Darkly Dancing: Savage and Seductive Vampire Literature for grown ups

by Chloe Hammond, Millennium Genesis (Illustrator), Cat Lenderi (Editor)

How much trouble can a night out dancing cause?

Hidden away in an idyllic cottage in Brittany, Rae was counting on finally getting some peace to contemplate life as a vampire, and the chance to let her shattered heart heal.
But Pretty One Layla is bored, and Chameleon Brian is lonely.

Trouble is brewing, but Rae is oblivious.
A visit from the charming and dangerous Lady Abigail is the last thing they need. Rae’s questions about the origins of vampires are about to be answered, in the most awful way.

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2018

About the author

Chloe Hammond is an Aquarius, very Aquarius. Born in Liverpool in 1975, she grew up in West Wales, but now lives in Barry in South Wales, with her husband and rescue cats and dogs. She always wanted to write, but life got in the way. Last year she was diagnosed with extreme anxiety and depression, which caused nightmares and sleepless nights. In her typically contrary way she used this to her advantage and the nightmares became this novel, and the sleeplessness nights were when she found time to write it.
She has a lovely sea view from her desk, which she gazes at to still her mind so her characters can burst forth and have their say. This is her first novel, but Rae and Layla are demanding book two and three in the trilogy are written as soon as possible, they have adventures to live.

Reviews

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Chole Hammond's first book in this series which seemed to bring to life a more realistic vampire community than I have read about before. I would say that as this is a series do read book one first to get the background on the main characters, although it is briefly gone over in this book.
Rae is settling in pretty well as her talent is taken under control by her but a couple of the group are restless. What takes place jeopardises the whole group with a knock on the door bringing the indiscretion further into the light and puts the small group of friends in danger of exposure with the council.
The arrival of one of the original vampires has a devastating effect on the whole group. I was mesmerised by the story of the beginning of the original group but throw a bit of crazy in there mixed with a power-hungry tyrant and you really have a massive problem. There are massive shocks in this book that took me by surprise.
The vampires may be the living dead but they certainly have a lot of living to do yet. Simply can't wait to get to book three to see the final conclusion to this brilliant series.
I wish to thank the author Chole Hammond for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vividly atmospheric

Vampire fiction isn't my usual thing, but having enjoyed Darkly Dreaming after a friend recommended it, I was keen to read the sequel. I found it very enjoyable - skilfully written to create a real sense of tension and the vividly imagined inner world of vampires hiding in plain sight. The main character, Rae, has great physical and mental strength, as well as high principles, but is nevertheless sufficiently fallible as to be likeable. There is a well-defined cast of interesting supporting characters too, some with fascinating back stories. I will look forward to reading the sequel as it promises to be as exciting and well thought out as this one.

[L.B. Stimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read the continued journey of Hammond’s vampires in book two of the Darkly Vampire Trilogy. Hammond has created authentic characters who are thrust into an existence that blends ancient lore, modern realities, and fantasy. The story is layered in moments of intense sensuality wrapped around adventure and battles that require the main lead characters to dig down into their past human emotions in order to forge and establish their positions amongst those who have long walked the earth after being infected with a virus that alters and enhances their human characteristics. The book is fast paced, allowing the reader to immediately dive in and journey with the characters. Hammond’s ability to tap into the most essential of human emotions while altering them to fit those of her vampires is magical–this is definitely a vampire story for adults

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequelae are often disappointing but that is far from the case with this second volume in the Darkly Vampire trilogy.
Unlike so many writers of vampire fiction, Hammond uses her vampires to work through questions of profound moral import. It is a characteristic of the best literary fiction that a moral question is addressed in the work, and in this book, the main issue is the terrible consequences of a life selfishly lived.
Despite the weighty and profound moral cargo, the book trips along, with engaging, believable characters, flashes of humour, and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is in my opinion the hallmark of the true writer, when this is the case. I look forward with great pleasure to see what Ms Hammond will give us in the final book of the trilogy.

[Angelika Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing continuation of the series. The MCs' interests clash in a way that threatens not only their peace, but their very existence, and the ending promises one hell of a ride in the hopefully soon to be released third part.