Title: Bloodpledge
Author: Tima Maria Lacoba
Release date: May 31st, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Description:
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.
Extract from Bloodpledge
In Alec’s room, a single tall, metal lamp gave off a weak light. There were no windows to allow in deadly sunrays, so presumably it predated the time when he became Princeps. The four-poster, wrought iron bed and I were well acquainted, since we’d made love in it several times.Alec wrapped his arm around my waist and held me close. With his other hand, he tucked my hair behind my ear. ‘We have a little over an hour before the Prefects start arriving.’‘Let’s not waste it.’ Every minute with him was precious. Three nights ago, Jean-Philippe nearly murdered us both and, even though he was now dead, the danger was not entirely over—tonight’s incident a stark reminder.He lowered his head and kissed me with a fervency that left me breathless. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. Our tongues meshed in a delicious tangle of desire and passion.‘What happened?’ I asked between kisses.‘We had a disagreement ….’I knew what he meant by that. ‘You had a fight.’‘No avoiding it. Two of them are caged down in the cellar. Cal and Karl are keeping an eye on them till the Pledging.’‘How many were there?’‘Five—three men, two women.’My stomach dropped. ‘You could have been killed!’‘But I wasn’t.’‘What if Luc hadn’t arrived—’‘Shhh’, he sealed his lips over mine and, as always, I melted in his arms. A while later, he murmured against my mouth, ‘I probably could’ve handled it alone. After the Pledging tonight there should be no more incidents.’ His lips grazed my throat.‘Promise?’‘Cross my heart.’ He drew the figure of a cross over his heart. ‘Luc told you about the powers of the rings. If anyone tries anything, they’re ash.’I nodded. After a previous rebellion, centuries ago, my father forced the surviving Brethren to swear an oath on the Serpent Rings. Those who defied it were killed when the rings flashed fire and destroyed them.I didn’t want to think about it, let alone witness something like that.Alec could probably see the anxiety in my eyes, for he smoothed the hair from my face and said, ‘The Pledge worked in the past. No reason why it shouldn’t do so again.’ His confidence was comforting and I released the breath I’d been holding. ‘Besides,’ he said, ‘Pledge or no Pledge, I’ll kill anyone who dares try and harm you.’ A deadly edge to his voice both frightened and excited me. He lowered his head, and took complete possession of my mouth with such passion it ignited a painful throbbing in my core that only he could relieve.His hands slid down to my waist, untied my sash. Gently he eased my robe off my shoulders. It dropped to the floor, where my camisole soon joined it. He touched the crimson vial Luc gave me, which was nestled between my breasts. It contained three drops of Marcus’s, Antonia’s and Luc’s blood, and it would render the drinker immortal. ‘Luc explained?’I nodded.‘Would you take it?’‘Yes.’ I breathed.I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his eyes. They were filled with such love, such intensity of longing I almost wished the curse wouldn’t be lifted so there’d be no chance of my blood becoming normal. Yet, our children, the future….
World of Dantonville
Villa of Antonius – D’Antonville - Dantonville
Twins shall be born: Children of Light and Dark.
The boy shall be as you, a drinker of blood, when he comes of age. But, the girl will not.She will walk in the light.
‘Unnatural length of life and youthfulness will be granted her and her descendants. They shall be known as Children of Light and their blood shall sustain the Child of Darkness.And you, Roman, shall live all through the long ages ahead till one born of your house – a Child of Light and Dark – willingly bears a child to one of Prythin blood, a descendant of my house, and born on this spot.A curse uttered by a vengeful witch against a Roman officer and his men in the year 261 AD. has its conclusion in the 21st century.
Imagine ancient Roman soldiers, turned into vampires, having to endure nearly 180 centuries before the chance for their redemption finally appears.
They have an entire history before the opening pages of Bloodgifted, the first book in the trilogy.
From the forests of southern Scotland, to a Roman villa in Gaul, a chateau in the Rhone valley in France and finally to Sydney, Marcus Antonius, his son, Lucius, and their men await the birth of the Child of Light and Dark.
Her name is Laura Dantonville.
She has no knowledge of their existence, nor that they lead a community of vampires, or Brethren - as they like to style themselves - in the eastern suburbs in Sydney.
They have their own political system - their own set of moral laws and regulations - by which the Brethren are ruled worldwide. And, they are led by the Princeps, Alec Munro, and his sire, Lucien (Lucius) Lebrettan.
On the left is a famous heritage-listed Victorian mansion in Sydney, known as The Abbey. I thought it looked perfect as the type of residence a powerful vampire like Lucien Lebrettan would reside in. It's large enough to fit his entire vampire household, as well as being a sumptuous enough residence to entertain visiting Brethren.
Did he say house? The building at the end of the driveway was a magnificent neo-Gothic mansion... A copper-clad tower dominated one side. I gaped at turrets, arches with stained glass windows, and gables, while stone gargoyles stared impassively down at all who entered. Perfect place for a vampire gathering!
St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney. It's in the center of the city, and so, the most convenient location for Alec and Laura's first meeting.
'Isn't that rather ironic? Meeting in a church?' Weren't vampires meant to be anti-Christian and allergic to holy water and crucifixes?
'He's not the Prince of Darkness, dear. A church is just another building. Walk in, he will find you.'
About the Author:
Lacoba, a historian/archaeologist and history teacher began writing after having to give up work to care full time for her mother. Soon after completing the first draft, she entered “Bloodgifted” in a national competition – the Atlas Award – and came fourth. The following year, the book took 7th place in an international competition held by London-based publisher, Choclit.
Set in Sydney, “Bloodgifted” is an urban contemporary story of Laura Dantonville, the current descendant of a cursed Roman soldier, who has inherited the ability to delay ageing, but much of her past is unknown to her. That includes knowledge of her true parentage and the fact that her unique blood is coveted by the secret society of vampires who reside in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. She later learns that it’s her blood alone that provides these creatures with the ability to tolerate daylight. As such, she is the epicenter of a power struggle between two rival vampire groups who want to claim her. The oldest and powerful of these factions is led by Alec Munro, whose position as leader, or Princeps, gives him sole claim to Laura.
Lindsay J Pryor, best-selling author of two novels in her Blackthorn series said, “Bloodgifted is an intriguing, intricate and absorbing read. I’m already fascinated to know where the series will progress.”
Official Website: http://www.timamarialacoba.blogspot.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/TimaMariaLacoba
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