New Port. A city with far too many vampires. Too much of a bad thing was never a good thing. Population controls were vital to the survival of the fittest and finest of the bloodlines. Neonates. Thin bloods, and turn-tails–The new targets of a sadistic plan. A plan so vile and corrupt, it could only lead to vicious bloodshed in the streets, irrational behavior and complete chaos. 'Beautiful!'
Figuring that there could only be one situation that was best for all of the city: One vampire per five hundred? 'No, no, too lenient! I can do so much better. Yes, yes. Too many, too many!' a thoughtful gaze swept over a rather thick pile of blue prints. Followed by long, nimble fingertips.
Lucius reached up to pick at the crud build-up in his ear, thinking on a more suitable plan. "Trails. Nothing must link," he muttered, pulling a bit of 'wax' out, then looking at it. "The moon will be full tonight. Tricks to ex sponge," flicking that bit of filth from his fingertip after sniffing it throughly, like it were a prized perfume. "Spineless . . . " He grinned slowly. "Devious."
A grin soon turned into something darker, sly and filled with bits of his true nature. "Frank, I need you to send for Larry P from the tower rack, down on 6th street. Tell him to bring that contraption of his to me. Five of them total. I expect you both back within the hour. You may take the tract on main. "
Frank stood up from the floor. His head had been face down, hands behind his back. The usual position when anyone had been forced to encounter the ever paranoid, yet ingenious Lucius. "Yes, of course doctor." He said, bowing half-way in respect, walking backward to the door. Lucius always loved to see the eyes of those who departed his presence.
If you took every major epic fantasy that has ever been written and twisted them all into one fantastic tale of magic, sword play, and just plain old fantasy fun, you might get the first half of this 235,000 word monster of a read. The last half is a
Danielle and Nina are rescued from their wicked step-mother by Emma the Yellow Dream Train who takes them on adventures. When Nina learns she has the ability to speak to animals, Emma and the other trains teach her how to use it.
Second in The Chronicles of Illúmaril series, author Gary Caplan's The Return of the Ancient Ones is a distinct tale that illustrates how one's fiercest enemy can become one's most aggressive ally.
Winner 2012 NABE Pinnacle Book Award in Fan
