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Maryland Vampire #1
Blood and Sunlight: A Maryland Vampire Story
Melanie would love to believe in fairytales. She'd love, in fact, to believe in anything. The twenty-three-year-old college dropout is stuck - stuck in a dead-end waitress job, stuck in her hometown of Ellicott City, Maryland, and stuck with a boyfriend who likes to play dress-up as a vampire. Vampires. Her world and her reality are turned upside down when she encounters the real thing. Along the way, she meets Lucas, the would-be vampire slayer, his father the sheriff, and ultimately the vampire himself. Melanie learns that fairytales can come true, and evil isn't always where you expect to find it.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2010
13 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Wasserman
10 books28 followersJamie Wasserman is a native of Ellicott City, Maryland. His work has appeared in The Rhysling Anthology, Exquisite Corpse, Star*Line, Magazine of Speculative Poetry, Strange Horizons, Flesh and Blood, Gothic.net, Weber Studies, and Magma (UK) among many others.
He has received numerous honorable-mentions from The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, and was nominated for a Pushcart by Lite: Baltimore's Literary Arts Newspaper. Blood and Sunlight is his first novel.
He has received numerous honorable-mentions from The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, and was nominated for a Pushcart by Lite: Baltimore's Literary Arts Newspaper. Blood and Sunlight is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 8, 2011
Blood and Sunlight: A Maryland Vampire Story is one of my two favorite vampire novels on my kindle. This is actually the first vampire novel I added because I fell in love with the cover. I wanted to post a review so that if you haven't read this book, you can do so before the second title Blood and Moonlight is released in June-2011.
I'll tell you why I love this book before giving a brief summary. First of all, vampire e-books are overdone, and most of them are just like the one before it. This one isn't, it is a darker series and Wasserman is simply put-a great story-teller. There is something about his writing that makes it impossible not to enjoy this book.
Blood and Sunlight brings you into twenty-three year old, college drop out Melanie's haunting and disturbing world. Her life isn't that great anyway when she learns the truth about vampires...but not in the way you'd expect. After a whirlwind of possible evil threatens to wash away Melanie's last hopes to hang onto her fairytales...she finds salvation in a very unlikely place.
I'll tell you why I love this book before giving a brief summary. First of all, vampire e-books are overdone, and most of them are just like the one before it. This one isn't, it is a darker series and Wasserman is simply put-a great story-teller. There is something about his writing that makes it impossible not to enjoy this book.
Blood and Sunlight brings you into twenty-three year old, college drop out Melanie's haunting and disturbing world. Her life isn't that great anyway when she learns the truth about vampires...but not in the way you'd expect. After a whirlwind of possible evil threatens to wash away Melanie's last hopes to hang onto her fairytales...she finds salvation in a very unlikely place.
to-be-read
September 19, 2010Hey, Ellicott City, Maryland. That's right down the road a piece.
July 15, 2011
This was a refreshing new voice in the vampires world!
To check out an interview with the author and to enter into a chance to win a signed copy of Blood and Sunlight, check out my blog for details.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/
To check out an interview with the author and to enter into a chance to win a signed copy of Blood and Sunlight, check out my blog for details.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/
Want to read
May 6, 2011A vampire story taking place near me?! Hell yes!!!
October 27, 2018
There’s a story behind this one.
I found this book during my hunt for a decent vampire book when Twilight was all the rage, because I needed to confirm that Twilight hadn’t killed the paranormal or urban fantasy genre with unhealthy romance. I found it on Kobo for a cheap price, read thhe preview and liked it, and when I went to buy it, I got an error message saying it didn’t exist.
Now, after about six years of that preiview sitting on my Kobo staring at me, and people telling me its just not available in my country, that error message went away.
I finally got to read this book.
It wasn’t at all what I was expecting it to be, which wasn’t a surprise. However, I found the story rather... strange. The writing style was very strong, and this blended with the setting to make it very atmospheric. Wasserman was going for a vintage, gothic style and hit the nail square on the head.
That being said, I really didn’t like any of the characters. Melanie was weak willed and her need to be paired with someone at all times became rather annoying at times and although her lack of a spine did come with consequences her character didn’t change because of it. Lucas was abusive, controlling and violent, and this did also come into effect in the story, but immediately went away again because Melanie pitied him? Keenan was definitely my favourite character, along with Officer Trevor. (I couldn’t agree with most of his actions but I liked how he had been written as a very complex character)
This was my only downvote in this book though. I finished this one off pretty quickly and since I’m still thinking about it I can see it staying with me. It was definitely worth the wait.
I found this book during my hunt for a decent vampire book when Twilight was all the rage, because I needed to confirm that Twilight hadn’t killed the paranormal or urban fantasy genre with unhealthy romance. I found it on Kobo for a cheap price, read thhe preview and liked it, and when I went to buy it, I got an error message saying it didn’t exist.
Now, after about six years of that preiview sitting on my Kobo staring at me, and people telling me its just not available in my country, that error message went away.
I finally got to read this book.
It wasn’t at all what I was expecting it to be, which wasn’t a surprise. However, I found the story rather... strange. The writing style was very strong, and this blended with the setting to make it very atmospheric. Wasserman was going for a vintage, gothic style and hit the nail square on the head.
That being said, I really didn’t like any of the characters. Melanie was weak willed and her need to be paired with someone at all times became rather annoying at times and although her lack of a spine did come with consequences her character didn’t change because of it. Lucas was abusive, controlling and violent, and this did also come into effect in the story, but immediately went away again because Melanie pitied him? Keenan was definitely my favourite character, along with Officer Trevor. (I couldn’t agree with most of his actions but I liked how he had been written as a very complex character)
This was my only downvote in this book though. I finished this one off pretty quickly and since I’m still thinking about it I can see it staying with me. It was definitely worth the wait.
April 18, 2014
I downloaded this book when I first bought my Kindle as a freebie, but hadn't read it until now. I am kicking myself, because I really enjoyed it!
Melanie is a character that I really liked. She is thoughtful, artistic and bored of playing "vampires" with her boyfriend, Bryan. But, she is also a bit of a carpet where her boyfriend is concerned - she lets him walk all over her, and he takes advantage of it. However, a fateful encounter will change her life forever.
I am a huge fan of vampire romances, but the blurb on this book caught my attention and this is not a romance as such. It is a fantastic mix of romance, thriller and horror. The story is set in the small town of Ellicott City, Maryland, where nothing much ever happens. However, there are things that live in shadows. The story is a roller coaster ride of danger and adventure that kept me hooked from the first page. The characters are all very lifelike. I thought Bryan was a jerk, and deserved his fate. I liked Lucas, but there is a surprise in store for the reader about this character. There are some serious twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I had a few OMG moments. The story is told as half fairy tale and half real story, which sort of reminded me of how "The Princess Bride" was told (there is no other similarity to that book besides that fact) and is mostly told through Melanie's point of view. The reader is also introduced to Keenan, a real vampire. His story is not exactly a happy one, but I liked him; he and Melanie make a great couple. The end of the book did not have a cliffhanger, but it did have a slight twist and it left me with a happy feeling.
Jamie Wasserman has written a fast paced, exciting roller coaster ride of a story that kept me undeniably entertained. I loved her writing style, which flowed wonderfully. I would definitely consider reading more of this author's work in the future.
I do not recommend this book to younger readers, or those of a nervous disposition, due to some violence. There are scenes of a sexual nature too, but they are not as explicit as some books I have read. However, I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal romance, thriller or horror genres. - Lynn Worton
Melanie is a character that I really liked. She is thoughtful, artistic and bored of playing "vampires" with her boyfriend, Bryan. But, she is also a bit of a carpet where her boyfriend is concerned - she lets him walk all over her, and he takes advantage of it. However, a fateful encounter will change her life forever.
I am a huge fan of vampire romances, but the blurb on this book caught my attention and this is not a romance as such. It is a fantastic mix of romance, thriller and horror. The story is set in the small town of Ellicott City, Maryland, where nothing much ever happens. However, there are things that live in shadows. The story is a roller coaster ride of danger and adventure that kept me hooked from the first page. The characters are all very lifelike. I thought Bryan was a jerk, and deserved his fate. I liked Lucas, but there is a surprise in store for the reader about this character. There are some serious twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I had a few OMG moments. The story is told as half fairy tale and half real story, which sort of reminded me of how "The Princess Bride" was told (there is no other similarity to that book besides that fact) and is mostly told through Melanie's point of view. The reader is also introduced to Keenan, a real vampire. His story is not exactly a happy one, but I liked him; he and Melanie make a great couple. The end of the book did not have a cliffhanger, but it did have a slight twist and it left me with a happy feeling.
Jamie Wasserman has written a fast paced, exciting roller coaster ride of a story that kept me undeniably entertained. I loved her writing style, which flowed wonderfully. I would definitely consider reading more of this author's work in the future.
I do not recommend this book to younger readers, or those of a nervous disposition, due to some violence. There are scenes of a sexual nature too, but they are not as explicit as some books I have read. However, I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal romance, thriller or horror genres. - Lynn Worton
December 11, 2012
I received this book through Member Giveaway, courtesy of the author. As I read this book, two things in particular struck me.
One, I love the writing. Wasserman has a great way of setting scenes with a poetic yet minimalistic style. Everything is very tight, vivid, and packed with meaning. And clever -- the whole story is framed by a bedtime story told by a father to his little girl. I can't say too much more without giving away crucial parts of the plot, but it was an unexpected yet delightful element. It made for a fabulous opening that instantly appealed to me. Then, later, I had one of those "oh!" moments when the everything you've just read takes on a whole new perspective, and you go back to the beginning to reread things with a fresh eye. As I said, clever. And I appreciate clever.
The second thing about this book -- I don't love the characters. Well, specifically, I don't love the protagonist, Melanie. She has this disaffected youth thing going on that I just don't and didn't care for much. It's not the type of character I gravitate towards, and I always struggle with a story if I can't feel for the characters. Since Melanie is the central thread of this story, my total enjoyment was affected.
Overall, this book strongly put me in mind of a vampiric "Tithe" (by Holly Black). Granted, less ... well, frilly, I guess is the word. Still there's much similarity in tone and character. And both left me feeling the same way -- thoughtful and intrigued yet a little put off by the protagonist. I can only deduce that the book is great but that I'm the wrong audience for it. Which is fine. I'm still quite happy to have been given the opportunity to read it. And now I'm curious about Wasserman's other work, and whether something else by him might be more to my style.
http://booknerdsbrain.blogspot.com/20...
One, I love the writing. Wasserman has a great way of setting scenes with a poetic yet minimalistic style. Everything is very tight, vivid, and packed with meaning. And clever -- the whole story is framed by a bedtime story told by a father to his little girl. I can't say too much more without giving away crucial parts of the plot, but it was an unexpected yet delightful element. It made for a fabulous opening that instantly appealed to me. Then, later, I had one of those "oh!" moments when the everything you've just read takes on a whole new perspective, and you go back to the beginning to reread things with a fresh eye. As I said, clever. And I appreciate clever.
The second thing about this book -- I don't love the characters. Well, specifically, I don't love the protagonist, Melanie. She has this disaffected youth thing going on that I just don't and didn't care for much. It's not the type of character I gravitate towards, and I always struggle with a story if I can't feel for the characters. Since Melanie is the central thread of this story, my total enjoyment was affected.
Overall, this book strongly put me in mind of a vampiric "Tithe" (by Holly Black). Granted, less ... well, frilly, I guess is the word. Still there's much similarity in tone and character. And both left me feeling the same way -- thoughtful and intrigued yet a little put off by the protagonist. I can only deduce that the book is great but that I'm the wrong audience for it. Which is fine. I'm still quite happy to have been given the opportunity to read it. And now I'm curious about Wasserman's other work, and whether something else by him might be more to my style.
http://booknerdsbrain.blogspot.com/20...
January 28, 2012
This is the first novel I have read by Jamie Wasserman and I am seriously wondering how it is I didn't come across this author sooner!! Blood and Sunlight is about Melanie and her string of unsuccessful relationships that she uses to mask her insecurities of loneliness and poor self worth. I can't really give too much detail without giving some of the plot away, but this story was GREAT!!! Being a Marylander myself, I enjoyed the constant mention of well known scenery in Ellicott City and the back stories that came with them. Melanie finds herself constantly hanging around dialpidated, rundown places with her boyfriend and his friend while doing drugs and getting drunk all night. Her out of control life lands her in a world where vampires are real and someone is out to kill her. We meet Lucas who WOW!!! He is a sociopath and a half! The storyline involving him really had my head spinning because it was so unexpected!! But I must say Keenan was a work of perfection and the storyline involving him was my favorite! Anyone looking for an easy read with sex, vampires, and learning of Melanie's self discovery will enjoy this one!!
October 7, 2010
Blood and Sunlight asks the question who is the monster: men who do evil things or a vampire seeking redemption? Melanie is a troubled twenty four year college drop out. Her youth was less than ideal. You see she had an alcoholic mother and her father died. She has a boyfriend, Bryan who likes to play dress up as a vampire and she goes along for the ride. She uses drugs and sex like most people use toothpaste. One night of too much drugs and sex, Melanie, Bryan and his friend are attacked. Melanie manages to get away and seeks help. She is rescued and meets Lucas, the son of the town sheriff and vampire hunter. This is not your typical vampire story. There are many quirks and surprises along the way. While I enjoyed the book, I did not always like Melanie and at times I thought the storyline was a bit convaluted; especially when she becomes a virgin again (oh pleasssssssssssssssse!). However, the overall message of this story is thought provoking and interesting. Read it for yourself and decide.
March 2, 2013
This book is really intriguing for me. I read it in about a day and although it has a good story base I feel the narrative is very choppy and leaves you wondering to much. melanie is surrounded by EMO's in love with vampires. One of her obsessions is in the dark and gloomy Ellicott City, one of these adventures, everything changes when her boyfriend and friend disappear, a stranger saves her and meets Lucas. The real story begins after this, it is wrapped with Lucas who happens to be a psycho and then ends with Keenan who is the prince charming of the novel.
What I dislike is that there is little background, too little detail and parliament. Many things remain unknown in this novel and the final extent lets you wanting more. Not that expecting more bother me but when there's a sequel, which in this case there isn't, and just feels plain,unfinished and extremely short for everything that is going on.
It does have some typos but nothing that matter much
What I dislike is that there is little background, too little detail and parliament. Many things remain unknown in this novel and the final extent lets you wanting more. Not that expecting more bother me but when there's a sequel, which in this case there isn't, and just feels plain,unfinished and extremely short for everything that is going on.
It does have some typos but nothing that matter much
October 17, 2018
I have to say that this is a unique vampire story. It is not the same old ones you find yourself reading. It is new and refreshing.
In this story, the girl isn’t perfect. She has a lot of flaws. She has issues. Normal!!!! I loved that part. The characters are very complex. They have attributes and faults that you would find in anyone. They are very realistic.
The plot was very unique. It wasn’t the typical vampire story which drew me further in. To be honest, vampire stories are all starting to sound alike. This one led me down a different path. I can’t say too much without giving it away.
Writing was good. I didn’t find anything that pulled from the story. It kept me engaged and wanting to read on to the next chapter.
If you want a different read that is quick and engaging, I suggest this story.
Note: I purchased this book with my funds with no expectation of a positive review.
November 18, 2013
broken into 3 sections, 'blood & sunlight' tells the story of a burnt-out woman becoming a vampire. the first section was a challenge for me to get through: she's working a crappy waitressing job only enough to pay the rent, and spending evenings off getting high and having sex in abandoned buildings while her boyfriend's buddy watches from the corner. there's nothing at all likable about any of the characters, and the protagonist cares so little for herself that it's easy to agree with her. it all picks up a bit when the vampire shows up and the "unlife" part of the book can get started, but there's nothing particularly new here other than the local backwater maryland setting.
September 10, 2013
Where to begin...I did not like this book. I did not like Melanie, as she was pretty pathetic in my opinion. She has no respect for herself, always has to be with someone, and pretty much has no dreams or ambitions for her life. I just can't connect with someone like that. It's one thing to find yourself at a low point and then do something about it, but she just seemed like she wanted to revel in her lowness. Then she became a vampire. Now all of a sudden her life has meaning? I got this as a freebie, I just wish I could get the time back that I spent reading this. No offense to the author, Jamie Wasserman, this is just how I felt about this book.
June 14, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book because I am from Maryland but if it had been set somewhere else I would not have gotten as much out of it. There wasn't much in the way of some character development and I really couldn't have cared one way or the other if certain characters lived or died. However, I do see potential in this type of vampire story.
October 18, 2012
Jamie Wasserman is a masterful story teller and an author to watch! This story is not your typical vampire story. It has to continue! The way the story starts with a father telling his daughter a bedtime story is really sweet and pulls you in. This however is not a sweet story there are totally unexpected twists and turns. You have got to read this story!
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
September 18, 2012
Liked the cover and the title. The story was just terrible. I liked the story telling but the actual story...it just didn't reach to me. Girl just wanted to be a princess and plaa plaa plaa....AND THE VAMPIRE...oh God...''buuhuu i'm a bad vampiredude 'cause i kick your boyfriend...yhyy hate me...'' Not my kind of book.
February 3, 2012
This was a different type of vampire book. The story jumped around a bit and the bedtime story idea was a bit confusing. I can't decide if I really liked it or really disliked it. I would rate it 2.5 stars if I could.
January 19, 2018
I have to be honest & say that I nearly gave up on this book. Part one was really slow going but then things started picking up in part two and three. At this point the book became enjoyable and quite interesting.
Want to read
January 27, 2011ARC won through a Goodreads giveaway.
September 15, 2011
3.5 Stars
May 7, 2011
Good read well written loved Melanie. Was a little confusing until you got about 2/3 the way through and figured out who the little girl was. other then that a good read
July 10, 2011
I so very much enjoyed this book!
February 25, 2012
I thought this was an interesting story. Not nearly as good as the Twilight series, but not bad.
April 25, 2012
Loved the writer's voice, but I had trouble with the story. Couldn't bear the main character - tho she improved after she got together with the vampire. Weird.
February 24, 2013
Started strong and faded rapidly. By chapter three I couldn't continue.
August 6, 2013
Live this story, can't wait to read the rest of the series
October 8, 2014
Tag: Vampires
July 30, 2015
This book was alright, but still not the best-written novel. Still interesting, though.
Want to read
August 6, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews