Bloody Good Blood Oath

It's a pleasure and a privilege to offer props and congrats to my friend, Chris Farnsworth for his work and subsequent success with the release of the novel, Blood Oath.

The premise is that since 1867 the President of the United States has had a vampire bound to him by oath, the Blood Oath, to guard against threats from “the other side.” Farnsworth does a terrific job putting the concept across as seemingly plausible.

On Being Human

Many Americans may, or may not, be aware of a little episodic series called Being Human, which is offered to us through the BBCAM channel. Based on a flawed premise, I ignored this show at first. However, in the clutches of boredom one evening, I finally gave it a viewing and fell in love with the characters.

Being Human's flaws are also its allure. Seriously... supernatural beings trying to blend in with normal society? Really?

Three young people share a small flat in the British version of this engaging drama. Yes, a vampire... a werewolf... and, wait for it... a ghost (who can only be seen by the other two and a few select people as the series progresses).

Flaws?  Well, we don't even need to discuss the concept of a vampire and a werewolf co-existing... do we? But the idea of these youngsters wanting desperately to "control" and "subdue" their natural (unnatural) tendencies to live in peace and harmony with the human population - hmmm, no room for error here, is there?

And yet, those obvious hurdles are also the appeal that kept me watching.  Because they DO fail at times and must cope with the emotional and philosophical consequences of their actions - such as the werewolf accidentally turning his human girlfriend into a wolf and losing her as the result. I won't say much more, because I don't want to give away too many plot lines. But you can see where this is going.

The female ghost, cute and bubbly and adorable as she is - simply isn't ready to "cross over" and seems to be the glue keeping these three flatmates together.

And the vampire, fighting against his deadly desires and actually attempting to unite all the local vampires in a pact that forbids them from killing - knowing that they will literally starve if they don't.  Let me just say, it keeps you watching to see which breeze collapses these flimsy houses made of cards.

Don't get me wrong. Watching these friends deal with the life they've chosen is fun. The characters are portrayed with endearing realism and you find yourself cheering for them. As tough as it is to overcome their supernatural urges, we soon realize that Being Human isn't much easier.

Again, many Americans may or may not realize that hundreds of our most popular game shows, sit-coms and dramas are simply remakes of shows that have already enjoyed success on the other side of the Atlantic. This has been going on for decades.  And now, SyFy channel brings us the latest attempt.

On January 17th, 2011 we will be offered an American version of Being Human. Geez... I hope SyFy doesn't muck it up.

PREVIEW VIDEOS AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE!

I, for one, will be eagerly watching to see if Aiden, Josh and Sally can cope with the complications of Being Human in America as well as their British counterparts have for the past two years.

Sam Witwer will play AIDAN, the vampire

Aidan has worked in a hospital in Boston for the past several years. He likes working in a job where he can hopefully do some good. He also finds comfort in laying people to rest - helping them find the peace in death that he will never know.

Sam Huntington will play JOSH, the werewolf

Josh's bright future was hijacked when he was turned into a werewolf and forced to abandon his family and the life he once knew with no explanation. He established a lonely existence on the fringes of society, escaping to the woods each full moon for his excruciating transformation into a werewolf. Then he met Aidan, whose friendship allowed the funny, neurotic, loyal Josh to re-emerge—and with it, the prospect of a normal life. With Aidan's help, Josh secured a job as an orderly in the hospital. Though nothing close to the future he had in med school, Josh takes solace that at least he's working in the medical profession.
Meaghan Rath will play SALLY, the ghost
While in college, she fell in love with Danny and they became engaged right after graduation. Sally and Danny moved into the townhouse now occupied by Josh, AidaN. In life Sally was vivacious, smart, funny and driven. In death she is much the same, though her early demise finds her floundering for answers.

Mark Pellegrino will play BISHOP, the ringleader

Bishop is above the law as lieutenant and leader of a vicious vampire legion in Boston. And though his devoted cronies cater to his every whim, Bishop won't rest until he's able to lure Aidan back into his fold of thirsty blood hunters.
And I can't wait to see how well received it will be by you - the American public.

Will you watch? Share your thoughts.





Behind the scenes clips:

What Is Being Human?

Top 2010 Vampire Fiction

December seems the ideal time to have a quick look back over this year’s vampire book reviews and have a go at picking vampire favourites for the past year. All of the books in this selection are truly exceptional.

Top urban fantasy goes to Jim Butcher, who really shook things up with Changes this year.

In paranormal romance, Kresley Cole’s IAD series is still one of the hottest around and Demon From The Dark with its romance, demons, magic and vampires is one of her best yet. Changeless, by Gail Carriger has got to be one of the most original fantasy romances ever written, set in a steampunk Victorian England populated with werewolves, ghosts and vampires.

Justin Cronin’s The Passage is the most amazingly written horror novel, serving up apocalyptic vampires. And finally to Marta Acosta’s Haunted Honeymoon. It combines romance and urban fantasy with classic comedy-of-manners situations.  It’s funny and extraordinary.

Extensive vampire novel reviews, feedback and giveaways can be found on one of my favorite sites at LoveVampires.

Free Excerpt - Confrontation

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Excerpt from Chapter 34 ~~ CONFRONTATIONS

And through it all, Caleb and Ephraim stood, surveying the massacre. Like human Generals watching their legions do battle. But, these Generals didn’t remain at a safe distance to the rear. They observed it from the epicenter.

Somehow, the large man that had retrieved Chang broke free from his attackers. I leaned forward slightly, without realizing it. He took one running step, bared his fangs and sprang through the air like a graceful panther. Amazing to watch, he soared nearly 20 feet toward the Governor.

Showing no visible concern, Ephraim simply raised a single hand and sidestepped. His hand cupped the man’s face in mid air and made twisting motion. The large body landed hard and rolled, flopping about like a beached fish and spraying blood on Caleb’s suit. The Count raised a foot and dropped it with authority – driving an expensive leather shoe and the man’s head deep into the grass. Gelatinous liquid shot upwards as the body did two spasmodic jerks and went still.

Free Excerpt - The Kiss

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Behind me, a stunned Jillian said, “Remember what I said about sharing. See you at the house, Handsome!”

Pulling out into traffic, I put the top down and lit a smoke. It was past 11:00 and I was tired. But, I didn’t want my time with Kya to end, so I drove slow.

“What was that about?” she asked. “Share what?”

“Just Jillian. Her idea of fun. A while back, she said she hoped you’d be willing to share.” I drew in on my smoke and let it drift back out.

“Share? What… oh… you?” And she started laughing. “Sounds like Jillian. She’s a riot.”

I didn’t say anything for fear of ruining a damned near perfect evening. Then, Kya added, “But, I think I’ll keep you for myself.”

Hear that? She likes me!

My jeans got a little cramped and a small voice said, “I heard, I heard! Let me outta’ here. I wanna’ be liked!”

“You’re doing it again,” Kya said. “Like your brain just went somewhere else.”

I think I blushed. “Sorry. Just wondering how I got so lucky. Two weeks ago… I was lonely and had no prospects. Now, I’ve got Jillian around twenty four seven and I’m dating the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever met.”

Kya gasped a little and fanned herself with both hands. “Wow. You don’t hold back, do you?”

It took about 30 minutes to get back to my house. I helped Kya out of the Lotus and stood there for a moment. The house was dark and there were no yard lights. A partial moon put us in shadows. The night was quiet and cool.

“I, um… appreciate your company. Today would have been a real drag without you.”

“No problem. I had fun. More than I thought I would.” She looked up at me, expectantly.

“Well, uh. I guess I should… it’s getting late…”

“Oh, just kiss me, you big goof.”

“Oh, I… well I… you see, I don’t usually…”

She raised her eyebrows. “You gotta’ be kidding. Two funerals and a wedding movie? And I let you drive my car. I think I deserve a kiss.”

I dug my toe into the gravel, glancing up to watch the Porsche stop at the bottom of the driveway. The lights went off, but no one got out.

“You’re such a puppy dog.” Kya tucked a finger behind my belt buckle and pulled me forward. Her butt was against the Lotus. My hands found her waist and I looked down into her upturned face. I held my breath and dropped closer.

Her eyes watching me, she slipped one leg between my thighs as our lips met. Hers were soft as a newborn’s skin. Her breath in my mouth was warm. Her lips relaxed against mine and we held for a moment.

Pulling back slightly, she whispered, “And you know women just can’t resist a cute puppy.”

Then her hand behind my head pulled me in again. Her mouth parted and I tasted her. My hands gripped her hips firmly, hesitant to wander. She arched her back, leaning her head back over the roof of the Lotus, her tongue dipping into my mouth. When I pushed against it with mine, she moaned quietly and I felt my manhood go rigid.

Kya’s free hand raked nails down my back, pulling my weight against her. I worked my lips over her mouth, nibbling gently on her upper lip and tugging playfully.

“Mmmmmm” she murmured and pressed her hip against my crotch, grinding slightly while her left hand tugged at the hair on the back of my head. Releasing her lip, I sunk my tongue in deep, smelling her perfume and closing my eyes. She gasped and moved her head back and forth, writhing against the pressure in her mouth.

Her right hand slid those nails all the way down my back until she had a handful of my butt. I think I grunted. Maybe just a little.

It had been years since I’d felt like this. The urges and surges were overpowering and I fought to maintain control, knowing how easy it would be to just let go. She ground her hip against my hardness. I felt her breasts heaving against my chest. I retracted my tongue and hers followed it into my mouth, pulsing pleasure into my core. I felt goose bumps erupt down my arms and thighs.

Kya moaned again, clutching at me roughly. I knew something was going to happen if we didn’t break it off – soon. How long had I held her? Had it been a minute yet? Maybe an hour.

“Sssssmokin’!” Jillian’s voice came from the other side of the Lotus. “I better get the hose. That’s some hot stuff you two are swappin’ over there.”

And it ended. I pulled my face back a few inches, staring into Kya’s half closed eyes. She licked her lips and whispered, “Damn.”

I started to straighten and Kya held me firm, pushing her breasts against me with a knowing look. I smiled bravely and pulled back, letting her off the car.

I glanced down at my protruding jeans, slightly embarrassed.

Kya turned and backed into me, shielding my problem with her butt, protecting my dignity while she watched Jillian walk towards the porch. She reached behind her and slid a dainty hand over the mound between us, rubbing gently.

“I could help you with that,” she purred, turning her head to look up at me over her shoulder.

I swallowed hard, not sure what I would say next. She turned into me, breasts against my belly, hand still rubbing. “Oh, c’mon. I’ve been a good girl.”

My hands found her shoulders, pushing gently. “I just… I don’t… aw shit!”

“What?” she breathed into my mouth.

“Not now… not yet. I mean… I want to. But… I need time. I don’t want to screw this up.”

Kya eased back, leaning on the car. “Where’d you learn to kiss like that? I mean… damn, Dak.”

I dug my toe into the gravel again. “I’ve never done anything like that. I mean I have… but, you know. Geez! I’m all tongue tied. I’ve never… I mean, you’re the most… shit!”

She giggled at my frustration. “Easy, Dak. No big deal. There will be other chances. I’m not letting you get away.”

I looked relieved and my shoulders sank a little. “It’s just that, I really like you. You’re not just hot. I mean, you are! But, it’s more. It’s like you’re everything I could ever hope for… all in one hot little package.”

She put a hand on my chest and giggled again. “Don’t hold back, Hot Stuff. Flattery will get you… everywhere with me.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” I said quickly. “I want you. God knows I want you. But, I want all of you. Not just your body. I want to taste every inch of you and experience everything about you. And I don’t want to blow it by rushing and making mistakes.”

“Mistakes?”

“Mistake is my middle name. Trust me… and if you care about me… give me a little time to get used to the idea of having an angel like you in my life.”

“Sleep tight, Lover.” She patted my chest and headed around the car. “You’re so adorable… in a pathetic sort of way.” And she fired up the Lotus, giggling.


**sigh**

I strolled slowly towards the porch, hands in my pockets. My brain spun out of control while the swelling in my crotch dwindled.

Free Excerpt - The Girls

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There were a few moments of shuffling and milling about. Hands were being shaken. Brief thank you’s and promises to do this again. It was all quite cordial. We turned as one to head for the foyer. Standing in the arch, facing us with hands on hips was a little lady with golden Jennifer Aniston in “Friends” hair and a stunned look.

“Banana Man?”

Uh oh. Just my luck.

“Hello… again.” I stepped forward. Her blue eyes met mine and my heart missed a beat. I considered melting into a puddle right there on the hardwood. The face of a playful angel with a wide smile. Eat your heart out Cameron Diaz.

Whatever you do, don’t look down at those B cups.

“Like what you see?”

Damn!

“Even better up close,” I mumbled.

“You two know each other?” It was Agnes. “What’s a bananaman? Is that some street slang?”

The blonde rolled her eyes and I grinned. She tilted her head slightly. “You know you have a grease stain on your shirt?”

“Yeah. I was going for the I-need-a-woman-to-take-care-of-me look. My feet are dirty, too.”

“Be still my heart,” she cooed, placing a delicate hand over her left breast.

“Hey, girlfriend… you met Dak!” Jillian suddenly appeared next to me. Hair dry, full of energy and everything bouncing in unison.

“Dak?” The blonde cocked one Cameron Diaz eyebrow. “Like yak?”

“Aw, he’s cool. Not much to look at. But, I’ll bet he cleans up pretty good.”

I turned to face the four adults. They stood like statues. A strong wind might have blown them over.

“I’m leaving, Mom. Big day tomorrow. Thanks again, Caleb.” I turned back to face the blonde. “Nice to see you again. I’ll be the guy heading for my car now… dragging what’s left of my dignity behind me.”

Both girls stuck their bottom lips out and gave me a double dose of “Awwwww.”

Then they locked arms and swaggered down the foyer. Jillian was talking loud enough to be heard by everyone. “Yeah… he was checking out my boobs earlier. So I kissed him and he… you know… got a stiffie!”

They disappeared around a corner, squealing and giggling like 16 year olds. I heard gasps from the Knights and huffs from the Westlands as I closed the front door behind me.

Excerpt from Chapter 8

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Excerpt from Chapter 8 ~~ JILLIAN

Traffic was getting heavier as we merged into 5 lanes of speeding vehicles on I-75 flowing south toward Atlanta. Jillian suddenly slapped me on the thigh, startling me into a wide eyed expression.

“Heads up, Lover Boy! You sparked an interest with Kya! You’re a lucky man.”

“What… no.”

“Well, not as lucky as you could have been. But, you don’t like me.”

“I like you… really.”

“Uh huh. She said you were cute.”

“She did not!”

“Did too! In a sad… needs-a-good-woman kind of way.”

“Oh, God. I need a drink.”

“I’m sure Ramrod will make up for what you lack in social graces.”

“Is that a gun store up there on the right?”

Jillian laughed for the next 4 miles. The honeydew twins were practically rebounding off the steering wheel.

Excerpt from Chapter 28

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The following is just a snippet from Chapter 28, highlighting some of the action deep inside the JUICE novel.

FREE EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 28 ~ AMBUSH

I swallowed hard and set the phone down. Jillian turned again to face me. Her cheeks were wet.

“I’m so sorry, Dak. Maybe I shouldn’t have,” she mumbled. “I just couldn’t stand to see you hurting. I thought it would help.”

I leapt to my feet and grabbed her in a sudden hug, squeezing hard. Then I kissed her long and hard on the cheek. “Oh, sweet Jillian. Thank you!”

“But… is it… is she… are you okay?” she stammered.

“I’ll live,” I answered, releasing her. “At least, I know she’s alive. I heard her voice. It all happened so fast. Thank you… for that. I know you went against the rules and all. But, thank you.”

“You said… you loved her,” Jillian said quietly. A smile crept across her lips and finally she winked at me. “Am I a matchmaker… or what?”

“And I love you, too,” I replied, giving her a hard smack on the ass as she pushed by me toward the kitchen.

With my heart pumping rapidly, I rounded the sofa and headed for the balcony again. I tried get a handle on my emotional swing. From deep despair to elated joy within a heartbeat. It was an overwhelming swing and I felt almost giddy.

Trigger sparked sharply and stopped me in my tracks. Something unexpected. A large shape just past the French doors. Was someone out there?

Preview Chapter One

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FREE PREVIEW OF CHAPTER ONE

1 ~~ GAME OVER

Forget about Juice.

Forget the money. Oh God, the money.

What sadistic twist of fate had briefly satisfied my greatest aspirations? Why grant me but a fleeting glimpse at the rewarding future of my dreams before plunging me into a quagmire of terror?

But, there it was. Another death.

He had been a friend and his murder was my fault.

Staring at his broken body, my guts were hot mush erupting into the back of my throat. I hadn’t actually killed him. Of course, not. Yet the fear and desperation that gripped me now threatened to tilt the teetering scale that balanced what was left of my sanity.

That body in the grass should be me.

Lucid cognizance was a dull hum of confusion. Even now, facing the murderer, it was difficult to acknowledge the reality of my situation.

To die.

I stood there in a half crouch, heaving with a dizzying mixture of adrenaline, anxiety and exhaustion. Pain lanced through me in throbs and my whole body ached from the battering I had just endured. But my physical damage wasn’t even registering as an issue right now.

It was cool, even for early October in Murphy, North Carolina. I was in front of the old Victorian house on Campbell Street. With the half-moon hidden by an overcast sky as midnight approached, the old house presented a less-than-inviting aura. Local children argued that it was a house to be avoided at night, making it the ghostly topic for many a campfire story.

Now, a gentle breeze joined forces with a streetlight a hundred yards away to blanket the old Victorian in wavering shadows. Huge Maple trees towered as permanent sentries at both front corners of this century-old landmark. Night sounds consisted of little more than the crickets and katydids. It would have been – should have been – peaceful, if not a bit ominous.

The whole scene exuded a spooky tranquility that shrouded my altercation on the path just inside the hedge line. The rapid thumping of my own heartbeat pounded in my ears and shocked disbelief kept my eyes locked on that crumpled body a few feet away. I squinted through stinging tears and my brow pushed together in a contemplative reflex.

Appalled, my jaw fell slack as shifting moonlight separated the shadows to reveal a hulking form just behind my friend’s prone corpse. The bald man in a tight blazer was on his feet again. It was the one my brain referred to as Delivery Man. The repulsive ogre who had attacked me without provocation.

And somehow my brain deduced that he had killed my friend. A friend trying to rescue me from his deadly intentions, which put the resulting murder squarely in my blame column.

Even in the swinging shadows, I could see the dark moisture that covered Delivery Man’s right arm – starting just above the elbow – down to the dripping fingers curled around a ten inch section of limp spinal column. A ghastly remnant of the slaughter performed just moments ago. Strings of gelatinous fluid stretched between his gory trophy and a puddle of goop forming in the grass
.
“Two Festers for the price of one.” Delivery Man grinned with those ghastly teeth and followed it with a menacing chuckle. “No further delay. You were warned.”

“Whatever a Fester is… you can shove it up your fat ass, you sumbitch! You killed him! You insane motherf----- !” My verbal barrage cut short at a hoarse shriek when stark realization slammed home like a red hot poker.

I was in deep shit. For real.

Bald dude wasn’t here to deliver a message. He didn’t want to just scare me or rough me up. He meant to turn me into a puddle of liquid history. And apparently, he would enjoy it.

What did I do to deserve this?

And for the first time in my life, I knew genuine fear. I understood it for what it really was. I flashed on a lifetime of memories at the precise moment I felt the bone chilling, blood curdling adrenaline shot to my heart.


“Oh, shit!” I spun and lunged toward the car.

Twenty feet separated me from the Chevy Impala idling at the street’s edge. Three running strides should have been enough. Should. If I hadn’t just had my ass handed to me. My legs churned. My chest heaved from exertion and the world slowed down around me.

Just a bad dream, right? Wake up.

Like running in water, my legs seemed to be pushing me through invisible sludge. The harder I pumped, the slower I progressed against the thick, invisible current of resistance. Dream-running sucked.

Wakeup wakeup wakeup!

Pain stabbed my shoulders as I began my second real-time stride. Delivery Man clamped a heavy grip on them from behind.

His full weight was on me by the time I entered my third stride. There was hot breath on the back of my neck and another guttural growl sounded just behind my right ear. Short, thick legs circled my waist from behind and the force of the impact coupled with my momentum to propel me forward as one knee buckled. Hands outstretched, our combined impetus thrust me against the car door. My face met the window with a sick thunk and I felt important bones shatter.

The glass held.

Crap! Not a fair fight. Game over, man!

Thoughts flew past my mental window. Images. Color. Blurry faces. Incomplete recollections.
Does your life really flash before your eyes just as it ends?

So much to do. Why me? Why now?

Then that beautiful face was at the car window. A small hand slapped at the other side of the glass. Her visage showed a blend of terror and shock. Gorgeous blonde hair bounced across her forehead and cheeks as she shook her head in helpless panic. That dainty hand pounded the tinted glass again. She screamed something, but I couldn’t make it out.

The woman I loved was worried about me and my heart missed another beat. She cared about me. How cool was that?

Wait. The woman I loved? Was that really the frame of reference my brain used for her?

Admit it, old man. You know you do.

My face slid painfully slow down the door, leaving a wet, dark colored smear across the side panel.

Damn… I should have slept with her.

Delivery Man bent and flipped me over. It seemed effortless. I was little more than a child’s rag doll to be tossed about. Kneeling, he leaned in and assaulted my nostrils again with that foul breath. There were veins protruding from his temples and his forehead glistened with perspiration.

And just as those black eyes rolled upward, I saw something else. Surprisingly, it wasn’t satisfaction or even intensity, as I might have imagined. Something else showed in his empty pupils.


Disdain? No, not that.

I swallowed hard one last time as I registered his complete loathing for me.

Delivery Man didn’t enjoy killing me. Nor did he shy away from it. Indeed, it seemed more like he was here to complete an unpleasant chore. The same look I had seen on my father’s face when he’d recently removed a furry carcass from the wooden mousetrap in his garage.

In Delivery Man’s eyes, I was filth. Something akin to unclean vermin.

In a different situation, I might have contemplated the reasons for his contempt – speculate on who had sent him – and why had I been targeted. For now, however, my thoughts couldn’t coordinate the sustained conformity to launch a single query. Rational thought slipped away, replaced by swirling eddies of recollections and questions. I stared upward, stunned into silent submission.

So, this is it? Just lay here? Will it hurt?

I was losing it. Slipping away. The pumping in my ears quickened, yet now seemed to echo from a great distance.

“Like all Festers… ssssooo pathetic,” he hissed at me through clenched teeth. “Die knowing… that you will not be the last.”

His lips curled back in a vicious snarl and that wet arm raised for the finishing blow, flinging grisly body fluids into the air. I saw it coming down towards me. Watched its slow motion arc and squeezed my eyelids tight.

Please, God. Protect my daughter.

How weird is that? To know exactly when you’re going to die.

It just ain’t natural. Knowing, that is.

What went wrong?

Four minutes ago, I was on top of the world. I had restructured my business. I had a plan and it was working. For cryin’ out loud – I had Juice! It was mine – untold wealth within my grasp. The world was about to come knocking.

And the woman I loved had just asked me to run away with her.

I had stepped through the looking glass and touched my elusive fantasies. But the rabbit hole was a horrifying bottomless pit and now I would die.

I guess it’s true. Having everything you want dropped into your lap doesn’t guarantee you’ll survive the impact.

**********

More information about JUICE:Revolution can be found here.

Loss of Vampire Comedien

This week, the world of vampire fiction lost one its comedic heroes. Actor Leslie Nielsen was reported to have died of pneumonia, aged 84.

Nielsen, described as “Fort Lauderdale’s Favorite Canadian” appeared in more than 100 movies in his career, starting in the mid-1950s. Among his many roles the Candian-born Nielsen also played the character of Dracula in Mel Brooks’s parody of the Bram Stoker classic, “Dracula: Dead and loving it.”

In 2009, Nielsen also appeared in a vampire parody called “Stan Helsing”, in which he made an appearance in drag.