Life has always seemed impossible for IxBryn Rowan, and it's about to get even more complicated.
IxBryn is a Knight Blood, an immortal human rendered by science to bring about harmony between the two races of Earth, the humans and the vampires -- at least, that was the plan. A terrible tragedy occurred, and IxBryn is now the only surviving Knight, hunted for the potency of her blood, which will render any Immortal nearly unstoppable for a time.
With nowhere left to turn, IxBryn makes her way to Variance, the most prestigious and important City on Earth, to stay with her cousin Bristol, the only person alive who truly understands her, and in turn stumbles upon a secret war breeding within the shadows -- a struggle in which she soon becomes the prize.
With danger at every turn, IxBryn may have to learn to rely on those who appear untrustworthy -- even the labeled sociopath Zarrod Kingsbury, an Ancient vampire, and one of the Elite, who has interests of his own.
The first novella in the Knight Blood series, Midnight introduces readers to a parallel Earth, where vampires roam free, fate is never concrete, and where home can be found in the strangest of places.
Note: This novella series contains violence and suggestive material, and may not be suitable for all readers.
Also available in paperback, with extras not found in the ebook, including a map and flash fiction short story.
Alexandra Lanc has been writing ever since she could pick up a pen, finishing her first novel at age 12. Writing throughout grade school and college, Alexandra explored the literary arts, graphic design, theatre, and dance as she was getting her education. Further knowledge of the writing craft and a passion for books led her to publish her first book, Clara Claus, at age 19, and she has been publishing ever since.
Since then, Alexandra's books have been on several bestsellers lists, and have been enjoyed by fans all over the world. Her holiday series, The Snowflake Triplet, is a particular favorite, and includes the book that started it all, Clara Claus.
Alexandra published her last book, Clara Frost, in October 2017, and closed up shop in 2018 after 7 years. She would like to thank her readers for their time and support.
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank Alexandra Lanc, author of Midnight for giving me this wonderful opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
Well, firstly and honestly I would admit that I felt the book to be a little confusing most of the times and though it had huge scope of being a fantastic novella it just remained an okay read for me.
The characterization was really good and the writing style of the author is unique which I didn't quite see in other books.
I'm not into many novellas because they mostly tend to end very shortly and in a rushed way, well I felt the same in here but it is better than many other vampire based novellas that I have read before.
The story picked up and became real interesting towards the end though but it don't have any unresolved or unanswered questions at the end which normally keep the readers hooked to it.
I felt the story lagging behind in some parts and it could have been more crisp and intriguing but the essence is missing.
The plot is good but the world building is just more than average and it failed to suck me in totally.
All in all a good and short read that is worth a shot and would like to recommend it because as I always say - reviews and opinions differ. So go ahead and grab a copy.
I got this book from 'Lovers of Paranormal' group under the Read 2 Review scheme.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review (LoP). If I am honest I am not in love with this book. If a book doesn't capture my attention within the first few chapter I usually would do not finish the book. If it had not been for me reading this for R2R I would have put it down. I found it wordy which is weird because it is short. I found it very disjointed to read mainly due to some of the names in the book. However once I shorten the names and go to meat of the short I really enjoyed the book. I really like the twist on a vampire story. I am interesting to see how IX will get Zarrod to be her protector assuming that is where it is going to go. I am looking forward to the next book and I did get the prequel.
Midnight was a fast-paced adventure in an imaginative setting filled with believable, life-like characters and lots of action to keep the story moving along. And at around 50,000 words, it’s a very satisfying length for a novella (really more of a short novel, whereas I tend to think of most novellas as just short stories).
My initial impression was that the writing style actually reminded me a lot of H. P. Lovecraft – that interesting mix of formal tone with conversational commentary from the main character. The writing suited the setting well, as Midnight was set in a place that’s a curious mix of old and new (picture sailing on a wooden tall ship to a city gleaming with skyscrapers). The world-building was imaginative and unlike others I’ve seen, and I especially liked the descriptions of the singing/feeling emanated by the Knight Bloods that drives all the vampires crazy.
IxBryn is a solid strong female lead – which is always a plus in my book – and the supporting characters were well-defined and believable. Zarrod, the male lead, was a complex dominant type that reminded me of Christian Grey or Edward Cullen, but in a less creepy way. The relationship and power dynamics between IxBryn and Zarrod actually reminded me strongly at times of 50 Shades or Twilight (both of which I thoroughly enjoyed, so that’s a compliment), but unlike the main characters in those books, IxBryn is a much more take-charge kind of girl – though the reality of her situation sometimes leaves her in need of help, which is where Zarrod and his impressive powers and high social station come in handy.
Overall, Midnight was a fun and imaginative read, recommended to lovers of vampire tales and urban fantasy. Though be forewarned – the cliffhanger ending will leave you itching to know what comes next!
IxBryn has suffered more tragedy in her life than most at the hand of vampires but she doesn't hold it against them. She even enlisted in an experimental program that transformed her into a Knight Blood, but something went horribly wrong and now she is alone and on the run. She is determined not to let her past experiences trap her and is ready to start living her life in the future.
Zarrod is an Ancient Vampire, over a thousand years old, more powerful than most. His long life has made him cynical. He's handsome, self assured and refuses to bow to the whims of the Order that tries to contain him.
Midnight Terrors is the first book in Crimson Sterling's Knight Blood series. It begins with a brief and slightly terrifying Prologue that immediately set me on edge.
The writing style of the first seventy-five percent of this story is a unique and captivating narrative style; told from varying character perspectives, it is highly descriptive and entertaining to read. The chapters are presented as windows in time; very well written and with a flow that is easy to follow.
The story line is complex, with heavily veiled sub plots and multiple supporting characters, each with their own agenda. This is a series that must be read in order so start at the beginning! I finished this book fully invested in the Convergent Universe that Sterling has created. A mix between past and present with elements of magic, this paranormal series is one I will be following.
Not for the faint of heart; expect to have your intelligence challenged, adventurous spirit engaged, and curiosity piqued. With an ending that resolves certain issues but leaves most questions unanswered; I was pleasantly surprised by Knight Blood and am looking forward to more!
A copy of Midnight Terrors was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
First off I hate cliff hangers. I usually read a series if I have at least the next one in the series. (smiles) The story weaves you through the lives of Zarrod Kingsbury, an Ancient vampire and IxBryn is a Knight Blood, an immortal human rendered by science to bring about harmony between the two races of Earth. Ix’s blood sings to vampires, that makes her a prize commodity. She is “rescued” more than once by Zarrod, a vampire with a bad rep (is it really that bad?). Bristol is Ix’s I think obnoxious cousin, that seems to have a one sided view of Blood Drainers. Bristol has warned her young cousin to stay away from the Ancient. That is hard to do when said Ancient shows up at the flat. The story continues to unfold as Ix realizes she is a weapon. A pawn even in the game of good versus Evil, but what side shall she play on? There seems to be a few characters like to tell the story from their point of view. There is more than one story taking place. Maybe book 2 will smooth out the other characters. Keep in mind when you’re an Ancient you’re the bad ass on the block, but then again they say there is always a stronger bad as than yourself. Enjoy
'Midnight Terrors' is the first book in a series that skilfully blends dystopian sci-fi with supernatural fantasy as a young woman whose blood has unusual properties peaks the interest of a worldly vampire.
Firstly I have to admit I love this writer's style and wouldn't hesitate to pick up any book she brought out for this reason alone. The atmosphere and tone are perfect, it's tense in all the right places and is well paced for action and drama. If this first book is anything to go by it looks like this series will be very suspenseful and surprising.
The interesting and unusual characters definitely held my interest. I really liked main character IxBryn but at times felt like she behaved or reacted childishly in ways that really didn't seem believable to me, particularly as the narration made her seem more mature. I wasn't sure if I liked Zarrod but I found him intriguing all the same. I definitely want to spend more time getting to know these characters!
Overall an excellent read for sci-fi and supernatural fantasy fans alike. If you're looking for something a bit different in either genre you should pick this up and give it a try. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
IxBryn is fleeing from an experiment she has been participating in after a violent attack has left everybody but her dead. She is finding a safe haven, she erroneously believes, with her cousin, who works for the Order (an organisation aiming to keep the relationship between humans and vampires as smooth as possible). There is also Zarrod Kingsbury, a vampire with the power only a very old Ancient can carry, and as if that was not enough there are the Rogues - evil vampires who break all rules set up by the Order and eager to amass their own power. IxBryn, with her special blood and powers of her own, is thrown into the mix and war is brewing.
This is a dystopic science fiction novel with a supernatural element that should attract interest from a wide range of readers. However, I am left with a feeling of only just having started on a novel, after a very lengthy introduction that almost made me put the book down, to find I have reached the last page. The plot, when it thickens, is just that bit too slow and the story too long-winded to entice the reader in me.
I found myself getting confused very easy while reading this one, it was probably my biggest issue. The first part that confused me was the world, it seemed similar to what we know now, but different enough that some things didn't make sense to me. The next part that confused me was why there was such animosity between Zarrod and the Blood Order. He created it, so how did things go so wrong. Also what was up with the vampire gang that came after Zarrod, it seemed like the concept of gangs came out of no where.
Zarrod seemed so different from the person that we meet in the prequel, that made me sad. I did like the interactions between Zarrod and IxBryn, hated Bristol, what a harpy, but did love that Zard was so flustered with Bristol. I do think he could do better.
Part of me likes the ending, mostly because it ties things together, but another part of me hates it as it does leave some big questions hanging.
Vampire's, Paranormal and more. A plan to bring peace, mystery and danger with in the pages of this book were very well written. The characters from the main to the lest are very believable and easy to follow.
And the only things I will say is that the places within that are violent and some places that are not suitable for all readers are the as said only misgivings I have with the book.
Author Alexandra Lanc is a amazing writer. Her way with the paranormal is great reading.
So for those reasons I am going to give this book and author a Breath of Life rating of:
Four Star Rating:
Disclosure: I did received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.
Midnight ( Knight Blood # 1 ) by Alexandra Lanc I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com A well written adventure featuring a struggle between human’s and vampire’s. This novella has an imaginative setting where the old blends with the new and the characters are well defined. The writing is almost poetic in nature and the author has taken a lot of effort in constructing each sentence. The first chapter and the synopsis drew me in, but I have to admit that the first few chapters of the book were a bit drawn out and confusing, but I persevered and found that it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to lovers of Urban fantasy and Vampire Tales.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads Paranormal, Fantasy, Dystopia and Romance Readers, Writer group. Midnight Terrors hooked me right out of the gate. I sat down to read a few chapters and ended up devouring the entire novella. IxBryn (love the name) is a Knight Blood and her blood sings to vampires. Enter Zarrod, an ancient vampire who wants her for his own ulterior motives. The two make an interesting pair and their dynamic flowed organically throughout the story. Sterling’s writing is beautiful. The world building is imaginative and vivid. The character felt like living, breathing people, and never failed to keep me interested. I would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys urban fantasy.
I received this book thru Lovers of Paranormal for an honest review. I really liked the plot and the world the author wrote this story very good and it was unique. There was violence, Vampires and Paranormal. I got lost once or twice but then it made since as I continued to read. I got really into it towards the middle of the book and then had to know what was going to happen. This is a really great story if your into Vampires, Paranormal & some violence if that's the case grab this book and you'll love it just like I did. Thank you again for letting me read & review :)
I got this book in exchange of an honest review, LoP. The beginning of this book was a bit confusing. It picked up a lot by the end. Normally novella's aren't the kind of books l;ike like to read but this one was very enjooyable. It's mainly about a vampire and an immortal human. This book was very good!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review for LoP. A great read. IxBryn is on a ship to go to her cousin house. Her blood sings to the vampires. IxBryn almost attracted by a vampire. Zarrod saves IxBryn life. He wants her for himself.