Nicki J.
Markus
28 October 2016
Fireborn Publishing
Novel/MF/PNR/Gothic/Historical—Regency
Heat Level: 1
A family estate falling into ruin. A young woman thrown into an
unfamiliar world. Two brothers at odds over their secret. And an ancient malice
that threatens destruction and death.
December 1822, Wiltshire, England
When Catherine goes to live with her highborn
cousin's family at Brougham Hall, she expects restrictions on her previously
free lifestyle and comments on her lack of social grace. What she does not
anticipate is the loss of her heart, nor a web of dark family secrets that
threaten the safety of everyone in the house.
Vampire twins Hal and James are Lord Grovely's
guests. Though close in some respects, the different approach each takes to his
vampiric nature puts a strain on their relationship. Having hoped for a
pleasurable sojourn, they find themselves drawn into an unfolding drama in
which their brotherly bond will be sorely tested.
Print Promo Offer!
Save an awesome 20% if you buy the paperback direct from Createspace during the first month of release.
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Guest Post—Vampire Tropes Revisited
Readers have
certain expectations when it comes to vampires in fiction, all of which draw on
key works in the genre, from Bram Stoker to Anne Rice to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.
In Brougham Hall I employ several of
these tropes, the key one of which is the comparison between the vampire who
hates his existence and the one who revels in it. Several writers have treated
this in different ways, and I hope to add to that literary discussion with my
own take on the idea.
Previous writers
have considered the difference through the two characters’ love for the same
woman, or through one’s great compassion for human life. In my tale, the basis
for this discrepancy is far more psychological—for the one who loves his nature
as much as the one who detests it—and the reason centres on their shared
history. Aspects of the two brothers’ past contribute to their varied
attitudes, and I hope that readers will enjoy discovering the reasons behind
that over the course of the story. All it not as it first seems between the
brothers, in a way that mirrors the dark secrets of Brougham Hall itself.
Excerpt
Hal
Carrington attended to the harassed barmaid's directions and then proceeded
towards the stairs. The tavern was packed and he supposed he should be grateful
for that since it meant his entrance was lost amongst the crush of bodies. Even
so, he ensured his great coat concealed his fine clothing and waited until he
was certain he was unobserved before making his way to the first floor. He
doubted his brother had been as circumspect upon his arrival, but at least the crowds would have offered some
protection from unwanted scrutiny.
He
reached the door and rapped on the wood. “James, are you in there?”
He
waited a moment and then knocked again. When there was still no response, he
decided enough was enough and tried the handle. The bolt was shot, but a firm
shove splintered the wood and granted him access. The scene that greeted him
was one of the kinds he had wished to avoid, yet had anticipated all the same.
He cast a quick glance left and right and then entered the room. He pushed the
door firmly closed behind him. The last thing they needed was for anyone else
to pass along the hallway and see this.
“Hal!
I suspected I would see you here before the night was through. You arrive in
good time. I saved some for you, brother.” James called the greeting from
across the room. He could not stand; the half-naked woman seated on his lap
encumbered him.
Review
I first read the book as beta reader and I fell in love with it even when it was diamond-in-the-rough. From the start, the story shone through as a fresh and beautiful image viewed through a lens that wasn't quite focused. I'm pleased to say that the lens was tweaked remarkably well and the story focus is now sharp and defined.
The story combines a few familiar tropes before spinning off in its own unique way. It's a regency romance, a ghost story, a vampire story, a mystery and above all a tale of people who have been forced in directions they didn't want to go, and how the cope, in their very different ways, with circumstances life (and death) has thrust upon them.
The main character, Catherine, in endearing from the start. She's no fainting heroine and her inner commentary is delightful. She's a sparky lady who finds herself in a tricky situation which only gets trickier as the book progresses. Nevertheless she never allows herself to fall apart (quite) and is more likely to meet danger with a weapon in her hand (even if it is only an oil lamp) than a bottle of smelling salts.
As anti heroes the vampires are charming. Two brothers, so very different and very well drawn. One relishes his vampiric nature, is deliciously naughty and somewhat bloodthirsty. The other despises what he has become and is sick of cleaning up his brother's messes. Both are attracted to Catherine for different reasons and her fate hangs in the balance more than once.
All of the supporting characters are well drawn and have an important part to play. I focus on the vampires because they are my favourites but there are a plethora of others to take delight in. Some good; some bad and some decidedly deadly.
This is a fabulous read, with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected events, as well as a delicately drawn peep into regency life that is so well done, that although, as far as I am aware, the historical detail is vivid and correct, there were plenty of times when I forgot the historical setting altogether and was simply present with the characters in the here-and-now.
Author Bio & Links
Nicki J. Markus (aka Asta Idonea) was born
in England, but Asnow lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She has loved both
reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist, having studied
several foreign languages.
Nicki launched her writing career in 2011
and divides her efforts not only between MM and mainstream works but also
between traditional and indie publishing. Her works span the genres, from
paranormal to historical and from contemporary to fantasy. It just depends what
story and which characters spring into her mind!
As a day job, Nicki works as a freelance
editor and proofreader, and in her spare time she enjoys music, theatre,
cinema, photography, and sketching. She also loves history, folklore and
mythology, pen-palling, and travel; all of which have provided plenty of
inspiration for her writing.
Giveaway
I am offering an eBook copy of my MF PNR short story Canção do Amor to two lucky readers. To be in with a chance to win, please comment on this post, telling me your favourite historical period. I will review comments across all participating blogs at the end of the tour and will randomly select the winners, whom I will contact privately by 6 November, as well as announcing them on my FB and Twitter feeds. (Prize value US$0.98 / GB£0.99)
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