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Vampire State

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“I will never serve a vampire!”Rowena’s entire life has been swallowed by Sanguinia, a vampire dystopia where humans are kept as food by families of fanged, yellow-eyed aristocrats.

When the wealthy vampire Vincenzo Valtiere pulls Rowena into his high-society world of pro-human activism, she grudgingly accepts his a public romance.

As the flying balls and fundraising galas blur together, Vincenzo’s idealism and Rowena’s pragmatism put them at odds, and a behind-the-scenes encounter with a daring freedom fighter has her torn between gradual reform and direct action.

As the media controversy grows around Rowena and Vincenzo’s relationship, celebrities, politicians and even Sanguinia’s immortal emperor pile on the pressure to force Rowena to become a citizen vampire, but what could be a massive step forward for Sanguinia’s humans and their rights will cost Rowena her soul.

Vampire State is a slow-burn vampire romance for the political news junkie and modern activist that sets a principled, superhumanly stubborn heroine against a corrupt insidious system with a thoughtful, realistic exploration of privilege, compromise, modern media and democracy.

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2019

41 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Alexander Charalambides

19 books93 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,034 reviews65 followers
November 7, 2019
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I know I will be looking to read more from this author. This is a well develped story about vampires and their lives. The characters are strong, supportive, and connectable. They took me on some twists and turns that left me turning pages. Rowena has some decisions to make that could affect herself and her family. Will she accept what is being offered? I highly recommend reading her story and find out what happens next.
1,016 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2020
This book is all about fitting in, or is it more not fitting in? This is what Rowena is thinking about, she lives at home with her mum, her dad is a volunteer in the armed forces and she is attending school in her home in Estovia, a place of natural beauty, covered in pine forests with bright sunshine which has been invaded by the Sanguinians. They have grey skin, yellow eyes and pointy ears and they look like something out of a nightmare, but this is no nightmare, it is her reality and it is about to change again, when she returns home from school where she is already feeling oppressed by them, they have changed her school to force them to engage with the Sanguinian curriculum and they watch over them like hawks and when they are old enough, they are drafted into their army.

When Rowena’s mum picks her up from school, something is different and Rowena has to remind her mum about the rules the Sanguinians have put into place and when they get to their house, the black cars which are parked in her driveway mean her mum says to stay in their car until she knows what is going on, but when she says it is safe to come in, but to be careful, then she is extra aware of her surroundings. When Rowena goes in though, she is surprised to see that her father has returned home and he isn’t alone, he is accompanied by a Pale called Legatus Valtiere, it turns out that her dad has saved his life and that they are being given the opportunity to live as his guests in Sanguinia with the added bonus of the opportunity to become citizens of Sanguinia as well. Rowena and her mother are extremely surprised by this news and ask the Legatus for some time to think about his offer and discuss it as a family, especially as becoming a citizen means that they must become Pales themselves, her dad is all for it, but her mum isn’t, but she knows how it will end and resigns herself to the fact that they will be leaving everything she knows for a land which she knows nothing about.

As they pack up their belongings and are taken to the underground train, Rowena is very aware that she hasn’t been able to sleep, but is determined to look on the bright side and the fact that this move will be a lot of firsts, this includes the underground train, she can only tell when daylight ends and night begins by the clock in the carriage, they are the only ones in there, but she can’t sleep, unlike her parents. As she looks out of the window, she gets her first glimpse of the city without a sun and can understand now why it is called that, everything is in shades of black and grey and there are giant columns of smoke which have merged with the storm in the sky. As they leave the station, they are picked up by Quintus, a human who serves the Legatus and are taken via the scenic route to their new home, where they learn a bit more about the family of the Legatus, some of the traditions in Sanguinian society and what some of the more important buildings are. Later on in the evening, Rowena hears someone in the house and goes to investigate, it turns out that it is the Legatus’s son and he has come to take some photographs of the view now that he won’t be staying in the house again, Rowena politely asks him to leave and then tries to get some sleep.

It is the next day when the Legatus and his family arrive with servants in tow for a meal with Rowena’s family to talk more about thor way of life, this is when she officially meets Vincenzo, the Legatus’s son and as their parents start to discuss things, they are allowed to leave so that Vincenzo can go and attend to something, he takes Rowena with him and they see a whole different side to the city revealed, as is the fact that Vincenzo is something of a revolutionary in his spare time, but after a few days pass, nore of the attitudes of the Pale’s is revealed and through circumstances out of her control she meets Luka who is another revolutionary, but a completely different one to Vincenzo and has some rather illegal and dangerous ways to get his message across.

This is where Rowena discovers the reality of being a human in Sanguinia, the dangers associated with it and what the Pale’s really think of them, so as well as having to make the decision of whether to go through with citizenship or not, she also has to contend with a decision between the two men she has met and when the Emperor Dominus and his underlings throw their weight around in the background, will the pressure become too much, or will Rowena be able to stay herself and remain an inidividual?
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
November 9, 2019
Vampire State
By: Alexander Charalambides
5 out of 5 stars

The story Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a vampire/paranormal book. It is a story that hooked me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. The author does an amazing job of world-building and the development of the characters. I loved reading about Rowena. She is smart, independent, and stubborn. She finds herself with a choice to accept “The Gift” and become a “pale” or vampire. The decision has to be made and as time goes by, she finds herself in the company of Vincenzo and Luka. She is drawn to both of them. What path will Rowena choose? What does her future hold? Read this book to find out. The story kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It is a fast-paced journey that you are taking with twists and turns around every corner. I enjoyed the additional characters that are introduced. Some of them are helpful to Rowena and others have their own agenda. Then there are those who I wondered just what their motivations were. The story is written in such a way that I felt I was right there with the characters. I grew to care about Rowena with each chapter that I read. I have always loved vampire novels and this book is a good example of why. It will have you glued to the pages until you have read the last one. I highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Madilynn Dale.
Author 25 books344 followers
November 19, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides

5-stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a unique and exciting vampire novel. Rowena's father returns from war having rescued an important person from the Pale population. This provides them with the opportunity to go from living life as poor to having access to things the rich people do. The only downside is they are on borrowed time and must decide to join the Pale population by receiving “The Gift" or becoming something like slaves or worse. She is pulled into the world of politics by charming Pale Vincenzo in his ploy to find progress and equality. Luka, who is different and unique in his own way, sheds a different light on the issue. She has to make a choice though, to die or not to die.

This book was exciting, creative, and invigorating. I loved this new world the author created and how detailed the scenery was. The characters were also developed well. I loved Rowena and Vincenzo the most. I found Luka fascinating but Vincenzo stole my heart at the start. I definitely recommend this book. It is not a traditional vampire read and I loved the change up it gave me.
Profile Image for Lynn P.
796 reviews20 followers
December 2, 2019
I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but this one really hooked me and I'm glad it did. Having read a few of Alexander's other books I felt confident if anyone could pull this off it would be him.

At first I felt a little at sea. A new strange world, strange names, what was happening? But hey, that's just how the heroine of the book Rowena was feeling too. I stuck with it and I was rewarded pretty quickly with a great story, set in a whole new world. Written with great imagination I could see this being a TV series.

As with Alex's other books, this is a fast paced read and his action dialogue is really good. I felt like I was really there, and I got a little nervous a few times at what was going to happen next. I could see similarities in some of what happened with the rise and fall of organisations in our own past and also with the abolition of slavery. That facet of the book was very thought provoking for me.

If all this wasn't enough there is also a romance aspect to the book, with Rowena having to choose between two very different suitors.

My thanks to the author for a copy of the book for review.
Profile Image for Cindy.
854 reviews13 followers
November 23, 2019
Vampire State
By Alexander Charalambides
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel.

Here you will find Pales, aka,Vampires, and tough decisions. Just what is needed to take you to the fantasy, this book brings. Rowena is going in eyes open. What she sees and learns will help her with what she needs to do. Romance will also play a part in her life. You will need to read this story to find out how it ends. Does Rowena choose Vampire? Who does she fall head over heels in love with, Vincenzo or Luka?

Alexander Charalambides is a new to me author. While I read this story, I had to remind myself, this is just a fantasy. This story is a fast page turning novel. The action sucks you in, you have no choice but to continue to read. His explanation and description of the characters and where they live was well thought out. You can't help but fall in love with these characters. I have to admit, I kind of fell in love with this book. I can think of many who would love to read this as well. Keep them Coming Alexander Charalambides! Looking for many more adventures ahead.
Profile Image for Erin.
716 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2019
I give Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides, 4 stars.

This is quite an interesting and unique book. Sure, there have been many books about vampires. We have even read the human must decide between the vampire or the human. But this book throws in something I have never seen before -- politics. Rowena is thrust into a world of Pales living richly and the humans living in squalor. She can no longer stand by and watch, she must help. In order to succeed, she must play the game of politics. While this has been done to some extent before, I can't say I've seen it like this.

Then there's Rowena herself. Not annoying in the least (as some young adult leads can be), you root for her all the way. Then there are the other characters, her family and the ones who try to help and harm her. All are completely different and add to the story. You will not love everyone, but that is the point. We also can't forget the story itself. Yes, politics plays heavily in this story, but it is not over your head or all dry talk. The author makes it interesting and easy to understand while entertaining you at the same time.

A story of survival, making things better, politics and love with a supernatural twist, this book is so different and the story is done so well, I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Gail Guerrero.
731 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2020
Vampire State (The Vampire State Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides Review by: Gail Guerrero

Four Stars

This was my first book by Alexander Charalambides. It wasn’t bad but it was a little confusing at points. I felt like Rowena was too indecisive. There were too many times that she left important decisions up in the air. Like she didn’t know what she wanted. I also didn’t like how she played Vincenzo and Luka. The story was well written just don’t try to multitask while reading. I did like how the story is about a revolution. These Pales came in and took over the human world. Thinking they know what is best for the population. Was an interesting view point. Though Rowena wasn’t in my opinion the best candidate for human representation. Though many people don’t know what they want or who they want to be at her age. I felt that if she was putting herself in the position to make a difference she would try harder. I actually look forward to the next book to check to see if Rowena grows as a person.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
November 19, 2019
Vampire State is the first book that I have read by Alexander Charlambides so I was not exactly sure what to expect with this other than I loved the cover and had to know what would happen between them. I am glad I took a gamble, especially since Vampire novels usually have super high standards for me being an avid fan of the classics. I loved the way the characters were developed and brought to life right before your eyes as you read. The world building was fantastic and made the story believable and realistic even with the fantasy elements. I loved the added twist of romance with the love triangle blooming between Rowena and Vincenzo and Luka. Not only does Rowena have to determine her future as either a vampire or a pale but she is going to have to make a decision regarding her heart. I loved this adventure and look forward to seeing what else is available and to come from Alexander Charalambides. I am sure it will be something I can sink my teeth into as well.
Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,123 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides.
Let’s start off by saying I really liked the take this author took on this story it’s different enough to be refreshing. Each character brings something unique to the story and truly have a part, sometimes that’s not always the case but in this story it is. I felt a connection to each one on some kind of level. The storyline kept me on my toes with twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but loved. The author takes readers on an adventure with the characters and I honestly couldn’t put this story down once I started. The world building is very well done with amazing characters you can’t help but be drawn to. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking. From page one I sunk completely inside this story and was sad when I realized I was at the end. This is my first time reading this author but it’s definitely not the last. Five stars all the way!
Profile Image for Anna Hirsch.
810 reviews14 followers
November 20, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides
4 Stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author. His view of vampires is different and I found the story to be original. A war is going on and the vampires, now called Pales, have taken over. Rowena and her parents are brought to Sanguinia and sponsored by a family of elite vampires. They can have everything they ever wanted; power, money and fame. All they need to do is die and become a vampire. Rowena has choices to make. She’s torn between her parents, torn between two guys. She wants to make a difference, have her life mean something. Danger lurks around every corner and most of the time, Rowena has no idea what’s going on.

I found the book interesting but a little too political for my tastes. Most of the time it was dealing with senators and laws so it dragged a bit for me. I believed in what Rowena was trying to accomplish and was cheering for her until the end.
Profile Image for Jonell.
214 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2019
This is a great little story. It comes along at a great time in our own country. In Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides we get a great story about change. Change is seldom easy, and I think this author does a good job of showing us different aspects of the difficulties of change. Our heroine, Rowena, slowly recognizes her part in the need for bringing about these changes, but she is up for the challenge. Vincenzo and Luka have very different approaches to change but in the end….it works. The real shining point of this story is the dialogue between Dominus and Rowena. It’s there that we see the solution for real change. This is a fast-paced little story and was over too soon. I found myself wanting more. If you are like me and you like the story within the story this is a book that you will really enjoy.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,965 reviews26 followers
November 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Its a romance and political story all in one.

When Rowena and her family get sponsered by a rich vampire family she doesnt know what to do. The humans in the city are treated as slaves but does she really want to lose herself and become a vampire too?

The son of the family Vincenzo runs an organisation to try and get equal rights for the humans in their city and with the help or Rowena they set out to make changes so that she can live and remain human.

Rowena starts to have feelings for Vincenzo but cant she forgive his kind for the things they have done. With her emotions confused it gets harder when a handsome rebel called Luka comes on the scene.

Is her feelings for Vincenzo strong enough to stay and see things through or will she get tempted and leave with Luka.
3,115 reviews34 followers
November 21, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a fantastically written book that will completely capture your attention.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed how he took a very well trodden topic and still managed to put his own stamp on it. The characters were brilliant. They were well developed and interesting to read about. Especially Rowena, she was easily my favourite.
I also really liked the fact that the author didn’t have to rely on typical vampire traits - ie blood and gore - to portray them as evil. It felt like that was the “given” meaning he could focus on other aspects.
The book was entertaining and a really enjoyable read: I would certainly recommend it and I will be looking out for more work by this author.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,693 reviews122 followers
November 23, 2019
4 Stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is an original take on vampire lore. The book covers quite a lot- from politics, drama, intrigue, danger, romance, a bit of a love triangle, and more. It felt a little dystopian and dark at times. But that added to the whole atmosphere.
What if you could have everything you ever dreamed of- such as status, wealth, and influence? And all you had to do was die first? Rowena faces this dilemma- with a huge choice to make. What will she decide?
This was an interesting story- complex and dynamic. It felt a little heavy and slow going at times- but I was intrigued enough to want to know how everything played out, and it was worth it in the end.

Thank you, Alexander Charalambides.
260 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2019
Vampire State
By Alexander Charalambides

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a paranormal full-length book. I love books about Vampires, and this is one that I see myself reading again multiple times. The main character in this book is Rowena and she has a lot of tough decisions to make after the Pales aka Vampires have taken over. What would you be willing to give up saving your family and yourself? Rowena is by far my favorite character in this book, but you can’t help but like both Vincenzo and Luka also. This book was intriguing it keeps you hooked reading page to page and throws in so many twists and turns you can’t figure out what will happen next. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sheri.
884 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides intrigued me from just seeing the cover. I really enjoy stories that are vampire-related and couldn't wait to dig into this one. This is a thrilling ride to go on. Rowena has a choice she has to make concerning accepting the Gift and becoming a Pale. Will she take the jump or not? This is interesting because it is set a bit differently amongst a political thriller with some romance. I was not disappointed in this read and it was worth digging into this book. The characters are well written and the plot is pretty good. I look forward to seeing what Alexander Charalambides writes next.
Profile Image for Erica Fish.
992 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is my first book by this author. Charalambides plot line is engaging. His characters are complex and relatable. Yes, this book is about vampires, but I found this book more than another vampire book. Rowena finds herself in a predicament. She can be treated like royalty since her father returns as hero, but she would have to accept the “The Gift” and become “Pale” So what is a girl supposed to do? There is another temptation for her to become apart of the Darkness of the World’s Oldest Empire. Which life with Rowena follow? You will have to read the story to find out.
Profile Image for Susi.
46 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2021
I really enjoyed Vampire State
It is not your usual Vampire book.
Rovena arrives in Sanguinia as her father earned the family the honour of "being turned".
She meets Vincenzo - a Pale - who is trying to change the Sanguinian laws to give the human slaves freedom. At the same time Luka is fighting the Vampires dominion in robberies and shoot-outs.
Which approach will Rovena choose.
The book gives a novel twist into the beginning of the Vampires and their goals as well as deep inside into the political machinations of the Vampire State.
Looking forward to further installments of the Vampire State.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
797 reviews23 followers
November 16, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I thought it was a good one to start with. It was interesting from beginning to end and it was well written. This story is about Rowena and the choices she has to make in her life. Big decisions will have to be made and she will have to make them fast.
So many twists and turns in this one, I was on the edge of my seat at times and I liked that. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and I would recommend this Book to anyone that likes vampire reads!
Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Naomi Valkyrie.
Author 19 books154 followers
November 17, 2019
I decided to read this book based on the synopsis. I had no idea what to expect as I have never read a book by this author before. I enjoyed the more unique portrayal of vampires, and the world building is excellent. There is a bit of mystery as Rowena tries to learn more about the Sanguinians and their city, Sanguinia. There are some great twists and turns that keep the story moving so you can’t put it down.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s a quick read that takes you on a great adventure of political intrigue as well as a bit of romance. 😊
Profile Image for Sunday.
1,024 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2020
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides
Four Stars

Vampire State is a paranormal/vampire book by Alexander Charalambides. This Is the first book I have read by Mr. Charalambides, but definitely won’t be the last. This story was full of twists and turns and had me hooked from the very first page. I read long into the night just to see what path Rowena would take. Rowena is a strong character that has to make some hard decisions. I enjoyed the political aspects that are approved in this book. This was a greasy read and I look forward to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Amber.
608 reviews48 followers
November 25, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a unique take on vampires. This is my first book by this author. I feel like he did a good job with his characters. Rowena I feel like was very dedicated to her survival and family. I also found her to be very interesting and can’t imagine myself what choice I would make with what she is given. The beginning was a bit slow but I feel it speeds up the deeper you get in. Overall it was a good story. I would rate 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,540 reviews81 followers
November 20, 2020
Vampire State (Vampire State Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides is an original paranormal story and a unique portrayal of vampires. The story is a little slow going at times and heavy as it is steeped in politics, is multilayered and is complex, but the plot is engaging. Charalambides does a good job with world building, and character development. They are complex but relatable. There are some twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and capture your attention.
Profile Image for Cindy Rushin.
173 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2020
I enjoyed this novel by Alexander Charalambides. I love paranormal novels and especially novels about vampires. Alexander Charalambides has created a new twist to the normal vampire novel. The story of Rowena and Vincenzo is intriguing, and I cannot wait to see how it progresses. Alexander Charalambides has created a vibrant world and I look forward to exploring it more with the continuation of the story.
1,406 reviews10 followers
November 14, 2019
I was unprepared for the level of detail, world building, and character development I found in these pages. Charalambides does a fantastic job not falling into the latest trend of catering to the YA crowd with another vampire tale. This was mature, engaging, and riveting. From beginning to end, I simply was hooked. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Mirela.
582 reviews17 followers
November 20, 2019
Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a refreshing take on paranormal romance. I would give this book a four out of five stars. Rowena was an interesting character to meet, I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. The story is multilayered and when you think you have it figured out something changes. I loved the authors take on vampires and his unique twist.
Profile Image for Daisy Bourne.
Author 7 books6 followers
June 15, 2021
Not my usual genre but I wanted something different and I haven't read a vampire book since Dracula. "Vampire State" put these mythical beings in a totally different perspective. I'm not going to give any spoilers, suffice to say I was absorbed from beginning to end (particularly by the Nighflyer's Ball).
Profile Image for Piper.
1,775 reviews22 followers
November 22, 2020
This is a well developed vampire book.
Rowena has some life changing descions to make. She is thrown into a different world than she is use to. This is a story of survival, politics,high fantasy, Supernatural twists. You fall in love with these characters because of how well they are developed.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,710 reviews
December 16, 2019
I liked it. I just couldn't connect with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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