In a time when vampires have gained civil rights and walk freely among humans, they must still overcome the factions who seek to take away those rights and return them to the role of the hated, and hunted.
Rob Lydell employed by ‘Blood Relations’, a philanthropic group of wealthy businessmen, is asked to negotiate a meeting with Gabriel Torrance, a powerful vampire. The object of the meeting is to improve relationships between humans and vampires, who have recently gained civil liberties.
Rob and Gabriel form a close relationship of their own, but not everyone is happy about vampire civil rights and Rob soon finds himself the target of attacks and threats, while the violence against vampires by members of so-called ‘staker gangs’ increases.
As Rob and Gabriel’s blood bond grows, they are startled to discover that the biggest danger they have to face may come from a power play within Blood Relations itself – not to mention some members of the Vampire Council who still regard humans as prey, rather than equals.
J.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
What would happen if, not too long from now, vampires were to be officially recognized as citizens and given equal rights (or close to) with humans? A question that hasn't come up in too many vampire stories that I've read - and the central theme of this book.
I love the way that J.P. Bowie wove current politics and thinking into a scenario that shows the not too distant future. The foundation of an organization in charge of improving human-vampire relations, the naming of liaisons on both sides, the PR effort and advertising campaigns made me laugh. It was funny to me, because it was all so real. I was able to see today's society, albeit projected forward thirty or so years, and it gave this book a founding in reality that was an interesting contrast to its otherwise paranormal character.
Rob is a very lovable character. Nothing special at first glance, he is fiercely loyal, believes in doing the right thing, and, of course, falls head over heels for the enigmatic vampire he is asked to work with. I liked that Rob was given his own strengths, making him anything but a weak, simpering follower. He is a strong man, and his courage, in the end, contributes significantly to saving everyone's lives.
Gabriel is the perfect vampire: tall, strong, principled and ready to protect those weaker than him. He stood up for his principles in the past, accepting that the majority of vampires despised him for it, and will do so again, if needed.
With great characters, a devious plot born of an evil mind, lots of action, and hot sex, I thought this was a very entertaining read!
Note: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
While it does not give something new to the Vampire myth, this story does take an interesting plot regarding genetic engineering. I like the idea that it happens not so distant future, where vampires incorporated into the society are treated less than gays (Better fags that fangs!; does that make me evil if I smile on this??).
Characters wise, I like Rob, he has this innocent ingenue flair in him. I always like to read guys who still blushes and has attractive pout *grin*. Gabriel, on the other hand, is a typical vampire, and doesn't move me as much as Rob.
It's a nice read ... not the best in the genre, but it's not bad either
This was a very quick read. In a not so distant future, vampires have come out and they're trying to integrate in the human society. Blood Relations is a company that are more-or-less lobbying to make people accept vampire. They send Rob to meet Gabriel, one of the most fascinating vampires, to hire him for the pro-vampire campaign.
Gabriel has a lot of the vamp trademarks: aloof, beautiful, powerful, mind-reader, flyer. Rob is naive and generous, but I couldn't really see why Gabriel was so attracted to him. Maybe because in his generosity, he was also sincere? I don't know, I think this is what I found missing in this story.
I found the last part, with the evil guy, the intervention of other vampires, more world building, far more interesting, and I think the introduction to this not-so-distant future should have happened before, to give more depth to the story. There is a clever concept of Doppelgänger, that's why I'm bumping up the rating.
To be honest, I haven't got a whole lot to say about this book, except that it's okay. The story is alright, but the sex is unrealistic in parts (which I find irritating) and it is all wrapped up quickly and conveniently. Nothing special, but not absolutely dreadful either. I've given it the benefit of the doubt and rounded the 2.5 out of 5 stars I would award it, up to 3 for the actual 'official' rating, because it was quite sweet between Rob and Gabriel, and it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours!
Seldom I truly enjoy vampire stories because of the blood and violence, etc. But this story was written in such a way, that I have to admit it was truly enjoyable. The plot is well set and the action, too. I really liked both main characters, they were hot together.
This was a very good book! I like Rob and Gabriel together and I hope t see more of them but i'm most drawn to Marcus for some reason, he just seems really sexy. The writing style was nice and the story wasn't overdone. I hope their is a sequel.