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Black Wax Vampire Trilogy #1
The Scribbled Victims
She aches for love and thirsts for blood. An impossible choice could doom her soul…
Yelena Solodnikova faces eternity with a broken heart. Abandoned by the vampire who sired her, her unique combination of conscience and bloodlust leaves her perpetually tormented. But when Yelena meets the gifted 12-year-old Orly, her sanguine thirst may help them send evil to an early grave.
Using Orly's unique ability to perceive corruption, Yelena feasts guilt-free on the worst society has to offer. But as their mother-daughter bond deepens, Yelena must face the awful truth about the girl's terminal illness. And if she saves the girl's life with a single bite, she'll doom both of them to a loveless eternity.
Will Yelena's choice lead to a fate worse than death?
The Scribbled Victims is the first book in the gritty Black Wax Vampire Trilogy. If you like dark settings, heartrending choices, and character-driven stories, then you’ll love Robert Tomoguchi’s enthralling tale.
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First published February 7, 2017
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About the author
Robert Tomoguchi
14 books74 followersRobert Tomoguchi is a Filipino and Japanese American writer based in Southern California. His work explores grief, memory, and mortality. He is a proud Banana Slug having attended Porter College at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he received his degree in Modern Literary Studies in 1995. He has authored multiple books and in 2017 he published his first full-length novel, The Scribbled Victims.
More information about Robert can be found on his author website: rtomoguchi.com.
More information about Robert can be found on his author website: rtomoguchi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 13, 2018
Yelena Solodnikova isn't the only vampire in Los Angeles, but she feels alone. Not only has she lost her mate, Marcel, whom she lived with for over a century, but she is the only vampire with a conscience. Every time she kills a human, she feels overwhelming guilt, which is something other vampires cannot understand. When Yelena meets Orly, a twelve-year-old who draws “scribbles” of people that allow her to see all their secrets, Yelena has found a way to identify people worthy of being her victims. Rapists. Wife-beaters. Murderers. Yelena now has a way to feed without guilt, and she grows to love Orly as her own daughter. But Orly is dying from leukemia, and Yelena is at risk of losing everything... again.
Atmospheric and moody, this book is for fans of the deep existential and morality themes that are associated with immortality in books like Interview with the Vampire. The vampires in The Scribbled Victims don’t sparkle. Far from it. This is a dark book with dark themes, reminiscent of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series. However, the book never gets too twisted, and it skirts along the line without ever crossing it. There's quite a bit of black humour (isn't that the best kind?) which lightens the tone when it gets too heavy.
One thing I love to see in books and movies—any book or movie regardless of the genre—is the exploration of non-romantic female-female relationships. I’m always on the hunt for a good genre-story (horror, mystery, fantasy, sci fi—anything that isn’t primarily “literary”) that explores a sister-sister relationship or a mother-daughter relationship. This book delivers on this front – by focusing on the evolution of the relationship between Yelena and Orly—a surrogate mother and daughter pair. However, I did find that Yelena grew to love Orly a little too quickly. I would have liked to have seen them interact a little more before she actually started to view her as her own daughter. Perhaps nightly visits for a week? However, motherly love is unconditional, and Yelena was lacking in any kind of love, so I understand why she grew attached to Orly so quickly. Orly herself was desperate for a mother figure, so I don’t question why she viewed Yelena as her mother almost instantaneously.
Spoilers ahead!
This book is a perfect read for a hot summer night. Tomoguchi develops a dark atmosphere and tension that builds throughout the story. I think The Scribbled Victims would be perfect as a standalone, but I’m eager to see what happens in the future installments in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to provide an honest review. This does not impact the contents of the review.*
Atmospheric and moody, this book is for fans of the deep existential and morality themes that are associated with immortality in books like Interview with the Vampire. The vampires in The Scribbled Victims don’t sparkle. Far from it. This is a dark book with dark themes, reminiscent of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series. However, the book never gets too twisted, and it skirts along the line without ever crossing it. There's quite a bit of black humour (isn't that the best kind?) which lightens the tone when it gets too heavy.
One thing I love to see in books and movies—any book or movie regardless of the genre—is the exploration of non-romantic female-female relationships. I’m always on the hunt for a good genre-story (horror, mystery, fantasy, sci fi—anything that isn’t primarily “literary”) that explores a sister-sister relationship or a mother-daughter relationship. This book delivers on this front – by focusing on the evolution of the relationship between Yelena and Orly—a surrogate mother and daughter pair. However, I did find that Yelena grew to love Orly a little too quickly. I would have liked to have seen them interact a little more before she actually started to view her as her own daughter. Perhaps nightly visits for a week? However, motherly love is unconditional, and Yelena was lacking in any kind of love, so I understand why she grew attached to Orly so quickly. Orly herself was desperate for a mother figure, so I don’t question why she viewed Yelena as her mother almost instantaneously.
Spoilers ahead!
This book is a perfect read for a hot summer night. Tomoguchi develops a dark atmosphere and tension that builds throughout the story. I think The Scribbled Victims would be perfect as a standalone, but I’m eager to see what happens in the future installments in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to provide an honest review. This does not impact the contents of the review.*
February 3, 2019
The story was quite interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the next installment.
One thing, the POV switch from third to first (with a brief second thrown in there, as well) was slightly jarring.
One thing, the POV switch from third to first (with a brief second thrown in there, as well) was slightly jarring.
April 30, 2018
I feel like this book is exactly what the vampire genre needs to get back to--horror, dark humor, love, and beautiful creatures of the night. I thought this book was refreshing in a world of vampire/werewolf love triangles and starry-eyed teenage vampires. The love explored is that of a mother and daughter instead of the usual romantic relationship.
In the beginning, we meet Yelena, a vampire struggling with overwhelming guilt because of what she must do to survive and mourning her lost love, her maker Marcel. She fills her life with trips to her psychiatrist, gallery openings, and nightclubs and parties with her best friend, Hisato, but rarely feeds because her conscience plagues her.
Into Yelena's life comes Orly, a young orphan girl who can see the evil in people through her scribbled drawings. The vampire sees the potential this brings her: She can feed without feeling the guilt that stops her. Orly also sees the potential in Yelena to be her mother. Their biggest issue, however, is that Orly is dying of leukemia. They must see what they bring to each others' lives and decide if each can live with what it means.
All the characters are written well and interesting to me. Yelena intrigued me from the start; one could feel her despair and need for love, though she felt as if she didn't deserve it. Orly's youth, outlook on her scribbles, her discoveries, and what it means to be a vampire made her personality strong. Hisato hooked me with his dark humor, which I feel a lot of authors neglect--even in the darkest moments, jokes are made and people laugh. Finally, Berthold was beautiful in his undying love and devotion to Yelena and then Orly.
I look forward to the next book and seeing where Orly's immortal journey brings her.
In the beginning, we meet Yelena, a vampire struggling with overwhelming guilt because of what she must do to survive and mourning her lost love, her maker Marcel. She fills her life with trips to her psychiatrist, gallery openings, and nightclubs and parties with her best friend, Hisato, but rarely feeds because her conscience plagues her.
Into Yelena's life comes Orly, a young orphan girl who can see the evil in people through her scribbled drawings. The vampire sees the potential this brings her: She can feed without feeling the guilt that stops her. Orly also sees the potential in Yelena to be her mother. Their biggest issue, however, is that Orly is dying of leukemia. They must see what they bring to each others' lives and decide if each can live with what it means.
All the characters are written well and interesting to me. Yelena intrigued me from the start; one could feel her despair and need for love, though she felt as if she didn't deserve it. Orly's youth, outlook on her scribbles, her discoveries, and what it means to be a vampire made her personality strong. Hisato hooked me with his dark humor, which I feel a lot of authors neglect--even in the darkest moments, jokes are made and people laugh. Finally, Berthold was beautiful in his undying love and devotion to Yelena and then Orly.
I look forward to the next book and seeing where Orly's immortal journey brings her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2018
A page turner
I loved scribbled victims. When I bought this book, I was expecting a traditional vampire novel. I love the idea that a seer can be used by a vampire to provide primarily evil people as dinner. Two strong female lead characters made this book engaging right from the first chapter. I hope he turns this novel into a series.
I loved scribbled victims. When I bought this book, I was expecting a traditional vampire novel. I love the idea that a seer can be used by a vampire to provide primarily evil people as dinner. Two strong female lead characters made this book engaging right from the first chapter. I hope he turns this novel into a series.
January 11, 2018
Get ready for an Ann Rice-esq novel. A vampire, Yelena, torture by a humane trait finds a child, Orly, that could help end her guilt from feeding on humans. The only problem. The child is dying of cancer and Yelena must make a choice to turn her and make her into ir monster or let her die.
I really enjoyed this. With the amount of blood and the dirty side of humanity there is always this child like innocences.
I really enjoyed this. With the amount of blood and the dirty side of humanity there is always this child like innocences.
June 3, 2019
An adult Vampire tale ♥
At its core, 'The Scribbled Victims' centres upon love. A need for it, a desire for it, pain from it and most tragically, a life not lived with it.
But this book is so much more than just a love story; exploring dark themes and concepts beyond the usual vampire genre. Full of intrigue and suspense, the narrative maintains a steady build as the story progresses, keeping hold of its secrets and not exposing them until the very end.
The characters are compelling, further enticing the reader to learn the individual motives and perspectives that drive them; helping establish and maintain a vested interest in their actions and choices throughout.
The judgement of one in aid of facilitating their own needs is certainly put under scrutiny as questions surrounding morality are explored. The narrative delivers a thriller style at times, delving deeper into the nastier and darker side of humanity and suffering.
Although set against a backdrop of adult sexual pleasure and gratification, central protagonist Orly is but a child. Innocence and purity of youth is sought to be protected and cherished, yet our understanding of what it means to grow and age, live, love and die becomes increasingly poignant.
The ending leaves a level of suspense, ready for answers to be found, characters grown and new beginnings begun. Anticipation of the next instalment is underway as soon as the last sentence is read.
At its core, 'The Scribbled Victims' centres upon love. A need for it, a desire for it, pain from it and most tragically, a life not lived with it.
But this book is so much more than just a love story; exploring dark themes and concepts beyond the usual vampire genre. Full of intrigue and suspense, the narrative maintains a steady build as the story progresses, keeping hold of its secrets and not exposing them until the very end.
The characters are compelling, further enticing the reader to learn the individual motives and perspectives that drive them; helping establish and maintain a vested interest in their actions and choices throughout.
The judgement of one in aid of facilitating their own needs is certainly put under scrutiny as questions surrounding morality are explored. The narrative delivers a thriller style at times, delving deeper into the nastier and darker side of humanity and suffering.
Although set against a backdrop of adult sexual pleasure and gratification, central protagonist Orly is but a child. Innocence and purity of youth is sought to be protected and cherished, yet our understanding of what it means to grow and age, live, love and die becomes increasingly poignant.
The ending leaves a level of suspense, ready for answers to be found, characters grown and new beginnings begun. Anticipation of the next instalment is underway as soon as the last sentence is read.
July 14, 2025
3.5 Stars
The Scribbled Victims led me on an interesting journey into a new world of vampires. Some of the lore was similar to other vampire stories I read before, but there was quite a bit of new information in this story that had me intrigued! I liked Orly as a character for most of the book, her interesting gift/skill helping Yelena with the more difficult part of vampirism. The rare conscious. I also enjoyed the character of Berthold and how he supported Yelena as well. A little after the half way mark in the book, I did start to lose interest and it was difficult to stay attentive as I read. The story followed the natural progression of the actions of the characters, but I didn't enjoy the character arc for Orly. Overall, I enjoyed the story and my interest just dwindled in the last quarter. Good read if you like something a little different!
Thank you to the author for the chance to read this book!
This was read as a traveling book in the LiterALLy BOOKiSh book club on Facebook!
The Scribbled Victims led me on an interesting journey into a new world of vampires. Some of the lore was similar to other vampire stories I read before, but there was quite a bit of new information in this story that had me intrigued! I liked Orly as a character for most of the book, her interesting gift/skill helping Yelena with the more difficult part of vampirism. The rare conscious. I also enjoyed the character of Berthold and how he supported Yelena as well. A little after the half way mark in the book, I did start to lose interest and it was difficult to stay attentive as I read. The story followed the natural progression of the actions of the characters, but I didn't enjoy the character arc for Orly. Overall, I enjoyed the story and my interest just dwindled in the last quarter. Good read if you like something a little different!
Thank you to the author for the chance to read this book!
This was read as a traveling book in the LiterALLy BOOKiSh book club on Facebook!
September 10, 2018
Author Robert Tomoguchi sent me a .mobi file of The Scribbled Victims in exchange for an honest review, and because it's the first of its kind that I've reviewed on Bitty Book Nook, I'm excited to say that I enjoyed it! The novel was a twisted tale of empathy, comedy, and self-discovery, and I was extremely pleased with it, particularly because I think it's hard to nail vampire novels.
See my full review complete with a list of pros and cons at my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
The Scribbled Victims is a classic vampire novel with a modern spin on it, and I found it to be incredibly well-told! Vampire fans will not want to miss out on this read! Mr. Tomoguchi, thank you for giving me the opportunity to review your work! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
See my full review complete with a list of pros and cons at my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
The Scribbled Victims is a classic vampire novel with a modern spin on it, and I found it to be incredibly well-told! Vampire fans will not want to miss out on this read! Mr. Tomoguchi, thank you for giving me the opportunity to review your work! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
June 20, 2025
2.5 stars. The concept behind this book is really interesting, but I didn’t love any of the characters and the writing style was weird. The book is narrated by 12 year old Orly which has the voice kind of like a middle grade books, but there is so much sex and violence that it’s definitely an adult book and wouldn’t be in a school library. Yelena is the protagonist and she’s a very emo vampire because she’s developed a conscious about killing humans. No one is very likable in the story which is a deal breaker for me with books. I have to like someone in order to invest in the story. Maybe that’s why it seemed to drag out too long for me. If you like morally grey characters and the typical vampire tropes, you might like this one. This was a traveling book from the LiterALLy BOOKish Facebook group so the questions and annotations made it a lot more fun.
May 27, 2018
The Scribbled Victims is not your normal vampire story, its so much deeper than that. Besides the main character (Orly) is a orphan with cancer who scribbles peoples secrets. The secrets she can see is the secret lives people live as pedophiles, murders, abusers, and hateful people. Orly is not going to make it, no one wants to tell her that, but because of her gift she knows the truth. With no family to keep her company or be by her side she finds herself in the cafeteria late at night scribbling people she encounters. Thats when Yelena comes in, she scribbles Yelena and is frightened. Orly believes that Yelena wants to kill her, but Yelena is a vampire with a conscience.
Read more on my website Thursday May 31st on tiffanymarnold.com
Read more on my website Thursday May 31st on tiffanymarnold.com
June 11, 2018
I don’t often read vampire novels. I cannot remember the last vampire story I read where the characters did not sparkle. So when I was given this book as a gift, I was wary.
However, I often read stories driven by relationships and strong characterization, and that was very much the case with The Scribbled Victims. At its core, this is a story about love and the connections we make in life.
For lovers of the vampire genre, there is decadence and sex, while those who crave a character driven piece will be drawn in by Yelena, Orly, and Berthold.
This book is a reminder to me that sometimes it’s worth it to branch out and step away from your comfort zone.
However, I often read stories driven by relationships and strong characterization, and that was very much the case with The Scribbled Victims. At its core, this is a story about love and the connections we make in life.
For lovers of the vampire genre, there is decadence and sex, while those who crave a character driven piece will be drawn in by Yelena, Orly, and Berthold.
This book is a reminder to me that sometimes it’s worth it to branch out and step away from your comfort zone.
June 23, 2019
An Imaginative Vampire Fantasy
I was looking for something different and with Book 1 I definitely found it. The story is so interesting I found it very hard to put down. It’s well written, has a zany cast of characters, and introduces vampire nuances not found in my previous experiences. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend this for those looking for something completely different.
I was looking for something different and with Book 1 I definitely found it. The story is so interesting I found it very hard to put down. It’s well written, has a zany cast of characters, and introduces vampire nuances not found in my previous experiences. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend this for those looking for something completely different.
July 28, 2018
Best tortured Vampire since Louis in "Interview with the Vampire"
If this is not made into a movie soon. I will be shocked.
The name of the book somehow makes it sound like a child's book. It is anything but childish. It is just the way vampires should be. Brutal and beautiful and Sexy. But, strangely also full of love .
If this is not made into a movie soon. I will be shocked.
The name of the book somehow makes it sound like a child's book. It is anything but childish. It is just the way vampires should be. Brutal and beautiful and Sexy. But, strangely also full of love .
February 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and his depiction of the damned.
I'm now eagerly awaiting the second book hoping to discover more of the world that Robert Tomoguchi led me through!
This book had all the elements of a great novel. It wasnt cliche and well thought out. As a fan of the dark and strange the characters made me care for them but still appreciated that they were monsters.
I'm now eagerly awaiting the second book hoping to discover more of the world that Robert Tomoguchi led me through!
This book had all the elements of a great novel. It wasnt cliche and well thought out. As a fan of the dark and strange the characters made me care for them but still appreciated that they were monsters.
August 29, 2017
Amazing novel. Suspenseful and entertaining. I definitely recommend this novel!
April 20, 2018
It has taken me entirely too long to write a review for this book, and the only apology I can offer to the author is that I wanted to be able to sit down and write a REAL review for this book, not a quick little "LOVED IT, VAMPIRES 4 LIFE!"
I loved this book. Loved it. The story, the style, everything. If you're a fan of "real" vampires (assuming that we're talking about the kind that drain little children without batting an eye), you'll probably really enjoy it too.
The author has provided an excellent description of the plot, so I'm not going to repeat that. Instead I offer my review, with a warning that there may be minor spoilers after this point.
.
.
.
.
.
In the right hands, maybe those of an indie filmmaker unencumbered by Hollywood's love for sparkly vampires, this book could be a movie. Preferably with the author's involvement, because it would be a shame to not capture the unique writing style Robert Tomoguchi has...this book tilts you slightly off-kilter from the very first page...who is our narrator? How could they possibly see what they see and know what they know? On the surface, we have the lovely Yelena who is seeing a psychiatrist (yes, a real human one) to help her cope with the crippling guilt that guts her when she does exactly what vampires do...drink the blood of the living so that she, too, may continue to live. Should we shame Yelena for practicing self-preservation? I don't think so. And so we're lulled into sympathy for her...just in time for things to twist decidedly into the dark zone.
"Yelena came up for air with blood streaming down her chin and blood tears slipping from her eyes. But her tears didn't fall because their relationship was now over. They didn't even fall because Andre was now dead. They fell because she had finally killed him like she always knew she would." Yes, that would be her boyfriend, a perfect 10 whois was crazy about her. "She wanted again to feel herself cry for killing Andre, for she knew him to have a good heart, a heart that loved her very much, but she couldn't help what she was no matter how long or how hard she fought it."
Oh Orly...you're such a brat, but it would be strange if you weren't, wouldn't it? I can't wait to see where her path leads us, and the author has given us so many hints, I'm not even sure which I want to see first. I also would love to see if we get a deeper peek into the history and nature of her "scribbles," especially now that they're bionic-vision scribbles.
More Berthold, please! As strange as it sounds (since he was an attorney-slash-body-hider), I feel like he was the most honest, kind and pure character in the book.
The writing style may not be your cup of tea initially, but stay with it, it ends up being perfect for this book. I would describe it as slightly detached, wry at times but honest, and the exact right amount of sparse. It's very matter-of-fact about the violence described within, which almost makes you feel like one of the vampires as they (well, specifically Hisato) dismember the evening's entertainment/meal while trying not to get a favorite shirt stained. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the book as much if it HADN'T had that unemotional distance from some of what occurs.
Yelena, you've broken my heart. I can't wait for the next part of this gorgeous, shocking, oh-so-bloody tale, and there are oh-so-many things for the author to explore!
I loved this book. Loved it. The story, the style, everything. If you're a fan of "real" vampires (assuming that we're talking about the kind that drain little children without batting an eye), you'll probably really enjoy it too.
The author has provided an excellent description of the plot, so I'm not going to repeat that. Instead I offer my review, with a warning that there may be minor spoilers after this point.
.
.
.
.
.
In the right hands, maybe those of an indie filmmaker unencumbered by Hollywood's love for sparkly vampires, this book could be a movie. Preferably with the author's involvement, because it would be a shame to not capture the unique writing style Robert Tomoguchi has...this book tilts you slightly off-kilter from the very first page...who is our narrator? How could they possibly see what they see and know what they know? On the surface, we have the lovely Yelena who is seeing a psychiatrist (yes, a real human one) to help her cope with the crippling guilt that guts her when she does exactly what vampires do...drink the blood of the living so that she, too, may continue to live. Should we shame Yelena for practicing self-preservation? I don't think so. And so we're lulled into sympathy for her...just in time for things to twist decidedly into the dark zone.
"Yelena came up for air with blood streaming down her chin and blood tears slipping from her eyes. But her tears didn't fall because their relationship was now over. They didn't even fall because Andre was now dead. They fell because she had finally killed him like she always knew she would." Yes, that would be her boyfriend, a perfect 10 who
Oh Orly...you're such a brat, but it would be strange if you weren't, wouldn't it? I can't wait to see where her path leads us, and the author has given us so many hints, I'm not even sure which I want to see first. I also would love to see if we get a deeper peek into the history and nature of her "scribbles," especially now that they're bionic-vision scribbles.
More Berthold, please! As strange as it sounds (since he was an attorney-slash-body-hider), I feel like he was the most honest, kind and pure character in the book.
The writing style may not be your cup of tea initially, but stay with it, it ends up being perfect for this book. I would describe it as slightly detached, wry at times but honest, and the exact right amount of sparse. It's very matter-of-fact about the violence described within, which almost makes you feel like one of the vampires as they (well, specifically Hisato) dismember the evening's entertainment/meal while trying not to get a favorite shirt stained. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed the book as much if it HADN'T had that unemotional distance from some of what occurs.
Yelena, you've broken my heart. I can't wait for the next part of this gorgeous, shocking, oh-so-bloody tale, and there are oh-so-many things for the author to explore!
May 25, 2019
Well, I am impressed. I hate vampire stories, for some unknown reason. Really, I can't explain why but I never even read them; I see there's a vampire and I don't even try the book. But this one, somehow, fooled me. I saw the cover, saw it was in the thriller section and decided not to read the synopsis and start it. IT's clear pretty soon that it is a story about vampires so I could have given up without much time lost but I kept going.
The writing is good. The story engaged me. In the end I enjoyed it.
(Won't read more vampire books though but it was a nice escape to my own rule.
The writing is good. The story engaged me. In the end I enjoyed it.
(Won't read more vampire books though but it was a nice escape to my own rule.
September 29, 2022
If you like Rice, and/or the Vampire Diaries, I think you'll really enjoy this.
Update 2022, 3 years later: You know, this one comes back to mind from time to time in a way most don't, I strongly recommend giving it a read.
Update 2022, 3 years later: You know, this one comes back to mind from time to time in a way most don't, I strongly recommend giving it a read.
March 12, 2018
Set in the glitzy world of L.A. art openings, V.I.P rooms and to-die-for houses in the Hollywood hills, The Scribbled Victims rips open the skin to reveal the tortured heart of a monster. Yelena Solodnikova; beautiful, stylish, and deadly, is loved by a man she knows she will eventually kill, and is eternally haunted by the memory of the man who made her what she is- a vampire. But Yelena is no longer free to spend eternity feeding off humans with her best friend, Hisato and his bevy of beautiful huntresses/lovers. Yelena has become a victim of a crippling guilt. Once Yelena began to see the humanity in those who she must kill to survive, she turned her killer instincts upon herself; refusing to feed, letting herself become weak, and vulnerable. It is through an unexpected act of restraint and kindness that she winds up meeting 12-year-old Orly Bialek; a cancer patient with the ability to see the good or evil in anyone she draws. Orly's drawings are black scribbles bearing no resemblance to the subjects but revealing to Orly the worst thing that these people have done. Yelena realizes that through Orly and her scribbles, she can feed without guilt; killing only those who victimize others (a selective menu of rapists, murderers and pedophiles) but there is another side to this arrangement. There is the guilt over what she is making the young girl take part in; selecting victims to be killed. Yelena's newfound bond with Orly is bewildering to Hisato, who believes that it goes against their very nature as vampires to care about humans. Yelena finds herself compelled to bring the young Orly home from the hospital to spend her remaining days with "family" and has to make a difficult choice when it appears that Orly's cancer will soon take her.
The Scribbled Victims reads like a good Elmore Leonard novel with equal parts True Grit & Leon The Professional thrown into the mix.
The Scribbled Victims reads like a good Elmore Leonard novel with equal parts True Grit & Leon The Professional thrown into the mix.
June 17, 2022
🌟REVIEW🌟
BOOK: 'The Scribbled Victims'
AUTHOR: Robert Tomoguchi
PLOT: Yelena is a vampire that can't love someone because of her bloodlust. She feels guilt when killing her victims after feeding off of them, and she passes it off as an eating disorder to her psychiatrist. Orly is a twelve year old girl dying of leukemia that can see the evil deeds of the people she sketches. After bringing a woman to the hospital, Yelena and Orly meet. Orly and Yelena develop a relationship where Orly provides people for Yelena to guiltlessly feed upon. Problem is, Orly is dying. Will Yelena make Orly a child vampire, or will she let Orly die? This book is a story of friendship, and love. I love the dynamic between Orly and Yelena. Yelena gives me the feeling that she's like a mother to Orly, and would do anything for her. Orly is such a strong girl, and Yelena is a strong woman. Your heart starts to ache for Yelena from the beginning as you learn how feeding makes her feel guilty, but your heart shatters for her as she learns to cope with the fact that Orly's days are short. You can really feel the tension going on in Yelena's head as she tries to figure out what choice she's going to make on behalf of Orly.. Orly's power to see the evil in people is amazing! Seeing how they rely on each other is so heartwarming, and seeing Yelena realize that it's ok to love without guilt is inspiring. This book taught me that love is an important gift that everyone deserves, no matter what they've done.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BOOK: 'The Scribbled Victims'
AUTHOR: Robert Tomoguchi
PLOT: Yelena is a vampire that can't love someone because of her bloodlust. She feels guilt when killing her victims after feeding off of them, and she passes it off as an eating disorder to her psychiatrist. Orly is a twelve year old girl dying of leukemia that can see the evil deeds of the people she sketches. After bringing a woman to the hospital, Yelena and Orly meet. Orly and Yelena develop a relationship where Orly provides people for Yelena to guiltlessly feed upon. Problem is, Orly is dying. Will Yelena make Orly a child vampire, or will she let Orly die? This book is a story of friendship, and love. I love the dynamic between Orly and Yelena. Yelena gives me the feeling that she's like a mother to Orly, and would do anything for her. Orly is such a strong girl, and Yelena is a strong woman. Your heart starts to ache for Yelena from the beginning as you learn how feeding makes her feel guilty, but your heart shatters for her as she learns to cope with the fact that Orly's days are short. You can really feel the tension going on in Yelena's head as she tries to figure out what choice she's going to make on behalf of Orly.. Orly's power to see the evil in people is amazing! Seeing how they rely on each other is so heartwarming, and seeing Yelena realize that it's ok to love without guilt is inspiring. This book taught me that love is an important gift that everyone deserves, no matter what they've done.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 19, 2018
This was a completely new take on Vampires and I loved it! The only thing was it wasnt long enough! The relationship between Yelena and Orly is very special. Yelena is a vampire plagued by guilt for what she must do in order to survive. She is also in mourning for her maker and made Marcel who died after a century together. Enter Orly, a 12 year old seer who can see other's evil inside. This poses a great benefit to Yelena and her guilt problem. And Yelena poses as the mother figure Orly never had. It is truly a great and different story that I really enjoyed.
The Characters were complete and we'll rounded. I enjoyed the LA nightlife and gallery scene that Yelena used to fill her dad life before Orly came into it. The word building was great as well. You really felt as if you were pulled into the story. Dark humor laced the entire novel thanks in large part to Yelena's best friend Hisato. A beautiful romantic theme was traced through because of Berthold and his love not only for Yelena but also his love for Orly.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed Vampire Diaries and the angst that came with it, Dexter and the vigilante justice. Or the Moody and existentialism felt in Interview with a Vampire. I can not wait to see where Tomoguchi takes these characters next!
The Characters were complete and we'll rounded. I enjoyed the LA nightlife and gallery scene that Yelena used to fill her dad life before Orly came into it. The word building was great as well. You really felt as if you were pulled into the story. Dark humor laced the entire novel thanks in large part to Yelena's best friend Hisato. A beautiful romantic theme was traced through because of Berthold and his love not only for Yelena but also his love for Orly.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed Vampire Diaries and the angst that came with it, Dexter and the vigilante justice. Or the Moody and existentialism felt in Interview with a Vampire. I can not wait to see where Tomoguchi takes these characters next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Delightfully different vampire story! I was very impressed with such a different idea and approach. You have some of the classic blood thirsty vampires we all love. Some wonderful backstory and beautifully developed characters that draw you in.
The quick change of point of view was my only complaint. It at times made it hard to follow and I had to rewind a bit a time or two because I thought I had missed parts.
Narration was excellent.
Looking forward to the next book!
Delightfully different vampire story! I was very impressed with such a different idea and approach. You have some of the classic blood thirsty vampires we all love. Some wonderful backstory and beautifully developed characters that draw you in.
The quick change of point of view was my only complaint. It at times made it hard to follow and I had to rewind a bit a time or two because I thought I had missed parts.
Narration was excellent.
Looking forward to the next book!
May 3, 2020
Interesting take on a vampire story!
If you like vampire stories along the lines of Interview with a Vampire or just stories about regretful vampires pick up this one! While it's written in a style I found to be a little different it does have an interesting story to it and I liked the characters. An enjoyable escape into the dark world of immortals!
If you like vampire stories along the lines of Interview with a Vampire or just stories about regretful vampires pick up this one! While it's written in a style I found to be a little different it does have an interesting story to it and I liked the characters. An enjoyable escape into the dark world of immortals!
May 26, 2020
Feels like a continuation of the Vampire Diaries
The vampires don't sparkle but they are very beautiful and can charm a mortal to death. They feed on mortals indiscriminately and feel no remorse. Except the vampire Yelena has developed a conscience. Also, she had started to feel a motherly love for Orly, an orphan dying from leukemia.
The vampires don't sparkle but they are very beautiful and can charm a mortal to death. They feed on mortals indiscriminately and feel no remorse. Except the vampire Yelena has developed a conscience. Also, she had started to feel a motherly love for Orly, an orphan dying from leukemia.
November 15, 2024
I'm not someone that likes fantasy books anyone took me awhile to get into the book but once I did I couldn't put it down. I wasn't fond of some of the sequel words that came out of Oralys mouth or how manipulative she could be at times. I loved reading a book about the love between a mother and daughter.
December 29, 2018
A tale of two halves
I really liked the first half of this book. The storyline of the scribbled visions Orly creates and the resulting relationship with a vampire was fun and intriguing. Once Yelena turns Orly into a vampire the story lost its appeal.
I really liked the first half of this book. The storyline of the scribbled visions Orly creates and the resulting relationship with a vampire was fun and intriguing. Once Yelena turns Orly into a vampire the story lost its appeal.
February 9, 2019
A very enjoyable book! I found it refreshingly original, with characters that were interesting and worth caring about. The plot was a great balance of action and emotional nuance and left me wanting more. I’m greatly anticipating the sequel!
March 20, 2017
Rated 4,5
Thank you so much to Robert for send me an e-book of it !
The book tells us Yelena´s story. She is living in California (Hollywood), she is a vampire who need kill people (Killed people for blood). Through the days she was with her friends something happened them, they had a terrible problem and go to the hospital. In there Yelena met with a girl who´s dying for cancer. The girl had made friend of Yelena, but Yelena has a secret. She do scribble on a paper and she can know a lot of thing about someone.
I really enjoyed with it. Is a novel about vampires, but is SOOOOOOO different ♥! About the world by Robert I loved it. The characters were super nice. The scenes were good too and the writing style is so easy to read!
I really recommend it if you wanna read a different story about vampires, you will enjoy as well as me!
Thank you so much to Robert for send me an e-book of it !
The book tells us Yelena´s story. She is living in California (Hollywood), she is a vampire who need kill people (Killed people for blood). Through the days she was with her friends something happened them, they had a terrible problem and go to the hospital. In there Yelena met with a girl who´s dying for cancer. The girl had made friend of Yelena, but Yelena has a secret. She do scribble on a paper and she can know a lot of thing about someone.
I really enjoyed with it. Is a novel about vampires, but is SOOOOOOO different ♥! About the world by Robert I loved it. The characters were super nice. The scenes were good too and the writing style is so easy to read!
I really recommend it if you wanna read a different story about vampires, you will enjoy as well as me!
August 26, 2018
This was definitely a page turner!
Finished it in a couple of hours. Definitely need the sequel. So glad to be seeing more works from independent writers!
Finished it in a couple of hours. Definitely need the sequel. So glad to be seeing more works from independent writers!
October 7, 2019
The Scribbled Victims tells a familiar tale of the vampire tradition in a way that’s different, emotionally compelling, and doesn’t shy from the horror of the vampire condition. I appreciate that Tomoguchi’s vampires need human blood to survive, though as the author shows, one cannot live on blood alone.
The story centers around vampire Yelena who still grieves the disappearance of her lover Marcel. This loss alienates her from much of the vampire community, and she seeks counseling from a human therapist, who is unaware of her true nature.
A chance meeting in a hospital between Yelena and a dying orphan girl changes both their lives. The twelve-year-old Orly has an ability to see the evil in people she draws as black scribbles on paper. This leads to a mutually-beneficial relationship where Orly provides Yelena victims for her bloodlust while receiving the maternal connection she has lacked much of her life.
As the mother-daughter bond grows, the limits of and the types of love is explored and tested. Can one without a conscience be truly capable of receiving love? What can love mean to one who is immortal?
A small detail that I enjoyed, and rarely see in other vampire stories, is that Tomoguchi’s vampires must rest in coffins. If they don’t, they suffer terribly.
The Scribbled Victims is the first in the Black Wax Trilogy and I look forward to reading the next installment.
The story centers around vampire Yelena who still grieves the disappearance of her lover Marcel. This loss alienates her from much of the vampire community, and she seeks counseling from a human therapist, who is unaware of her true nature.
A chance meeting in a hospital between Yelena and a dying orphan girl changes both their lives. The twelve-year-old Orly has an ability to see the evil in people she draws as black scribbles on paper. This leads to a mutually-beneficial relationship where Orly provides Yelena victims for her bloodlust while receiving the maternal connection she has lacked much of her life.
As the mother-daughter bond grows, the limits of and the types of love is explored and tested. Can one without a conscience be truly capable of receiving love? What can love mean to one who is immortal?
A small detail that I enjoyed, and rarely see in other vampire stories, is that Tomoguchi’s vampires must rest in coffins. If they don’t, they suffer terribly.
The Scribbled Victims is the first in the Black Wax Trilogy and I look forward to reading the next installment.
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