What do you think?
Rate this book
Thrones of Blood #1
Revenge of the Vampir King
Vampires and humans are at war!
Moarte, King of the Vampirii, is a prisoner of his Sapiens enemy. The beautiful Sapiens Princess Valada, believing that Moarte killed her mother, tortures him, even to the point of breaking the bones in his wings so he cannot escape. She intends to incinerate him to ash in sunlight, but Moarte escapes.
Moarte hungers for revenge. When, through an act of betrayal, Valada is captured by the vampirii, his first instinct is to drain her blood and annihilate her. But he realizes he can get revenge in other ways, using her as a tool to gain the upper hand in this conflict. But who is manipulating whom? Both want revenge, and control of the other, and Moarte wants to drink Valada's blood. Dark desires lead down a path neither had envisioned, a threatening spiral that can destroy empires.
Hunter and hunted change places again and again in this novel of twisted, violent passions. Seeds of deception are sown amidst love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, obsession and indifference, in an erotic tale of warring races, foes since the beginning of time, and two unlikely adversaries aligning to battle a common enemy.
Moarte, King of the Vampirii, is a prisoner of his Sapiens enemy. The beautiful Sapiens Princess Valada, believing that Moarte killed her mother, tortures him, even to the point of breaking the bones in his wings so he cannot escape. She intends to incinerate him to ash in sunlight, but Moarte escapes.
Moarte hungers for revenge. When, through an act of betrayal, Valada is captured by the vampirii, his first instinct is to drain her blood and annihilate her. But he realizes he can get revenge in other ways, using her as a tool to gain the upper hand in this conflict. But who is manipulating whom? Both want revenge, and control of the other, and Moarte wants to drink Valada's blood. Dark desires lead down a path neither had envisioned, a threatening spiral that can destroy empires.
Hunter and hunted change places again and again in this novel of twisted, violent passions. Seeds of deception are sown amidst love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, obsession and indifference, in an erotic tale of warring races, foes since the beginning of time, and two unlikely adversaries aligning to battle a common enemy.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
10 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Kilpatrick
159 books255 followersNancy Kilpatrick was a Canadian author who wrote stories in the genres of dark fantasy, horror, mystery, erotic horror, and gothic subculture.
She is most known for her vampire themed works.
She is most known for her vampire themed works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 17, 2018
The blurb states that this is a novel of twisted and violent passions - those with a sensitive nature really need to heed this warning. This is definitely an adult read, the setting is in a really violent world and the descriptions of torture and rape are graphic and in places quite sickening .... BUT, for those who can get past this, it is gripping and unique and the vampires are nothing like those I've read about before!
With complex characters and a plot loaded with deception, action and intrigue this was an utterly compelling read with the nature and histories of the Vampir and Sapien kingdoms and their rulers, traditions and society being cleverly revealed. It's dark and disturbing, erotic and thought provoking and I loved how the characters and their relationships developed.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
With complex characters and a plot loaded with deception, action and intrigue this was an utterly compelling read with the nature and histories of the Vampir and Sapien kingdoms and their rulers, traditions and society being cleverly revealed. It's dark and disturbing, erotic and thought provoking and I loved how the characters and their relationships developed.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
July 7, 2017
With the dark fantasy, REVENGE OF THE VAMPIR KING, Nancy Kilpatrick has written a novel that succeeds as a love story, a political/royal court intrigue, a moral tale, and a piece of wild erotic fiction. The emotional changes that occur within her main characters in the story are intense, and, in the hands of a lesser author, would perhaps not be believable. Kilpatrick deftly turns hatred into love, scorn and contempt to trust, and revulsion into lust. And, of course, we, the readers, feel it all. We start with what seems a healthy loathing for the vampire, Moarte, and sympathy for his human slave, Vallada, yet our assumptions about them are turned on their heads more than once through the course of the tale, our feelings for the characters metamorphosing into something buoyant and beautiful, though the story remains dark and disturbing. I have rarely been on such a delightful emotional ride. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2023
Vampires with wings! The beginning is just a brilliant fever dream of mesmerized sex on a balcony. I love that the author went there… and continued to go there. Could we have just stayed there?
Because I’m knocking off a star for the middle to the end that becomes a conventional romance conflict in a fantasy plot.
I enjoyed the fantasy plot but the conventional romance conflict? I love angst but make it believable otherwise the hero just looks dumb. Frustrating is not the same thing as angst-inducing.
The hero’s pride is hurt when the heroine doesn’t listen to his orders (in private) even though her actions pay off (!!) She then later speaks up about the truth, inadvertently challenging his rule in front of everyone. She speaks up, understandably so, and she is emotional, therefore unbelievable. It’s just adhering to sexist gender ideas without doing anything about them.
The heroine’s actions make sense but she was always punished or not supported. I just didn’t like that the heroine didn’t have a moment of her mic drop moment.
Instead, she had to apologize to him for the first incident and then basically was put on trial and again had to say sweet words to the hero.
The story feels dated in this respect by adhering to this convention of punishing the heroine. I was ok with it for the balcony sex but when it comes to her revealing state plots? Leave her be!
I also find the hero lame when his Important Manly Pride is hurt because she didn’t listen to him ONE TIME. For good cause. I’m sorry everything turned out ok even though she didn’t listen to you? 🙄🎻
All may have been forgiven if their fights took them to the bedroom but the middle to the end focuses on a different kind of action and is more focused on rescuing people.
This is violent. Graphic but not detailed. Bloodlust.
Because I’m knocking off a star for the middle to the end that becomes a conventional romance conflict in a fantasy plot.
I enjoyed the fantasy plot but the conventional romance conflict? I love angst but make it believable otherwise the hero just looks dumb. Frustrating is not the same thing as angst-inducing.
The hero’s pride is hurt when the heroine doesn’t listen to his orders (in private) even though her actions pay off (!!) She then later speaks up about the truth, inadvertently challenging his rule in front of everyone. She speaks up, understandably so, and she is emotional, therefore unbelievable. It’s just adhering to sexist gender ideas without doing anything about them.
The heroine’s actions make sense but she was always punished or not supported. I just didn’t like that the heroine didn’t have a moment of her mic drop moment.
Instead, she had to apologize to him for the first incident and then basically was put on trial and again had to say sweet words to the hero.
The story feels dated in this respect by adhering to this convention of punishing the heroine. I was ok with it for the balcony sex but when it comes to her revealing state plots? Leave her be!
I also find the hero lame when his Important Manly Pride is hurt because she didn’t listen to him ONE TIME. For good cause. I’m sorry everything turned out ok even though she didn’t listen to you? 🙄🎻
All may have been forgiven if their fights took them to the bedroom but the middle to the end focuses on a different kind of action and is more focused on rescuing people.
This is violent. Graphic but not detailed. Bloodlust.
May 24, 2020
Revenge of the Vampire King is a dark fantasy erotic horror book, which is a bit of a mouthful but covers a wide variety of genres. It's not for people who have issues about vampires brainwashing their prisoners into falling in love with them and trying to break their will while planning to murder them. That is the "romance" at the heart of things but dark stories like this are a way of exploring ideas and concepts we normally wouldn't. Still, it's not for the faint of heart and a warning for those who want their fictional hook-ups safe, sane, and consensual.
Moarte is the half-human King of the Vampires and he's just won a glorious victory over the King of the Sapiens. He's taken his enemy's daughter prisoner and intends to kill her to make up for the torture he suffered when he was a prisoner. However, wanting her father instead of her, he instead attempts to use sex as well as manipulation to convince her to betray him. Valada swiftly falls to his charms as she struggles with her lust for Moarte versus her undying hatred of the undead (no pun intended).
There's a lot of hardcore dark sex scenes in this book, political intrigue, brainwashing, and surprisingly solid world-building. It takes place in an alternate universe from our own where the undead were at the Last Supper and have built their own kingdoms. It's definitely something that I would recommend for those looking for hard R-rated fantasy erotica with a psychological edge.
Moarte is the half-human King of the Vampires and he's just won a glorious victory over the King of the Sapiens. He's taken his enemy's daughter prisoner and intends to kill her to make up for the torture he suffered when he was a prisoner. However, wanting her father instead of her, he instead attempts to use sex as well as manipulation to convince her to betray him. Valada swiftly falls to his charms as she struggles with her lust for Moarte versus her undying hatred of the undead (no pun intended).
There's a lot of hardcore dark sex scenes in this book, political intrigue, brainwashing, and surprisingly solid world-building. It takes place in an alternate universe from our own where the undead were at the Last Supper and have built their own kingdoms. It's definitely something that I would recommend for those looking for hard R-rated fantasy erotica with a psychological edge.
July 20, 2017
A sexy vampire book with a brain, and so much more...
Nancy Kilpatrick's latest doesn't mess around. If you're a vampire junkie jonesing for a solid fix of violence and sex right out of the gate, she definitely delivers. This book is filthy in all the best ways... but then she takes it a step further. There's a serious narrative dealing with themes of divided loyalty, culture clash, the burdens of leadership, and imperfect love. What impressed me most about Revenge of the Vampir King, ironically, is that it's largely driven by its female characters. Brave, cruel, ambitious, wise, manipulative, and vulnerable, these are the complex women you don't see nearly enough of in this genre. Revenge is just the beginning, and I definitely want to see how this story bleeds out.
Nancy Kilpatrick's latest doesn't mess around. If you're a vampire junkie jonesing for a solid fix of violence and sex right out of the gate, she definitely delivers. This book is filthy in all the best ways... but then she takes it a step further. There's a serious narrative dealing with themes of divided loyalty, culture clash, the burdens of leadership, and imperfect love. What impressed me most about Revenge of the Vampir King, ironically, is that it's largely driven by its female characters. Brave, cruel, ambitious, wise, manipulative, and vulnerable, these are the complex women you don't see nearly enough of in this genre. Revenge is just the beginning, and I definitely want to see how this story bleeds out.
May 14, 2017
A new vampire novel from Nancy Kilpatrick is a rare treat, something to be savored in good time, but once it draws you in, you devour it.
It's about balance; life and death, love and war, revenge and forgiveness. How you can find humanity and family where you least expect it, and how sometimes you just can't, no matter how much you want to. The characters, both vampir and human, are real, alive, multi-faceted beings, at war within and without, and their worlds are beautiful and dangerous.
As the first in the Thrones of Blood series, it leaves you sated...for now.
It's about balance; life and death, love and war, revenge and forgiveness. How you can find humanity and family where you least expect it, and how sometimes you just can't, no matter how much you want to. The characters, both vampir and human, are real, alive, multi-faceted beings, at war within and without, and their worlds are beautiful and dangerous.
As the first in the Thrones of Blood series, it leaves you sated...for now.
June 17, 2021
The so called cruel Vampir King was such a weakling, I almost dnf the book. He only showed his muscles with the fmc, and I hate this kind of anti-hero.
May 18, 2017
After Revenge of the Vampir King, I am a new fan of Nancy Kilpatrick's work.I picked this up because I saw it advertised in a Facebook group. I had never read erotica before, so I didn't know what I was getting into. This book got under my skin, though! I could not put it down. The Vampir King, the Sapien Princess, and their complex relationship kept me turning the pages. I wanted to know why they behaved the way they did and how these two societies formed around each other to create this utterly compelling read. And I think that is the word I would choose most to describe this book: compelling.
I also want to point out the superb craftsmanship of the writer, Nancy Kilpatrick. I would not have liked this book if it were in lesser hands. She has a very fluid writing style, the kind that doesn't overwhelm the reader with an odious flavor, but rather lets the plot and characters do the job she wrote them to do. I was blown away by how well written I found this book. Chapter by chapter, she keeps the reader intrigued with the story. Nancy has a new fan in me.
I was very happy to discover that this is only Book One. I am already looking forward to more adventures of the Vampirs and Sapiens.
I also want to point out the superb craftsmanship of the writer, Nancy Kilpatrick. I would not have liked this book if it were in lesser hands. She has a very fluid writing style, the kind that doesn't overwhelm the reader with an odious flavor, but rather lets the plot and characters do the job she wrote them to do. I was blown away by how well written I found this book. Chapter by chapter, she keeps the reader intrigued with the story. Nancy has a new fan in me.
I was very happy to discover that this is only Book One. I am already looking forward to more adventures of the Vampirs and Sapiens.
March 18, 2017
Nancy Kilpatrick is back with a stunning opener for her new series! If you like your vampires in velvet and frills in the moonlight, the visceral, gutsy and passionate world of these characters is probably a tad strong for you. But if you want to feel the shuddering tension in the air, the push and pull of love, hate,; and see the dramatic background presented so visually by Kilpatrick, buy this book. Prepare for a rocket of a ride as two highly charged creatures of the night clash in a fight to the death...or love...or hate...! Highly recommended!
June 15, 2017
Ms. Kilpatrick has, without a doubt, a gift for creating a cast of characters who come alive with each
page and with whom the reader develops a caring connection. This page turner of a book attests to Ms. Kilpatrick's inventiveness, creativity, attention to detail, fluidity of style and above all, sensitivity to the vampire and human condition. I can hardly wait to see what is in store for the vampires and humans who inhabit Ms. Kilpatrick's latest literary gem in the next volume of Thrones of Blood.
February 5, 2017
Amazing vamiprii read
When the capter becomes captive, what will they do? For Morte and Vadala this is what they have to face. Is the stories that you grew up knowing as the truth, really the whole truth or even any part of it?
Nancy Kilpatrick brings new life to the Vampire world. Stories that we have all grown up with; this is not your usual story.
She is the Canadian version of Anne Rice.
Can't wait for the next book in the sequel to come out. I loved this book
When the capter becomes captive, what will they do? For Morte and Vadala this is what they have to face. Is the stories that you grew up knowing as the truth, really the whole truth or even any part of it?
Nancy Kilpatrick brings new life to the Vampire world. Stories that we have all grown up with; this is not your usual story.
She is the Canadian version of Anne Rice.
Can't wait for the next book in the sequel to come out. I loved this book
June 28, 2017
The vampires here reminded me of Lumley's Wamphirii - dark lords and ladies, lusty and vengeful, but Nancy puts her own distinctive stamp on this tale of revenge and betrayal. It's the first in a new series, and it looks like it's going to be a winner. Gothic, sexy, sensual and violent in equal measures, it's a must for any fans of vampire fiction done right.
January 14, 2018
Revenge of the vampir king by nancy kilpatrick.
Moarte, King of the Vampirii, is a prisoner of his Sapiens enemy. The beautiful Sapiens Princess Valada, believing that Moarte killed her mother, tortures him, even to the point of breaking the bones in his wings so he cannot escape. She intends to incinerate him to ash in sunlight, but Moarte escapes.
A very good read. I liked the story and the characters. Looking forward to the next part. 4*.
Moarte, King of the Vampirii, is a prisoner of his Sapiens enemy. The beautiful Sapiens Princess Valada, believing that Moarte killed her mother, tortures him, even to the point of breaking the bones in his wings so he cannot escape. She intends to incinerate him to ash in sunlight, but Moarte escapes.
A very good read. I liked the story and the characters. Looking forward to the next part. 4*.
December 28, 2017
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more!!! Brilliantly written and had me glued to the pages from the start. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series. I just love stories about anything fantasy related and this book hit all the right spots for me. I would definitely recommend this book to all my fellow fantasy readers. This was the first book by Nancy Kilpatrick that I have read and I will certainly look out for more of her books in the future. This really was a good Vampir story with great characters.
February 24, 2018
Wow! This starts as it means to go on; a no holds barred, graphic storytelling. Moarte is recovering from being a prisoner to The Sapiens King, who, has given his daughter to Moarte in return for his life.
A view inside the vampir world is given in graphic detail, not skirting issues like other vampir novels do.
To begin with you feel that the vampirii are cruel and sadistic in their appetites for complete control, however, Kilpatrick takes you past this and into their realm and you become aware that all is not as it seems and maybe the Sapiens are worse.
A story told brilliantly and without censor.
A view inside the vampir world is given in graphic detail, not skirting issues like other vampir novels do.
To begin with you feel that the vampirii are cruel and sadistic in their appetites for complete control, however, Kilpatrick takes you past this and into their realm and you become aware that all is not as it seems and maybe the Sapiens are worse.
A story told brilliantly and without censor.
February 7, 2018
I’ve read this in a day, an engrossing story and I needed to keep reading that it’s now past midnight.
I’ve read countless vampire stories over the years from Anne Rice to Joanna Chambers and I enjoyed this take on their lore.
The vampire king is recovering from torture after being captured by Sapiens, as a prize when the vampires attack in retaliation they bring back the Kings daughter and filled with rage and revenge he begins his retribution until he begins to fall for her.
He takes her as queen and she learns about their laws and customs.
This book gets very brutal with torture and rape but hold fast, I had tears in my eyes at the end.
I’ve read countless vampire stories over the years from Anne Rice to Joanna Chambers and I enjoyed this take on their lore.
The vampire king is recovering from torture after being captured by Sapiens, as a prize when the vampires attack in retaliation they bring back the Kings daughter and filled with rage and revenge he begins his retribution until he begins to fall for her.
He takes her as queen and she learns about their laws and customs.
This book gets very brutal with torture and rape but hold fast, I had tears in my eyes at the end.
January 13, 2018
Wow!! Utterly compelling and absolutely thrilling. I love the intense relationship between vampir king Moarte and the sapien princess Valada it kept me turning the pages to find out how their story unravelled and I cannot wait to read the next instalment. The underlying storyline of the relationships between the warriors their slaves is beautifully written and heart wrenching at times. The author does a fantastic job of portraying women as the stronger sex without making it a big deal Belladonna is the mother of the king yet it is she who knows how to control the warriors and the wild spirit of her new daughter in law. I am looking forward to another read by this author soon I have a feeling I am going to be addicted.
September 25, 2018
My thanks to the Author via TBConFB for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I gave this a strong 4 stars or 8/10.
This first book in the Thrones of Blood trilogy sets the scene well and introduces the reader to the world of the Vampir King and his clan. King Moarte is a captive of the Sapiens and Princess Valada believing that Moarte is responsible for her Mother's death, tortures him.
It's not long before the captive becomes free and finds himself with Valada as his prisoner. When the tables are turned on her and she finds herself a captive prisioner of the Vampirii, he becomes a rather cruel and sadistic as she was to him. His taste for revenge are more erotically charged than hers were and she finds herself a sex slave to him.
This is definitely not a light hearted read and has quite graphic passages that feature rape and torture.
As the story progresses the roles between hunter and hunted, captor and captive, change time and again. At the heart of it though is a love story of sorts that blooms from all the dark and depraved situations that they both find themselves in.
Grab a copy if you're not put off by the extremes that I've mentioned in the review, as it's well worth it and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I gave this a strong 4 stars or 8/10.
This first book in the Thrones of Blood trilogy sets the scene well and introduces the reader to the world of the Vampir King and his clan. King Moarte is a captive of the Sapiens and Princess Valada believing that Moarte is responsible for her Mother's death, tortures him.
It's not long before the captive becomes free and finds himself with Valada as his prisoner. When the tables are turned on her and she finds herself a captive prisioner of the Vampirii, he becomes a rather cruel and sadistic as she was to him. His taste for revenge are more erotically charged than hers were and she finds herself a sex slave to him.
This is definitely not a light hearted read and has quite graphic passages that feature rape and torture.
As the story progresses the roles between hunter and hunted, captor and captive, change time and again. At the heart of it though is a love story of sorts that blooms from all the dark and depraved situations that they both find themselves in.
Grab a copy if you're not put off by the extremes that I've mentioned in the review, as it's well worth it and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 3, 2018
My daughter gave me this book to read. I was surprised as I don't usually read very discrptive adult topics. I enjoyed the characters. The plot intregued me and I was curious enough to read the second book.
If you like these topics I would recommend giving the author, Nancy Kilpatrick a try.
If you like these topics I would recommend giving the author, Nancy Kilpatrick a try.
January 8, 2018
A very graphic, adult themed book. I enjoyed the novel approach to vampirism. It was intense with vivid descriptions. There were many twists to the story.
January 25, 2018
To start with all I can say about this book is wow. It is definitely not for the faint hearted or people with a heart condition or pregnant as may bring on labour.
Personally I think in places the book was a bit too graphic in some of the descriptions, hence the 4 stars, but if you can get over (or skip these parts) it is a good book about vampires.
I really liked how the characters developed through the story and would probably read the next in the series now I know what I am letting myself in for.
Personally I think in places the book was a bit too graphic in some of the descriptions, hence the 4 stars, but if you can get over (or skip these parts) it is a good book about vampires.
I really liked how the characters developed through the story and would probably read the next in the series now I know what I am letting myself in for.
December 31, 2017
This book was a thrill ride from start to finish.
A rather different take on the genre, I was pulled in to the story from the very first page.
Moarte and Valada have quickly become two of my favourite characters. I love how their relationship and ultimately their love, takes two such strong characters and tempers them to become so much stronger, together.
I'm also looking forward to the continuation of the story, especially Wolfsbane, who I must admit, has stolen a corner of my heart.
A rather different take on the genre, I was pulled in to the story from the very first page.
Moarte and Valada have quickly become two of my favourite characters. I love how their relationship and ultimately their love, takes two such strong characters and tempers them to become so much stronger, together.
I'm also looking forward to the continuation of the story, especially Wolfsbane, who I must admit, has stolen a corner of my heart.
July 7, 2017
This isn’t your teenagers vampire books.
You know that saying: This isn’t your father’s car? Or this isn’t your father’s pie. This isn’t your fathers whatever? Well, this isn’t your teenager’s vampire books. There are no angst ridden vampires looking for salvation. This isn’t vampires as misunderstood, tortured souls. This is both fantasy and horror; melded together in an exquisite merging of the two genres, blending them together in a seamless story that will suck you in (pun intended).
I remember Nancy Kilpatricks books from years ago. Let’s not say how long, okay. Anyway, I enjoyed them then and I enjoyed it now. She has now joined the list of writers I grab automatically: MaryJanice Davidson, Charlaine Harris, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Whilhemina Baird, JD Robb, Janet Evanovich, PN Elrod, Cathy Clamp, CT Adams, and Rett McPherson. Yes, an eclectic group of writers in different genres but all excellent and highly recommended. Nancy is on this list for me now.
It is easy, in a way, to make my list; I read the first 3 chapters and then put the book down. If I find myself thinking about the characters and story the next day then I know it has hooked me. And Revenge of the Vampir King hooked me. I didn’t make it to the next day. It hits on every cylinder of visceral horror you love. It is strong characters, beautifully written, compelling plot and shiver up your spine scary.
You want to know what happens to Valada. What drives Moarte. Will they survive each other? Will they make it back? Who is plotting against them? Will you remember to breathe before the end of the chapter? And will I make it out of this review without spoiling it for you?
Probably. However, I have two parting pieces of advice: The first, don’t miss this book. And the second, I can tell you there is an advantage to being a woman of a certain age. If you’re sweating in the lunchroom reading a book at work everyone assumes they know why. No, they don’t. This is my way of saying this is NSFW. It is vampires written for adults, so consider yourself warned. I cannot wait for the next one.
You know that saying: This isn’t your father’s car? Or this isn’t your father’s pie. This isn’t your fathers whatever? Well, this isn’t your teenager’s vampire books. There are no angst ridden vampires looking for salvation. This isn’t vampires as misunderstood, tortured souls. This is both fantasy and horror; melded together in an exquisite merging of the two genres, blending them together in a seamless story that will suck you in (pun intended).
I remember Nancy Kilpatricks books from years ago. Let’s not say how long, okay. Anyway, I enjoyed them then and I enjoyed it now. She has now joined the list of writers I grab automatically: MaryJanice Davidson, Charlaine Harris, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Whilhemina Baird, JD Robb, Janet Evanovich, PN Elrod, Cathy Clamp, CT Adams, and Rett McPherson. Yes, an eclectic group of writers in different genres but all excellent and highly recommended. Nancy is on this list for me now.
It is easy, in a way, to make my list; I read the first 3 chapters and then put the book down. If I find myself thinking about the characters and story the next day then I know it has hooked me. And Revenge of the Vampir King hooked me. I didn’t make it to the next day. It hits on every cylinder of visceral horror you love. It is strong characters, beautifully written, compelling plot and shiver up your spine scary.
You want to know what happens to Valada. What drives Moarte. Will they survive each other? Will they make it back? Who is plotting against them? Will you remember to breathe before the end of the chapter? And will I make it out of this review without spoiling it for you?
Probably. However, I have two parting pieces of advice: The first, don’t miss this book. And the second, I can tell you there is an advantage to being a woman of a certain age. If you’re sweating in the lunchroom reading a book at work everyone assumes they know why. No, they don’t. This is my way of saying this is NSFW. It is vampires written for adults, so consider yourself warned. I cannot wait for the next one.
January 8, 2018
If you're into vampires, violence, and sex (lots and lots of it), then this is the book for you.
If you're not so much into the non-consensual stuff, the first few chapters might be a bit off-putting to some readers. But, when you put the fangs back into the vampir, you should expect some brutality. It's not called "REVENGE of the Vampir King" for nothing.
If you're not so much into the non-consensual stuff, the first few chapters might be a bit off-putting to some readers. But, when you put the fangs back into the vampir, you should expect some brutality. It's not called "REVENGE of the Vampir King" for nothing.
June 29, 2017
Epic, bloody, brutal, along with sex and romance - it's all here, with the promise of plenty more in the next volume!
October 11, 2018
Revenge of the Vampir King
Vol. One: Thrones of Blood
A Masterclass in Character Conflict
Nancy Kilpatrick’s vampire gothic romance begins, like a Shakespearean tragedy, in media res with the vampire king’s return to his homeland after being incarcerated by the humans. The backstory of his entrapment is told to us as the current story moves on. This was a story of deviant revenge on the part of Moarte, the vampire king, looking to finally defeat his human, or Sapien, counterpart.
The omniscient third person narrator really gets into the head of the character around which each scene is oriented. Moarte himself has a conflict with the vampire king, with Valada, and even with his mother and his consorts. But the story doesn’t just unfold through his eyes. Scenes are focused around enough of the other characters to give us a real image of the world, but we know Moarte is a character to pay attention to even from the get-go.
The diction of the narration is often overly simplistic, though certain acts described leave little to the imagination. While Kilpatrick does a great job using specific terms to describe settings and characters, her descriptions of sexual acts are more gruesomely detailed. The reader is left feeling violated at times or that the narrator is misogynistic. Still, regarding the setting, she foregrounds just enough for the reader to recognize what is different in the world without over explaining our contemporary imaginings of the Middle Ages or castles.
The dialogue, at times, feels pedestrian and doesn’t ring true to the ear, but more something to serve the plot. There are also moments that feel missed, such as when Moarte and Valada fly back to her kingdom. Kilpatrick tells us how arduous the ride is on a human, but when they are actually in flight, we don’t get much of a feel for this until Valada realizes how tired she is once they land. There is a period of euphoria described during the flight, but I feel as though the two emotions could have been better juxtaposed to take the reader on this journey with her.
Somewhat late in the story, there is mention of genes and DNA and that Moarte’s mother can mesmerize others, but this feels tacked on when it’s convenient to reveal, and I would have liked even a passing introduction to this earlier in the novel.
But these things pale when compared to Kilpatrick’s real talent: conflict as it should exist.
As writers, we know that conflict doesn’t come from engagements in the plot, but exists between characters, and so DRIVES the plot. When Moarte wants Valada but she doesn’t reciprocate, there is conflict. When Moarte and Valada later agree to destroy her father and bring the war between the two factions back to the Sapien turf, there is conflict.
Kilpatrick does a terrific job of introducing the characters and showing the conflict between them. Wolfsbane's sister, Hemlock, does what she does to sabotage the mission because of her desire for Moarte and the realization that he has eyes only for Valada. Moarte’s mother sees this, as does the human spy Serene.
I do think that the roads to get us to some of these conflicts could be clearer. I don’t totally buy into Valada falling for Moarte, but once she does and the conflict is set, I’m completely on board. (BTW, Nancy, kudos on the proleptic moment when Moarte and Valada must separate: foreshadowing at its finest.)
In the end, the characters feel real enough that I want to go on this journey with them, and the study of conflict/crisis/resolution as revealed through the characters’ interactions is alone worth the journey. In the end, for fans of Kilpatrick or of the genre, this is a fun ride into an established fantasy world.
Vol. One: Thrones of Blood
A Masterclass in Character Conflict
Nancy Kilpatrick’s vampire gothic romance begins, like a Shakespearean tragedy, in media res with the vampire king’s return to his homeland after being incarcerated by the humans. The backstory of his entrapment is told to us as the current story moves on. This was a story of deviant revenge on the part of Moarte, the vampire king, looking to finally defeat his human, or Sapien, counterpart.
The omniscient third person narrator really gets into the head of the character around which each scene is oriented. Moarte himself has a conflict with the vampire king, with Valada, and even with his mother and his consorts. But the story doesn’t just unfold through his eyes. Scenes are focused around enough of the other characters to give us a real image of the world, but we know Moarte is a character to pay attention to even from the get-go.
The diction of the narration is often overly simplistic, though certain acts described leave little to the imagination. While Kilpatrick does a great job using specific terms to describe settings and characters, her descriptions of sexual acts are more gruesomely detailed. The reader is left feeling violated at times or that the narrator is misogynistic. Still, regarding the setting, she foregrounds just enough for the reader to recognize what is different in the world without over explaining our contemporary imaginings of the Middle Ages or castles.
The dialogue, at times, feels pedestrian and doesn’t ring true to the ear, but more something to serve the plot. There are also moments that feel missed, such as when Moarte and Valada fly back to her kingdom. Kilpatrick tells us how arduous the ride is on a human, but when they are actually in flight, we don’t get much of a feel for this until Valada realizes how tired she is once they land. There is a period of euphoria described during the flight, but I feel as though the two emotions could have been better juxtaposed to take the reader on this journey with her.
Somewhat late in the story, there is mention of genes and DNA and that Moarte’s mother can mesmerize others, but this feels tacked on when it’s convenient to reveal, and I would have liked even a passing introduction to this earlier in the novel.
But these things pale when compared to Kilpatrick’s real talent: conflict as it should exist.
As writers, we know that conflict doesn’t come from engagements in the plot, but exists between characters, and so DRIVES the plot. When Moarte wants Valada but she doesn’t reciprocate, there is conflict. When Moarte and Valada later agree to destroy her father and bring the war between the two factions back to the Sapien turf, there is conflict.
Kilpatrick does a terrific job of introducing the characters and showing the conflict between them. Wolfsbane's sister, Hemlock, does what she does to sabotage the mission because of her desire for Moarte and the realization that he has eyes only for Valada. Moarte’s mother sees this, as does the human spy Serene.
I do think that the roads to get us to some of these conflicts could be clearer. I don’t totally buy into Valada falling for Moarte, but once she does and the conflict is set, I’m completely on board. (BTW, Nancy, kudos on the proleptic moment when Moarte and Valada must separate: foreshadowing at its finest.)
In the end, the characters feel real enough that I want to go on this journey with them, and the study of conflict/crisis/resolution as revealed through the characters’ interactions is alone worth the journey. In the end, for fans of Kilpatrick or of the genre, this is a fun ride into an established fantasy world.
July 8, 2019
Fantasy/Paranormal is my go-to genre when you mix that with my love of darker story lines you definitely have me curious.
Kilpatrick created a very unique universe with Thrones of Blood. It seemed the Sapiens almost had the upper hand in much of the story line which I found intriguing. The history between the two cultures, which was given to us in an entertaining manner (though not so pleasant for our princess) was also uniquely spun and a bit different than the norm. There is a lot of detail to the world building and back history of both species. Pleasantly surprised at the ease in which all of this was presented.
This is a first in series and the author, IMO, provided a strong foundation for the main, as well as future, plot lines. It was easy to find myself trapped in the pages of the story, felt like I was there. I was kept on edge from the start. Each chapter brought a new twist (one that flowed easily with the plot line) or revelation. When it came to the cast there are quite a few paramount characters beyond Moarte and Valada that were important to the overall story line (and I believe future episodes). Each character was given a very authentic personality, making it once again, easy to connect and relate.
I must admit I did have a problem with Princess Valada in the beginning. IMO she was a petulant whiny little brat ~ I would have gagged her the first time she shrilled. Her character does mature (Thank the un-dead). I easily clicked with her character once she began to see the world with open eyes. Analyzing and truly seeing each situation for what it was. Under all that pampered princess was a true warrior.
Moarte, for the most part, is pretty level headed though he does at times go to the dark side. I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with his character.
The push and pull between these two - once they get past the initial foolishness - is explosive. There is a darkness to their sensuality that bleeds off the pages and calls to the reader.
This is an engaging and at times intense story with all the suspense, twisted plot lines, and evil antagonists that keep me clutching my reader and holding my breath (note the latter is not recommended).
Kilpatrick created a very unique universe with Thrones of Blood. It seemed the Sapiens almost had the upper hand in much of the story line which I found intriguing. The history between the two cultures, which was given to us in an entertaining manner (though not so pleasant for our princess) was also uniquely spun and a bit different than the norm. There is a lot of detail to the world building and back history of both species. Pleasantly surprised at the ease in which all of this was presented.
This is a first in series and the author, IMO, provided a strong foundation for the main, as well as future, plot lines. It was easy to find myself trapped in the pages of the story, felt like I was there. I was kept on edge from the start. Each chapter brought a new twist (one that flowed easily with the plot line) or revelation. When it came to the cast there are quite a few paramount characters beyond Moarte and Valada that were important to the overall story line (and I believe future episodes). Each character was given a very authentic personality, making it once again, easy to connect and relate.
I must admit I did have a problem with Princess Valada in the beginning. IMO she was a petulant whiny little brat ~ I would have gagged her the first time she shrilled. Her character does mature (Thank the un-dead). I easily clicked with her character once she began to see the world with open eyes. Analyzing and truly seeing each situation for what it was. Under all that pampered princess was a true warrior.
Moarte, for the most part, is pretty level headed though he does at times go to the dark side. I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with his character.
The push and pull between these two - once they get past the initial foolishness - is explosive. There is a darkness to their sensuality that bleeds off the pages and calls to the reader.
This is an engaging and at times intense story with all the suspense, twisted plot lines, and evil antagonists that keep me clutching my reader and holding my breath (note the latter is not recommended).
October 26, 2020
Two enemies, Vampir and Sapiens, have been at war for centuries. Their history is long and full of betrayal and heartbreak. But things are beginning to change...
Revenge of the Vampir King by Nancy Kilpatrick centres on the titular Vampir King, Moarte, and the Sapiens Princess, Velada. Despite this being the first book in the Thrones of Blood series, Velada and Moarte have history together (perhaps there is a prequel somewhere?). Moarte was once a prisoner of Velada's father, King of the Sapiens. While captured, Velada tortured him, believing he was the vampire who murdered her mother.
The novel opens with Moarte now free and back among his people. His vampire warriors return, bringing a caged Princess Velada with them, apparently a gift from the Sapiens King who wishes to barter a truce between the two nations. Velada doesn't believe her father would treat her so cruelly, but can do nothing to escape the vengeful Moarte.
And here's where I stop for a minute and give the requisite warning. This is an erotic book, yes, but it's one that certainly needs a trigger warning stamped on the front. The book basically opens with forced fellatio, and it only gets worse from there. For some people, these kind of books are a kink, and that's okay, but for those looking for an erotica with consent, look elsewhere. This is non-con all the way.
This book has a little bit of Underworld (ha, bet you thought I was gonna say Twilight - but trust me there is nothing similar to Twilight in this. The plot does remind me a lot of Underworld though, lol), a little bit of Beauty and the Beast, and a whole lot of 50 Shades of Grey.
It is a very well written book. Kilpatrick is no amateur, this is not her first novel, and it shows. It took me on a lot of twists I didn't expect. I mean sure, I saw the revelation about Velada's mother coming, but not Velada and Moarte then teaming up and going on a commando mission to kill her father. The action and political intrigue going on with both the Vampirii and Sapiens fighting for power behind the scenes was great.
I know that vampire and erotica fans will love this book, and so to them I say: Pick up a copy today!
Revenge of the Vampir King by Nancy Kilpatrick centres on the titular Vampir King, Moarte, and the Sapiens Princess, Velada. Despite this being the first book in the Thrones of Blood series, Velada and Moarte have history together (perhaps there is a prequel somewhere?). Moarte was once a prisoner of Velada's father, King of the Sapiens. While captured, Velada tortured him, believing he was the vampire who murdered her mother.
The novel opens with Moarte now free and back among his people. His vampire warriors return, bringing a caged Princess Velada with them, apparently a gift from the Sapiens King who wishes to barter a truce between the two nations. Velada doesn't believe her father would treat her so cruelly, but can do nothing to escape the vengeful Moarte.
And here's where I stop for a minute and give the requisite warning. This is an erotic book, yes, but it's one that certainly needs a trigger warning stamped on the front. The book basically opens with forced fellatio, and it only gets worse from there. For some people, these kind of books are a kink, and that's okay, but for those looking for an erotica with consent, look elsewhere. This is non-con all the way.
This book has a little bit of Underworld (ha, bet you thought I was gonna say Twilight - but trust me there is nothing similar to Twilight in this. The plot does remind me a lot of Underworld though, lol), a little bit of Beauty and the Beast, and a whole lot of 50 Shades of Grey.
It is a very well written book. Kilpatrick is no amateur, this is not her first novel, and it shows. It took me on a lot of twists I didn't expect. I mean sure, I saw the revelation about Velada's mother coming, but not Velada and Moarte then teaming up and going on a commando mission to kill her father. The action and political intrigue going on with both the Vampirii and Sapiens fighting for power behind the scenes was great.
I know that vampire and erotica fans will love this book, and so to them I say: Pick up a copy today!
February 11, 2018
Nancy Kilpatrick’s Revenge of the Vampir King is the first book in the Thrones of Blood series and is that rare thing: a book that confounds the reader’s expectations. Nothing is as it seems in this deadly, ghost ridden world where humans and vampires are at war. At the start of the book, the human Princess Valada is imprisoned by the Vampir King, Moarte, and destined for the worst punishment imaginable by her inhuman captor. But the warrior king’s cruel fantasies of the ultimate revenge are driven by the fact that he had once been Valada’s captive and that she had been a viscerally brutal and inventive torturer bar none, setting the scene for the complex dance these two perform over the course of the story. The lines between love and hate, suffering and bloody, shrieking revenge, victim and perpetrator become ever more blurred and permeable. The countless betrayals and machinations inform and influence the clash of two species and their increasingly vicious fight for dominance. One of the (many) things I liked best about this book is that it takes its horror seriously and the world created is as eerily and erotically seductive as it is violent and pitiless. In too many other stories, there is no real sense of danger or consequences for characters, up to and including their very survival, physical and psychological. There are no safe spaces here and that is how it should be for a gripping, thrilling read, which this undoubtedly is. Politics, personal and cultural, the nature and function of revenge and a clear eyed meditation on identify and the different things that means to different people, threads deftly through a tense war of worlds bereft of any certainties. A twisting, turning tale of malevolent, dark-hearted beauty, roll on book 2!
September 22, 2018
Interesting!!
I enjoyed this, the individuality of the storyline and the world that was created, the variety of personalities along the way, and the unpredictability of the plot.
I loved Moarte, initially I wanted to kick him a few times, but I could also understand why he acted the way he did, even though it made me want to cringe.
I also understood Valadas actions and reactions, struggling to come to terms with both who she was and who she is, and trying to learn her place not only in an entirely new culture, but one she previously hated and feared.
The changes in situation and the revelations and twists and turns of the storyline kept me intrigued from start to finish, and I adored the relationships that wee being formed.
The ending few chapters were a surprise, and I didn’t see the ending situations coming at all until they happened. I thoroughly enjoyed the surprises, even when they weren’t entirely enjoyable (that will be understandable when you have read the book).
The only thing which prevented me from giving five stars, was that the first few chapters felt too overdone. As much as i understand the reasoning, and once past them the story became more full, it felt the these were overpowering initially, and due to their nature i found them difficult to read.
Also, due to their nature i feel that there should be a warning on the book about the opening scenes, as they are very detailed, and much as i like erotica, I feel that these could not just be disturbing, but also potentially detrimental to some readers mental health depending on their prior experiences.
Otherwise.... a very well written tale, with shocks and surprising changes in situation throughout, and a great range of characters.
I enjoyed this, the individuality of the storyline and the world that was created, the variety of personalities along the way, and the unpredictability of the plot.
I loved Moarte, initially I wanted to kick him a few times, but I could also understand why he acted the way he did, even though it made me want to cringe.
I also understood Valadas actions and reactions, struggling to come to terms with both who she was and who she is, and trying to learn her place not only in an entirely new culture, but one she previously hated and feared.
The changes in situation and the revelations and twists and turns of the storyline kept me intrigued from start to finish, and I adored the relationships that wee being formed.
The ending few chapters were a surprise, and I didn’t see the ending situations coming at all until they happened. I thoroughly enjoyed the surprises, even when they weren’t entirely enjoyable (that will be understandable when you have read the book).
The only thing which prevented me from giving five stars, was that the first few chapters felt too overdone. As much as i understand the reasoning, and once past them the story became more full, it felt the these were overpowering initially, and due to their nature i found them difficult to read.
Also, due to their nature i feel that there should be a warning on the book about the opening scenes, as they are very detailed, and much as i like erotica, I feel that these could not just be disturbing, but also potentially detrimental to some readers mental health depending on their prior experiences.
Otherwise.... a very well written tale, with shocks and surprising changes in situation throughout, and a great range of characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews