Monday Book Review: SOMETHING WICKED by Carol Oates, #New #Vampire

Something Wicked, by Carol Oates
Omnific Publishing, published January 2015

About the Book:

Infected by the vampire virus on the streets of Dublin in 1886, the search for a cure brought Henry Clayton to London and to the brink of madness. Salvation and friendship arrived in the form of Dougal, an immortal Highlander with a devilish sense of humor and a love of life.

Amidst turmoil in vampire society, Henry returns to modern day Dublin. The Circle, a cult determined to awaken their Celtic blood god, the first vampire, is once again active.

When Henry meets a young American woman who sees past his human pretense, he fears exposure. However, his fear is overshadowed by curiosity. What is the source of the strange energy between them? Why are vampires stalking her? Determined to find answers, Henry takes Ari into his home and under his protection.

As their connection grows, Henry begins to suspect Ari isn’t what she claims to be. Their shared history may hold the answers to his uncontrollable bouts of rage and thirst. Perhaps, even a cure for his wicked blood.

MY TAKE:

Jack the Ripper and vampire legend combine for a heady mix of action and suspense that will keep you turning pages well into the night. Carol Oates weaves a tale that travels back and forth through time as one immortal searches for salvation in the form of a cure.

Henry Chase slaughters his family in Dublin after being turned into a vampire in 1869. An older vampire takes him under his wing and helps him learn how to survive despite his guilt. He learns to hunt animals instead of people, but at the same time is obsessed with finding a cure for the virus that causes vampirism. He's sure the answer lies in human blood itself, and conducts experiments thru the ages, seeking answers.

Headings at each chapter tell us where we are in time, as the story jumps throughout the 1800s back and forth with present day 2010, where we find Henry returned to Dublin and intrigued by a young waitress at his local coffee shop.

Ari seems to know Henry is a vampire, and Henry can't understand why she isn't scared, and what it is that draws him to her but won't allow him to kill her. The action scenes intensify both in the past and present as we follow Henry's progression to the end. Will Ari be his salvation, or his ultimate downfall?

Both the action and the psychological drama are nonstop. There are no sparkly vampires or telepathic waitresses in the world Oates creates, closer in feel to a gothic Ann Rice novel than a more modern vampire novel. The anguish Henry feels in his love for Ari has depth and true emotional weight, as does Henry's self-loathing at the monster he has become. There is no head hopping, everything is first person narration from Henry's slightly twisted but starkly realistic point of view.

Oates gives us a new spin on the Ripper legend, which is fascinating in itself (although I would have liked to see more of a resolution to that part of the tale.) Oates also creates a unique spin on the vampire legend itself, with a fully formed mythology, history and obsessive cult bent on world domination. Best of all, the story is a stand alone, with no cliffhangers or unfinished threads to keep you waiting for more in a series. The book wraps up with a satisfying conclusion.  All in all, an interesting and bloody read well worth the time. 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended.

Friday Feature: SOMETHING WICKED by Carol Oates, #NewRelease, #Excerpt, #Vampire, #Giveaway

SOMETHING WICKED
by Carol Oates

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Infected by the vampire virus on the streets of Dublin in 1886, the search for a cure brought Henry Clayton to London and to the brink of madness. Salvation and friendship arrived in the form of Dougal, an immortal Highlander with a devilish sense of humor and a love of life.

Amidst turmoil in vampire society, Henry returns to modern day Dublin. The Circle, a cult determined to awaken their Celtic blood god, the first vampire, is once again active.

When Henry meets a young American woman who sees past his human pretense, he fears exposure. However, his fear is overshadowed by curiosity. What is the source of the strange energy between them? Why are vampires stalking her? Determined to find answers, Henry takes Ari into his home and under his protection.

As their connection grows, Henry begins to suspect Ari isn't what she claims to be. Their shared history may hold the answers to his uncontrollable bouts of rage and thirst. Perhaps, even a cure for his wicked blood.

19th century

“It’s not very inventive.” The Scot caught up to me.

“I beg your pardon.”

“No need for begging, brother, I give it freely.” He chuckled at his own ridiculous joke. “The name, The Leather Apron” He rolled his eyes and waved his fingers by his head in a gesture I felt sure meant to insinuate fright, but came nearer to emulating a fit of some sort. “Well, aprons don’t exactly instill terror, eh?” 

I noticed the intensity of his accent fluctuated, indicating he had probably travelled extensively outside his homeland. 

“How about The Ripper—‘Jack the Ripper’?”

I spared him a sidelong glance in question and he scratched his temple. 

“I knew a man named Jamie once, well hardly more than a boy really, but a big bugger. Legs as thick as tree trunks and a face that looked like his mother dropped him a few times. Anyway, when he swung a sword, sure it’d nearly cut men in two. They called him The Ripper.”

“So why not ‘Jamie the Ripper’?”

“Och, we’re in England. A good English name for an English madman.”

I flinched at his insult, but he didn’t appear to notice. “So what happened to The Ripper?”

“I killed him.” 

I hummed thoughtfully. “The Ripper got ripped.”

“So, where are we going?” enquired my new acquaintance, appearing suddenly anxious for a shift in the direction of our conversation. 

“We are going nowhere,” I answered flatly.

A weathered preacher stood at the junction of the Whitechapel high street, half-crazed and hollering at the top of his lungs to a rag tag captive audience. He called on them to repent and return to God, lest they be struck down for their sins.

I chuckled darkly. Now I was doing God’s work.

The preacher’s glassy eyes grazed across the two mysterious, beautiful gentlemen passing by his improvised pulpit. He heart stuttered out an uneven beat. By the sound of it, the man would be dead before the week was out—a blockage of some sort, preventing steady blood flow.

“Keep your pretty speeches, old man. Own the salvation of your soul before mine. He has already struck me down and I will rage against His damnation until the heavens burn and He feels the heat of the fire He cast me into.” The perfect vision of a tiny child’s hand dripping blood fortified my whispered vow, too low for the preacher to hear.

“How do you move?” The other vampire asked curiously, his eyes narrowed briefly, all joviality suddenly gone.

“I beg your pardon, sir?”

“That weight you wear around your neck like chains.”

I pursed my lips and continued walking. He was persistent—I had to give him that—and almost childlike in his enthusiasm, albeit a naughty child. I couldn’t help wondering what his story was.

With no warning or explanation, I experienced a pressure at my breastbone, as though a hand pressed over my chest. My own covered the curious warmth. I experienced the strangest sensation of being observed, of someone staring at the back of my head. I turned, searching. However, as quickly as it manifested, the sensation vanished and the only thing I felt was the London chill settling deep into my bones.

“I live a good distance west,” I told the vampire. “Keep up or I will leave you behind.”

“Nae problem. I’m Dougal, by the way.”

Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge. 

She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper. 

When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history, old buildings, castles, and tombs.

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MY KIND OF CRAZY featured today at The Velvet Lair

Today I'm visiting The Velvet Lair blog, talking about first kisses and MY KIND OF CRAZY. I've even got an excerpt of the sparks that zing when Kendall and Jon first kiss (something t heat up this cold January morning!)

So click the blog title above to hop over for a visit. Let us know what you like to read in a first kiss scene!

And be sure to stop by here again tomorrow for an excerpt from Carol Oates latest vampire romance, SOMETHING WICKED. It's available on Kindle as of last week (bought it the first day!) Finished it (before the blizzard) and loved it! Review soon, but be sure to stop by for a taste and a #giveaway here tomorrow! Here's a teaser:

What I Write and Why I Write It... Tag, You're It!

I’ve been tagged by both Cherie Colyer and by Carol Oates in this blogging challenge, to answer four questions about my writing and then tag four other writers to do the same.

Cherie is a pub sister of mine at The Wild Rose Press, writing paranormal YA romance. She also writes for Omnific Publishing and manages the Darkly Delicious YA group... the girl is busy!

I met Carol through the Darkly Delicious YA group, and love her YA tales that infuse Celtic mythology and the paranormal. I loved Shades of Atlantis and Shades of Avalon… She’s at work on the third book in her trilogy right now (write faster, Carol!)

What am I working on?

I have two books newly published this summer, and am working on sequels to both. Right, like that’s not confusing! My second young adult book came out in May, and my latest contemporary romance has been out in Kindle but makes its world-wide debut on July 30.

Blood of a Mermaid is the second book in my Mermaids of Cape Cod series, and I’m a quarter or so of the way into a third book which follows Shea to Atlantis, and through the trials of Prince Demyan and his henchmen. Something More is the working title of my next Cape Cod romance, set in Provincetown. Most people know P-town for their flamboyant gay and lesbian festivals and events, or the thriving art scene, but because of its location at the very tip of the Cape, the town’s roots are based in fishing. There’s a great nonprofit organization based down there – The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. My main character, Charlie, is a visiting environmentalist studying ocean ecology. He meets Emma, a local girl with deep ties to the community and a jealous boyfriend. Problems arise… and I have to keep writing before I tell you any more!

How does my writing differ from others of its genre?

In my young adult books, one of the big differences is that I don’t write in first person. So many YA books of all genres are now exclusively first person POVs, but mine are a little old fashioned, I guess, sticking with third person points of view that shift by chapter between characters. Maybe the next YA series I try will have a first person narrative, but I feel like the mermaid books work this way so I’m not going to mess with them. Son of a Mermaid switched POVs between the title character Shea, and his love interest, Kae. In Blood of a Mermaid, I added a third POV, the sorcerer who kidnaps (and falls in love with) Kae. In the third book, I’m added a fourth POV from Hailey.

Why do I write what I do?

I loved reading as a kid, loved the way a book could take me away from my world and plunge me into another time and place. I’ve always wanted to be able to do that for someone else. Young adult fantasy books do that – take you away and plop you into another time, another world, another dimension. For many adults, fun and quirky romance novels can do much the same thing. Reading should be fun, an escape from the stress of every day life.

How does my writing process work?

I don’t have a full-blown process. I write, and let the characters tell me what’s next. At some point, I will be working in the garden or walking the dogs and whole scenes will play in my head and I’ll try to outline them when I get home before they dissolve. Then I’ll work to flesh out the outline.

Time for Tag, You’re It!

Shawna Romkey
http://www.shawnaromkey.com/
Jody Kessler
http://jodyakessler.com/
Constance Phillips
http://constancephillips.com/
Lindsey Loucks
http://www.lindseyrloucks.com/

P.S. If anyone else wants to play along, feel free to grab the questions and tag yourself! Go on - it's fun!

BOOK REVIEW: SHADES OF AVALON by Carol Oates

Shades of Avalon, by Carol Oates
Omnific Publishing, April 2014

About the Book (from Goodreads):

Ben Pryor grew up as an average kid in Camden, Maine, unaware of the supernatural storm brewing in his Celtic blood. However, at nineteen, as the last born in the royal line of the beings that once ruled Atlantis, Ben has eagerly embraced his newfound abilities and birthright.

When Caleb, his sister’s mate, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, the prime suspect is the last remaining member of the overthrown corrupt Guardian Council.

With the discovery that an old acquaintance has been keeping secrets and the future Ben was so sure of shifting before his eyes, the situation becomes more complicated, the ransom for Caleb too high.

In the sequel to Shades of Atlantis, Ben will delve deeper than he ever imagined into the magical old ways of the Guardians, the secrets of Excalibur, and the truth behind the legend of King Arthur.

MY TAKE:

SHADES OF AVALON is the second book in this YA/NA series about Guardians, weaving Celtic mythology with Arthurian legend and modern paranormal adventure together into one tight package. I worried a little about "sophomore slump," but author Carol Oates did not disappoint. 

This second tale in the series is told exclusively from Ben Pryor's POV. He gives a slightly different perspective looking back on the events of the first book (Shades of Atlantis) as well as a more action-packed and hormone-laden point of view as the action moves forward.

He and his older sister Triona recently came into their inheritance of their powers as Guardians, a separate race of beings, and defeated the corrupt ruling Council - if you missed book one, go back and read it now. (My review is HERE.) But in the battle that ended the Council's rule, Triona allowed one of the corrupt Guardians to escape. That was her first mistake. Now Caleb is missing and their world is again on the brink of chaos.Ben is torn between the need of the Guardians for action and fighting, and his personal, deeply emotional need to keep his girl out of danger.

The twists and turns of the tightly plotted storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the mysteries surrounding their world and their connections with Arthurian legends. By turns adventurous and romantic, this is a great followup to the first book and a satisfying continuation of the Guardian legend.

Buy SHADES OF AVALON on Amazon Here.

About the Author:

Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge.
 
She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper.
 
When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history with her son. Luckily, he shares her love of old buildings, castles, and tombs.

NEW RELEASE: SHADES OF AVALON Available TODAY 4/15

Carol Oates is officially one of my new favorite authors - and her newest book releases TODAY! I'm so excited for this second book of her Guardians series, and felt privileged to read an ARC earlier this month. All I can say is... Loved it!

Have you read the first book, Shades of Atlantis? This second book is Ben's story, and continues where the first book left off but from Ben's perspective.

Here's the blurb:

Ben Pryor grew up as an average kid in Camden, Maine, unaware of the supernatural storm brewing in his Celtic blood. However, at nineteen, as the last born in the royal line of the beings that once ruled Atlantis, Ben has eagerly embraced his new-found abilities and birthright.

When Caleb, his sister’s mate, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, the prime suspect is the last remaining member of the overthrown corrupt Guardian Council.

With the discovery that an old acquaintance has been keeping secrets and the future Ben was so sure of shifting before his eyes, the situation becomes more complicated, the ransom for Caleb too high.

In the sequel to Shades of Atlantis, Ben will delve deeper than he ever imagined into the magical old ways of the Guardians, the secrets of Excalibur, and the truth behind the legend of King Arthur.

And here's an exclusive excerpt:

“Don’t even think it, caveman,” she warned with a breathy laugh. “You stay right there.”

She laid her mask on the seat cushion, and raised the front of her dress over her ankle. She then perched one foot on the edge of the same seat. Perspiration began to gather at my hairline as she pinched a slip of the gold fabric and lace overlay, drawing it farther up over the creamy golden skin of her tensed calf.

I held my breath when the fabric reached her knee, and she released one hand, batting her eyelashes demurely. I had no idea when Amanda had learned to flirt and tease so expertly, but I wasn’t about to complain…well, maybe just a little. She’d drive me crazy with this newfound ability.

Amanda’s free hand slid over her knee and continued upward, bunching the fabric to reveal a sheathed dagger strapped to the outer side of her thigh. The tip just reached her knee. My eyes widen in astonishment at the decorative hilt, twisting thorny vines intricately engraved in the silver colored metal. The design carried down the dark leather sheath.

“This is the Druid Blade.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~

Ready to get your own copy and read the whole thing? You won't be disappointed! You can find SHADES OF AVALON on Amazon starting today, and tomorrow there will be a SALE. (See Friday's post and book review for more information!)

About the Author:

Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge. 

She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper.
 

When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history with her son. Luckily, he shares her love of old buildings, castles, and tombs.

@CarolOates on Twitter
Carol Oates, Author on Facebook
www.caroloates.com

AND... if that wasn't enough... here's the Rafflecopter Giveaway!! Enter and Good Luck!

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BOOK REVIEW: SHADES OF ATLANTIS, by Carol Oates

Shades of Atlantis, by Carol Oates
Published by Omnific Publishing, November 2010

Carol Oates has a new book coming out NEXT WEEK - Shades of Avalon will be released on April 15th! It's the second in this series, and this blog will be participating in her release party, and reviewing the new book as well! I recently finished the first book in the series and LOVED it, and thought I'd share the review today to get you excited about her new release! Her publisher is running a special 2-for-1 deal on the 15th as well - details are below. Now on to the review...


About the Book (from Goodreads):

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn't quite fit in...in Camden, or anywhere else.

Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona's small town.

While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous...and deadly. When tragedy strikes, Triona flees to London for solace and to start her life anew. It's there she discovers from an unlikely source that her family has been keeping secrets from her - secrets about not only her birthright, but her ultimate destiny as well.

Armed with this knowledge, Triona finds herself thrown into a whole new world and into a battle to save the lives of everyone she loves.

 MY TAKE:
To be perfectly honest, I was hoping for a mermaid in a young adult book with "Atlantis" in the title. There were supernatural beings, but no mermaids, but I wasn't disappointed at all. What SHADES OF ATLANTIS actually delivered was so much more than I expected, weaving Celtic legends into modern fantasies that had me glued to the book until the very end.

I've always had a fascination with Arthurian legends as well as English and Celtic mythology. Carol Oates takes all of these classic elements, blends them together and adds a modern YA voice. She's created a unique and fabulous storyline, and a timeless romance that crosses from modern to mythic and satisfies both cravings.

The narrator is Triona Pryor, a high school senior from the small town of Camden, Maine. After her parents die in a car accident, she and her younger brother Ben went to live with her aunt and uncle when they were both still pretty young. She seems like a quiet normal girl, something of a distracted bookworm type, with no real interest in dating or boys. She has a close-knit group of friends and a job waitressing at a local restaurant. She is beautiful but doesn't realize it. People are drawn to her, and to help her, including her friends and her brother who bail her out of a few awkward situations.

When the restaurant is purchased by three brothers from New York City, Triona ignores the rumors flying about the handsome third brother. He finally arrives in Camden and the attraction is instant and magnetic between them. Triona can't think or even breathe when she's close to Caleb Wallace - he instantly consumes her every thought, despite his cryptic and confusing behavior toward her.

With no prior dating experience, Triona misinterprets so many of their interactions that you just want to yell at her to pay closer attention, which is what her friends are for (thank goodness!) Luckily, as the story unfolds, Triona learns and grows into the woman she should be, changing from an oblivious schoolgirl to a heroine you can root for, with a love story that will have you holding your breath at each twist of the tale.

The author is a master of the slow build, unfolding each story element slowly and thoughtfully. She weaves the mythology throughout, infusing the standard Celtic myths with new life and new perspective. I loved how she let the main character grow and develop. Despite the instant attraction and "insta-love" they immediately feel, they still need to learn to trust each other and understand one another before they can fully realize their love, say the "L" word, or jump into bed. Ms. Oates lets Triona discover her inner strength and who she is on the inside before she can fully bond with her soul mate, a positive message I can fully endorse.

If you enjoy mythology based YA, I totally recommend trying SHADES OF ATLANTIS, (but don't expect any mermaids.) I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel, SHADES OF AVALON, coming later this year.

Get your copy of SHADES OF ATLANTIS on Amazon.

(be aware that the Amazon page might still have the old book cover.)

Carol's publisher is also running a Tax Day Special, in honor of her upcoming release, so you might want to wait until next week to get a 2-for-1 deal:

About the Author (from Goodreads):
Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge.
 
She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper.
 
When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history with her son. Luckily, he shares her love of old buildings, castles, and tombs.

COVER REVEALS from Carol Oates! SHADES OF AVALON coming Apirl 2014!

Another day with not one but TWO cover reveals for another Darkly Delicious YA author friend-o-mine....Carol Oates!

She's celebrating the cover reveal for the second book in her Shades series along with the reboot of her first book in the series - and giving away an ebook of SHADES OF ATLANTIS to one lucky reader on this blog! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win!

First let's see the new cover for SHADES OF ATLANTIS, Book One...

About the Book:

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn't quite fit in...in Camden, or anywhere else.

Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona's small town.

While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous...and deadly. When tragedy strikes, Triona flees to London for solace and to start her life anew. It's there she discovers from an unlikely source that her family has been keeping secrets from her - secrets about not only her birthright, but her ultimate destiny as well.

Armed with this knowledge, Triona finds herself thrown into a whole new world and into a battle to save the lives of everyone she loves.

Buy the book HERE on AMAZON

And now for the SECOND BOOK - SHADES OF AVALON - available April 2014

 

About the Book:
Ben Pryor grew up as an average kid in Camden, Maine, unaware of the supernatural storm brewing in his Celtic blood. However, at nineteen, as the last born in the royal line of the beings that once ruled Atlantis, Ben has eagerly embraced his newfound abilities and birthright.

When Caleb, his sister’s mate, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, the prime suspect is the last remaining member of the overthrown corrupt Guardian Council.

With the discovery that an old acquaintance has been keeping secrets and the future Ben was so sure of shifting before his eyes, the situation becomes more complicated, the ransom for Caleb too high.

In the sequel to Shades of Atlantis, Ben will delve deeper than he ever imagined into the magical old ways of the Guardians, the secrets of Excalibur, and the truth behind the legend of King Arthur

About the Author:Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge.

She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper.

When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history with her son. Luckily, he shares her love of old buildings, castles, and tombs.

http://www.CarolOates.com

Add both books on Goodreads:

Shades of Atlantis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9662110-shades-of-atlantis

Shades of Avalon: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18131975-shades-of-avalon

Remember, leave a COMMENT to be entered into the ebook drawing for a FREE COPY of SHADES OF ATLANTIS.