Language in the Blood

Language in the Blood #1

by Angela Lockwood

Until the outbreak of the First World War, young Cameron Blair would have liked nothing better than to stay in Edinburgh and marry his childhood sweetheart. As the call to arms goes out, Cameron and his pals sign up to fight for their country. They are soon delivered into the nightmare of war, and there Cameron more than meets his maker. The story follows Cameron as he comes to terms with his new 'life', from his first days as a hapless vampire in war-torn France to the glamorous modern day setting of the Cote d'Azur. Along the way, he develops a distinctive taste for the finer things in life: jewels, yachts, small dogs and champagne-infused human...

Genres: Horror

284 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2013

About the author

Angela Lockwood-van der Klauw was born in the Netherlands. She learned her trade as a jeweller and gemmologist at the Vakschool Schoonhoven before moving to Edinburgh as an apprentice jeweller. There she met and later married her husband Adam. Angela ran her own jeweller's shop in Edinburgh for ten years before she and her husband moved to the south of France in 2011. Like Cameron, Angela prefers the climate there, but often thinks about the town she left behind and its people.

Cameron's story was born in the spring of 2013, a very wet spring during which Angela found herself climbing the walls, frustrated that she couldn't go out and have her usual long walks along the seafront. Seeing his wife's frustration, Adam suggested 'Why don't you write a book?'

Angela thought about it for a few days, then switched on her laptop and started writing. Language in the Blood (Book1) was her first book. She has since published two more titles.And published short stories in two independant author anthologies:'You're not Alone' and 'Holes'

Reviews

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't used to like supernatural stories but lately I find myself reading a lot of Vampire and Werewolve books. There are a lot of things about them that I really like. This book was no different. My favorite part of these kinds of stories is the theme of redemption. The character usually has something they feel they need to pay for.

Cameron isn't seeking that redemption but it comes on his anyways. He was made a vampire when he went to war and has since been living his life in the darkness, for no one but himself. The book has no real dark overtones and we don't see Cameron as truly evil. He doesn't kill many people, and even his taste for dogs is written with a humor that is almost charming.

The book is funny. More than once, I found myself laughing out loud. That is not something I expected in a vampire story. It was way more entertaining than I even expected. Each chapter is written about the various people that enter and exit Cameron's long life. They are a vibrant group and tons of fun. If you give this book a chance, you won't regret it.

[Max Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really rather surprised by this book which I enjoyed very much indeed. One of my favourite classics is Bram Stoker's Dracula, and everything suffers by comparison when it comes to vampire tales. That being said, Angela Lockwood has written a highly entertaining, cleverly thought out book with enough pace and intrigue through the years to keep me interested. Right from the off I was intrigued and I believe the author has a great deal of talent. There was a little bit of lag midway through the book due to the timeline switch but it won't distract you from the overall enjoyment of the book although it is why I have dropped a star in the rating. It is hard to create a good and original vampire tale, but here it has been achieved with sufficient originality and style for me to say that this is a book I can highly recommend and I will be looking for more books to read from this author. If you are a vampire fan or even if not, so long as you like a well told yarn then pick up Language in the Blood, you will enjoy it for sure.

[Tom Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My decision a few months ago to read a wider range of genre has paid dividends in certain respects. I have now read four vampire stories for example, although they are not my first choice. For me, this particular story worked in some respects but not in others.
A key area to keep me reading any story is that the writing is of a good standard. The writing is good in ‘Language in the Blood’. We all know about the general rules applied to vampires so I wondered if there would be anything different here. The main character’s favourite tipple was the twist, but that’s for the reader to find out. Generally, the dialogue, imagery, characterisation and plot were good.
I enjoyed where the story took off from, but I have to say I wasn’t keen on the constant moves back and forward in time. Yes, there should be back story, and by all means there should also be flashbacks, because they too are a useful tool. By the halfway point I was becoming irritated by the stepping back in one chapter, only to step forward again in the next. The idea of creating a chapter for each character along the vampire’s journey was good, but it occurred to me that setting the story in a chronological order might have worked better. That is merely my opinion.
In summary, if you enjoy vampire tales then you cannot fail to enjoy this one. There is an underlying humour throughout the story, and the ending leaves the impression that there might be a sequel.

[Senan Gil Senan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression was that I really liked the cover and title of this book. It is yet another take on vampires which is original and works well. The protagonist is a young man who is turned into a vampire in the middle of a battlefield. He receives no help or instruction on what he has become, or how he should get by on a day to day basis. Thus Cameron becomes an improviser, He learns through experience, and adapts his inherent problem solving skills to such problems as how to nourish himself and avoid sunshine. Unlike other vampire stories, he doesn't live in a community of other vampires, or turn other people into them. The various people he encounters over the years become either accomplices, people to kill, or people to leave behind. There are lots of chapters usually coinciding with other characters that have come into his life, which make the book comfortable to read. The story jumps forwards and backwards through the various decades of the Cameron's life. At first it can be unsettling, but then it also adds to the immortal timeframe of a vampire, that is that events and people come and go, but the memories of them run concurrently in Cameron's mindset as he adapts and learns throughout.
The story is well told with engaging narrative and dark humour throughout in the dialogue. It works well, and I enjoyed reading this story very much.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, Angela Lockwood has epitomised why it is important and refreshing to read Indie Authors. She has taken a genre that has been grossly overworked and become rather formulaic and put a whole new, fresh, take on it. Language in the Blood is one of those books that reminds us that it is the Indie Authors, these days, who have the fresh, interesting ideas in literature. Kudos to Lockwood.
Vampires and fantasy in general are not my favourite genre, but Language in the Blood was definitely a book I struggled to put down. I wanted to find our what happened next to our anti-hero Cameron.
Cameron, a young Scottish boy, like so many others at the time, saw the First World War as an opportunity for a bit of excitement and travel. He discovered very quickly that War was brutal and worst of all, rather than dying in no-mans land, where he lay wounded, he was revived by a bite from a Vampire.
What followed was essentially an autobiography of a Vampire as he traversed the twentieth century and beyond. Cameron, was at times, nasty, vicious, arrogant, self-centred, and hedonistic in his approach to his life as a Vampire, however the author was able to instil something in him that pleaded for the reader's understanding and empathy. He was a character that you desperately wanted to hate, but somehow you couldn't and that is a direct compliment to the author.
There were some wonderfully comedic moments and memorable lines delivered by Cameron and in a book that brings us some of the basest pleasures, this was a delight and again a tribute to the author's skills.
I liked the style the story was written, using flashbacks between the past and current times. We followed Cameron from WWI, through the Roaring 20's, the Great Depression, WWII and on until the time of Facebook and Internet Chat Rooms.
This was a very engaging story and I did enjoy it a lot. If you love Vampires, but are tired of the same old stories, then Language in the Blood: Book 1 will be an incredibly enjoyable read for you, I'm sure. There is room for a sequel and I see on Amazon, that Language in the Blood: Book 2 is also available. I will be checking it out for sure Within its genre I think Language in the Blood: Book 1 is a standout and for that reason justifies the full 5-Stars I am awarding it. Good job - excellent book.

[Sharon Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title foxed me at first, you will have to read the book to find out why it is called Language in the Blood, very cleverly done. Not your usual vampire story - I fell in love with a vampire or Buffy - Language in the Blood is so very different and a sory told by the vampire himself, Cameron Blair.
A very witty and interesting tale of a vampire and his story from WW1 until the modern day of Facebook. Cameron's life is full and varied, he even tries to justify his 'meals' and sees no wrong in his new way of life. Well that is until... no spoilers here!
The structure is great and well thought out, I especially loved the treatment of the chapters. They are all named and pertinent to the story and Cameron.
The author uses humour throughout which had me chuckling aloud a few times, Angela Lockwood was able to show the humour through dialogue and Cameron's thoughts. Going by the title Language in the blood: Book 1 - there is obviously another one on its way!

[Kirsten McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like reading a vampire's diary, a diary detailing their innermost thoughts and life experiences. The sort of diary you don't leave laying about for someone else to read. What a wild ride. There were chapters I loved more than others, but as a whole, this book was a weird and fascinating ride. And I'm going to recommend it!
Cameron, the main character, was likeable, despite having a preference for the taste of dog...oh yes, don't read this if you can't stomach the idea of a vampire showing down on Fido, for sustenance...At times, he was a vicious vampire, true to casting, but at other times, he gave humanity hope that good exists in the world.
Well written, slightly Great Gatsbyish, with a hint of all the best WWII movies ever.
And yes, I've already purchased the sequel. I'm stepping onboard for the long ride with Cameron and his crazy life!

p.s. The book cover on Goodreads is not good. But the cover on Amazon is a thousand times better. Not sure I would have purchased it if I'd seen the Goodreads cover first. So here is a true example of not judging a book by its cover...Maybe the author can fix this issue Angela Lockwood?

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I haven't read a vampire book in a while cause they were just a dime a dozen and all had a similar storyline.........But this one I found refreshing. Good read for anyone wanting a different vampire story

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I couldn't stop reading this story. Angela really takes to the scene that she described. Highly recommended for everyone.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Language in the Blood is to Anne Rice's vampire books as champagne to a muddy puddle. I was at first hesitant to pick this book up, with vampires being so overdone these days, but Lockwood has brought a fresh and refreshing voice to this popular trope; she doesn't take herself, or her protagonist, too seriously and this does wonders for the entertainment value of the book.

Cameron Blair is frankly, cheerfully wicked, without ever quite stepping over the line into absolute evil. Among his thieving, dog-slaying criminal deeds, he yet refrains from littering or killing endangered species. It is impossible not to like him, and I look forward to more books in this vastly entertaining series.

[Rhoda D'Ettore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful! I once loved supernatural tales, but soon they became predictable, repetitive, and thoroughly unimaginative over the years. This is a completely unique tale, and I love the ride the author wrote out for us. We start off with a group of young men headed off to World War I. Some did not make it, others survived, yet one became a vampire. We watch him mature both in age and his vampirism as the book bounces between 1920s & 2000s, and from different points of the globe. I loved this guy, and especially his humor. There is a scene in a chat room where people are speaking of their favorite snacks, and he identifies his-- I laughed so hard. You have to read it to understand it. So get it now.

I admit that I'm a historical fiction reader, and I think it was the idea of starting off with WWI that drew me in at first. What kept me reading was not only the author's style, but the glimpses into the past and into realistic problems. How does a vampire learn what he is and learn to control himself? How can he have relationships/friendships? Even the concept of sailing the world in a yacht seems easy, yet what happens when customs wants to board the ship at a time when a vampire would normally be sleeping?

There is nothing I can say to convince you of the originality of this story except perhaps, read the excerpt. You'll be hooked!

[Laura Besley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until now I have avoided the 'vampire genre' and Language in the Blood is, therefore, the first vampire book that I've ever read. I was more than happy to give it a try thinking that maybe I was missing out on something and you shouldn't knock something until you've tried it (except maybe for Fifty Shades of Grey).

Cameron, the main character in the book, was born in the early 20th century and spends the better part of it being a vampire after he is turned into one during World War I. He initially struggles to adapt to his new way of living, especially how to find 'food', but within a couple of years starts to feel more comfortable. The main changes in his character take place very early on and after that he remains fairly stable, albeit cold distant and ruthless. I would have preferred to see more of his early development as this is where the biggest changes happen.

This is an easy to read novel divided into bite-sized chapters which relate to the people Cameron meets during his life. I would recommend this to people who are interested in vampire fiction.

[Gordon Bickerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh and unique vampire story

This is a vampire story but the approach is sufficiently different and fresh to interest both vampire fans and readers who don't normally read vampire stories. The principal character, Cameron, is finding his way through life with his vampire thirst burden. How he copes, behaves and moves forward is wrapped up in a complex character development that is surprisingly appealing. This is his story. He is not a Bram Stoker's vampire you are hoping will be destroyed. Cameron doesn't have peers or elders available to help him so he's learns about the vampire life by trial and error, and inevitable makes some tragic mistakes. As a reader you begin to understand his burden. He is trying to find his 'maker' and I suspect this will be a topic in future books. There is a bit of hopping back and forth in the time line, and if reading quickly it can become a little confusing. The story is well written and well told with a good splattering of humour to make sure it is not all dark. An entertaining read. Highly recommended.

[Kayla Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What is it with you humans? You didn’t bat an eyelid when I told you I was a vampire, even though you knew I must have killed countless humans. But, oh no, don’t kill the poor little doggie!" (Best line ever!)

Cameron Blair is arrogant, sarcastic, and sometimes psychopathic, but he is still loveable and impossible to hate.

Language in the blood follows Cameron's story - from how he was turned into a vampire in WWI, to living the high life in modern day on a yacht in the south of France - through a series of flashbacks. While the jump between decades/stories was sometimes patchy, the stories made up for it.

From Cameron's obsession with "playing with his food" (often Yorkie terriers) to his darkest moments like losing the love of his life, I was entertained from beginning to end.

Not your typical vampire story. It's well written, funny, enthralling, and entertaining. Can't wait to get my hands on more of Cameron's story.

[Penny Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron Blair becomes a vampire after dying in WW1. The book tells his story. They say in a good book that the main character develops and he certainly does, but not always in a good way. Nevertheless he gradually learns all there is to know about vampires and how to survive.
Because Cameron can live forever some of the characters are fleeting, but a few become important to him and are therefore more fleshed out.
Cameron’s love of art is conveyed throughout the century and there are some lovely snippets of art history delicately dropped into the story.
Some of the feeding details are a bit gruesome but I guess that’s what to expect in this kind of book.
I think the ending has been left so that there could be a follow-up book and I’d certainly be happy to read more.

[Anthony Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing and plausible, this novel is full of tongue-in-cheek humour and eluded how’s-your-father. The male perspective is written so well that the author must have been one in a previous life. The new slant on vampire law is inventive, the myth busters welcome, as is the frequent smattering of blood. The background stories and the wartime experiences gave it immense depth, and I was elevated by the way the main character brought out the desire for the thrill to be forever young, to cross time as a frivolous twenty-year-old, revelling in life’s experience to the max without fear or conscience. I salute thee Angela, splendid writing, and set up nicely for the sequel that I look forward to reading. The only downside for me was the canine packed lunches. Mrs Lockwood must really hate dogs.

[May Panayi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, written like a sort of vampire autobiography. I'm a big fan of zombie and vampire fiction and one of the things I do is look to see what new twist the writer has brought to the genre. I loved the concept of every meal comes with a free language! That would certainly make me want to travel extensively. I loved the doggy dinner concept too, as well as the distasteful cats. The book was well written and the characters were too. The story moved fast and kept me entertained. Great stuff.

[Robert Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all you vampire lovers out there LANGUAGE IN THE BLOOD is by far, I will say again, by far, the most unusual vampire book I have ever read. With that said it was a delight to read. Ranging from World War 1 to modern times it is a tale that does not follow format (something I truly enjoy) goes from page to page at a dancing clip, and follows a vampire who enjoys champagne infused bood. Need a vampire book that is refreshing - read this book. Trust me...I only lie to the tax man.

[Dustin]

It's free, and has gotten good reviews, what can I say?

https://www.amazon.com/Language-blood...

[Boyko Ovcharov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever Story

Thought-provoking, immersive and somehow full of adventure, historical references and human destinies with twists.

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language in the Blood was a contradictory read for me. I enjoyed the concepts it explored, and the feeling of following out main character through a century of life, but I didn't particularly enjoy the book itself. The main character is a charming anti-hero, but not very likable. He is vindictive, murderous, petty and spiteful. Yet, these traits make his character I feel realistic with that of a vampire while also making him interesting and complex. His character is largely what carries the story itself, along with the various interactions he has with people. That is Language in the Blood's greatest strength, watching the years pass around Cameron, our MC, and seeing the people we know from his earlier years age and die while he remains largely unaffected. I loved the way the author handled this part of story, it felt so authentic, especially with the way Cameron moved through the world and the way he learned and evolved through the stages of his life.
Unfortunately, his history grows a little repetitive after a while. Often times, the stories he tells (the whole book is written more like a memoir than a story and there is no unifying plot) amount to little more than him seducing a woman and eating a dog or something. Some of the stories are distinct because they focus on an individual who was important to him in someway, but these are few and often contain more of the latter. This is probably Language in the Blood's greatest flaw, its repetitiveness.
Something else to note is that I initially disliked the prose style employed here, its heavily reliant on Cameron explaining his action, feeling and etc rather than us experiencing it ourselves. I grew accustomed to the style after a bit and it read well thereafter.
The final thing worth commenting on is the comedy. Humor is subjective, of course, so this may be an entirely irrelevant comment. Either way, I didn't enjoy the humor. I recognized a couple lines throughout the story where it made itself known, but they never inspired more than a smile and seemed mostly to be witticisms from Cameron. Again, humor is entirely subjective so if you have a good ear for humor in books you'll probably find it funnier than I did.
In the end, I consider Language in the Blood a high-quality, but only mildly enjoyable book.

[Nikki Landis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting concept. This novel completely took me by surprise as it was a totally unique and different spin on vampire lore. Told from the first person perspective of a brutal and sadistic vampire, his story unravels as we see his dark decline and lack of morality spurred on by a selfish and immature nature. By the end of the story you're left wondering if he could truly be redeemed but I won't reveal that answer as you must read to find out. Is he truly a monster or a product of his sinister fate?

The cover suggests this is a comedy with bite but there's little humor. Upon reflection I think it must be the rather cynical and barbaric sense of humor the main character Cameron carries throughout the novel. This is a dark, disturbing, immoral, and brutal story but it's the tone and the simple way it's laid out with ease that left me unsure if I enjoyed it or not. There's no doubt it's well written and quite different from any vampire story you'll ever read. Cameron is one vampire you won't forget!

Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Word Building: 4/5
Story Flow: 3.5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE = 4/5

[Leanne Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that stuck when I started this book were the character names, being different to what I would normally hear made them intriguing. This book although offbeat from my normal genre choice is extremely well written, the wonderful descriptions make visualising the scenes effortless and you can’t help but to feel for the main character, Cameron Blair. With every page you read, you feel as though you become a part of his life. I really felt for this guy, thrust into a situation and having to deal with the unthinkable.
The seamless time skips are perfect, providing a wonderful flow to the story and the different points of time are brilliant. Angela Lockwood you should be congratulated, this story is full of emotion, it’s a wonderful journey throughout time, a beautiful story but at times sad. A captivating storyline, the characters possess depth and all in all this book is one I would have no hesitation in recommending.
Great lines:
“I turned out to be more like a mosquito”
“I’m Scottish. We only come in pale”
“...there was no excuse for ugly shoes!”
“I wouldn’t bite just anyone, though. Wrinkly old men were really not my favourite.”

[E.M. McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language in the Blood, Book 1 by Angela Lockwood follows Cameron Blair, a young Scotsman, from his time shortly before entering WWI and after (once becoming a creature of the night), up until the beginnings of the 21st century. Cameron is an engaging character, though some readers may have a distaste for that which he finds 'flavorful'. The story is told by jumping back and forth throughout time with each chapter focusing on a person who is/was either important to Cameron or was perhaps his dinner.

The writing itself is done well and flows nicely, but for me there was too much exposition, as if reading Cameron's diary, and not enough in-the-moment action. It wasn't until 75% into the story that a true purpose and plot driver emerged. Though an intriguing story line, it fell a little flat for me. Were I able to rate on the half-stars, I'd give this piece a 3.5/5.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written vampire tale with a difference, which begins in WW1 and continues in the first-person narrative through many decades.

Cameron is a strong character whose life changes beyond recognition after being on the battlefield.

As time moves on, his personality develops and though it is flawed in many ways, he does not see them as a problem.

Overall, it is a sad yet witty account and demonstrates the terrible things that people can do - whether human or vampire.

Worth a look.

[William Blackwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating vampire tale!

Written from the first person perspective of a sadistic vampire, Angela Lockwood’s novel is a compelling tale. She’s a good storyteller who weaves an interesting and captivating narrative that keeps the reader on edge, wondering if the lead protagonist vampire can be redeemed or is he merely the product of a morally bankrupt society. It has elements of dark humor throughout and is very well written. If you’re into vampire lore and vampire stories, this one comes highly recommended.

[Ahi Keleher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A (mostly) plausible vampire tale

The author has strung together the life of the main character in a way that makes the story believable. I missed the comedy aspect and the whole thing with dogs rather put me off but the way the book is written makes for a vampire that you kinda hate for his behavior but you become invested in his backstory all the same. Worth a read, certainly!

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Language in the Blood isn't your normal vampire romance story. No, it's a whole lot more. Dark. Twisted. Morbid humour. It's Cameron's story of how one minute he was fighting in WW1, then became a vampire on the battlefield. His struggles to make it through the decades from rags to riches. It's an amazing story with a different aspect of a vampire that we read in other books.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Have Lived A Long Unusual Life

Cameron has lived for very long time. He was shot during WWI and then turned into a vampire. And was branded a traitor. He has lived for a long time moving from place to place with a new identity to keep him self safe. Meeting new and different people from different periods of time.

[Tamsin O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally im not into war related books but this one was very well written and didn't focus on the war throughout. I enjoyed reading this book, it was paced very well and held my attention just right. Im planning on looking at the other books from this author now.