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ABOUT BLOOD:
Brilliant surgeon Aulen Gregoire discovers by an accident of fate that his blood causes patients to survive death. His ability to steal patients from death's clutches turns into obsession, and the blessing becomes a curse as his own vitality is ripped away, craving the bliss of saving lives like a drug. Unleashed like a howling creature, his vast addiction drags him down to the deadly blue lights of the city's most desperate, where Aulen becomes the Angelus of the Catacombs. And before his need is through, it will cost him everything; his position, friends, family, and his life.
Potential Triggers: male rape, sexual coercion
ABOUT THE SERIES - Three Days of Oblenite (3 novels)
This darkly romantic, gothic paranormal fantasy series is rife with superstition, piety, and the devious nature of the mystic. The three novels take place in a dark version of Victorian-era Paris, and feature three characters cursed with the gifts of a dead saint. Swept up in the torturous undercurrents of their desperate curses, their lives collide in desire, lust, power, obsession, addiction, fervor, desperation, and death. “Breath” features a young woman cursed to celibacy and unable to find love because her kiss kills, all except one night a year. “Tears” tells the story of a young man cursed to feel bliss when he is whipped, and the religious conflict he feels as he finds himself in a relationship with the man who brings him release. While in “Blood”, a brilliant surgeon cursed with blood that heals descends into a desperate underworld, addicted to working miracles. And in the seedy Gypsun Quarter at the edge of the Saints Commons, there is no blessing that can save those cursed to depravity, darkness, and permission. They can only save themselves.
Brilliant surgeon Aulen Gregoire discovers by an accident of fate that his blood causes patients to survive death. His ability to steal patients from death's clutches turns into obsession, and the blessing becomes a curse as his own vitality is ripped away, craving the bliss of saving lives like a drug. Unleashed like a howling creature, his vast addiction drags him down to the deadly blue lights of the city's most desperate, where Aulen becomes the Angelus of the Catacombs. And before his need is through, it will cost him everything; his position, friends, family, and his life.
Potential Triggers: male rape, sexual coercion
ABOUT THE SERIES - Three Days of Oblenite (3 novels)
This darkly romantic, gothic paranormal fantasy series is rife with superstition, piety, and the devious nature of the mystic. The three novels take place in a dark version of Victorian-era Paris, and feature three characters cursed with the gifts of a dead saint. Swept up in the torturous undercurrents of their desperate curses, their lives collide in desire, lust, power, obsession, addiction, fervor, desperation, and death. “Breath” features a young woman cursed to celibacy and unable to find love because her kiss kills, all except one night a year. “Tears” tells the story of a young man cursed to feel bliss when he is whipped, and the religious conflict he feels as he finds himself in a relationship with the man who brings him release. While in “Blood”, a brilliant surgeon cursed with blood that heals descends into a desperate underworld, addicted to working miracles. And in the seedy Gypsun Quarter at the edge of the Saints Commons, there is no blessing that can save those cursed to depravity, darkness, and permission. They can only save themselves.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
About the author
Jean Lowe Carlson
19 books319 followers"Richly set and beautifully told, Carlson paints a story filled with love, lust, and tragedy. She captures the tortured emotions of temptation and desire perfectly and leaves you wanting more." - Chris Patchell, author of In the Dark
“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in the fantasy genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, The Kingsmen Chronicles reveals as it builds!” - Daniel F., Amazon Review
Jean Lowe Carlson blends deep wisdom, fast-paced adventure, and timeless discovery into exquisite fantasy. Her raw worlds are reminiscent of George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Clive Barker, and Robin Hobb.
Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths and self-knowledge.
In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy Tears. She was also longlisted for the 2016 Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize for her dark fairytale The Man in White.
“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in the fantasy genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, The Kingsmen Chronicles reveals as it builds!” - Daniel F., Amazon Review
Jean Lowe Carlson blends deep wisdom, fast-paced adventure, and timeless discovery into exquisite fantasy. Her raw worlds are reminiscent of George RR Martin, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie, Clive Barker, and Robin Hobb.
Jean holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and has a keen awareness of psychology and human behavior, using it to paint vivid characters set amidst nations in turmoil or societies with riveting secrets. Exciting, challenging, and passionate, her novels take the reader upon dire adventures while exploring deep human truths and self-knowledge.
In 2016, she was the recipient of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist medal for her dark fantasy Tears. She was also longlisted for the 2016 Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize for her dark fairytale The Man in White.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 28, 2015
A dark and thoughtful tale about obsession and addiction to saving people, and what it takes out of one doctor determined to save them all. Set in a dark Victorian version of Paris. Engrossing and challenging!
November 3, 2015
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the previous two books in this series, I did find this really quick to read... but it wasn't exactly easy, even though it did draw me into the world and the storyline really easily.
I did like Aulen's character. It was interesting to see his views on using his blood to heal those patients under his care. I found it really easy to understand his motivations, even though I did think that his friend had a point with what he said about making the choice to save people. And I did think that the author did a really good job of showing the problems Aulen's addiction caused, not only personally but also professionally.
I liked seeing Aulen interacting with the other characters, especially with his wife and daughter. I enjoyed seeing his relationship with them and I did feel a lot of sympathy for Genevieve especially. It was good to see the contrast between her wanting to be an adult, but also needing her father.
It was easy to see Aulen's compassion for the people who needed his help, though I didn't really like him as much after his downward spiral, even though I did feel a lot of empathy for him, especially after Alessandra got her hands on him. (I didn't have any sympathy for her even in her first appearance... much less so towards the end of the book).
I did think that this book was really well-written. It was easy to be drawn into the world Aulen inhabited and I thought he was a really intriguing, well-rounded character. I also liked Philip, even though I haven't read his book... but it was good to see a bit of the main characters from the previous books.
There were a lot of really dark scenes in this and there were times I did find it hard to push through. Aulen really did hit rock bottom and that came across really well.
In the future, I would definitely like to read the previous two books in this series. I also would like a bit more detail about how these three different people developed their abilities.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the previous two books in this series, I did find this really quick to read... but it wasn't exactly easy, even though it did draw me into the world and the storyline really easily.
I did like Aulen's character. It was interesting to see his views on using his blood to heal those patients under his care. I found it really easy to understand his motivations, even though I did think that his friend had a point with what he said about making the choice to save people. And I did think that the author did a really good job of showing the problems Aulen's addiction caused, not only personally but also professionally.
I liked seeing Aulen interacting with the other characters, especially with his wife and daughter. I enjoyed seeing his relationship with them and I did feel a lot of sympathy for Genevieve especially. It was good to see the contrast between her wanting to be an adult, but also needing her father.
It was easy to see Aulen's compassion for the people who needed his help, though I didn't really like him as much after his downward spiral, even though I did feel a lot of empathy for him, especially after Alessandra got her hands on him. (I didn't have any sympathy for her even in her first appearance... much less so towards the end of the book).
I did think that this book was really well-written. It was easy to be drawn into the world Aulen inhabited and I thought he was a really intriguing, well-rounded character. I also liked Philip, even though I haven't read his book... but it was good to see a bit of the main characters from the previous books.
There were a lot of really dark scenes in this and there were times I did find it hard to push through. Aulen really did hit rock bottom and that came across really well.
In the future, I would definitely like to read the previous two books in this series. I also would like a bit more detail about how these three different people developed their abilities.
August 22, 2015
Jean Lowe Carlson does it again! What a fantastic conclusion to her Three Days of Oblenite trilogy (although if there would be others....I'm right there ready to read!). "Blood" is about a family man doctor who discovers he can save lives with his blood. He becomes addicted to saving lives and this takes a toll on his family life. There are some unexpected twists and turns, and he ends up saving some of those of the underbelly of his community's underground catacombs. I won't go into more detail so as to not give away any more of the book, but it was such a great read. I really enjoyed it, and once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more of Jean Lowe Carlson's work in the future. I loved the interplay and the seamless linking together here between the characters of the first 2 books in the Three Days of Oblenite series: "Breath" and "Tears." I really enjoyed reading this book and it had a wonderful ending that brought me to tears. I found the compassionate dotorre to be an engaging character, and I loved the French words used interspersed throughout the book. For me, that just added to the experience, the atmosphere, and the superb world-building that the author accomplished. The book sucked me in and I could barely come up for air until I reached the conclusion. I was touched by the main character's undying love for his wife and daughter, and how that love carried him through his difficult times.
I do want to include a Trigger Warning: the book does contain scenes of sexual violence. There is some darkness to the story, but it was well-written with the kind of ending I like. I include this trigger warning not to discourage people from reading this wonderful book, but as a form of respect and courtesy to survivors of similar violence, that they be forewarned.
I received this book from the author for free via Smashwords for a fair and unbiased review.
I do want to include a Trigger Warning: the book does contain scenes of sexual violence. There is some darkness to the story, but it was well-written with the kind of ending I like. I include this trigger warning not to discourage people from reading this wonderful book, but as a form of respect and courtesy to survivors of similar violence, that they be forewarned.
I received this book from the author for free via Smashwords for a fair and unbiased review.
July 29, 2015
>I received this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review<
“Blood” is the third in a trilogy called the Three Days of Oblenite by Jean Lowe Carlson. A great read if you like paranormal/fantasy. Beautiful writing. This book focuses on Aulen Gregoire – a brilliant and obsessed surgeon who discovers his blood has healing properties. He starts saving various patients with his blood. It affects him when he does this – he almost takes the sickness into himself. He gets a rush from this and it prompts a metaphysical crisis/nervous breakdown.
It’s very much an interior book about this doctor and his spiritual and emotional breakdown. Aulen has a lovely wife and daughter but they exist as something he denies himself. There is not a lot of romance in this book but some sexual exploring in the dark side of the world of Oblenite.
Aulen is such a train wreck that his downward spiral makes fantastic interesting reading. At one point – he is held prisoner for his blood and tortured and raped. Characters from the previous book play an important role. He finds redemption and peace after hitting bottom. It’s really a story of addiction and survival set in the fantasy world.
“Blood” is the third in a trilogy called the Three Days of Oblenite by Jean Lowe Carlson. A great read if you like paranormal/fantasy. Beautiful writing. This book focuses on Aulen Gregoire – a brilliant and obsessed surgeon who discovers his blood has healing properties. He starts saving various patients with his blood. It affects him when he does this – he almost takes the sickness into himself. He gets a rush from this and it prompts a metaphysical crisis/nervous breakdown.
It’s very much an interior book about this doctor and his spiritual and emotional breakdown. Aulen has a lovely wife and daughter but they exist as something he denies himself. There is not a lot of romance in this book but some sexual exploring in the dark side of the world of Oblenite.
Aulen is such a train wreck that his downward spiral makes fantastic interesting reading. At one point – he is held prisoner for his blood and tortured and raped. Characters from the previous book play an important role. He finds redemption and peace after hitting bottom. It’s really a story of addiction and survival set in the fantasy world.
December 7, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (Lovers of Paranormal).
Eh... I really don't know what to say about this book...
Well, firstly, it wasn't as good as book 1. I just wasn't hooked and couldn't connect to the characters for most part of the story. I actually started liking Aulen about the time he was kidnapped.
I couldn't get myself to care much about Christianne. She was....bland.
I actually kind of liked Genevive.
And I liked Phillip.
The story was a bit slow, especially in the beginning. I found myself impatient to get to a more interesting abd juicy point in the story.
It was also very dark and unsettling. There was so much sorrow.
The ending was much better and I actually enjoyed it.
All in all a nice read but I wouldn't read it again.
2.5 stars.
Eh... I really don't know what to say about this book...
Well, firstly, it wasn't as good as book 1. I just wasn't hooked and couldn't connect to the characters for most part of the story. I actually started liking Aulen about the time he was kidnapped.
I couldn't get myself to care much about Christianne. She was....bland.
I actually kind of liked Genevive.
And I liked Phillip.
The story was a bit slow, especially in the beginning. I found myself impatient to get to a more interesting abd juicy point in the story.
It was also very dark and unsettling. There was so much sorrow.
The ending was much better and I actually enjoyed it.
All in all a nice read but I wouldn't read it again.
2.5 stars.
December 8, 2015
Great series from Jean Lowe Carlson. It took me a min to get use to the French influence but once I got farther in the book it was almost like second nature. The reader gets pulled in so quickly with great attention to details your able to visualize every part.
One thing a doctor strives to do is saving their patients. Well this doctor found a way. His blood is the cure. He goes to great lengths and becomes so addicted to saving his patients he loses site of what's important. Is it a true miracle or will it. turn out for the worst. Definitely my favorite of the three so far. Hopefully there will be more.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.LOP
One thing a doctor strives to do is saving their patients. Well this doctor found a way. His blood is the cure. He goes to great lengths and becomes so addicted to saving his patients he loses site of what's important. Is it a true miracle or will it. turn out for the worst. Definitely my favorite of the three so far. Hopefully there will be more.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.LOP
July 8, 2016
I truly enjoyed reading the entire "Three Days of Oblenite" series. Each book had characters that just drew you in. "Blood" was no different. I was drawn in by the main character and his need to help and cure his patients. Throughout the novel it was very interesting to see the dark journey that Aulen Gregoire took in his quest to cure different characters who he came across that normally wouldn't have been curable by normal medicines. I was extremely happy with the end of the novel! Such a great read!
May 13, 2016
I received this book via the goodreads giveaway.
The overview of this story intrigued me and I'll admit this is very different from anything else I've read lately which is why it took me a bit to truly get into this story.
I found it to be an intriguing story of a very costly moral dilemma. Does the need and ability to heal others overpower the need to live?
The overview of this story intrigued me and I'll admit this is very different from anything else I've read lately which is why it took me a bit to truly get into this story.
I found it to be an intriguing story of a very costly moral dilemma. Does the need and ability to heal others overpower the need to live?
September 15, 2015
Such a twisting and turning through the dark passages this doctor follows was such a nail biter!! I think this one was the best I have read so far!! I am ready to read more books like this from Jean Lowe Carlson. I started out slowly reading this until I got about half way, then I could not put it down!!!!
August 31, 2015
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This was a different kind of book than what I usually read. It was very well written and put together. It was a dark book with an obsession I would have never thought of. This is a book you will have a hard time setting down.
This was a different kind of book than what I usually read. It was very well written and put together. It was a dark book with an obsession I would have never thought of. This is a book you will have a hard time setting down.
September 11, 2015
I won this book from goodreads giveaways so thank you for that. I really enjoyed this book id like to read more by this author.
September 10, 2015
good read
June 4, 2017
This is the last book in the trilogy (Three Days of Oblenite) and what a read it was. I could not put it down and devoured it in one day. It's tell in stunning and descriptive language the downfall of a family doctor who descovers his blood heals others and he becomes addicted to healing others to the detriment of himself. A truly fitting last book in this awesome trilogy. Jean Lowe Carlson has now become one of my favourite authors.
January 3, 2018
In reading this book, I was almost instantly hooked by the story. The small bit of mystery at the very begin starts you asking questions, and leads you into the remarkable world of the main character. How vivid the crypt, the house, and the bar are in the first few chapters, I feel like I would love to live there. I think the part that I simultaneously love the most, and would love to see more is: the mystery of the breath, and how that is one story line that is constant, but not always prominent. If you are trying to decide if you would like this, I recommend it if you enjoyed the Kushiel’s/Naamah’s Series by Jacqueline Carey. This book has many things that makes me thing fondly of that series, but then ties in a bit of dark fantasy. Well done, Author Jean Lowe-Carlson!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews