Carnelian

by Jules Devito

When Jesse Westchurch finds out he's dying, the last thing he expects is his old college roommate, Lucy Callahan, to climb through the second-story window of his quaint Long Island house and turn him into a vampire.




Millennial vampires are killing the killing industry by refusing to sacrifice humans, so Jesse doesn't even have to drink blood. The ancient vampire government, Carnelian, offers distilled blood pills. But they come at a you work for them, you get your supply of pills. Sure, sometimes the work is dangerous, but they are sparing innocent lives.




The truth comes to light when Jesse figures out that Lucy and his sister, Ciceline, are Carnelian's most skilled assassins, forced to pay off a century of debt for their blood pills.




When their latest hit on a murderous politician puts Jesse and his doting sister, Stella, in danger, their only refuge is an underground "blood club" run by Lucy's found family, a group of hardcore Gen X vampires. Jesse has to find a way to expose Carnelian's darkest secrets and obtain the pills they need to survive, or lose the family (both by blood and by choice) he has just finished putting back together.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you stay close to your family, keep the job you love, and find a forever romance, but live as a vampire? Well, luckily you can just pop a blood pill now and no harm done, to anyone—Well, there are still some clubs that cater to some old fashioned tastes, but there are safety precautions—and all you have to do is a tiny bit of murder? Yeah, of course there is a catch.

I was immediately drawn to the characters, an eclectic mix of people from new to old, very old. As a fan of historical stories as well, this was a perfect mix. I really enjoyed this and pretty much devoured it in two days.

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is in my writing group and I read several early drafts of this book.

Creative unique take on vampires, very contemporary, with deep roots in the Long Island setting.

[Lyric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and intense read! I already adore vampires on a general basis, but add a great critique on the medical industry on top of that? Incredible. It was great reading about the bonds between not just Jesse and Lucy, but every single familial connection as well. These were some strong characters set up a corrupt institution, and it was rewarding seeing everything play out.

[Dami Salako · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great halloween time read! I devoured this book in two days. Jules writes incredible, unforgettable humans and vamps and her character work is flawless.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb twist on modern Vampirism I could not put this book down it was a great thrill!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique vampire novel, with blood pills and assassins and found family and a vampire night club. Loved it! Great spooky season read.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully enjoyed this modern vampire story. Loved the combination of long standing vampire themes and the new takes, especially adding a medical aspect to the condition.