fast forward to 1792 and we have Regency era vampire twins at a country estate in Neulehn, Saxony. We get up close and personal with Olivier's diabolical side. Etienne returns in the form of Reiner, again Thierry is secreting him away and again… something bad happens.
Naturally.
Fast forward to present day Perth and we catch up to the twins seemingly reconciled, feasting regularly and whipping the crowd into a frenzy on a dais in a club. A new player in the game is introduced, Oberon, who proves to be an interesting piece to the puzzle. Everything that started in part two carries over to part three and Etienne returns yet again in the form of Alex.
The writing is good. The sex was medium hot. The characters can be overly dramatic and they are cast from the same mold as Damon and Stefan. But I liked how the story was woven together, how these characters' powers evolved and especially how it gained traction as it went along. The story is told from both Olivier's and Thierry's perspectives, but I think the sister, Aurelia, is the puppet master of this show. I'd love to have her perspective in the next installment which I'll be reading.
Vampire Diaries fans or fans of amoral vampires will enjoy this.
A copy was provided through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 18, 2014
Beckoning Blood grabbed my attention when I saw that cover, and once I read the official blurb I was intrigued. Could it be that I had found what I had been craving over the past month? A rare darker MM paranormal? Yes. Hallelujah! I did.
When the reader first meets twins Thierry and Olivier d'Arjou it is in Carcassonne, France, 1390. Their father is brutal and their sister, though younger, has assumed a maternal figure for them. They are identical but one thing is for certain, Olivier is the one most affected by his father's brutality, and as the read progresses you learn more. He also harbours affections for his twin that run much deeper than brotherly affection. That run much deeper than his hatred for his father - and that runs very deep.
One night in the woods outside Carcassonne, Olivier is spying on Thierry, who is off being intimate with Etienne de Balthas, when he is mistaken by a vampire for Thierry. The vampire has been watching Thierry in the woods for weeks and he wants him, only it is Olivier he takes and turns. Olivier will not be immortal without his twin. He makes sure events occur so that Thierry is immortal with him, not from an altruistic standpoint. From this point there is a love-hate relationship between the twins. They have always had a bond, deeper than the oft discussed twin-bond, and it is complicated by the transformation to vampire.
Beckoning Blood is well named as it is quite bloody. The vampires are very much seductive, dangerous beings and this book definitely has graphic violence accompanying some psychological... games. Olivier is nothing if not a psychopathic cat after a mouse, only with humans as his quarry. During one of his games he is particularly brutal with a father and son. But there are repercussions that follow you, immortal or not...
If you like the following -
The theme of brotherly love running deep, in this case at an immensely possessive and obsessive level.
He sensed his brother's eyes on his back, that questioning gaze sliding up and down the gore and sweat on his skin. And the he felt that...probing inside him. Not a gentle touch around the edges, rather the full hammering of Olivier's need to know what was going on inside his brother's mind.
Darker paranormal reading -
They chewed through heart and liver, stomach and spleen, sucked on brains and lungs. They covered themselves with gore and blood until there was nothing left but bones. Exposed to the air, they soon turned to powder. Whatever power had resided in their dark father was now in them, or vanished on the wind.
They sat back and looked at each other, covered with blood like painted warriors of Gaul.
He held (him) over the edge of the window and let go.
He listened.
The sound of cracking bones and wet flesh hitting stone thrilled him, and the sensation mixed with the fresh blood he swallowed.
Themes of a soul being reborn throughout the ages that you would just know, whether that be good or bad.
Vampires and witches and a touch of magic as well - although the magic will possibly be further developed in the next book (I am guessing)
A bit of a saga with good, solid, engaging writing over a period that covers 1390 France, 1792 Saxony, and modern day Perth, Australia
Looking for something that will carry on, because while this is a satisfying end it is left open for a following novel.
One thing I have to say is, at times, I got a Louis and Lestat vibe from the twins
If any of that appeals, then definitely read Beckoning Blood because it is bloody good reading from this first time published author.
More detailed review with some spoilers at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
July 23, 2020
5 Stars
Review:
Vampires. Twins. Obsession. Cruelty. Love. Angst. And so much blood!
There honestly isn't a single bad thing I can say about this book. I've loved everything about it both times I've read it. It is just as gripping and blood-drenched as the blurb promises it will be.
The book focuses on two characters, twin brothers, and they're both so complex. Olivier is awful. Just so messed up. But in a way that makes you hate him but also makes you want to keep reading about him. His cruelty doesn't just come from being a vampire---it's part of who he is. He likes to toy with people's emotions and break them mentally as well as physically. And of course there's the fact that he's literally obsessed with his twin, jealous of anyone else who gets close to him, and delusional about their relationship. That, honestly, might be the scariest thing about him. And yet... he's so well-written that I found myself not being able to help but feel sympathy for him at times, even though I knew he absolutely didn't deserve it. Thierry is the "good" one of the two, but I put that in quotes because, well. He doesn't enjoy killing innocents... for the most part... and he isn't cruel like Olivier, but he is by no means virtuous. Throughout the story, he was bored and numb, going through the motions for hundreds of years, and as he said himself, a bored vampire is a dangerous thing. But it was the characters' emotions and the relationship between them throughout the book that really showed the realism and complexity in them.
Not only are they complex, they're so vampire-y! You know how sometimes you read about an immortal vampire, but they sound like a teen or twenty-something? Thierry and Olivier actually feel like immortal predators with the way they think and act and feel, their patience, their boredom, their general disassociation from humanity. These vampires are sexy but deadly, the kind that can blend in with people but are all the more dangerous for it. I loved it. You won't find any sexy biting, but you'll find sex, and you'll find biting. (Content/trigger warning: There's also one explicit rape scene.)
There's also an empathic connection! If there's anything I love reading about almost as much as vampires, it's empaths and empathic connections between characters. And the author writes the connection between Thierry and Olivier beautifully.
Speaking of which, the writing is gorgeous with just the right amount of purple prose to suck you in.
The settings are also beautifully described with just the right amount of detail to make you feel like you're there. And because this story covers roughly 700 years, you get to experience multiple times and places (1300s Carcassonne, France; 1700s Saxony; and present day Perth, Australia).
There is also a strong romantic element (not between the twins, much to Olivier's dismay). In case you like to know what you're getting into in terms of happy-or-not endings... *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Overall, this was a story of love and obsession with sexy-but-deadly vampires, beautiful writing, and complex characters that I absolutely recommend if you're looking for something dark, violent, and amazing!
*I think this book can work as a standalone if you want it to, however, the rest of the series gives a more complete picture and solid ending for everyone.*
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 2nd read.*
Reread Ratings:
5 Stars (1st Read – 2015)
5 Stars (2nd Read – 2018)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sexy but deadly vampires, love stories, complex and twisted characters, and beautiful writing.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Original Review (written after my 1st read):
Review:
Vampires. Twins. Obsession. Cruelty. Love. Angst. And so much blood!
There honestly isn't a single bad thing I can say about this book. I've loved everything about it both times I've read it. It is just as gripping and blood-drenched as the blurb promises it will be.
The book focuses on two characters, twin brothers, and they're both so complex. Olivier is awful. Just so messed up. But in a way that makes you hate him but also makes you want to keep reading about him. His cruelty doesn't just come from being a vampire---it's part of who he is. He likes to toy with people's emotions and break them mentally as well as physically. And of course there's the fact that he's literally obsessed with his twin, jealous of anyone else who gets close to him, and delusional about their relationship. That, honestly, might be the scariest thing about him. And yet... he's so well-written that I found myself not being able to help but feel sympathy for him at times, even though I knew he absolutely didn't deserve it. Thierry is the "good" one of the two, but I put that in quotes because, well. He doesn't enjoy killing innocents... for the most part... and he isn't cruel like Olivier, but he is by no means virtuous. Throughout the story, he was bored and numb, going through the motions for hundreds of years, and as he said himself, a bored vampire is a dangerous thing. But it was the characters' emotions and the relationship between them throughout the book that really showed the realism and complexity in them.
[Olivier] boiled and Thierry boiled with him. The deeper he went, the closer to one he grew, until finally he could see through Olivier’s eyes, feel the grip of his hand on the leather hilt of the butcher’s blade, and smell the blood spraying onto his brother’s chest. Underneath it all, arrogant and unguarded thoughts tumbled over one another.
Thierry. Thierry. Thierry…
Not only are they complex, they're so vampire-y! You know how sometimes you read about an immortal vampire, but they sound like a teen or twenty-something? Thierry and Olivier actually feel like immortal predators with the way they think and act and feel, their patience, their boredom, their general disassociation from humanity. These vampires are sexy but deadly, the kind that can blend in with people but are all the more dangerous for it. I loved it. You won't find any sexy biting, but you'll find sex, and you'll find biting. (Content/trigger warning: There's also one explicit rape scene.)
There's also an empathic connection! If there's anything I love reading about almost as much as vampires, it's empaths and empathic connections between characters. And the author writes the connection between Thierry and Olivier beautifully.
Speaking of which, the writing is gorgeous with just the right amount of purple prose to suck you in.
[Thierry's] tension sawed on Olivier’s nerves as tightly as any fiddle, as if the bruises and aching bones weren’t enough. The crowd pressed in on him, every laugh sharp, and every nudge a tightening on a dagger’s hilt.
The settings are also beautifully described with just the right amount of detail to make you feel like you're there. And because this story covers roughly 700 years, you get to experience multiple times and places (1300s Carcassonne, France; 1700s Saxony; and present day Perth, Australia).
There is also a strong romantic element (not between the twins, much to Olivier's dismay). In case you like to know what you're getting into in terms of happy-or-not endings... *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Overall, this was a story of love and obsession with sexy-but-deadly vampires, beautiful writing, and complex characters that I absolutely recommend if you're looking for something dark, violent, and amazing!
*I think this book can work as a standalone if you want it to, however, the rest of the series gives a more complete picture and solid ending for everyone.*
*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 2nd read.*
Reread Ratings:
5 Stars (1st Read – 2015)
5 Stars (2nd Read – 2018)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes sexy but deadly vampires, love stories, complex and twisted characters, and beautiful writing.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Original Review (written after my 1st read):
April 1, 2014
~This review originally appeared on www.readplayreview.com~
As a long time fan of the Paranormal Fantasy genre, i'm used to gay characters and sex scenes in my books. It may surprise you to know that i've never actually read a book that was based entirely around a M/M romance. It is time to change that, so lets dig into Beckoning Blood and see what i've been missing.
Trigger warning: This book contains some graphic scenes that may be triggering if you are sensitive to sexual violence.
I'm going to try very hard not to spoil too much of the plot, because it unfolds so beautifully and it would be a crime to deprive you of the discoveries as they happen.
Review
Where do I begin with this absolute gem?
Daniel De Lorne has crafted such painfully flawed protagonists in Thierry and Olivier. Identical twin brothers living in Carcassone, France around 1390, working in a family abattoir under the heavy handed rule of their father Henri. The twins share a unique bond, through which emotions and thought can flow.
The Characters
Olivier is the more aggressive and extroverted of the pair, always charming the ladies and often the men, but this also means he bears the brunt of their horrible father's violent outbursts. Olivier would do anything for his brother Thierry, as he loves him more deeply than perhaps brothers should love one another.
Thierry is the softer soul, always hanging back behind his brother, always hyperaware of the effect Olivier has on those around him. Of the two, his connection through the bond is much stronger with him being able to see things through his brother's eyes. Thierry however has a secret, he is in love with a childhood friend by the name of Etienne, and he tries desperately to hide the relationship from Olivier knowing just how violent his jealousy can turn.
An older vampire attacks Olivier and turns him, and of course Olivier wants his brother to share the gift of eternal life. As he hunts for his brother he discovers the hidden relationship with Etienne and kills the man before turning his brother.
This unfortunate set of events is only the beginning of a twisted tale through time as the immortal brothers travel the world, feasting on the blood of so many along the way. 400 years later, Theirry is introduced to a young man by the name of Rainer, who feels eerily familiar to him almost instantly. Could this be his long lost love Etienne's soul reborn?
I was talking to a friend about this book and the only way I could describe the writing style is "smooth". The words just flow along the page, I found I required very little rereading of lines which often happens to me in poorly written books. As it moves through different time periods, the language feels appropriate throughout.
Being a paranormal romance, there are quite a number of sex scenes, and often they involve violence to some degree. Even here I found the language use wonderful, it was highly descriptive, and yet never felt tacky (there are no nicknames for organs here thankfully!). The imagery of Theirry and his lovers is vivid and intense, while scenes with Olivier as he riles up a crowd on a dance-floor slowly build tension in just the right way.
Final thoughts
I would highly recommend buying Beckoning Blood, and I find it hard to believe that this is Daniel De Lorne's debut novel. It is so wonderfully polished and a pleasure to read I will be keeping an eye out for his future releases. I went into Beckoning Blood thinking it was a standalone novel, but it ends with a clear lead in to another book which has me excited for the follow up.
As a long time fan of the Paranormal Fantasy genre, i'm used to gay characters and sex scenes in my books. It may surprise you to know that i've never actually read a book that was based entirely around a M/M romance. It is time to change that, so lets dig into Beckoning Blood and see what i've been missing.
Trigger warning: This book contains some graphic scenes that may be triggering if you are sensitive to sexual violence.
I'm going to try very hard not to spoil too much of the plot, because it unfolds so beautifully and it would be a crime to deprive you of the discoveries as they happen.
Review
Where do I begin with this absolute gem?
Daniel De Lorne has crafted such painfully flawed protagonists in Thierry and Olivier. Identical twin brothers living in Carcassone, France around 1390, working in a family abattoir under the heavy handed rule of their father Henri. The twins share a unique bond, through which emotions and thought can flow.
"Thierry was nearer to his lover than Olivier expected, and with each passing moment Thierry's desire bubbled up like thick molasses, coating his insides and dragging him down.
Olivier stumbled, the gravel crunching beneath his feet, and his knee hit the ground. He hadn't felt anything like this before, not from Thierry."
The Characters
Olivier is the more aggressive and extroverted of the pair, always charming the ladies and often the men, but this also means he bears the brunt of their horrible father's violent outbursts. Olivier would do anything for his brother Thierry, as he loves him more deeply than perhaps brothers should love one another.
Thierry is the softer soul, always hanging back behind his brother, always hyperaware of the effect Olivier has on those around him. Of the two, his connection through the bond is much stronger with him being able to see things through his brother's eyes. Thierry however has a secret, he is in love with a childhood friend by the name of Etienne, and he tries desperately to hide the relationship from Olivier knowing just how violent his jealousy can turn.
An older vampire attacks Olivier and turns him, and of course Olivier wants his brother to share the gift of eternal life. As he hunts for his brother he discovers the hidden relationship with Etienne and kills the man before turning his brother.
This unfortunate set of events is only the beginning of a twisted tale through time as the immortal brothers travel the world, feasting on the blood of so many along the way. 400 years later, Theirry is introduced to a young man by the name of Rainer, who feels eerily familiar to him almost instantly. Could this be his long lost love Etienne's soul reborn?
"He fell into the lyrical french that flowed from Reiner's mouth. Chords vibrated throughout his body. His scalp tingled from awakening memories.
They dragged him back to a time, centuries ago, when he was mortal, and making love to a mortal man in the forest around Carcassonne. And mortal eyes looked on him with love.
These eyes.
Out of Reiner's eyes, Etienne looked at him, called to him, wanted him."
I was talking to a friend about this book and the only way I could describe the writing style is "smooth". The words just flow along the page, I found I required very little rereading of lines which often happens to me in poorly written books. As it moves through different time periods, the language feels appropriate throughout.
Being a paranormal romance, there are quite a number of sex scenes, and often they involve violence to some degree. Even here I found the language use wonderful, it was highly descriptive, and yet never felt tacky (there are no nicknames for organs here thankfully!). The imagery of Theirry and his lovers is vivid and intense, while scenes with Olivier as he riles up a crowd on a dance-floor slowly build tension in just the right way.
Final thoughts
I would highly recommend buying Beckoning Blood, and I find it hard to believe that this is Daniel De Lorne's debut novel. It is so wonderfully polished and a pleasure to read I will be keeping an eye out for his future releases. I went into Beckoning Blood thinking it was a standalone novel, but it ends with a clear lead in to another book which has me excited for the follow up.
May 24, 2016
3 1/2 stars
Twin vampire brothers. Yes, I had an image in my head. Probably because this book does feel like a Vampire Diaries fan fic.
Many times I was yelling at my kindle "TEASE!!!! Why won't you give me the brother love!!!!"
I never really warmed to Thierry. He was right there next to his brother, participating in the same things...yet Olivier is the one painted as a monster.
I don't think Thierry is any more moral than Olivier.
I loved Olivier. He loved his brother a little to much...and maybe he went off the rails a bit, but he did love him. I want more Olivier.
Sorry, but I though Thierry was a little dull.
I'm glad Thierry got a hea....But now all I care about is an Olivier demented but hea.
Twin vampire brothers. Yes, I had an image in my head. Probably because this book does feel like a Vampire Diaries fan fic.
Many times I was yelling at my kindle "TEASE!!!! Why won't you give me the brother love!!!!"
I never really warmed to Thierry. He was right there next to his brother, participating in the same things...yet Olivier is the one painted as a monster.
I don't think Thierry is any more moral than Olivier.
I loved Olivier. He loved his brother a little to much...and maybe he went off the rails a bit, but he did love him. I want more Olivier.
Sorry, but I though Thierry was a little dull.
I'm glad Thierry got a hea....But now all I care about is an Olivier demented but hea.
April 3, 2014
*** I have received an ARC via NetGalley ***
This is a true gem for any paranormal book fan and I certainly did not expect such a wonderfully dark, twisted and bloody (yes, it does get pretty detailed, like the cover suggests) story to be published by Harlequin (okay, it's by Escape Publishing, but they are uder Harlequin).
I thought that this would be a fluffy vampire romance - but no.
It is so much more.
"Beckoning Blood" is the tale of two brothers, twins, who are as different as ying and yang.
Thierry is, despite their brutal upbringing, still caring and compassionate but his twin Olivier is borderline insane and unhealthily obsessed with Thierry.
The brothers share a special bond as twins and are never really "apart", therefore Olivier tries to keep his brother for himself and his jealousy ends with a desaster.
Some reviewers compared this to Anne Rice's vampire stories but no, sorry.
I think "Beckoning Blood" plays in another league, the writing is so much better and engaging than Mrs. Rice's (sorry, but true... never understood the hype).
I won't spoiler you (except, READ IT!!!) except, that I felt that the ending (not a cliffhanger but still not final) was a bit rushed.
It is a compelling story, not for the faint of heart, but something unique among the "usual" vampire stories.
The fact that this is a m/m story made this book even better for me ;)
This is a true gem for any paranormal book fan and I certainly did not expect such a wonderfully dark, twisted and bloody (yes, it does get pretty detailed, like the cover suggests) story to be published by Harlequin (okay, it's by Escape Publishing, but they are uder Harlequin).
I thought that this would be a fluffy vampire romance - but no.
It is so much more.
"Beckoning Blood" is the tale of two brothers, twins, who are as different as ying and yang.
Thierry is, despite their brutal upbringing, still caring and compassionate but his twin Olivier is borderline insane and unhealthily obsessed with Thierry.
The brothers share a special bond as twins and are never really "apart", therefore Olivier tries to keep his brother for himself and his jealousy ends with a desaster.
Some reviewers compared this to Anne Rice's vampire stories but no, sorry.
I think "Beckoning Blood" plays in another league, the writing is so much better and engaging than Mrs. Rice's (sorry, but true... never understood the hype).
I won't spoiler you (except, READ IT!!!) except, that I felt that the ending (not a cliffhanger but still not final) was a bit rushed.
It is a compelling story, not for the faint of heart, but something unique among the "usual" vampire stories.
The fact that this is a m/m story made this book even better for me ;)
November 30, 2018
Gory and Nasty.
Loved it.
More.
Loved it.
More.
May 1, 2014
Book Scorecard
Overall - 4 stars
A vampire novel they way they should be written. No useless whining or longing to be human. They revel in lakes of blood, and play with humans like the toys they view them to be.
Fantasy World - 3 stars
The story moves quickly through the centuries. Nothing pulled me out of the story, but I really wanted more details of their various locations.
Tingle - 5 stars
From clandestine assignations in the woods to sultry nights in dance clubs, the sex ranges from tender to animal lust. Fabulous man on man action.
Characters - 4 stars
Good/evil twins alternate between battling others and each other. They're delicious. Other characters get shortchanged though.
Story - 4 stars
Alternates between each twin's point of view – sometimes confusing. Ending is happy for now, but it's certainly not the end of their story.
Summary
Yet another book where the marketing blurb doesn't do it justice. The heart of “Beckoning Blood” by Daniel de Lorne is the struggle between the twins. Thierry wants to get away from his twin and finds love in the arms of another. Olivier cares only for his twin, and wants his love returned. They are both shaped by a brutal father, and the horrific conditions into which they are born. Incestuous undertones abound as do mind games and blood. This is a vampire book you can sink your fangs into.
There are a few places in which “Beckoning Blood” falls short. The storyline of the twins' sister is awkward and unexplained. She randomly appears and interrupts the action. There are hints more will be explained in future installments, and that the twins are just the tip of the iceberg. That's a good thing because if there is one thing I want, it's more of their story. The next book is an automatic one click for me.
Favorite Quote
"He recalled nights of sex, blood and exquisite pain to make himself hard. Fortunately, he had plenty to choose from."
*Copy provided free by publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
For access to all links in this review, please visit http://redlightfictiondistrict.blogsp...
Love stories which include menage sex or relationships? Come join me at the Menage Readers Group on Goodreads!
Overall - 4 stars
A vampire novel they way they should be written. No useless whining or longing to be human. They revel in lakes of blood, and play with humans like the toys they view them to be.
Fantasy World - 3 stars
The story moves quickly through the centuries. Nothing pulled me out of the story, but I really wanted more details of their various locations.
Tingle - 5 stars
From clandestine assignations in the woods to sultry nights in dance clubs, the sex ranges from tender to animal lust. Fabulous man on man action.
Characters - 4 stars
Good/evil twins alternate between battling others and each other. They're delicious. Other characters get shortchanged though.
Story - 4 stars
Alternates between each twin's point of view – sometimes confusing. Ending is happy for now, but it's certainly not the end of their story.
Summary
Yet another book where the marketing blurb doesn't do it justice. The heart of “Beckoning Blood” by Daniel de Lorne is the struggle between the twins. Thierry wants to get away from his twin and finds love in the arms of another. Olivier cares only for his twin, and wants his love returned. They are both shaped by a brutal father, and the horrific conditions into which they are born. Incestuous undertones abound as do mind games and blood. This is a vampire book you can sink your fangs into.
There are a few places in which “Beckoning Blood” falls short. The storyline of the twins' sister is awkward and unexplained. She randomly appears and interrupts the action. There are hints more will be explained in future installments, and that the twins are just the tip of the iceberg. That's a good thing because if there is one thing I want, it's more of their story. The next book is an automatic one click for me.
Favorite Quote
"He recalled nights of sex, blood and exquisite pain to make himself hard. Fortunately, he had plenty to choose from."
*Copy provided free by publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
For access to all links in this review, please visit http://redlightfictiondistrict.blogsp...
Love stories which include menage sex or relationships? Come join me at the Menage Readers Group on Goodreads!
September 9, 2016
I can't say that I really enjoyed this book. The one thing that I liked about it was the idea, the story. Gay twin brothers who're turned into vampires and have this strange telepathic connection and this love-and-hate relationship, wow! This could have been one epic book. But it wasn't.
That was partly due because of the bad writing. The sentences were plain and simple and I couldn't get into the plot at all, not at one point. They were just words on a page but not a story coming to life. I would have enjoyed the gory bits if there had actually been a creepy atmosphere. But as it was, they felt more ridiculous than anything else.
Another reason is the characterization. The characters, even our main twin heroes, stay completely flat. There isn't anything compelling or likeable about them. Thierry is supposed to be the caring one of the brothers. But he's self-centered, naive and ignorant. I actually despised him more than I did Olivier. At least, he wasn't lying to himself or anyone at all. I would have loved if the author had decided to explore the forbidden attraction between the brothers more in depth.
The author chose some pretty interesting places for the story, like Carcassonne or the 18th century Germany. But I couldn't feel them either. There was nothing especially French or German about them. Even the names weren't exactly authentic. And I would know... being German myself. Another great chance missed.
So, I'm giving the book two stars for the great idea which, I feel, is already pretty generous. But overall reading it felt more like a waste of time than a lot of fun.
That was partly due because of the bad writing. The sentences were plain and simple and I couldn't get into the plot at all, not at one point. They were just words on a page but not a story coming to life. I would have enjoyed the gory bits if there had actually been a creepy atmosphere. But as it was, they felt more ridiculous than anything else.
Another reason is the characterization. The characters, even our main twin heroes, stay completely flat. There isn't anything compelling or likeable about them. Thierry is supposed to be the caring one of the brothers. But he's self-centered, naive and ignorant. I actually despised him more than I did Olivier. At least, he wasn't lying to himself or anyone at all. I would have loved if the author had decided to explore the forbidden attraction between the brothers more in depth.
The author chose some pretty interesting places for the story, like Carcassonne or the 18th century Germany. But I couldn't feel them either. There was nothing especially French or German about them. Even the names weren't exactly authentic. And I would know... being German myself. Another great chance missed.
So, I'm giving the book two stars for the great idea which, I feel, is already pretty generous. But overall reading it felt more like a waste of time than a lot of fun.
April 26, 2020
New to me author. This is a dark mm paranormal story set over many centuries. Twin brothers Oliver and Thierry start as humans and become vampires. Lots of blood and betrayal in this story. There is an awesome climax too.
November 30, 2017
#DNF
Two twins, one (Oliver) turns the other in a possessive rage because (Thierry) got a lover. They both spend years together luxuriating in blood and pleasure. Until Thierry finds his dead lover reincarnated.
First of all, on the first page, they were slaughtering pigs. That should have given me enough of a hint that this book was trash. The characters had no substance and while the twins were 'supposed' BAMFs they really weren't. The only time they did anything noteworthy was while they killed innocents. Honestly, they were wimpy... they couldn't stand up to their very old and drunk father when they were young and strong. Nor while they were new vampires.
The way the twins try to fight each other is sad and pathetic in a way.
They can't stand up to their little sister who doesn't do anything even tho she has the power. Overall Beckoning Blood was unsatisfactory. I am all for dark, broody, violent, sexy vampire twins however, this novel's portrayal of the plot, that had such great potential, was horrible.
Two twins, one (Oliver) turns the other in a possessive rage because (Thierry) got a lover. They both spend years together luxuriating in blood and pleasure. Until Thierry finds his dead lover reincarnated.
First of all, on the first page, they were slaughtering pigs. That should have given me enough of a hint that this book was trash. The characters had no substance and while the twins were 'supposed' BAMFs they really weren't. The only time they did anything noteworthy was while they killed innocents. Honestly, they were wimpy... they couldn't stand up to their very old and drunk father when they were young and strong. Nor while they were new vampires.
The way the twins try to fight each other is sad and pathetic in a way.
They can't stand up to their little sister who doesn't do anything even tho she has the power. Overall Beckoning Blood was unsatisfactory. I am all for dark, broody, violent, sexy vampire twins however, this novel's portrayal of the plot, that had such great potential, was horrible.
May 8, 2014
Beckoning Blood starts off with some of the grittiest, gory scenes I’ve read in quite some time and I really loved it. Dark, dangerous and dirty; twins Thierry and Olivier know how to fight, how to keep secrets, and how to avoid their murderous father. Each with desires that could see them dead, living in a world full of fear and destruction, this paranormally linked pair struggle to stay alive in the squalor of 1390’s Carcassonne.
Really great writing and a story that gripped me from the start, Beckoning Blood was intriguing and mysterious and wrapped in all the sultry tones of an M/M romance full of twists and turns. Beckoning Blood covers different moments in time and places and I found myself really enjoying this raw, no-holds-barred story.
There were however, a couple of moments when the story became a little stilted and I found myself tempted to skim a few pages, but it would soon pick up again and I’d be thrust amongst another tremulous situation of treachery and jealousy.
Beckoning Blood is a centuries old roller coaster ride that spans the globe, full of debauchery, love, mystery and intrigue and I really enjoyed its rough and somewhat risqué story. I’ll happily read further books in this series - 4 Stars.
Really great writing and a story that gripped me from the start, Beckoning Blood was intriguing and mysterious and wrapped in all the sultry tones of an M/M romance full of twists and turns. Beckoning Blood covers different moments in time and places and I found myself really enjoying this raw, no-holds-barred story.
There were however, a couple of moments when the story became a little stilted and I found myself tempted to skim a few pages, but it would soon pick up again and I’d be thrust amongst another tremulous situation of treachery and jealousy.
Beckoning Blood is a centuries old roller coaster ride that spans the globe, full of debauchery, love, mystery and intrigue and I really enjoyed its rough and somewhat risqué story. I’ll happily read further books in this series - 4 Stars.
Want to read
April 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2020)! 🎁
November 14, 2020
Dark
At first I really enjoyed it but then eventually it got to be a bit much with all the killing and blood. A lot was left unexplained.
At first I really enjoyed it but then eventually it got to be a bit much with all the killing and blood. A lot was left unexplained.
May 22, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2014
A gripping, blood‐drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies — no matter how many times you kill it.
Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir — Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.
Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: 4.75 stars
BECKONING BLOOD is the first instalment for first time author Daniel de Lorne’s new paranormal, adult, vampire series focusing on twin brothers Theirry and Olivier d’Arjou. The storyline spans over six hundred years-from 1390 to present day-following the brothers’s transformation to vampires and lethal killers. Beckoning Blood is a story of love, hatred, blood lust and sibling rivalry. This is not your sparkly vampire novel-this is a novel of betrayal and revenge between two brothers and a series of enemies they have made along the way.
NOTE: Beckoning Blood is a M/M storyline with graphic depictions of same sex scenarios, obsession and bloody violence.
The focus of the storyline is the relationship between twin brothers Thierry and Olivier d’Arjou. Growing up in a violent and abusive household the brothers are turned one fateful night that saw Thierry’s lover murdered and the brothers on the run. The storyline fast forwards in several spots, skipping hundreds of years at a time but what happens in the ensuing years is revealed when necessary to the plot and story. As Thierry continues to mourn the loss of his soul mate Etienne, Olivier’s thirst for blood and revenge are the building blocks of a violent history between two brothers who are searching for love and acceptance-Thierry’s search for his long dead lover in every soul that he meets and Olivier’s obsession and love for Thierry. With over six hundred years of history, the brothers have made many enemies and will soon discover they are not the only immortal beings with a thirst for revenge.
The relationship between Thierry and Olivier is volatile, necessary and emotional. They are tied to one another’s psyche through bloodline, power and pain. The twins are the epitome of good and evil; black and white; yin and yang. Years and centuries would separate the brothers but they are pulled to one another in an emotional tale of jealousy, love and family ties. When it finally looks like Thierry will be free of Olivier’s psychotic and painful deception, fate will step in when it is learned that Olivier is needed for a higher purpose. It is Olivier’s never ending love and need for Thierry that fuels his crazed and murderous jealous rages.
The secondary characters are numerous, colorful and play a continuous role throughout the storyline in various incarnations and sources of threats. The brothers will face their mortality on more than one occasion but there is always someone or something watching and waiting to step in and save the day.
Told from third person close point of view BECKONING BLOOD is a well written, evenly paced, original storyline of suspense and horror about a love between two brothers that is violent, graphic and not without some questionable moral ethics. There are no apologies for the death and destruction reaped by the brothers-they are, after all, predators and humans are their prey. But Thierry does have a conscience-one born of love-that pits the brothers against one another in an enduring battle of right and wrong throughout the years.
Daniel de Lorne has written a seductively dark and dangerous storyline where the fine line between love and hate is only a matter of blood. The world building spans centuries and countries; family and friends; death and rebirth. BECKONING BLOOD is astonishing in its’ violence; dramatic in its’ presentation; passionate in its’ love.
Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
A gripping, blood‐drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies — no matter how many times you kill it.
Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir — Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.
Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.
~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW: 4.75 stars
BECKONING BLOOD is the first instalment for first time author Daniel de Lorne’s new paranormal, adult, vampire series focusing on twin brothers Theirry and Olivier d’Arjou. The storyline spans over six hundred years-from 1390 to present day-following the brothers’s transformation to vampires and lethal killers. Beckoning Blood is a story of love, hatred, blood lust and sibling rivalry. This is not your sparkly vampire novel-this is a novel of betrayal and revenge between two brothers and a series of enemies they have made along the way.
NOTE: Beckoning Blood is a M/M storyline with graphic depictions of same sex scenarios, obsession and bloody violence.
The focus of the storyline is the relationship between twin brothers Thierry and Olivier d’Arjou. Growing up in a violent and abusive household the brothers are turned one fateful night that saw Thierry’s lover murdered and the brothers on the run. The storyline fast forwards in several spots, skipping hundreds of years at a time but what happens in the ensuing years is revealed when necessary to the plot and story. As Thierry continues to mourn the loss of his soul mate Etienne, Olivier’s thirst for blood and revenge are the building blocks of a violent history between two brothers who are searching for love and acceptance-Thierry’s search for his long dead lover in every soul that he meets and Olivier’s obsession and love for Thierry. With over six hundred years of history, the brothers have made many enemies and will soon discover they are not the only immortal beings with a thirst for revenge.
The relationship between Thierry and Olivier is volatile, necessary and emotional. They are tied to one another’s psyche through bloodline, power and pain. The twins are the epitome of good and evil; black and white; yin and yang. Years and centuries would separate the brothers but they are pulled to one another in an emotional tale of jealousy, love and family ties. When it finally looks like Thierry will be free of Olivier’s psychotic and painful deception, fate will step in when it is learned that Olivier is needed for a higher purpose. It is Olivier’s never ending love and need for Thierry that fuels his crazed and murderous jealous rages.
The secondary characters are numerous, colorful and play a continuous role throughout the storyline in various incarnations and sources of threats. The brothers will face their mortality on more than one occasion but there is always someone or something watching and waiting to step in and save the day.
Told from third person close point of view BECKONING BLOOD is a well written, evenly paced, original storyline of suspense and horror about a love between two brothers that is violent, graphic and not without some questionable moral ethics. There are no apologies for the death and destruction reaped by the brothers-they are, after all, predators and humans are their prey. But Thierry does have a conscience-one born of love-that pits the brothers against one another in an enduring battle of right and wrong throughout the years.
Daniel de Lorne has written a seductively dark and dangerous storyline where the fine line between love and hate is only a matter of blood. The world building spans centuries and countries; family and friends; death and rebirth. BECKONING BLOOD is astonishing in its’ violence; dramatic in its’ presentation; passionate in its’ love.
Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 27, 2020
This is the first book and it was a great one to read. This is a continuing story. This first book tells the struggles of the twins that were turned into vampires. One loves the other and wants him to himself. The other loves someone else and sees the death of his liver more then once. A great start to a wonderful series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2014
Beckoning Blood was a twisted, stormy, pitch-black ride that spans centuries–starting in France in the 1300′s and going forward to modern-day Australia. It reminded me in many ways of the television shows Oz and Spartacus, or Tiffany Reisz’s Original Sinner’s series – not so much the subject matter since the aforementioned have no vampires - as the way it was told, the way the characters consistently crossed the blurred lines of good and evil (or moral and immoral), and just when you thought someone was about to make positive strides, either they took a turn for the worse or their hopes were ripped away–violently. I found the subject matter of Beckoning Blood to be equally gripping and brutal. And equally fascinating. ;)
The relationship between the two twins, Thierry and Olivier, seems at best co-dependent, and at worst something abusive. Olivier is seductive, sadistic, and murderous in his jealousy toward anybody who takes his twin brother’s attention away from him. He outwardly rebels against the savage man who raised them and will in fact kill anyone who reminds him of their father, but inside he seems to have become exactly the same kind of man, and revels in the fact:
“He recalled nights of sex, blood and exquisite pain to make himself hard. Fortunately, he had plenty to choose from.”
Thierry on the other hand seems to struggle between morality and his base needs as a man and the beast he’s become. He starts the book a man in love, and that love allows him an escape from the brutality of living with his father and working all day in a slaughterhouse. Soon, everything gets ripped away, and all he has left is Olivier.
If you love your fiction dark, bloody, and breathtaking, you will love this book. And it does, for one brother at least, have a hopeful ending. If you’re a reader with trigger issues, I would proceed with caution. As an assault survivor I found Olivier’s acts of sexual violence, while befitting the character, were described in graphic enough detail to make for painful reading. Still, overall, a captivating experience.
The relationship between the two twins, Thierry and Olivier, seems at best co-dependent, and at worst something abusive. Olivier is seductive, sadistic, and murderous in his jealousy toward anybody who takes his twin brother’s attention away from him. He outwardly rebels against the savage man who raised them and will in fact kill anyone who reminds him of their father, but inside he seems to have become exactly the same kind of man, and revels in the fact:
“He recalled nights of sex, blood and exquisite pain to make himself hard. Fortunately, he had plenty to choose from.”
Thierry on the other hand seems to struggle between morality and his base needs as a man and the beast he’s become. He starts the book a man in love, and that love allows him an escape from the brutality of living with his father and working all day in a slaughterhouse. Soon, everything gets ripped away, and all he has left is Olivier.
If you love your fiction dark, bloody, and breathtaking, you will love this book. And it does, for one brother at least, have a hopeful ending. If you’re a reader with trigger issues, I would proceed with caution. As an assault survivor I found Olivier’s acts of sexual violence, while befitting the character, were described in graphic enough detail to make for painful reading. Still, overall, a captivating experience.
May 21, 2014
Compelling would be the word for this debut from Daniel de Lorne. This had everything in it that I love from a damn good vampire tale.
Mr de Lorne's writing style has just enough emotion in it to drag a reader in and clips along at a pace that keeps you turning the page. There's gore, pathos, hot sex and humor... pretty much everything you need to while away a sneaky afternoon reading.
Frankly, it's like he's taken all the elements that work in vampire fiction and has thrown away the rest. Love it. And my gawd can he build tension between characters. The fracture/conflicted/brilliantly messy relationship between Thierry and Olivier constantly had me on the edge of my seat.
And Thierry and Etienne... okay I'm running into my whole "Don't give the plot away because that's half the fun of reading" thing but let's just say the "love" triangle in this story is brilliantly done.
And the way the book handles the passing of time and mortality... fantastic.
I genuinely thought I was over Vampire stories but this is something very special. Do give it a go. I'll definitely be auto-buying Mr de Lorne's next.
Mr de Lorne's writing style has just enough emotion in it to drag a reader in and clips along at a pace that keeps you turning the page. There's gore, pathos, hot sex and humor... pretty much everything you need to while away a sneaky afternoon reading.
Frankly, it's like he's taken all the elements that work in vampire fiction and has thrown away the rest. Love it. And my gawd can he build tension between characters. The fracture/conflicted/brilliantly messy relationship between Thierry and Olivier constantly had me on the edge of my seat.
And Thierry and Etienne... okay I'm running into my whole "Don't give the plot away because that's half the fun of reading" thing but let's just say the "love" triangle in this story is brilliantly done.
And the way the book handles the passing of time and mortality... fantastic.
I genuinely thought I was over Vampire stories but this is something very special. Do give it a go. I'll definitely be auto-buying Mr de Lorne's next.
May 8, 2020
This is my 1st read and review for this author and wow what an amazing story and boy is it dark but that just made the story more exciting and this is the story of twin vampire brothers Oliver and Thierry. Oliver is the bad twin he takes great pleasure in people’s pain and giving it out as well he’s sadistic and cruel, Thierry is the good twin well if you can call him good the only difference is that Thierry isn’t cruel or psychotic but boredom makes a vampire dangerous. I’m not going to get too much into this story but let me tell you if blood and gore and hardcore violence isn’t your thing then don’t get this book, it’s one hell of a dark read but I loved this story it’s amazing and I can’t wait to read book 2 and I definitely recommend this book.
May 22, 2014
brilliant brilliant story!!!!!!!!!!!
olivier olivier olivier..... i fell so so sorry for him but he was so horrible to his brother...
what a fantastic story as we follow the brothers through the centuries killing fucking and gore everywhere they went.. thierry still trying to find his love and what a brilliant ending cant wait for book two.... dont want to say to much but book 2 will be brilliant!!!!!!
olivier olivier olivier..... i fell so so sorry for him but he was so horrible to his brother...
what a fantastic story as we follow the brothers through the centuries killing fucking and gore everywhere they went.. thierry still trying to find his love and what a brilliant ending cant wait for book two.... dont want to say to much but book 2 will be brilliant!!!!!!
May 1, 2020
Finally a book that can truly be described as dark. I've been disappointed many times over when a book is categorized as dark but it's not really dark at all. Even books with trigger warnings aren't much of a trigger. Beckoning Blood, however, deserves the title of the Truly Dark Reads Of the Decade and the author, Daniel de Lorne, should be the King of the Triggers. This is how I love my dark books - where there's no euphemism, where bad characters act like villains and there aren't excuses for their behavior, where's there's no glossing over or downplaying scenes of violence or rape.
This book has it all: violence, gore, and noncon - all what I would expect a story with vampires and other paranormals, in this case witches.
Again, if you're one of those queasy readers who don't like violence or has triggers, then don't read this book. But if you're like me,who loves to read unabashedly dark stories, then this book won't disappoint.
Daniel de Lorne, you're my favorite new author! Your characters are so well-developed; they have such depth in them that I can feel Oliver's and Thierry's pain. I love that there's a strong female character, Aurelia. Many times, mm books tend to forget the female gender despite being over 51% of the population.
The story has a fast-paced and easy to follow flow. The suspense in each scene and the suspense of the story arc has me willingly trapped in this series. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I want to point out that though this is a series - the story arc has not been resolved (and the suspense is killing me), it's not as cliffy as some series. I really hate cliffhangers so I avoid incomplete series especially when they have major cliffhangers. However with this book, I was deeply satisfied with the ending.
If I could give it a 10 stars, I would!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has it all: violence, gore, and noncon - all what I would expect a story with vampires and other paranormals, in this case witches.
Again, if you're one of those queasy readers who don't like violence or has triggers, then don't read this book. But if you're like me,who loves to read unabashedly dark stories, then this book won't disappoint.
Daniel de Lorne, you're my favorite new author! Your characters are so well-developed; they have such depth in them that I can feel Oliver's and Thierry's pain. I love that there's a strong female character, Aurelia. Many times, mm books tend to forget the female gender despite being over 51% of the population.
The story has a fast-paced and easy to follow flow. The suspense in each scene and the suspense of the story arc has me willingly trapped in this series. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I want to point out that though this is a series - the story arc has not been resolved (and the suspense is killing me), it's not as cliffy as some series. I really hate cliffhangers so I avoid incomplete series especially when they have major cliffhangers. However with this book, I was deeply satisfied with the ending.
If I could give it a 10 stars, I would!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2021
I’m giving this one star because the author took the effort to write it and because it genuinely had potential to be a great story. But other than potential, it had nothing else to offer.
This read like an outline of a book, not even a first draft. The pacing was shoddy at best and worst of all, the characters were so one dimensional that I couldn’t even root for the protagonist because there was nothing about him I could relate to besides…. Idk… love? There’s so little substance or nuance behind anyone’s motivations that everything came off incredibly campy.
There were countless plot devices that had little to no context whatsoever and I had question marks swirling in my head from start to finish. I feel like this book would have benefited from being split into a trilogy, so that each of the story lines could be explored properly, most especially the bond between the brothers and how it developed because what is supposed to be the driving force behind the entire story fell so frustratingly flat.
Lastly, I picked up this book because it was advertised as a twisted and dark MM romance. It’s far from it. I would equate it to watching an episode from a later season of American Horror Story: gratuitous blood and gore for the sake of shock value because the writers couldn’t think of anything else more creative.
I wish this book had a better editor and was more carefully thought out because like I said, it had potential. But potential definitely wasn’t enough to save this story.
Side note: I absolutely hate that the vampires are not affected by the sun and it’s never explained why. Much like the rest of the book, this just happens, no context or depth and you’re just expected to go with it.
This read like an outline of a book, not even a first draft. The pacing was shoddy at best and worst of all, the characters were so one dimensional that I couldn’t even root for the protagonist because there was nothing about him I could relate to besides…. Idk… love? There’s so little substance or nuance behind anyone’s motivations that everything came off incredibly campy.
There were countless plot devices that had little to no context whatsoever and I had question marks swirling in my head from start to finish. I feel like this book would have benefited from being split into a trilogy, so that each of the story lines could be explored properly, most especially the bond between the brothers and how it developed because what is supposed to be the driving force behind the entire story fell so frustratingly flat.
Lastly, I picked up this book because it was advertised as a twisted and dark MM romance. It’s far from it. I would equate it to watching an episode from a later season of American Horror Story: gratuitous blood and gore for the sake of shock value because the writers couldn’t think of anything else more creative.
I wish this book had a better editor and was more carefully thought out because like I said, it had potential. But potential definitely wasn’t enough to save this story.
Side note: I absolutely hate that the vampires are not affected by the sun and it’s never explained why. Much like the rest of the book, this just happens, no context or depth and you’re just expected to go with it.
Read
April 23, 2020A refreshingly brutal vampire tale. Wonderful start to the series.
The story is three vignettes, one in 1390, one in 1792 and one in present time, with the same characters, some in the same bodies, some in different.
Twins who were converted to vampire against their wills in 14th century CE France, Thierry and Olivier have a love/hate relationship. Their sister, Aurelia, a witch, tracks and restrains them. All three were sexually brutalized by Henri, their father, The brothers share a psychic bond, feeling each others' emotions and sometimes thoughts. These are men of the middle ages, vicious, aggressive and uninhibited. And they can walk in daylight!! No sparkling, no burning from the sun’s rays.
The characters are multidimensional and held me enthralled, I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for installments 2 and 3!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is three vignettes, one in 1390, one in 1792 and one in present time, with the same characters, some in the same bodies, some in different.
Twins who were converted to vampire against their wills in 14th century CE France, Thierry and Olivier have a love/hate relationship. Their sister, Aurelia, a witch, tracks and restrains them. All three were sexually brutalized by Henri, their father, The brothers share a psychic bond, feeling each others' emotions and sometimes thoughts. These are men of the middle ages, vicious, aggressive and uninhibited. And they can walk in daylight!! No sparkling, no burning from the sun’s rays.
The characters are multidimensional and held me enthralled, I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for installments 2 and 3!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
My Booktube
ok you got me
this is pretty dark so go in expecting that. There is a lot of death and there are mentions of kids being killed. There is also blood play and a rape, and both are done by a person you aren’t supposed to like, so the book doesn’t glorify the rape.
I’m thinking a 4.5 for this just because I did really like the majority of the book though there were a few slower bits. If anything I’m sad we don’t get more historical bits, but with the way this ended I am INTRIGUED. Olivier is so awful and personally I think he should be killed off already.
ok you got me
this is pretty dark so go in expecting that. There is a lot of death and there are mentions of kids being killed. There is also blood play and a rape, and both are done by a person you aren’t supposed to like, so the book doesn’t glorify the rape.
I’m thinking a 4.5 for this just because I did really like the majority of the book though there were a few slower bits. If anything I’m sad we don’t get more historical bits, but with the way this ended I am INTRIGUED. Olivier is so awful and personally I think he should be killed off already.
January 26, 2021
2,5 stars
Ambitious take on most romanticized monster in fiction by debut author. :)
Well, to call it a story about vampires wouldn't be exactly accurate, since story is more focused on sick obsession one twin has with his brother- in fact, every thing that happened in this book can be tracked to this.
Triggers: Ok, I think this is a good place to write one thing I was wondering when I was musing should I buy this book: does this book feature twincest or not? When I read the blurb for the first time, it gave off that vibe and I am not fan, so I went reading reviews to get a straight answer. The book does not feature twincest. Olivier is crazy-obssesed with his brother but it's not only sexual..he wants to have all of him for himself. It has some sexual overtones due to his all-consuming obsession.
As for other triggers, there is one noncon sex scene.
Some things I liked about this book, some not so much.
Stuff I liked:
1) Well, this story spans over centuries. It's divided into 3 parts: with first happening in France during XIV century; second part is XVIII century Germany and third part is present time Australia. I think, that when you write immortal creature it gives you a great opportunity to play with timeline and write different setting. I love when authors use that. :)
2)I liked that vampires written here were written to be truly dangerous. They are monsters with thirst for blood and they don't hesitate to kill. I don't like when vampires are written like human with fangs and different diet- I always love to see when bite change something fundamental in a person that makes him/her less human. And that was achieved here... even a good twin (and I use good here in a very broad sense) was a monster.
3)Plot driven story - Author tells an interesting story, and this was one full of twists and surprises.
4)Premise of sick obsession- This can be really great plot device. It's extremely passionate motivation that can give birth to some really intense scenes; scenes tied to high stakes. The fact it's an obsession Olivier has with his twin brother? Well, you have one sick puppy right there and you just know he will wreck havoc.
Stuff I didn't like:
1)What I loved about vampires was unfortunately deluded with vague , confusing and somewhat messily explanation of entire process and rules of their functioning. So, these vampires need blood to survive, but apparently can eat some food, it's just tasteless to them.They have no issues with sunlight, the way to kill them is also not explained completely. They can go without blood for some time, but it makes them... sick? That seems kind of organic process to me, but then it was also mentioned that Olivier is feeding on attention, that it makes him stronger...which alludes to magical process...?
And why only one of them? I honestly don't know. Like I said, I have no idea what kind of vampires they are, because it seems that author added these little details later or he wrote it like he presumed we already know how it works. Same thing can be applied to their sister and her power.
2)Characterization - I never really grew on Thierry. He was supposed to be the guy I should root for and yet I found Olivier and his manic, cartoonish evilness immensely more fun. Thierry was just so bland and apathetic for majority of novel... He simply wasn't interested. . Also his actions seem at times in direct conflict with his thoughts.. I never really grasped his feelings for his brother: I understood he always hated him, yet he did many things for Olivier voluntarily.
3)Telling, not showing. Ok, this is an issue that can be overlooked because this is author's first novel, but I still think it's good to be mentioned. For example:
Now, this is incredibly important thing about Olivier's character, but we didn't even get a chance to conclude it ourselves. We were just told it is. And this happened often in novel... Sometimes I have a feeling that debut authors are afraid readers are not going to understand what they are trying to achieve with their characters, so they overwrite it. It happened here as well.
4)Time gaps - this is partially tied to previous problem, but I feel like we missed some important things in character development with skipping centuries between parts. Some scenes, some events were briefly mentioned and I felt like they were extremely important for relationship Thierry and Olivier have.
5)Cliffhanger ending.
I saw that author is working on a sequel, so I guess we'll get conclusion.
In terms of story, this has a lot of potential. It's an easy read you can read in one setting; it's fast-paced and there is no dull moment. The thing is that with the way this story is delivered and simplistic narration, it actually lacks suspense and I think that would make this book much better read. :)
Ambitious take on most romanticized monster in fiction by debut author. :)
Well, to call it a story about vampires wouldn't be exactly accurate, since story is more focused on sick obsession one twin has with his brother- in fact, every thing that happened in this book can be tracked to this.
Triggers: Ok, I think this is a good place to write one thing I was wondering when I was musing should I buy this book: does this book feature twincest or not? When I read the blurb for the first time, it gave off that vibe and I am not fan, so I went reading reviews to get a straight answer. The book does not feature twincest. Olivier is crazy-obssesed with his brother but it's not only sexual..he wants to have all of him for himself. It has some sexual overtones due to his all-consuming obsession.
As for other triggers, there is one noncon sex scene.
Some things I liked about this book, some not so much.
Stuff I liked:
1) Well, this story spans over centuries. It's divided into 3 parts: with first happening in France during XIV century; second part is XVIII century Germany and third part is present time Australia. I think, that when you write immortal creature it gives you a great opportunity to play with timeline and write different setting. I love when authors use that. :)
2)I liked that vampires written here were written to be truly dangerous. They are monsters with thirst for blood and they don't hesitate to kill. I don't like when vampires are written like human with fangs and different diet- I always love to see when bite change something fundamental in a person that makes him/her less human. And that was achieved here... even a good twin (and I use good here in a very broad sense) was a monster.
3)Plot driven story - Author tells an interesting story, and this was one full of twists and surprises.
4)Premise of sick obsession- This can be really great plot device. It's extremely passionate motivation that can give birth to some really intense scenes; scenes tied to high stakes. The fact it's an obsession Olivier has with his twin brother? Well, you have one sick puppy right there and you just know he will wreck havoc.
Stuff I didn't like:
1)What I loved about vampires was unfortunately deluded with vague , confusing and somewhat messily explanation of entire process and rules of their functioning. So, these vampires need blood to survive, but apparently can eat some food, it's just tasteless to them.They have no issues with sunlight, the way to kill them is also not explained completely. They can go without blood for some time, but it makes them... sick? That seems kind of organic process to me, but then it was also mentioned that Olivier is feeding on attention, that it makes him stronger...which alludes to magical process...?
And why only one of them? I honestly don't know. Like I said, I have no idea what kind of vampires they are, because it seems that author added these little details later or he wrote it like he presumed we already know how it works. Same thing can be applied to their sister and her power. 2)Characterization - I never really grew on Thierry. He was supposed to be the guy I should root for and yet I found Olivier and his manic, cartoonish evilness immensely more fun. Thierry was just so bland and apathetic for majority of novel... He simply wasn't interested. . Also his actions seem at times in direct conflict with his thoughts.. I never really grasped his feelings for his brother: I understood he always hated him, yet he did many things for Olivier voluntarily.
3)Telling, not showing. Ok, this is an issue that can be overlooked because this is author's first novel, but I still think it's good to be mentioned. For example:
"He rode his violent tendencies with a firm hand, each act of cruelty carefully meted out."
Now, this is incredibly important thing about Olivier's character, but we didn't even get a chance to conclude it ourselves. We were just told it is. And this happened often in novel... Sometimes I have a feeling that debut authors are afraid readers are not going to understand what they are trying to achieve with their characters, so they overwrite it. It happened here as well.
4)Time gaps - this is partially tied to previous problem, but I feel like we missed some important things in character development with skipping centuries between parts. Some scenes, some events were briefly mentioned and I felt like they were extremely important for relationship Thierry and Olivier have.
5)Cliffhanger ending.
I saw that author is working on a sequel, so I guess we'll get conclusion. In terms of story, this has a lot of potential. It's an easy read you can read in one setting; it's fast-paced and there is no dull moment. The thing is that with the way this story is delivered and simplistic narration, it actually lacks suspense and I think that would make this book much better read. :)
June 4, 2021
Finally a gay vampire with bite! If anything at all offends or triggers you, stay away. This book has no boundaries. I liked it lol. The story is solid, original and fun. The blood flows. The sex goes from harlequin romance to hard-core. I prefer the evil twin. He's more fun!
I have always believed every novel has that one paragraph that sums up the spirit of the novel. This is the first book I have ever read where that one paragraph was the first paragraph.
I have always believed every novel has that one paragraph that sums up the spirit of the novel. This is the first book I have ever read where that one paragraph was the first paragraph.
July 1, 2025
Gay twin vampires with a fae sister - what more could you want?
I found this a pretty good read. The writing was descriptive and colorful. The characters well realized and I could invest in them. I wish it had gone on a little longer but I guess I’m just gonna have to get the next in the series.
I found this a pretty good read. The writing was descriptive and colorful. The characters well realized and I could invest in them. I wish it had gone on a little longer but I guess I’m just gonna have to get the next in the series.
December 25, 2018
I'm not sure how to rate this. I found the first part to be quite slow and repetitive but it picked up pace and intrigue by the end, enough for me to want to continue with the series to see where it goes and what 'the plan' is. A dark story with plenty of death and blood.
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