- Series: The Dantonville Legacy
- Paperback: 294 pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 31, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1499735782
- ISBN-13: 978-1499735789
Bloodpledge continues Alec and Laura’s story from Bloodgifted. Having undergone the Ritual and induction into the vampire community, Laura— the prophesised Child of Light and Darkness and last of the Ingenii—takes her place as Alec’s consort and First Lady of the Brethren. But resentment and anger grow at Alec’s privileged position as daywalker. Among a powerful few, alliances are made and conspiracies formed, threatening a war that could destroy them all and endanger every human on Earth—creatures who would do anything to prevent the curse from ending. Now Alec and Laura must invoke the Pledge, an ancient ceremony that enforces Brethren loyalty to the Principate. When Laura’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Inspector Matt Sommers, turns up with a threat that could expose Alec, the battle for their world and their lives begins.
Book Excerpt:
People
were about—strolling to cars, or loading shopping bags into back of
them. I couldn’t unsheathe my sword here. As if he sensed me following,
Stockton stopped, turned and looked back. I ducked behind one of the
concrete pillars. I heard him sniff. Had he caught my scent?
In
a sudden burst of speed, he took off. I gave chase, but he kept to the
populated streets, heading for the centre of the city—Hyde Park.
Although lit by tree lights, there were many dark spots where Brethren
could feed uninterrupted. If that was his intention, I was about to
spoil it for him.
As I unsheathed my sword, I became aware of another, darker presence—Rasputin.
In
the shadows of the giant Morton Bay fig trees I stood, until I spied
him on the stone seating that ringed the Archibald Fountain. A laughing
group of humans passed, and his eyes narrowed into slits.
My hand tingled as I ran my thumb along the hilt of my sword.
He
was choosing his prey. His hands, mere stumps covered by the black
gloves he wore, rested on his lap. He would have difficulty grabbing his
prey, unless Stockton helped. I smiled when I thought of the way he’d
lost his hands and my chest swelled with pride—my Laura.
Stockton strode up to him.
They would be unaware of me; unaware of being observed until I strode into their midst. The Serpent Ring blocked their senses.
Now, I thought. I can take them both out.
My scalp prickled as Stockton said, ‘Is he here?’
Rasputin grinned and his gaze seemed to pinpoint exactly where I stood. ‘Yes. I can feel him. The others?’
‘Sacrificing themselves for you.’
‘As they should.’ He laughed.
Leading Marcus and Terens on a chase, I’ll be damned. I gripped the sword tightly, took stock of my surroundings—no humans around, and the moon behind clouds.
‘Come out, Princeps. Let’s face one another,’ Rasputin said.
How
the hell did he know? The Serpent Ring on my hand flared for an
instant, and I didn’t need to look to know its eyes had turned black. My
senses tingled as I picked up the presence of at least a dozen
Brethren—not Principate supporters.
A trap, and I had walked right into it.
My review:
In this second book Bloodgifted in the Dantonville Series the story deepens the characters Laura and Alec plus you get to meet many new characters. The familial bond is growing between Laura and her real "parents". The ever keen but intrusive eye of Matt kept me wondering where he would fully fit into this complicated story. I enjoyed the many more turns in the tapestry of this fantastic world. I would not consider this book a stand alone as I felt much of the original terminology and characters were introduced in book one would not make sense to someone picking up this book first. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
In this second book Bloodgifted in the Dantonville Series the story deepens the characters Laura and Alec plus you get to meet many new characters. The familial bond is growing between Laura and her real "parents". The ever keen but intrusive eye of Matt kept me wondering where he would fully fit into this complicated story. I enjoyed the many more turns in the tapestry of this fantastic world. I would not consider this book a stand alone as I felt much of the original terminology and characters were introduced in book one would not make sense to someone picking up this book first. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
About the author:
Hi,
I’m Tima Maria, and I write vampire books, but not just any vamp books –
mine are Roman soldiers cursed by a Pictish witch in the 3rd century.
So,
how did I start this series? In a previous life (before I started
writing) I was a practicing archaeologist and historian, specializing in
Roman Britain. Later, I took up high school teaching, as It gave me the
opportunity to take my students on overseas excursions to visit the
amazing archaeological sites they’d only seen in books.
Then
one day, I surrendered to the itch of writing. After many years reading
and correcting my students’ creative writing tasks and essays, I
decided it was time to write my own. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Bloodgifted is the result.
In 2011, it was shortlisted in the Atlas Award – sponsored by a boutique Brisbane publisher – and eventually came fourth.
In 2012, it was listed among the top ten in the Choclit, Search for an Aussie Star Competition.
In
2013, I was offered a publishing contract, but declined in favour of
going indie. I liked the idea of being in charge of my own creation.
Bloodgifted is just the start of a three part series I’ve entitled, The Dantonville Legacy. Later, I intend writing individual books on the other characters in the series, for they all have their own story.
Currently,
I live on the Central Coast, an hour’s drive north of Sydney,
surrounded by wooded hills, possums and seed-dropping rosellas. Between
bouts of writing, I teach English and History, enjoy long walks while
dodging the nesting magpies and plot the next series of books I’d like
to write.
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