Anyone tells you vampires are out, don’t listen. That goes for the Wolves as well. Fashions come and go but good writing and a good story defies the genre and the topic. As a result of reacquainting with vampires in my spotlight on Lindsay J Pryor’s The Blackthorn Series I hope you check out my Books section just to add weight to my vamps are alive and kicking theory. And don’t forget last month’s spotlight on Elizabeth Hunter as that only cements the point. Such a different series but two very good authors.
A few years ago, I started reading an absolutely wonderful series called Blackthorn. Although the characters included vampires and shapeshifters, the word supernatural is too simple a description for genre. Power struggles, political games, battling species for power, and love stories were common themes. Subsequently, I fell in love with each and every book because it was a comment on society within some extremely clever world building. Not to disguise but to help make a point about real life in a way that was/is inclusive.
The author has a way with conversation that is direct. Her handling of dialogue gives us insight into the core of the characters. The world-building provides the perfect arena for their actions. Further, her use of language and pace is beautiful, absorbing and addictive. All this and a series where each couple are so unique that the word repetition disappears from our vocabulary. The result is a gritty and complex dystopian series that keeps us glued to the page. I love this line from the first book and one of my all-time favourite couples, Caitlin and Kane from Blood Shadows. Yes, the line is very simple but the meaning covers a wide territory. It is about acceptance and misplaced fear and refers to more than a relationship between two people as the readers discover as they read on.
The above quote was one I found on quotefancy and the way quotes are created, in this instance, from Lindsay’s series is an idea I would love to try myself. Using an author’s words is clever and innovative and sheds a new and positive light on the author. It did for me, and I was already a fan. I like the idea that what appears as simple conversation is a comment on real life from made-up characters. In the case of the quote I chose, the words emphasise the manner in which new things frighten us including the idea of vampires. We may want the experience but are afraid of the repercussions. Afraid of what others may think or perhaps what we may be required to do.
My favourite feature of the series is the way continuity is adhered to without the too often annoying cliff hangers. Readers understand immediately – more will occur and by magic the author has led us to the next book. If you love the paranormal but want it mixed with more than a few grains of intelligence, political intrigue and clever plots leading to more plots (often frighteningly closer to real life than we would want to admit and no not because of the whole vampire thing), and heat, lots of heat then I highly recommend it and her new series beginning with Haven.
Barb’s News
My books
I have come to a standstill but in my head I continue working. There are reasons, loss of confidence being a huge part, but I am hoping to resolve much with patience but more on this in the next section. I even considered a story about a vampire. See below about distractions.
The world around me
I do know I want to finish my series and I need to stop allowing distractions to win every time. Like the rediscovery of Pinterest. It’s not my fault the pictures are so pretty. I decided to make it work for me by adding links to my Unexpected Love series within the sections I created for my two novels. Let me say, this is long overdue, and I hope you will find the setting of my stories as beautiful as I did. What’s wrong with a little distraction, anyway?
Books I’ve read and Films I’ve watched.
Films
No films this month, not even reruns. However, I am working on a favourite film countdown on my Instagram account. I have one for every month in 2024 and I have followed each film up with the city in which the film occurs. My only stipulation was that I have been there, so it has been a challenge. Then I decided on a post with a quote that represented the emotions and basic message of that film. I either like challenging myself or making distraction get the upper hand. January and February down and March coming up. Care to hazard a guess at my number one pic? Hint: black and white. You could just wander over to my Instagram account. Link below.
Books
Bride – Ali Hazelwood
Just finished reading Ali Hazelwood’s new book, Bride and loved it. A vampire bride and a Werewolf marriage, political and unwanted by both parties. Of course, it’s a romance but, it is also so much more. Throughout the growth of the two main characters we learn about acceptance, about trust misplaced, and about the good and the bad in all types of creatures (people). And the heat is delicious – a slow, steady jump into hot, beautifully done by an author that knows what to with words.
Swimming for Beginners – Nicola Gill
This was a lovely read. Poignant and very real in so many areas, simply written with an even pace and lovely touches of humour, this was not my usual read or maybe it was. I like that feeling of real because it makes me pay attention. It did.
Note: Thank you logan-weaver ignwvr-Qj2L55BMNOV at http://www.unsplash.com for the vampire image
Alla prossima,
Barb
If you are feeling kindly disposed, please feel free to check out my books
Links below.
Questions for me? Want to share your views and ideas? I’d love to hear from you. Liking and commenting will keep me working harder. Reviews of any books I have featured, including my own would be much appreciated. It helps writers become better writers. Consider leaving one at your place of purchase (click on the appropriate book links below for my books). That same link will take you to Goodreads if that is your preference. Thank you either way.
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The Emotions Anthology Box Set
Another great blog! And I always appreciate your reviews. You are clearly so genuine in your love of reading and writing, and provide such good insight into books and the whole writing process, thank you 💜
Thank you so much. I wish I could put a name or face to your words but nevertheless thank you.
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