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Blood Wine #3
The Dark Blood of Poppies
The ballerina Violette Lenoir has fallen victim to the bite of the vampire Charlotte. Her fire and energy have fuelled a terrifying change and a dreadful realisation; that Violette has become Lilith, the demon mother of all vampires. Haunted by Violette's dark sensuality, Charlotte and her immortal lover Karl are drawn towards the dancer and the terrible destiny that has fallen on her shoulders.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
10 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Freda Warrington
52 books326 followersFreda Warrington is an award-winning British author, known for her epic fantasy, vampire and supernatural novels.
“The Blood Wine books are addictive, thrilling reads that are impossible to put down and they definitely deserve more attention” – Worldhopping.net
Her earliest novels, the Blackbird series, were written and published in the 1980s. In the intervening years she has seen numerous novels of epic fantasy, supernatural and contemporary fantasy, vampires, dark romance, horror and alternative history published.
Her novel ELFLAND won the Romantic Times BEST FANTASY NOVEL Award in 2009, while her 1997 Dracula sequel DRACULA THE UNDEAD won the Dracula Society's BEST GOTHIC NOVEL Award.
Four of her novels (Dark Cathedral, Pagan Moon, Dracula the Undead, and The Amber Citadel) have been nominated or shortlisted for the British Fantasy Society's Best Novel award. The American Library Association placed MIDSUMMER NIGHT in its Top Ten for 2010.
Recently Titan Book reissued her popular romantic-gothic Blood Wine vampire series set in the 1920s - A Taste of Blood Wine, A Dance in Blood Velvet and The Dark Blood of Poppies - along with a brand new novel, The Dark Arts of Blood. In 2017, Telos Publishing will publish her first short story collection, NIGHTS OF BLOOD WINE, featuring fifteen lush dark tales - ten set in her Blood Wine world, and five others of gothic weirdness.
In 2003, Simon & Schuster published The Court of the Midnight King, an alternative history/ fantasy retelling of the story of King Richard III. To celebrate all the events surrounding the discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester, The Court of the Midnight King is now available on Kindle and in paperback format. Most of her backlist titles, including the Blackbird series, Dracula the Undead, Dark Cathedral and Pagan Moon, can already be found on Kindle or will be available in the next few months.
Warrington has also seen numerous short stories published in anthologies and magazines. For further information, visit her website Freda Warrington
Born in Leicester, Warrington grew up in the Charnwood Forest area of Leicestershire. After completing high school, she trained at Loughborough College of Art and Design and worked in medical illustration and graphic design for some years. She eventually moved to full-time writing, and also still enjoys design, photography, art, jewellery-making and other crafts, travelling and conventions.
Series:
* Jewelfire
* Dark Cathedral
* Aetherial Tales
* Blackbird
“The Blood Wine books are addictive, thrilling reads that are impossible to put down and they definitely deserve more attention” – Worldhopping.net
Her earliest novels, the Blackbird series, were written and published in the 1980s. In the intervening years she has seen numerous novels of epic fantasy, supernatural and contemporary fantasy, vampires, dark romance, horror and alternative history published.
Her novel ELFLAND won the Romantic Times BEST FANTASY NOVEL Award in 2009, while her 1997 Dracula sequel DRACULA THE UNDEAD won the Dracula Society's BEST GOTHIC NOVEL Award.
Four of her novels (Dark Cathedral, Pagan Moon, Dracula the Undead, and The Amber Citadel) have been nominated or shortlisted for the British Fantasy Society's Best Novel award. The American Library Association placed MIDSUMMER NIGHT in its Top Ten for 2010.
Recently Titan Book reissued her popular romantic-gothic Blood Wine vampire series set in the 1920s - A Taste of Blood Wine, A Dance in Blood Velvet and The Dark Blood of Poppies - along with a brand new novel, The Dark Arts of Blood. In 2017, Telos Publishing will publish her first short story collection, NIGHTS OF BLOOD WINE, featuring fifteen lush dark tales - ten set in her Blood Wine world, and five others of gothic weirdness.
In 2003, Simon & Schuster published The Court of the Midnight King, an alternative history/ fantasy retelling of the story of King Richard III. To celebrate all the events surrounding the discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester, The Court of the Midnight King is now available on Kindle and in paperback format. Most of her backlist titles, including the Blackbird series, Dracula the Undead, Dark Cathedral and Pagan Moon, can already be found on Kindle or will be available in the next few months.
Warrington has also seen numerous short stories published in anthologies and magazines. For further information, visit her website Freda Warrington
Born in Leicester, Warrington grew up in the Charnwood Forest area of Leicestershire. After completing high school, she trained at Loughborough College of Art and Design and worked in medical illustration and graphic design for some years. She eventually moved to full-time writing, and also still enjoys design, photography, art, jewellery-making and other crafts, travelling and conventions.
Series:
* Jewelfire
* Dark Cathedral
* Aetherial Tales
* Blackbird
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 30, 2015
However sceptical I am about the whole lush dark vampires thing, these books do captivate me. I love the way the mythology works: the way different people believe different things, and ultimately the way those beliefs shape the whole world. It’s not even really allegory — we really do that, in a way. I wasn’t so sure about her foray into Lilith and Samael and that sort of mythology, but actually, she handles that pretty well too, without forcing religiosity on the books. (In fact, that’s often a danger with her characters, something which blinds them to truth.)
And Warrington still does really well with these amoral, dreadful, detached and yet deeply emotional vampires. She does so well at making me see the monstrous in even the characters we sympathise with, and the human even in characters you want to despise. You get captivated by the power of the vampires and forget their atrocities, even without their magnetic presence to enforce it the way it is within the book. It takes skill.
I really enjoy Warrington’s writing, and really must look into her other series. But first: The Dark Arts of Blood! I’m so glad Titan reissued this series and brought out the next.
Originally posted here.
And Warrington still does really well with these amoral, dreadful, detached and yet deeply emotional vampires. She does so well at making me see the monstrous in even the characters we sympathise with, and the human even in characters you want to despise. You get captivated by the power of the vampires and forget their atrocities, even without their magnetic presence to enforce it the way it is within the book. It takes skill.
I really enjoy Warrington’s writing, and really must look into her other series. But first: The Dark Arts of Blood! I’m so glad Titan reissued this series and brought out the next.
Originally posted here.
Read
June 12, 2023this was fantastic, dark and sensual. I loved Violette a lot better in this one and understood her struggles with Lilith. we also meet Sebastian. at first I didn't know how I felt about him, but by the end it broke my heart for what he went through. I just love these books.
August 22, 2017
I'll be a little honest, I wasn't sure where this story would go. Don't get me wrong––I loved this book as much as I loved all the others, but with new characters and a new romance introduced, there wasn't as much focus on my two favourite 1900's vampires, Karl and Charlotte. But I kept reading, trusting the author, and I think this might be one of my favourite in the series! The story was complex and engaging, with characters intertwining and clashing with each other while they struggled with their emotions. I was intrigued by Violette from the last book, though it took a while before I could understand and sympathize with her. In this book, she is far more complex and troubled, which leads to an event near the end that had my heart aching. New characters Sebastien and Robyn were complicated and layered. Their interactions were absolutely wild, and I could never tell how they would end. As usual, Karl and Charlotte stole my heart, and the ending was spectacular and wrapped up the story very nicely. I keep loving these books and am super excited about where the series will go next!
November 24, 2019
This book was exactly what I needed!
After being turned into a vampire by Charlotte, ballerina Violette Lenoir and those vampires around her make a dark discovery. Violette is Lilith, the demon mother of their kind... and she poses a threat to those who would like to keep the status quo. Threatening shadows build in the Crystal Ring, the supernatural realm which runs side by side with the human world, and many believe Violette/Lilith is to blame. While Violette pushes the urges of Lilith to the side and continues to run her ballet company, there are others who are plotting to bring her downfall. Charlotte and Karl must find a way to help Violette while preserving themselves and the other vampires they love.
Warrington is an expert at weaving historical time periods and vampires into sensuously dark fiction. I feel like her mythology is unique but stays true to the nature of the vampire throughout time. Her characters are well rounded, fleshed out, and "human" despite their supernatural nature, and her writing is lush without being pretentious or difficult to read. I look forward to continuing with this series and discovering more of Warrington's works.
After being turned into a vampire by Charlotte, ballerina Violette Lenoir and those vampires around her make a dark discovery. Violette is Lilith, the demon mother of their kind... and she poses a threat to those who would like to keep the status quo. Threatening shadows build in the Crystal Ring, the supernatural realm which runs side by side with the human world, and many believe Violette/Lilith is to blame. While Violette pushes the urges of Lilith to the side and continues to run her ballet company, there are others who are plotting to bring her downfall. Charlotte and Karl must find a way to help Violette while preserving themselves and the other vampires they love.
Warrington is an expert at weaving historical time periods and vampires into sensuously dark fiction. I feel like her mythology is unique but stays true to the nature of the vampire throughout time. Her characters are well rounded, fleshed out, and "human" despite their supernatural nature, and her writing is lush without being pretentious or difficult to read. I look forward to continuing with this series and discovering more of Warrington's works.
January 17, 2019
Warrington's Blood Wine Sequence just keeps surprising. Despite myself, I find myself drawn deeply into the dense web of characters that she has brought to life, and I can't seem to disentangle myself. Not that I'm sure that I want to.
Warrington's vampires are not for the faint of heart. These are deadly, deranged killers, and they're not afraid to demonstrate. But they also feel and live so intensely, so vividly, that it's hard not to be drawn into their stories. Karl and Charlotte, Violette, even Ilona, Pierre, Stefan, and Niklas, they all have their bright sides as well as their darkness.
The Dark Blood of Poppies brings Violette-Lilith's tale to a startling climax, as well as introducing new players to the game. Warrington's feminist leanings come through strongly in this story, and it's done so beautifully well. The story of creation and the fall is not the one we are trained to expect. Men and women were created equal, and it's only when man tries to subordinate woman that things go horribly wrong.
Whatever other feelings you may have, the lush, dark, and evocative atmosphere is hard to resist. And the ultimate ending--the power of the human subconscious--is so strangely fitting that it seems inevitable. I don't have the words to describe this richly realized story, but it's one that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
Warrington's vampires are not for the faint of heart. These are deadly, deranged killers, and they're not afraid to demonstrate. But they also feel and live so intensely, so vividly, that it's hard not to be drawn into their stories. Karl and Charlotte, Violette, even Ilona, Pierre, Stefan, and Niklas, they all have their bright sides as well as their darkness.
The Dark Blood of Poppies brings Violette-Lilith's tale to a startling climax, as well as introducing new players to the game. Warrington's feminist leanings come through strongly in this story, and it's done so beautifully well. The story of creation and the fall is not the one we are trained to expect. Men and women were created equal, and it's only when man tries to subordinate woman that things go horribly wrong.
Whatever other feelings you may have, the lush, dark, and evocative atmosphere is hard to resist. And the ultimate ending--the power of the human subconscious--is so strangely fitting that it seems inevitable. I don't have the words to describe this richly realized story, but it's one that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
March 29, 2014
Definitely the biggest and most ambitious of the series. Of the three though, I'd say it's my least favourite. Doesn't have the simple focus of the first story, or the purity of vision of the second - which is one of my favourite books of all time. But that's by the by really, because it's still fucking wonderful.
This is a big book, and there is a hell of a lot going on in it. So much that I did begin to wonder how all of it would come together, and whether or not all of this was really relevant to the over-arching themes of the book.
SPOILER-ish: All to do with religion, and the persecution of the 'sacred-feminine' as crafted by the patriarchal driven societies that have shaped the world through the ages. As well as the coming together of the masculine and the feminine in pursuit of the 'self'.
All that good shit.
But it does all come together, in a glorious fusion of sex, violence, and enlightenment. Like I said, it's the most ambitious of the three.
Now just gotta hold out for the release of The Dark Arts of Blood, and hope that it keeps up the trend.
This is a big book, and there is a hell of a lot going on in it. So much that I did begin to wonder how all of it would come together, and whether or not all of this was really relevant to the over-arching themes of the book.
SPOILER-ish: All to do with religion, and the persecution of the 'sacred-feminine' as crafted by the patriarchal driven societies that have shaped the world through the ages. As well as the coming together of the masculine and the feminine in pursuit of the 'self'.
All that good shit.
But it does all come together, in a glorious fusion of sex, violence, and enlightenment. Like I said, it's the most ambitious of the three.
Now just gotta hold out for the release of The Dark Arts of Blood, and hope that it keeps up the trend.
December 5, 2018
I didn't like it as much as I liked the second one, but it was still really solid. The mythology in this is the best part, it's so intricate and a lot of it is stuff I've never seen before when it comes to vampires (not that I read that many vampire books, but still). I was settled on giving it three stars but the ending really changed it up for me. I wasn't a big fan of her last book, but Violette's character really shone in the middle of the many (many!) other characters. I also really liked Robyn, and was a bit disappointed we didn't get to see more of Stefan. I'm excited for the next book now, I wasn't sure if I was going to pick it up, but I definitely will now.
Sidenote: I also missed that one vampire from the last book? I don't even remember his name (lmao it's been a while since I read book two) but I was sure he was gonna show up but no, apparently. I wonder if we're gonna see him again.
Sidenote: I also missed that one vampire from the last book? I don't even remember his name (lmao it's been a while since I read book two) but I was sure he was gonna show up but no, apparently. I wonder if we're gonna see him again.
April 16, 2018
I did enjoy the book overall but there is a but...
I am glad that Violette finally found peace within herself and that she has really grown as a character, from the moment she was changed into a vampire that was angry and full of anger to someone who finally has come to terms with all events that has came her way. I always enjoy a kick ass female and Violette is definitely it, ha.
I was attached to Sebastian who finally learned to love again, although I was sad with his choice at the end because of the death of his beloved Robyn, I was touched by how strong his emotions were towards her. Their loved started of on the dark side of things and I guess it ended just as dark. But the love was what touched me. They definitely did not have a easy ride.
I have always enjoyed reading about Charlotte and Karl but in this, I was a little disappointed. I guess because everyone in this storyline is sleeping with everyone (well the vampires), I thought it was lovely that they wanted to be selfish with one another and not have other partners. But when Karl slept with Violette and then Charlotte joined in, sigh... I just thought okay so I just lost the two people who I wanted to be absolutely exclusive to one another... hopefully this doesn’t happen again, I cannot bare it even if they both are happy about it!
I am glad that Violette finally found peace within herself and that she has really grown as a character, from the moment she was changed into a vampire that was angry and full of anger to someone who finally has come to terms with all events that has came her way. I always enjoy a kick ass female and Violette is definitely it, ha.
I was attached to Sebastian who finally learned to love again, although I was sad with his choice at the end because of the death of his beloved Robyn, I was touched by how strong his emotions were towards her. Their loved started of on the dark side of things and I guess it ended just as dark. But the love was what touched me. They definitely did not have a easy ride.
I have always enjoyed reading about Charlotte and Karl but in this, I was a little disappointed. I guess because everyone in this storyline is sleeping with everyone (well the vampires), I thought it was lovely that they wanted to be selfish with one another and not have other partners. But when Karl slept with Violette and then Charlotte joined in, sigh... I just thought okay so I just lost the two people who I wanted to be absolutely exclusive to one another... hopefully this doesn’t happen again, I cannot bare it even if they both are happy about it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2018
At first I was a bit skeptical. I haven't been a fan of Violette from the beginning but after this book I grew to like her. I absolutely loved Sebastian even though he was entirely mental. Freda Warrington has quite a way with words and she is capable of making you fall in love and sympathize with every character- yes, even the villains. The first book will always be my favorite but this comes close thus far in the series.
I knew religion was a big ploy in the books and the mystery of what The Crystal Ring really is but I wasn't expecting the ending. Freda spun an exceptional tale with this piece!
I probably could have read this a lot faster if I hadn't been so busy with work. It was incredibly hard to put down!
I knew religion was a big ploy in the books and the mystery of what The Crystal Ring really is but I wasn't expecting the ending. Freda spun an exceptional tale with this piece!
I probably could have read this a lot faster if I hadn't been so busy with work. It was incredibly hard to put down!
April 5, 2019
What I loved most about this story, was how Freda Warrington could make these vampires so vicious, and even the ones you root for and love are detached; monstrous. Its more true to the nosferatu tales I adore, where vampires are tales of horror, not just the beautiful people who found eternal youth still dwelling dull teen angst.
September 25, 2025
tedious
It was hard to read at times. Long winded. It was also offensive to religion. It took on an anti Christian tone. I understand vampires are considered unholy but this book went beyond that. It attempts to remove God . To go as far as to replace him. I found it lacking
It was hard to read at times. Long winded. It was also offensive to religion. It took on an anti Christian tone. I understand vampires are considered unholy but this book went beyond that. It attempts to remove God . To go as far as to replace him. I found it lacking
September 2, 2019
Basically a repeat of the first two books just with a few more characters added.
September 26, 2022
2.5 stars
Not really my cup of tea, well written but slow going and could have been cut in half.
Not really my cup of tea, well written but slow going and could have been cut in half.
May 30, 2015
The third, and in my opinion, best book in the Blood Wine sequence (yet). The preceding A Taste of Blood Wine has been mainly a love story, and its sequel, A Dance In Blood Velvet, a hot mess of obsession, self-fulfillment as well as personal desires (and demons). The Dark Blood of Poppies brings this to a new level; religion, love, fate, sacrifice, power politics, friendship and loss are the big themes (only to name a few).
Newly transformed vampire Violette Lenoir is having problems adjusting to her new existence. Having refused the false enlightenment offered by an occultist and having forsaken the three self-named angels out to save her soul, she is now dwindling through her life, trying to find out who she is, and why. But she doesn't have much time to contemplate her situation: stronger than any other vampire, others perceive her as a threat and form an alliance to destroy her. As Violette is touring the States with Charlotte and Karl and her Corp de Ballet, she encounters, for the first time, someone who might be able to free her. But elusive Robyn, a courtesan of Boston, is soon entangled with another powerful vampire seeking to own her: Sebastian, the great vampire who could stand against Violette... and win?
Book 3 is the roundest in the series. There is a clear, ambitious path set out from the beginning of the novel and the enemy is one the reader already knows. What bothered me in Dance was that sometimes it just wasn't clear what the author meant to achieve with the book. This is not the case here. The newly introduced anchor point, Robyn, is a satisfying character. Vivid, spiteful and strong, she is the believable centerpiece of attention.
Also, Warrington is finally comfortable with the mythology she created: there are no more weird lapses (like Lancelin, who didn't really fit into the scheme of things) and everything fit neatly together.
The dialogues were thought inspiring and very emotional at times, all brilliantly interpreted by Jane Copland in the audio version.
I can only recommend this gem of vampire fiction, as this series is really the best the genre has to offer.
Newly transformed vampire Violette Lenoir is having problems adjusting to her new existence. Having refused the false enlightenment offered by an occultist and having forsaken the three self-named angels out to save her soul, she is now dwindling through her life, trying to find out who she is, and why. But she doesn't have much time to contemplate her situation: stronger than any other vampire, others perceive her as a threat and form an alliance to destroy her. As Violette is touring the States with Charlotte and Karl and her Corp de Ballet, she encounters, for the first time, someone who might be able to free her. But elusive Robyn, a courtesan of Boston, is soon entangled with another powerful vampire seeking to own her: Sebastian, the great vampire who could stand against Violette... and win?
Book 3 is the roundest in the series. There is a clear, ambitious path set out from the beginning of the novel and the enemy is one the reader already knows. What bothered me in Dance was that sometimes it just wasn't clear what the author meant to achieve with the book. This is not the case here. The newly introduced anchor point, Robyn, is a satisfying character. Vivid, spiteful and strong, she is the believable centerpiece of attention.
Also, Warrington is finally comfortable with the mythology she created: there are no more weird lapses (like Lancelin, who didn't really fit into the scheme of things) and everything fit neatly together.
The dialogues were thought inspiring and very emotional at times, all brilliantly interpreted by Jane Copland in the audio version.
I can only recommend this gem of vampire fiction, as this series is really the best the genre has to offer.
November 21, 2014
I'm in the middle of reading this (won through the Goodreads giveaway), it is a little confusing. As I saw another review, I see it is the third in the series. I'll read the other books and continue with this one.
I do like the time period jumps...
I'll edit this review once I finish the book.
I do like the time period jumps...
I'll edit this review once I finish the book.
July 21, 2016
the third of the series and it was good but not great. It didnt leave me wondering what will happen to the characters and in the first few chapters it was not interesting, i forced myself to read it. I dont think i will continue with the fourth and last book.
May 21, 2015
I read three chapters and could not go on! I was bored and annoyed. About 20 characters introduced and could not keep who's who straight.
March 24, 2015
worth every penny of my $8! love this author, love this book. stayed up late, couldn't stop page turner! can't wait for the next!
September 30, 2015
different, not over done
December 13, 2019
This series is so wonderful, and the characters are amazing. My new favourite vampire series, aside from the Interview with the Vampire series, which I adore.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews