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Brimstone Chorus #3

The Bloodvein Wand

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The cult wants power. The demon wants freedom. And Charlie? He just wants to survive.

Charlie Haynes is barely holding his life together. Forced out of the job that gave him purpose, his family slipping further away, and plagued by his growing connection to the demon realm, he’s running out of time.

When an explosion tears through O.O.T.I.S headquarters, Charlie finds himself trapped in the tunnels beneath—a labyrinth where caged nightmares are waiting to be unleashed.

His only hope lies in the Gatekeeper, a being said to hold the key to doors that should never be unlocked.

But Charlie isn’t the only one searching. A dangerous cult is closing in, desperate to claim the power they’ve been promised. And with the voice in his head whispering sweet temptations, Charlie doesn’t know if he’s still fighting to stop the darkness… or if he’s about to unleash it.

Time is running out. Blood will be spilled. And some doors should never be opened.

A The Bloodvein Wand contains scenes of violence and strong language, that some readers may find distressing.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth J. Brown

12 books102 followers
Elizabeth J. Brown was born in Kent, England. This probably explains her obsession with tea and cake. She currently writes the Brimstone Chorus series - dark fantasy horror featuring demons, witches and a whole host of things that go bump in the night.

Her debut novel, The Laughing Policeman, takes place in 1980s England and features detectives, dark supernatural forces and dry humour.

When she isn’t in front of her laptop or spending time with her family, Elizabeth is usually absorbed in a book, film or anything that involves the strange, fantastical or supernatural.

Get your FREE Brimstone Chorus starter story at elizabethjbrown.com, set two hundred and twenty-six years before the events in The Laughing Policeman.

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5 stars
34 (79%)
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7 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Catriona Mowat.
Author 3 books43 followers
April 12, 2025
An action-packed continuation of the Brimstone Chorus series, The Bloodvein Wand is possibly the best instalment yet.
It combines the gore and humour of The Laughing Policeman with the chaos and emotion of The Fractured Few. And just when you think it is safe to breathe, the story pulls you along to another shocking moment.

The characters you know and love are even more developed and complicated, new characters are well crafted and raw, and the world-building is vivid. The writing is poetic and funny as well as packing an emotional punch. You’ll gasp, you’ll wince, you’ll laugh.

The Bloodvein Wand is a sophisticated sequel that lives up to its predecessors and then some, and somehow manages to tie things up and leave things completely open. You’ll be left satisfied with the story but hungry for more. I can’t wait to see where this series goes now.
Profile Image for Dee Darby.
96 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2025
This series just keeps getting better! And that twist! It never even entered my head until it happened! 🤯
And is it bad that I actually like the demon Checkonost a little bit? Lmao
1 review
April 6, 2025
An exceptional series.
The Brimstone Chorus has been the scariest, most captivating and rewarding series of books in this genre. It's brought me back to stories of the arcane, through it's treatment of graphic subjects, adding relatability to the characters (yes - even the demons) which made page-turners, the likes of which I have not seen in many years, of these books. The writing flows at a pace which perfectly matches each scene, from careful crafting of the characters to high-drama. The stories are woven in a tapestry of blood, gore, human frailties and love. A masterful example of storytelling.
Profile Image for Llrâc Nôdbé.
Author 2 books13 followers
February 3, 2026
This is the third full novel in Elizabeth J Brown’s Brimstone Chorus series (fourth story in the series, if you include ‘The Foundling’ which is free by subscribing to Elizabeth’s newsletter), although, as with all of the books, it works well as a standalone novel in its own right. Personally though, I wouldn’t skip any, I’d buy them all, as they are all brilliant. The first novel ‘The Laughing Policeman’ (TLP) is an amazing series opener.

With Elizabeth you don’t just get a book with an awesome cover; you get a story that drags you in and urges you to keep going, chapter after chapter of dark fantasy and supernatural horror full of demons, witches, cryptids and much more besides.
The writing in The Bloodline Wand, as with the others in the series, is phenomenal. Elizabeth hooks you in from the outset and keeps you flipping pages as you hurtle to the story’s climax.
I love how the chapters jump between locations and characters and you can imagine the scenes unfolding as though you were watching it in a cinema. Now, I have struggled with some novels that do this chapter and character jumping as you can lose track of what happened to certain characters if they haven’t been in a chapter for awhile, but that’s not the case here—quite the opposite, actually.
If you’ve read V.E. Schwab’s Vicious and Vengeful novels you’ll know all about chapters switching between characters (and timelines) while the story unfolds beautifully with no confusion. Well, Elizabeth’s Brimstone Chorus books are the same. The story weaves the reader from start to finish on a river of supernatural thrills with some added comedic interactions between the MC, Charlie Haynes, and the demon, Chekonost, that resides within him.

The Bloodline Wand continues Charlie Haynes’ story since his horrific introduction to a demon within the pages of TLP and it doesn’t disappoint one bit. I’m not going to go into detail as the book’s synopsis covers that for you, plus, I’ll probably end up adding spoilers. However, what I will say is that there is a genius twist in the story (that’s not even related to the ending) which I thought was so brilliantly done that I had to message the author and congratulate her.

If you haven’t read one of Elizabeth’s books, I advise you to grab one forthwith.

P.S. I would love a large latte from Déjà Brew with an extra shot!
Profile Image for Josette Thomas.
1,276 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
Another visit to this demon filled world has us experiencing mayhem and madness as there are several people trying to locate items to change their world. One is a disturbed young man, whom has been abused, that wants to end his pain and become ‘someone special’. Of course he knows not of what he is messing with. He commits terrible atrocities in the name of ‘protecting’ his sister when in reality he is just being fooled by a lying demon bent on bringing about the world’s destruction. Then there is Charlie, a halfway decent guy, who is becoming more corrupt by the day. He thinks he has a tremulous hold on the demon living in his head but for how long? He is sharing space with a demon whom is becoming more and more angry that he does not have free rein of the world he occupies. Every person in this story has something to lose if the portal to the demon world is opened. The Brimstone Chorus is getting closer to their goal which is total domination of the human world. I was very engrossed in the writing of this book. I could feel the hopelessness of the basement. The air around myself almost seemed tainted with the smell. I could picture the circle etched in the cement awaiting the arrival of the demon. When the escape happened, I was as terrified as Josh at the horror’s he experienced in the tunnels. The author brings the reader into the story without having to actually be there. I would not last five minutes in this fictional, and I am glad, world. As the pages come to an end, I cannot help but wonder what the meeting that must happen will be like.
Profile Image for Louise Page.
339 reviews29 followers
April 22, 2025
Once again, Brown has made it clear that she is an up-and-coming master in horror, and it makes me excited for the rest of the series yet to come.

Charlie's life has been out of control since he saw his former best friend as a laughing, demon-possessed madman. But now he is the one possessed by the demon, and the dagger that makes such a life bearable is stuck in the stomach of a lovely hellhound. He feels like his mind is unravelling, and not just because he is lying to everyone and at times the demon seems to influence him to do things that he would never normally do. He needs rid of the demon, but the only way he can do that now is to find the Gatekeeper.

Unfortunately, the only one that he knows of is in O.O.T.I.S custody, and a small cult has their eyes on him to help summon a demon so they can all get their wishes granted. They are not nice guys, and after sacrificing several women to get what they want, they have decided to use the Gatekeeper to make it easier on themselves. But the plan to break the Gatekeeper out went a little wrong, and Charlie gets caught up in the middle of it.

It was a great read, full of dark and nasty twists that keep you wanting more, while you try and cheer on Charlie, even when he is being a darker version of himself. I love the way the books tie together, and how one action spoils something in the future. Cant wait for more!
Profile Image for Chiara Cooper.
516 reviews30 followers
June 5, 2025
This was phenomenal! This is book 3 of the Brimstone Chorus series and I’m in awe of how consistent Elizabeth J. Brown is. Every book in this series is incredible be it for the engaging plot, compelling characters and crazily creative world building. Not only that, but her ability to lead the reader toward thinking they know what’s coming, by having their thinking shattered completely is rather amazing in my opinion.

The whole series for me has been 5 stars all round because there’s always something new and gripping in each installment. What I found incredible is how the characters that we’ve known since book 1 feel fresh every time, without boring the reader or feeling repetitive. The plot as well is very well developed, moving forward but with shooting branches becoming the main plot for each book in the series, without feeling disconnected from the main story. Everything aligning so well, is testament to how great a writer Elizabeth is, leaving nothing to chance.

As for the main character Charlie, I said before that I’m a bit in love with him and I’m happy to report my feelings haven’t waned, actually I think they’re stronger than before, having witnessed again his strength and vulnerability as well. The dynamic between him and the demon was top notch with the author’s signature humour I love.

If you want a dark fantasy/horror read guaranteed to get you out of a reading slump, this is definitely the right series!

Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for emma.
199 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2025
What a book! Elizabeth has done it again!

This is the third instalment of the brimstone chorus books and it carries on with characters of old and new, blended perfectly in a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wrapping up in a brilliant finale which will leave you begging for more.

In this one the beloved Charlie, still possessed by Chekonost, is being hounded by ootis with regular check ups, all the while with Charlie trying desperately to have a normal life. The agent keeping an eye on him, Sachinko, suspects he’s not telling her everything but can’t prove anything.

Brothers Josh and Eric stumble upon the bloodvein wand and Eric becomes obsessed with the promise of power from the wand. Leading him down a very dark road.

How does all of this come together? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Thoroughly loved this book! Thank you Elizabeth! Fingers crossed for another?!
104 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
Elizabeth Brown delivers again with the 3rd book in the Brimstone Chorus! This one flew by for me there was so much action and it always felt like something big was about to happen to Charlie Haynes. I think the biggest thing I enjoyed from this is it focused on a few characters over a few days while still letting us know what is going on with the other characters in this universe. A lot happens in those days though and I can't wait to find out what Charlie and O.O.T.I.S are going to do to try to stop the Brimstone Chorus. Such a fun read, this series can be picked up by anyone, while there are some horror elements, I like the mixture of monsters, magic, and horror. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get away from your day, be scared and take your mind off everything else.

I received this book in exchange for honest feedback
Profile Image for Crystalclearwpg.
355 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2025
Book 3 for the Brimstone Chorus is yet again another full hit out of the park. We pick up where Charlie left off trying to coexist with his most sarcastic demon tag along Checkonost. The banter between these two is so entertaining you sometimes forget who you are rooting for and this all going on while following along with Charlie and his fight to make things right. We are again thrust into the middle of a power struggle between occultists and demons while Charlie tries to right the wrongs of mankind. I can't wait to see the next installment Mrs. Brown has in store for our dear Mr. Charlie and his most "beloved" demon tag a long, Checkonost.
I received a free ARC copy of this story and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
729 reviews
June 15, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.

The third installment of the Brimstone Chorus series is probably my favorite of the bunch. Elizabeth J. Brown's writing just gets better and better. Once things start really rolling in the book, the pace is near relentless. The action scenes are tightly written, and I was able to picture them in my head. We get to know some characters introduced in early books a bit better, and I've grown quite fond of Charlie. He doesn't always do the best thing for himself, but his heart is always in the right place. 5 stars
Profile Image for Cat B..
801 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2025
Firstly, The Bloodvein Wand is not a stand alone read. It is third in a very intense series that needs to be read in order. That being said, it is an exciting adventure in reading to embark on. Elizabeth writes compelling characters in situations that have the potential to bring about total devastation. A hard hitting fast paced in your face read. Fabulous writing.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
1 review
April 19, 2025
This is the authors best book to date, I live the moments of pure horror combined with the humour from the demon laced throughout.
The relationship between Charlie and his passenger is well done and the story keeps moving so you never get bored.

Really enjoying this author and look forward to seeing where the story will go next
1 review
April 21, 2025
I was so lucky to be an advanced reader for this book
As always with Elizabeth's books I never saw what was coming so many twists and redirection
The brimstone chorus books are an absolute delight a very refreshing change of gear for the genre not always what you would expect... Can't wait fir book 4 📖😁
Profile Image for Stefanie Silvestri.
149 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2025
The Bloodvein Wand is the third installment in the Brimstone Chorus Series, which I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I found myself completely absorbed in the story, unable to put it down due to the twist and turns that kept me guessing . This book is a thrilling ride filled with action, demons, monsters, magic, and horror elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Alexandra Nisneru.
Author 3 books52 followers
April 12, 2025
So far this has proven to my favourite of the series. There's something about this particular one that will make it super dificult to put it down. I can't wait to see where Liz goes next from here with this complex story.
Profile Image for Dray.
27 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2025
An absolutely stunning book. I have read all the books thus far and they just keep getting better and better. These books are definitely something everyone needs to read. Thank you Elizabeth J Brown for your amazing books and your brilliant mind.
Profile Image for Malen Collier.
11 reviews
May 7, 2025
So I’ve kept up with Elizabeth j browns books since she started I love them they are horror but the world building is immaculate you gate characters you love characters an you fell for some if you like a Good book with the right amount of gore -chefs kiss- perfect
Profile Image for Lisa Robbins.
426 reviews11 followers
September 25, 2025
Another fantastic book in the Brimstone Chorus series. I love the characters and all the insanity they get themselves into. Brown combines a good amount of humor and horror to keep the reader entertained. I'm hoping for more shenanigans from Charlie and the rest of the crew!
Profile Image for Nick.
56 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2025
ARC*
Undoubtedly the best book in the series so far, Elizabeth has matured in her writing and written some deliciously grizzly scenes. Gripping.
Profile Image for Ricky Davies.
22 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2025
The best in the series so far! I really struggled to put it down. a perfect level of humour, gore and great story telling can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Profile Image for Dawn.
212 reviews17 followers
May 27, 2025
This is the Bloodvein Wand story, the 3rd book in the Brimstone Chorus Series.

Hmmm, where do I start? In this book, Charlie Hayes is still trying to fight the demon Chekolost, who is still aware that Charlie is changing and his link to the Realm of the Fire and Shadow is growing stronger. He doesn’t know how much longer he will be able to hide it from the people he loves Evie and Meghan. Is he losing his grip on reality.

His plan is after his regular check-up with Sachiko, who keeps a regular check-up on him to see if he is okay. Sachiko has her suspicions that Charlie is hiding something from her… no S**t Sherlock. He has only got Chekolost in his body and mind. You most definitely can’t trust a demon. Of course, you can’t I hear you say. His only chance of riding the demon is to find the Gatekeeper and see if it will help him. But also, a cult is also after breaking the Gatekeeper free out of the O.O.T.I.S Headquarters with explosions and their desperation with Eric, their leader who is also losing it. He wants to open a rift to the other side, the Realm of the Fire and Shadow.

This author had me closed in a vice hold from the 1st page to the very last page. It has plenty of twists and turns, monsters, demons, and bloody squeamish scenes. I loved it everything a horror reader wants in a book.

Now that I’m finished, I’m totally gutted, I’ll have to wait for the next book for the story to continue. Will Charlie survive? Will Charlie go mad?

So here I’m here patiently waiting for the next book in the series to find out the answers to my questions. Brilliant booked, absolutely loved it, best book in the series so far!!!
136 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2025
Another fantastic addition to the Brimstone Chorus series! This one takes us right back into a world with demons, action, and a twist I never saw coming! Really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Craig.
82 reviews12 followers
August 11, 2025
A fantastic addition to an already great series. 5/5

Elizabeth Brown has exceeded herself. This book, the third in the Brimstone Chorus series, is my favourite, and I'm very eager to see where the series goes.

This book follows Charlie, who after discovering the world is filled with magic and demons in the previous two books, looks to find a way to escape and return to normality. There is the right amount of gory and funny moments that will keep you reading for longer than planned to see what happens next.

Overall is an amazing continuation of what was already a great series which ties up some loose ends but creates more to keep you hungry for the series to continue.
Profile Image for Jen Ramsden.
386 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2025
The newest book in the Brimstone Chorus series, this one really ramps up the tension and the stakes! The demon is even more sassy than before, a feat I didn't think was possible. Im not sure it's usual to have a demon as a favourite character, but here I am! Once again Elizabeth's storytelling is thrilling and fun, and I just can't put it down! I'm already impatient for the next book!
Profile Image for Stacy Rowe.
111 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2025
Charlie is trying to survive not being alone in his body or mind. He has to save himself to save his family, however he encounters obstacles at every step. If you try to save everyone, can you save yourself? This book has demons, realms, witches and is not gory.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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