A new teen and young adult vampire novel by author William Freeman
And, this vamp has attitude to spare.
Salomé and Theodore shared plenty of mischief together. Heck, most of the town retell their tales. But after high school graduation, close friendships travel in opposite directions.
Theodore achieves his lifelong ambition of joining the priesthood. While Fate offers Salomé an unbelievable choice to embrace the night and become a vampire.
If Salomé can keep her secret safe, old friendships should survive the long distance. But when a maniac decides to dabble in ancient magick, old friendships strain to their limits. To make matters worse, Eric–Salomé’s father–kept more than one secret from her.
After learning family history, conspiracy theories, and outlandish tales, Salomé puts her immortal life in danger. The world, or at least the Hudson Valley, depends on her.
I received a free digital copy of this book through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
William Freeman’s Salome: Daughter or Demonwas an interesting take on the vampire novel. After moving across the country to begin a job at a national park, Salome’s life takes a very unexpected turn when she is approached by a hundreds-year-old vampire to become a daughter of the night herself. However, vampire life is much more complicated than what is shown in the media. After over a year of intense training, to hone both her physical strength as well as new supernatural abilities, she is sent to New York to meet up with an old friend and work with the Catholic Church against a power-hungry priest with a collection on ancient relics. She also learns that her transformation had been planned for some time before she ever met the master vampire Kajika, and that many people in her life were much more involved in her future and the supernatural world than she realized.
Solome/i> was a great concept that suffered from less-than-perfect execution. I do not want to say “suffer” because the novel was not necessarily bad. Freeman is a fairly good writer as far as pure skill goes, and I did enjoy the book very much. Like I said, the story was an interesting departure from other vampire stories, as he vampire’s histories are a lot more complicated than what is typical seen in pop culture, and having Salome work with and for the Catholic Church on her big mission, and keep much of her pre-transformation faith while also incorporating most mystical elements related to her undead status rather than abandon or be repulsed by religion entirely (and, the lack of a romantic drive to the novel was also refreshing). However, there were a few technical details that did stick out to me. First of all, I noticed a lot of spelling mistakes, most of which were of the variety where it was difficult to tell if they were typos or having misheard the context of words or phrases. There were also times were the style would change slightly for short periods, sometimes having full sections written in short and quick statements, and other times in colorful language that would have have made more sense coming from Kajika or Leslie than from a 21st-cenury young adult. During Salome’s training, I also felt that there were also some points where events that could have been very interesting to read were skipped over, while other events were stretched out a bit longer than necessary, although this issue righted itself in time.
Overall, I do not regret reading this book, and invite anyone who is looking for a unique story and does not mind if it is a little slow at times. However, I do feel that the book could have been a lot better with more revision and editing, and seeing as it is the first in a series, I hope that this is what the author chooses to do for future installments.
This is a difficult review to write. On the whole I enjoyed the story. I like the fact the book doesn't contain foul language except for a few minor expletives from the bad guys, there is nothing of a suggestive nature either. Salome is a confident young lady. I could feel comfortable recommending this book to my niece or my son. I don't think there are enough books or series that can fit that bill. Too many think that young adults won't be interested or won't relate or leave their screens unless there is foul language and sexual situations, etc. I disagree. I think by putting those things in there, the swear words, the adult situations, we can forcing them to grow up too soon, we're making them think that they would be ready for all that. Some are, many aren't, maybe they think they are. I know it is really rotten for a lot of kids and ready or not they are thrust into situations they should never have to be in, maybe reading can be an escape from all that. I know I digress, I am sorry. Suffice it to say, it was a very welcome change. As you may be able to tell, I'm not a fan of foul language for the sake of it, suggestive or "adult" situations that leave nothing to the imagination . This book can be read by most, which is nice. I did find the phrasing a bit stilted or clipped at times, an economy to it if you will. It took some getting used to, it has a 'masculine ' feel to it. The phrasing that is, I think Mr Freeman wrote the character Salome quite well. It suits her very much. She thinks like that and it feels natural for her. Perhaps the author is ex military? I also think the author is likely a crossword fan, quite a few words used here are sometimes in their non traditional usages. Some distracting editing issues. Looking forward to seeing what comes next, some interesting ideas here. Keep up writing, what a task you have set yourself, marvelous that you are living your dream!
‘Sometimes, I swear I exist outside of this world.’
North Carolina author William Freeman retired from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) with twenty-six years of federal service. Now he writes novels form his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to the author’s thoughts, ‘Salomé is self-empowered, with a nocturnal soul, and a deep belief system. Father issues aside, she knows her priorities. The story follows Salomé after high school and deals with several teenage issues from a strong young female’s point of view. Written for young teens, the story keeps the language clean-ish and violence short, within the contents and design of a teen vampire character, of course.’
From the full title of this debut novel it is clear that William is opening a series - Salomé being the protagonist or at least principle subject. She is introduced in a manner that encourages following this lead-in – ‘The name Salomé conjures suspicion, enchantment, and resonates throughout the old world. Two thousand years have elapsed since anyone demanded a head on a silver platter. But, I can handle the reactions and the remarks. If I had attended Catholic school and kids harassed me because of my name, let’s say, they wouldn’t survive the day without a good beating. Fortunate for all involved, I attend a public school where most kids learn to mind their own business. Unfortunately, some kids refuse to learn their lessons. “All right, I know you’re following me.” I lower myself into a warrior’s stance. A six-inch boot knife points at a five-foot tall holly bush with an unnatural shadow. “You better show yourself.” A pimpled face boy, with heavy eyeliner, jumps out from behind the bush. Arms wave high above his head. Forearms bang against his red spiked Mohawk, flopping side-to-side. “It’s OK. It’s only me!” “I know darn well who it is, and it’s–not–OK.” What did I do to deserve a crush from a freshman foreign exchange student? “Alfie, haul your British butt somewhere else before this blade samples your pathetic gothic blood. Which I imagine, must taste horrible.” “The other kids in school said you liked company, and you would appreciate learning about our popular underground bands in the United Kingdom. I thought after class we could–” These end of the school year pranks test my patience. “Seniors don’t hang with freshmen. You should also know to leave me alone.’
Designed for the young adult crew the plot falls into the paranormal fantasy realm – ‘There's a new vampire in town. And, this vamp doesn't whine. Salomé and Theodore shared plenty of mischief together. Heck, most of the town retell their tales. But after high school graduation, close friendships travel in opposite directions. Theodore achieves his lifelong ambition of joining the priesthood. While Fate offers Salomé an unbelievable choice to embrace the night. If Salomé can keep her secret safe, old friendships should survive the long distance. But when a maniac decides to dabble in ancient magick, old friendships strain to their limits. To make matters worse, Eric–Salomé’s father–kept more than one secret from her. After learning family history, conspiracy theories, and outlandish tales, Salomé puts her immortal life in danger. The world, or at least the Hudson Valley, depends on her. It’s a good thing Salomé has her secrets too.’
Enough seeds planted to carry this book on to at least one or two more. This is a fine admixture of mythology and fantasy and reality – the YA audience will be drawn to it
Great reading! I read with great pleasure. I want to mention the original title of the book, which intrigues the reader from the very beginning, and the reader wants to know what the author William Freeman means or simply gives the reader the right to choose, that is, determine for himself the answer that he can get after reading the book. I liked the content and the characters, as the author described them. Salomé: Daughter or Demon contains many events. I could not stop reading the book because it was very interesting and with every page interest increased. I think the idea is unique and original. I enjoyed reading and want to get acquainted with other works of the author. I do not want to tell the content of the book, but I can say that for myself I answered the question, who is Salomé, now it's your turn. I advise everyone to read, because this book is worthy of your free time.
Salomé: Daughter or Demon (Salomé - Daughter of the night Book 1) by William Freeman is the first writing endeavor by the author, and a good one at that. For the paranormal and urban fantasy fans in the YA crowd, this is the perfect book. This book is all about vampires, and specifically Salome who seems to have many secrets as an adopted daughter. Her friendship with Theodore give this book an extra depth, that may not otherwise exist in a vampire themed title. As Salome graduates from high school, she ponders her life and where to go next, and that leads her to work in New Mexico. This is really a great coming of age story, with vampires thrown in the mix, and a good narrative throughout. You will root for Salome to succeed in all of her experiences, while the plot line moves ahead. Highly recommend for a fascinating read and one that begs for a follow up novel.
A story of a young woman in search of where she belongs
Salome is a teenager just graduating from high school and ready for her future in New Mexico. This rather intriguing teenager is adopted and, like all teenagers, carries her share of secrets. I found Salome to be a well developed character and the storyline is a great joiurney through a supernatural realm of secrets and mystery. This is the first book in the series written for the young adults who like supernatural and paranormal themed stories. I found this journey to be fun and kept my interest from the beginning of the story. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the paranormal or those who enjoy a good story written with thoughtful story telling skills.
I won a Kindle copy of this book from good reads give aways. I love Vampire stories and was very excited to receive this one. Unfortunately I wasnt really enjoying it. I felt like she was just turned into Vampire out of nowhere, no real story leading into it. I also thought that the story lacked details and descriptions. I had to put it aside half way through and I have no desire to go back and finish it.