When times are darkest, some vampires desire more than blood...
When times are darkest, some vampires desire more than blood...
England, 1465. Mortal men clash in the War of the Roses for the English crown, while vampire warriors' move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood that battlefields provide. Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears the revelation of the immortal clans to humankind should King Henry fall from power. While in pursuit of Henry's enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian Neville, a human woman he craves, and not for the scent of her blood. Meridian is torn between honoring her father's dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Severian. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the red veil descends over them.
This all-consuming attraction can drive immortals to the brink of madness. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the immortal clans or is the red veil a scourge set on destroying any chance they might have of happiness?
When all hope is lost, one vampire will fight unto death for his forbidden love.
Professional Reviews
Back to the old-school Vampires - How they should be! Incredible Prequel to the Red Veil series. 5*
A `plague' on both your houses... York and Lancaster.
This is an incredible prequel to a new Vampire series by the very talented, Elizabeth Marx. Narrated by a Vampiric priest, known as Philabe - the keeper of historic records. This book is set amidst the gruesome horrors of the War of the Roses, in 1464. We follow the story of Lady Meridian Neville, as she narrowly escapes from March's men as they storm her home at Bywell Castle, Westmorland.
Her Father has been tortured and killed, and the only request that he bestowed upon his Daughter, is to retrieve a priceless relic that is buried underground, within a chapel, hidden within the deepest recesses of the keep.
When a second bombardment storms through her Castle, she comes face to face with a renowned Warrior, known as Severian Pearce, and his treaty of men. Fearing for her safety, and the disturbing connection she feels towards the man, she hastily releases an arrow, piercing the Warrior near his heart. A close call... as what Meri does not realise, is that Severian is in fact a Vampire, fighting his own war, in the battle for survival.
Meridian's blood holds no bouquet, and according to ancient scripts, makes her a rare commodity in deed, for her blood is pure and therefore her `human' lineage is the only one in existence that can join and take a Vampire lover. This prophecy has a name... The Red Veil.
As Severian embarks on his journey with Meridian in tow, with a promise to reunite her with her kin, it becomes apparent that the Red Veil beckons, and therefore it is inevitable that Meridian will soon be his. But Meri has other plans. She wishes to belong to the church, at Montparte.
With further `otherworldly' entities trailing their movements, Meri and Severian have no choice but to protect each other and guard the priceless trinket that she holds dearly within her cloak.
*
What I adored about this book is that it's given Vampires back that dark sinister edge. Many vampire related books these days portray them as heroes, but these boys are `old-school.' Ruthless and unforgiving. The war of the roses poses the perfect gruesome backdrop, and as much as I loved Severian, he is still a killer, a force to be reckoned with, and yet his love and obsession for Meri was heartfelt and commendable.
What I thought was a great addition was the narration. It reminded me of a movie in that way, ie 300. I liked Philabe, the keeper. I like the idea of the `vampire' watcher, recording the histories over the aging times and I look forward to his future documentations in the full length novel that is to follow.
Overall, truly excellent. Loved the plot, the backdrop, the narration, the characterisation, the hotter than hell `intimate' moments and the secondary otherworldly characters that could truly make this series a top contender! This book would also appeal to both genders.
Favourite passage:
Severian moved toward her, kneeling in front of her. His voice was pleading when he said, "When I return I mean to make you mine."
"Do not return here Milord." She tried to pull away but some pain she saw in his face kept her eyes locked on him. "I am for Montparte."
"You have my heart Meri and I will not settle for less than an equal measure of yours."
5 Worthy Stars.
Descent of Blood
This is the prequel book in the Red Veil Series. It is a vampire story that takes place back in 1465. I loved this book! I loved everything about it! The characters, the setting, the plot, the history...This truly is has been one of my favorite books to review in quite a long time! I honestly wished the book was longer so I could spend more time with the characters! If you love vampires, you will love this book! If you love history you will love this book! If you love romance you will love this book!
Froggy Favorite!
Froggy
Froggarita's Bookcase
excellent mix of historical and paranormal
I love both the historical and paranormal romance genres, so I really enjoyed the combination of these two elements withing the book. The beginning was a little bit confusing, but necessary to the story, so I forgive! (: The prince was just. I do not know if I have adequate words to describe him. He was pretty hot and could be both intimidating and sweet. And Elizabeth was an endearing character as well. Although this book was a prequel, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the writing and the history. The romance was sweet and I cannot to see what the next book in the series has in store romance- wise. This book definitely has me primed to start the series. I cannot wait to see what new twists are in store for me. I liked how the prequel was ended as well. Also, The cover, characters, and setting are quite lovely. (:
