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The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics
Power never dies. It just changes hands.
Washington, D.C. political journalist Eliza Warren has built her career on uncovering hidden truths, guided by intuition that borders on the supernatural. But when she investigates the suspicious suicide of a powerful senator, she discovers a conspiracy spanning centuries—one controlled by immortal predators who feed on both blood and power.
At the center stands Francis Varnum, a sophisticated power broker who has pulled political strings since America's founding. Five hundred years old and eternally dangerous, Varnum has hunted Eliza's bloodline across generations, waiting for a prophecy to fulfill itself—that a daughter of his maker's line will be his undoing.
As Eliza uncovers the vampire Conclave manipulating American governance from the shadows, she finds herself caught between opposing supernatural factions—and drawn to the immortal who has both protected and pursued her family for centuries. Her blood calls to his, a connection forged in medieval Europe that now threatens to consume them both.
With a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill poised to cement vampire control over the nation, Eliza must expose the truth and risk elimination, or embrace her heritage and become the hunter her bloodline was destined to produce.
In a city built on secrets and blood, Eliza Warren is about to discover that the most dangerous predator is the one you're falling in love with.
From Salem to the Senate floor, some appetites never die.
Dark. Erotic. Unforgettable. The Kingmaker redefines supernatural thrillers with a tale of blood, power, and a love that could burn down the world.
Washington, D.C. political journalist Eliza Warren has built her career on uncovering hidden truths, guided by intuition that borders on the supernatural. But when she investigates the suspicious suicide of a powerful senator, she discovers a conspiracy spanning centuries—one controlled by immortal predators who feed on both blood and power.
At the center stands Francis Varnum, a sophisticated power broker who has pulled political strings since America's founding. Five hundred years old and eternally dangerous, Varnum has hunted Eliza's bloodline across generations, waiting for a prophecy to fulfill itself—that a daughter of his maker's line will be his undoing.
As Eliza uncovers the vampire Conclave manipulating American governance from the shadows, she finds herself caught between opposing supernatural factions—and drawn to the immortal who has both protected and pursued her family for centuries. Her blood calls to his, a connection forged in medieval Europe that now threatens to consume them both.
With a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill poised to cement vampire control over the nation, Eliza must expose the truth and risk elimination, or embrace her heritage and become the hunter her bloodline was destined to produce.
In a city built on secrets and blood, Eliza Warren is about to discover that the most dangerous predator is the one you're falling in love with.
From Salem to the Senate floor, some appetites never die.
Dark. Erotic. Unforgettable. The Kingmaker redefines supernatural thrillers with a tale of blood, power, and a love that could burn down the world.
714 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Spears
3 books4 followers I'm J. E. Spears, an author of twisted historical romance, dark romance, and psychological horror. My debut novel, Sin & Deceit, is the first in The House of the Damned Trilogy—a haunting blend of love, deception, and the darkness that lingers in the human soul.
I live in the small town of Calhoun, Georgia, where farms stretch for miles, cows outnumber people, and inspiration hides in the quietest of places. But my world is far from quiet. As a single mother to a fierce and opinionated 14-year-old, Isabella, I find my greatest motivation in her unwavering belief in my writing—even when self-doubt creeps in. She reminds me to keep going, to keep creating, because there is always a reader out there waiting for the next twisted tale.
Our little family includes Lizzy, our very own female Garfield.. Between writing and parenting., I also have a deep fascination with Wicca and magic—an interest that may soon inspire a second blog.
Whether you're here for my stories, my musings on the dark and the mysterious, or simply a glimpse into the mind behind the madness, welcome. This is The Twisted Quill, where the lines between love, darkness, and the extraordinary blur.
I live in the small town of Calhoun, Georgia, where farms stretch for miles, cows outnumber people, and inspiration hides in the quietest of places. But my world is far from quiet. As a single mother to a fierce and opinionated 14-year-old, Isabella, I find my greatest motivation in her unwavering belief in my writing—even when self-doubt creeps in. She reminds me to keep going, to keep creating, because there is always a reader out there waiting for the next twisted tale.
Our little family includes Lizzy, our very own female Garfield.. Between writing and parenting., I also have a deep fascination with Wicca and magic—an interest that may soon inspire a second blog.
Whether you're here for my stories, my musings on the dark and the mysterious, or simply a glimpse into the mind behind the madness, welcome. This is The Twisted Quill, where the lines between love, darkness, and the extraordinary blur.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 17, 2025
J. E. Spears' *The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics* is a breathtaking, 5-star read that masterfully blends political thriller with supernatural horror. Forget dusty castles and shadowy corners; Spears catapults the vampire myth into the digital age, crafting a chillingly realistic narrative where these ancient predators manipulate the very fabric of modern society. They don't just lurk in the shadows; they control financial markets, weaponize social media, and have infiltrated the highest echelons of American government.
Investigative journalist Eliza Warren, armed with an ancestral dagger and a burning pendant, stumbles into this terrifying reality while investigating a seemingly routine political suicide. Her discovery of a centuries-long conspiracy, dating back to the Salem witch trials, throws her into a desperate race against time. The vampires, enhanced by technology and led by the formidable Riley Zhang, are abandoning subtlety and preparing for open warfare. Democracy itself hangs in the balance.
Spears' exploration of the themes of power, corruption, and the cost of survival is both thought-provoking and terrifying. Eliza's impossible choice—remain human and watch democracy crumble or embrace the supernatural and fight fire with fire—forms the emotional core of the story. Her complex relationship with Marcus Chen, whose own blood-enhanced abilities make him both an invaluable ally and a potential threat, adds another layer of tension and intrigue.
*The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics* is not just another vampire story. It's a timely and relevant exploration of the vulnerabilities of our hyper-connected world, where information is power and manipulation is rampant. The novel asks us to consider what we're willing to sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and what happens when the lines between human and monster become blurred in the fight for survival. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, fast-paced thriller with a supernatural twist. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last.
Investigative journalist Eliza Warren, armed with an ancestral dagger and a burning pendant, stumbles into this terrifying reality while investigating a seemingly routine political suicide. Her discovery of a centuries-long conspiracy, dating back to the Salem witch trials, throws her into a desperate race against time. The vampires, enhanced by technology and led by the formidable Riley Zhang, are abandoning subtlety and preparing for open warfare. Democracy itself hangs in the balance.
Spears' exploration of the themes of power, corruption, and the cost of survival is both thought-provoking and terrifying. Eliza's impossible choice—remain human and watch democracy crumble or embrace the supernatural and fight fire with fire—forms the emotional core of the story. Her complex relationship with Marcus Chen, whose own blood-enhanced abilities make him both an invaluable ally and a potential threat, adds another layer of tension and intrigue.
*The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics* is not just another vampire story. It's a timely and relevant exploration of the vulnerabilities of our hyper-connected world, where information is power and manipulation is rampant. The novel asks us to consider what we're willing to sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and what happens when the lines between human and monster become blurred in the fight for survival. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, fast-paced thriller with a supernatural twist. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last.
August 16, 2025
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics (The Immortal Influence Duology, Book 1) by J. E. Spears offers a thrilling fusion of investigative journalism, supernatural lore, and political conspiracy. The story follows investigative reporter Eliza Warren, who begins digging into the suspicious suicide of Senator Richard Townsend—only to unearth a centuries-old vampire conspiracy embedded deep within American power structures. Armed with her ancestor’s silver dagger and a strangely radiant pendant, she learns that vampires have covertly manipulated government for generations.
Spears brilliantly melds political intrigue with dark fantasy. Eliza’s investigation is compellingly paced, with palpable suspense as she navigates treacherous alliances—particularly with her research partner, Marcus Chen, a man enhanced by vampire blood—adding both complexity and romantic tension. The novel’s premise—vampires as puppeteers behind surveillance, media control, and financial manipulation—offers a fresh, dystopian twist: these ancient predators adapt to modernity not as lurkers in gothic castles, but as architects of societal decay.
Spears’ prose is vivid and atmospheric, painting scenes that feel both grounded and otherworldly. The balance of mystery, action, and gothic dread is finely tuned, with enough world-building to immerse without overwhelming. Readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a strong political edge will find themselves hooked from the first chapter.
In short, The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics is a riveting supernatural thriller that blends political drama with gothic suspense. It’s a gripping start to what promises to be a thought-provoking and action-packed duology.
Spears brilliantly melds political intrigue with dark fantasy. Eliza’s investigation is compellingly paced, with palpable suspense as she navigates treacherous alliances—particularly with her research partner, Marcus Chen, a man enhanced by vampire blood—adding both complexity and romantic tension. The novel’s premise—vampires as puppeteers behind surveillance, media control, and financial manipulation—offers a fresh, dystopian twist: these ancient predators adapt to modernity not as lurkers in gothic castles, but as architects of societal decay.
Spears’ prose is vivid and atmospheric, painting scenes that feel both grounded and otherworldly. The balance of mystery, action, and gothic dread is finely tuned, with enough world-building to immerse without overwhelming. Readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a strong political edge will find themselves hooked from the first chapter.
In short, The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics is a riveting supernatural thriller that blends political drama with gothic suspense. It’s a gripping start to what promises to be a thought-provoking and action-packed duology.
August 4, 2025
A Blood-Soaked Political Thriller That Redefines Vampire Fiction
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics delivers an unforgettable blend of political suspense and supernatural horror. From the first chapter, I was hooked by Eliza Warren—a fierce investigative journalist who isn’t afraid to chase the truth, even when it drips with centuries-old blood. The pacing is relentless, the stakes are high, and the tension between characters simmers with just the right amount of heat.
What truly sets this book apart is how it updates the vampire myth. These aren’t creatures hiding in shadows—they’re running global systems, building tech empires, and manipulating democracy like a chess game. The story unfolds across power corridors, from historical secrets buried in Salem to secret programs hidden deep within the Pentagon.
Eliza’s chemistry with Marcus Chen feels real, complicated, and never predictable. Their partnership brings a human pulse to a story full of inhuman threats. And the silver dagger passed down through Eliza’s bloodline? It’s more than a weapon—it’s legacy, responsibility, and rebellion in one.
The ending left me breathless. It raises heavy questions about power, freedom, and what we’re willing to lose to protect the world we believe in. If you’re tired of recycled vampire tropes, this book offers something bold, modern, and chillingly believable.
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics delivers an unforgettable blend of political suspense and supernatural horror. From the first chapter, I was hooked by Eliza Warren—a fierce investigative journalist who isn’t afraid to chase the truth, even when it drips with centuries-old blood. The pacing is relentless, the stakes are high, and the tension between characters simmers with just the right amount of heat.
What truly sets this book apart is how it updates the vampire myth. These aren’t creatures hiding in shadows—they’re running global systems, building tech empires, and manipulating democracy like a chess game. The story unfolds across power corridors, from historical secrets buried in Salem to secret programs hidden deep within the Pentagon.
Eliza’s chemistry with Marcus Chen feels real, complicated, and never predictable. Their partnership brings a human pulse to a story full of inhuman threats. And the silver dagger passed down through Eliza’s bloodline? It’s more than a weapon—it’s legacy, responsibility, and rebellion in one.
The ending left me breathless. It raises heavy questions about power, freedom, and what we’re willing to lose to protect the world we believe in. If you’re tired of recycled vampire tropes, this book offers something bold, modern, and chillingly believable.
August 9, 2025
Blood & Politics
I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning, I was hooked by the idea of a journalist uncovering a vampire conspiracy inside the U.S. government. It was bold, different, and surprisingly believable. I liked how the story blended politics, history, and the supernatural without ever feeling forced.
Eliza is a strong lead. I followed her journey with interest, and I appreciated that she was smart, determined, and not just reacting to events she made things happen. I also found Marcus’s character compelling, especially the tension around his vampire enhancements. Their partnership had depth, and the romance didn’t take over the story.
The book moves between past and present, and I thought those flashbacks added important context. It helped me understand how far back the conspiracy reached. The pacing was solid overall, though I felt the backstory near the end slowed things down just when the tension was peaking.
Still, the writing is clean and confident. The worldbuilding felt modern and thoughtful. I finished this book feeling satisfied, but also curious about what happens next.
If you're looking for something fresh in the vampire genre, with real stakes and sharp writing, this is a great read. I’m glad I picked it up.
I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning, I was hooked by the idea of a journalist uncovering a vampire conspiracy inside the U.S. government. It was bold, different, and surprisingly believable. I liked how the story blended politics, history, and the supernatural without ever feeling forced.
Eliza is a strong lead. I followed her journey with interest, and I appreciated that she was smart, determined, and not just reacting to events she made things happen. I also found Marcus’s character compelling, especially the tension around his vampire enhancements. Their partnership had depth, and the romance didn’t take over the story.
The book moves between past and present, and I thought those flashbacks added important context. It helped me understand how far back the conspiracy reached. The pacing was solid overall, though I felt the backstory near the end slowed things down just when the tension was peaking.
Still, the writing is clean and confident. The worldbuilding felt modern and thoughtful. I finished this book feeling satisfied, but also curious about what happens next.
If you're looking for something fresh in the vampire genre, with real stakes and sharp writing, this is a great read. I’m glad I picked it up.
July 11, 2025
Conspiratorial Horror at Its Best
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics (by J. E. Spears) is well worth the read just to savor the author’s highly perceptive descriptive flair. Her remarkable prose — both beautifully worded and highly sophisticated — paints pictures and sets the mood as well as any poetry. And if a creepy, haunting, even epic story is what you covet, there are no letdowns there either. This supernatural horror tale about a sprwling and sinister conspiratorial force that pervades the corridors of American power and beyond gives the lore of vampires more palpable realism and cogency than any of the lurid conspiracy theories that vie for currency in some circles today. So, curl up with this 700-plus-page page-turner, turn down the lights, and let it transport you, along with its brave journalist protagonist, to a Washington, DC in which a dark, fateful nightmare becomes real. As you read, you may find yourself wondering which is more satisfying, the chilling story itself or the myriad verbal delights that spring from its telling.
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics (by J. E. Spears) is well worth the read just to savor the author’s highly perceptive descriptive flair. Her remarkable prose — both beautifully worded and highly sophisticated — paints pictures and sets the mood as well as any poetry. And if a creepy, haunting, even epic story is what you covet, there are no letdowns there either. This supernatural horror tale about a sprwling and sinister conspiratorial force that pervades the corridors of American power and beyond gives the lore of vampires more palpable realism and cogency than any of the lurid conspiracy theories that vie for currency in some circles today. So, curl up with this 700-plus-page page-turner, turn down the lights, and let it transport you, along with its brave journalist protagonist, to a Washington, DC in which a dark, fateful nightmare becomes real. As you read, you may find yourself wondering which is more satisfying, the chilling story itself or the myriad verbal delights that spring from its telling.
July 20, 2025
I’m not sure what genre I’d put this book in. It’s part political thriller, part horror, part scifi, and part fantasy. This is the first in a series, but I didn’t realize there was a sequel until after, because the ending was so complete. I guess I have a pet peeve against those books that don’t finish the story so that you’ll read the next one. This has a great ending.
This is a really well written story, rich in imagery and poetic devices. The plot timeline is modern day but occasionally flashes back to previous times to fill you in on the back story. As more and more of the supernatural aspect is revealed, you are pulled into the deep history of the story. It is extremely well thought out.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the story rises to what seems like the climax about two thirds into the book and then backtracks and fills in backstory when I was ready for the final confrontation.
That aside, it’s a great read and explains a lot about our political system (if you’re willing to believe).
This is a really well written story, rich in imagery and poetic devices. The plot timeline is modern day but occasionally flashes back to previous times to fill you in on the back story. As more and more of the supernatural aspect is revealed, you are pulled into the deep history of the story. It is extremely well thought out.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the story rises to what seems like the climax about two thirds into the book and then backtracks and fills in backstory when I was ready for the final confrontation.
That aside, it’s a great read and explains a lot about our political system (if you’re willing to believe).
August 3, 2025
The Kingmaker: Blood & Politics (The Immortal Influence Duology Book 1) by J.E. Spears is very easy to get lost in! I found myself blazing few the first hundred pages without even realizing it. We are introduced to the main character Eliza (an investigative journalist) right away, along with her work (and developing into something more) partner, Marcus. We also meet the main antagonist Lazarus, and we get snippets primarily from his and Eliza's point of view as the plot develops.
The plot is full of high tension, and I felt anxious reading it, wondering what would happen at every turn. The stakes are high from the beginning, and they only grow and intensify as the story unfolds. I don't want to give spoilers, but we gradually get more pieces of the overall picture from snippets from Lazarus's past and how he became involved with different Warrens in Eliza's family tree.
Overall, this is a great, fast paced, intriguing political thriller with a nice supernatural overlay. I am looking forward to reading the second book!
The plot is full of high tension, and I felt anxious reading it, wondering what would happen at every turn. The stakes are high from the beginning, and they only grow and intensify as the story unfolds. I don't want to give spoilers, but we gradually get more pieces of the overall picture from snippets from Lazarus's past and how he became involved with different Warrens in Eliza's family tree.
Overall, this is a great, fast paced, intriguing political thriller with a nice supernatural overlay. I am looking forward to reading the second book!
July 22, 2025
How should I put this? For lack of a better term, this is a darn good book! I enjoy books on political chicanery and intrigue, (possible) murder mysteries, and serious vampire media. This manages to capture and combine elements of all three, and more. Eliza, Marcus, Riley, and other characters in the novel are interesting and well-developed. The chapters switch between perspectives, which I felt kept things fresh.
Generally, the concept grabbed me instantly. A journalist investigating a senator’s death uncovers vampires controlling government for centuries. I believe what makes this work is the very idea of perhaps ditching more “gothic” tropes for modern horror. Too much vampire media is either the former or oriented toward romance. In particular, I liked that the romance elements that were included didn’t overwhelm the plot.
Overall, it is certainly worth a read. As the blurb indicates, think The West Wing written by Anne Rice. This is an apt description.
Generally, the concept grabbed me instantly. A journalist investigating a senator’s death uncovers vampires controlling government for centuries. I believe what makes this work is the very idea of perhaps ditching more “gothic” tropes for modern horror. Too much vampire media is either the former or oriented toward romance. In particular, I liked that the romance elements that were included didn’t overwhelm the plot.
Overall, it is certainly worth a read. As the blurb indicates, think The West Wing written by Anne Rice. This is an apt description.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews