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Blood Day
The lights went out and the streets ran with blood. When the power came back on, the monsters were in charge. And the children were missing.
When the Reverents take over, they force humans to donate blood to feed their insatiable hunger. They overthrow governments and take away the music, television, and free will. The very meaning of humanity is about to change. But four people from completely different walks of life are about to deal the Reverents a blow that might rock the world to its foundations.
Sia, a classical musician, who wakes up in an experimental hospital. Mike, a journalist with a past, who finds himself on the run. Viv, a doctor who has lost everything: her job, her house, even her son. And then there is Joshua Flynn, a Reverent with a grudge, who wants to shatter what the other monsters have build into a million pieces.
The players are cast.
But who will survive?
When the Reverents take over, they force humans to donate blood to feed their insatiable hunger. They overthrow governments and take away the music, television, and free will. The very meaning of humanity is about to change. But four people from completely different walks of life are about to deal the Reverents a blow that might rock the world to its foundations.
Sia, a classical musician, who wakes up in an experimental hospital. Mike, a journalist with a past, who finds himself on the run. Viv, a doctor who has lost everything: her job, her house, even her son. And then there is Joshua Flynn, a Reverent with a grudge, who wants to shatter what the other monsters have build into a million pieces.
The players are cast.
But who will survive?
ebook
First published December 31, 2015
65 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Murray
21 books150 followersJ.L. Murray is the author of the Niki Slobodian series (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Devil Is a Gentleman, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Devil Was an Angel, and The Devil's Backbone), The Thirteen series (Jenny Undead and Eat the Ones You Love), After the Fire, Blood Day, the Blood of Cain series (Monstrous, Hoarfrost, Sanguine), the Gothic Folk series (The Hungry Deep), and The Collins Widow.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 20, 2017
First line: The tree was breathing.
Amazing book by an amazing writer of beautiful horror stories. "Blood Day" is a vampire story, but unlike one I've ever read before. Murray paints a bleak dystopia where vampires have taken over society (here in Philadelphia) through human addiction to a drug called Slack, the mass kidnapping of children, and terror and midnight raids of humans who mysteriously vanish. Secret experiments are conducted, humans donate blood on their blood day, and everyone lives in fear of the Revs. I really enjoyed the strong characters in this book, even the supposed 'bad buys' like Joshua Flynn and Ambrose Conrad. Sia Aoki and Dr. Viv with the Chip on Her Shoulder were awesome strong females as well. An excellent work, and recommended. Kudos to the author for a beautiful horror story!
Amazing book by an amazing writer of beautiful horror stories. "Blood Day" is a vampire story, but unlike one I've ever read before. Murray paints a bleak dystopia where vampires have taken over society (here in Philadelphia) through human addiction to a drug called Slack, the mass kidnapping of children, and terror and midnight raids of humans who mysteriously vanish. Secret experiments are conducted, humans donate blood on their blood day, and everyone lives in fear of the Revs. I really enjoyed the strong characters in this book, even the supposed 'bad buys' like Joshua Flynn and Ambrose Conrad. Sia Aoki and Dr. Viv with the Chip on Her Shoulder were awesome strong females as well. An excellent work, and recommended. Kudos to the author for a beautiful horror story!
December 12, 2015
I am always excited when J.L. Murray releases a new one because I know blood, sweat, and tears are put into it. At the same time I am a bit hesitant though, because how can she top what she's already written?
"Blood Day" is a dystopia that does not disappoint. This is a fresh look at a topic we thought we already knew inside and out. Just and amazing premise to this book. Sia is an unlikely heroine but we, like everyone she meets, fall a little in love with her. As much as I cheered her on, at the same time, I think I was just as much afraid of her. She never seemed human or frail to me...somehow I just knew there was way more that met the eye with that one, even at the start.
And where to start on the rest of the characters? I don't want to give anything away, but when I was with Mike Novak I think those were the only times in the book when I felt almost comfortable. (An older, wiser version of Bobby Gage perhaps?) He just has a calming effect on readers. Dez was someone whose boyish rough edges made me smile, even when there was nothing to smile about.
I was constantly on my toes, I couldn't even try to predict where this was going. At the end when I finished reading, for a few minutes I felt like my own heart was torn out.
There was so much sadness, but the will was strong.
Loved reading it, but this will not be a pick for a book world I'd like to live in. This book, it grabs a person by the throat and just holds on.
"Blood Day" is a dystopia that does not disappoint. This is a fresh look at a topic we thought we already knew inside and out. Just and amazing premise to this book. Sia is an unlikely heroine but we, like everyone she meets, fall a little in love with her. As much as I cheered her on, at the same time, I think I was just as much afraid of her. She never seemed human or frail to me...somehow I just knew there was way more that met the eye with that one, even at the start.
And where to start on the rest of the characters? I don't want to give anything away, but when I was with Mike Novak I think those were the only times in the book when I felt almost comfortable. (An older, wiser version of Bobby Gage perhaps?) He just has a calming effect on readers. Dez was someone whose boyish rough edges made me smile, even when there was nothing to smile about.
I was constantly on my toes, I couldn't even try to predict where this was going. At the end when I finished reading, for a few minutes I felt like my own heart was torn out.
There was so much sadness, but the will was strong.
Loved reading it, but this will not be a pick for a book world I'd like to live in. This book, it grabs a person by the throat and just holds on.
December 2, 2015
I received a beta copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love Ms. Murray's books. They are always beautifully written with complex worlds. The story is always dark. This is the most dark story I have read by Ms. Murray. Like all her other books, the world is elaborate and beautifully written. The characters are not one dimensional and the story is very easy to follow. The only problem I had is that there was no one to really root for. The story was so dark and there was no hope at all. I want some hope and at least one character to root for, one character to rise above all the darkness.
I love Ms. Murray's books. They are always beautifully written with complex worlds. The story is always dark. This is the most dark story I have read by Ms. Murray. Like all her other books, the world is elaborate and beautifully written. The characters are not one dimensional and the story is very easy to follow. The only problem I had is that there was no one to really root for. The story was so dark and there was no hope at all. I want some hope and at least one character to root for, one character to rise above all the darkness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
Good read, but a mite long.
This is about civilization, ending as we know it. Humans are hunted for their blood. It is used to keep the creatures alive.
This is about civilization, ending as we know it. Humans are hunted for their blood. It is used to keep the creatures alive.
December 8, 2015
I found this story, like so many others from Ms Murray, to be completely un-put-downable once I started reading. I was gripped from the beginning, with her smooth prose and fascinating take on vampirism and it's aftermath. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next, and followed along the twists and turns with fascination. I did find myself getting frustrated with the characters which, to me, is a sign that I am emotionally involved with the story. I was disappointed to reach the end of the book because I just wanted MORE! I loved that this could be a stand alone story or it could be the start of a fabulous series. I highly recommend this wonderful story to you!
February 3, 2016
No spoilers, too many of them already posted! This tale took me awhile because it's not one you just blow through. The writing is intense, multi-dimensional and very well done. While I'm not an avid vampire tale reader, this book breaks out of the norm and offers a different take on the subject. J.L. Murray is brilliant in her writing and this author is an obvious rising star.
July 15, 2016
From the inviting, lovely cover ... to the captivating first line ... and beyond .... This is a vampire story for REAL. Well-written script and well-developed characters with an ending that is right up my alley. A book that will make readers think ... and perhaps even say aloud ... DAMN.
August 25, 2017
This was an Okay paranormal vampire semi- romance - alternative reality book. Sia's character morphs 180 during this book. A lot leads up to a shocking ending. It made me think what if another species took over the earth, would we be forced into going for our weekly " blood day" ? I would've liked to have had a better ending, but that wouldn't be Sia's way.
October 13, 2019
Impressive Book
This book is one of my favorite Vampire apocalypse books. The storyline is impressive, but the characters become alive and I could not put this book down. Mike, Dez, Sia, and Viv were so well written. This book is a fight to regain humanity and it is a book you should not miss!
This book is one of my favorite Vampire apocalypse books. The storyline is impressive, but the characters become alive and I could not put this book down. Mike, Dez, Sia, and Viv were so well written. This book is a fight to regain humanity and it is a book you should not miss!
February 9, 2020
The story line came slightly confusing as you jumped about with different character, who were on different tasks. It does all come together again and is an enjoyable read. Not you average vampire story.
May 28, 2020
My only dislike
My only dislike about this book is there is information with the character development that would been beneficial earlier rather than later. Otherwise it was an incredible book with yet another new take on vampires.
My only dislike about this book is there is information with the character development that would been beneficial earlier rather than later. Otherwise it was an incredible book with yet another new take on vampires.
August 2, 2023
I did enjoy this! A different apocalyptic adventure with vampires instead of zombies! So it made a nice change of pace & storyline. Good ideas, interesting to read! Some nasty bits, which are only to be expected! A good fun read!
February 23, 2018
Blood Donations
In the world of this book citizens are required, on a regular basis, to donate their blood to a vampire like race that has taken over the world.
In the world of this book citizens are required, on a regular basis, to donate their blood to a vampire like race that has taken over the world.
January 22, 2020
Pretty good story
October 9, 2023
Very interesting - this author can hold your attention
January 14, 2016
The cover came close to putting me off reading this book when it landed in my inbox. I can see why the cover was used from a marketing angle as it would be clear as a thumbnail, but I'm not a fan of photo shopped looking photographs, it's just lazy.
The book, however, was enjoyable.
When the Revenants take over, they force humans to donate blood to feed their insatiable hunger. They overthrow governments and take away the music, television and free will. But four people from completely different walks of life are about to deal the Revenants a blow that might rock the world to its foundations.
Sia, a classical musician, who wakes up in an experimental hospital. Mike, a journalist with a past, who finds himself on the run, and Viv, a doctor who has lost everything: her job, her house, even her son. Then there is Joshua Flynn, a Revenant with a grudge, who wants to shatter what the other monsters have built into a million pieces.
The book moves from character to character but is easy to follow. Murray has created a varied and colourful cast of characters, just a shame the author did not give us a character to get behind. All the main characters were dark and quite depressing. There are touches of Interview with a Vampire; I'm not sure whether this is a nod to Anne Rice or she's been influenced by her.
I have not read anything by this author before, but would read another. The idea is good and it is also a shame it's not a trilogy. Some of the description is weak in places and more could be done to set the scene.
Even if Blood Day lacks absorbing complexity, there's no denying the pleasure associated with an easy read. Certainly one for the commute or a holiday read.
The book, however, was enjoyable.
When the Revenants take over, they force humans to donate blood to feed their insatiable hunger. They overthrow governments and take away the music, television and free will. But four people from completely different walks of life are about to deal the Revenants a blow that might rock the world to its foundations.
Sia, a classical musician, who wakes up in an experimental hospital. Mike, a journalist with a past, who finds himself on the run, and Viv, a doctor who has lost everything: her job, her house, even her son. Then there is Joshua Flynn, a Revenant with a grudge, who wants to shatter what the other monsters have built into a million pieces.
The book moves from character to character but is easy to follow. Murray has created a varied and colourful cast of characters, just a shame the author did not give us a character to get behind. All the main characters were dark and quite depressing. There are touches of Interview with a Vampire; I'm not sure whether this is a nod to Anne Rice or she's been influenced by her.
I have not read anything by this author before, but would read another. The idea is good and it is also a shame it's not a trilogy. Some of the description is weak in places and more could be done to set the scene.
Even if Blood Day lacks absorbing complexity, there's no denying the pleasure associated with an easy read. Certainly one for the commute or a holiday read.
December 15, 2015
Rise Of The Fallen
This is (unfortunately) a stand alone novel. I wish there were more!!!
Mike is a reporter in a world gone mad. He is not allowed to report anything but what the evil vampire overlords tell him to. Everyone must work. Everyone must give blood on their Blood Day. To to otherwise is to become a Feeder and never be ever again. Is this life? Or is it Hell? Will anyone ever really think again?
Sia was a musical prodigy... Until the music was taken away. Now she is just a Slack junkie. Her life is over... Yet something within her refuses to give up and die. What does she have to live for? Why is she of such importance? Curiouser and curiouser... Who or what is that just beyond her reach?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy postapocalyptal fantasies of the darkest kind filled with horror, tragedy, surrealism, grim humor and twisted love where revenge is all that matters in the end :)
•••NOT for the feint off heart, homophobic or closed minded!!!•••
This is (unfortunately) a stand alone novel. I wish there were more!!!
Mike is a reporter in a world gone mad. He is not allowed to report anything but what the evil vampire overlords tell him to. Everyone must work. Everyone must give blood on their Blood Day. To to otherwise is to become a Feeder and never be ever again. Is this life? Or is it Hell? Will anyone ever really think again?
Sia was a musical prodigy... Until the music was taken away. Now she is just a Slack junkie. Her life is over... Yet something within her refuses to give up and die. What does she have to live for? Why is she of such importance? Curiouser and curiouser... Who or what is that just beyond her reach?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy postapocalyptal fantasies of the darkest kind filled with horror, tragedy, surrealism, grim humor and twisted love where revenge is all that matters in the end :)
•••NOT for the feint off heart, homophobic or closed minded!!!•••
October 31, 2016
The premises was ok. but not for me.
Another third person view point. Not a fan of them. I want to know the character and I find it hard to really know them when its in this view point. I didn't feel anything for the characters, it feels like I'm reading just to read and not for fun, like reading history or policies at work. I don't like it. I normally don't delete books from my tablet but this one is going bye-bye.
It's 340 something pages long, and felt longer. The story is in four different view points, these types of books always seem to be longer. Not a fan again of so many VP. At times it felt like it dragged. I did wish at times that I could hear Sia play.
If you like vampires stories in third person check this out.
Another third person view point. Not a fan of them. I want to know the character and I find it hard to really know them when its in this view point. I didn't feel anything for the characters, it feels like I'm reading just to read and not for fun, like reading history or policies at work. I don't like it. I normally don't delete books from my tablet but this one is going bye-bye.
It's 340 something pages long, and felt longer. The story is in four different view points, these types of books always seem to be longer. Not a fan again of so many VP. At times it felt like it dragged. I did wish at times that I could hear Sia play.
If you like vampires stories in third person check this out.
April 15, 2016
Enthralling! Horrifying and Thrilling!
This story drags you into a crazy world. Monsters are real and have taken over and you see humans brought to their knees. All they seem to care about is their own survival and have no difficulty turning on a fellow human if it could help them. It's nice to see redemption for both the humans and non humans. I didn't like what happened to the children!
This story drags you into a crazy world. Monsters are real and have taken over and you see humans brought to their knees. All they seem to care about is their own survival and have no difficulty turning on a fellow human if it could help them. It's nice to see redemption for both the humans and non humans. I didn't like what happened to the children!
January 3, 2016
It took me awhile to get through this one, it jumps from character to character and there is and is not a good character, they all are dark, they all have issues, and they all fail or succeed in the worst ways possible. I personally enjoyed it, it was really conversation heavy, but it led to this story having strong characters and more of a personal feel.
More at fangfreakintasticreviews.com
More at fangfreakintasticreviews.com
August 10, 2016
It is a great book to read
August 9, 2016
Good
Good read. A bit confusing at times, but solid f o r most part.
Might make a good . Movie in the hands of the right director.
Good read. A bit confusing at times, but solid f o r most part.
Might make a good . Movie in the hands of the right director.
October 28, 2016
Very dark and violent, but , I am all for vengence
February 22, 2022
A really fun read. I'm always up for a new take on vampires.
April 27, 2019
Well written
I would recommend this, great storyline. Inline with all the zombie movies that people seem to like now.
I enjoyed this book, it was a smooth easy read, always wanting to know what would happen next. Hard to put down.
I would recommend this, great storyline. Inline with all the zombie movies that people seem to like now.
I enjoyed this book, it was a smooth easy read, always wanting to know what would happen next. Hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews