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30th out of 223 books
—
233 voters
Shining in Crimson (Empire of Blood #1)
by
Robert S. Wilson (Goodreads Author)
Set in a dystopian, religiously-demented American Empire, the city of Las Vegas is no longer a city of sin. Now called Necropolis, it is a city that eats sin. The vampires of Necropolis wait patiently for the Empire's weekly drop off of guilty Penitents; sinners and criminals full of fresh blood.
Hank Evans is one of those Penitents and he would gladly let the vampires tak...more
Hank Evans is one of those Penitents and he would gladly let the vampires tak...more
Paperback, First Edition Trade Paperback, 234 pages
Published
October 2nd 2011
by Empire of Blood Books
(first published 2011)
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Feb 03, 2013
Richard IV
added it
I have to be fair. I read this book when it was still being developed and crafted. It was near completion but it was still a draft copy.
Thank being said I am really eager to read the completed work. The draft was of such amazing quality and work.
Let's put it this way. I don't much care for Vampire stories, but this story is so much more then blood sucking pretty boys that all the tweens swoon over. These are characters are real people, the vampires have a story to tell, and there are great inter...more
Thank being said I am really eager to read the completed work. The draft was of such amazing quality and work.
Let's put it this way. I don't much care for Vampire stories, but this story is so much more then blood sucking pretty boys that all the tweens swoon over. These are characters are real people, the vampires have a story to tell, and there are great inter...more
Full review on my blog: http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.com/
Shining in Crimson has two kinds of vampires – the natural vampires (the ancients) who are just what vampires were meant to be – lean, mean, blood-sucking machines – and human vampires, who are the members of the Vampire Federation, trying to preserve their little corner of the former USA in agreement with the Empire.
The way this story is told is interesting – the history of the vampires and the humans is told via a series of flashbacks...more
Shining in Crimson has two kinds of vampires – the natural vampires (the ancients) who are just what vampires were meant to be – lean, mean, blood-sucking machines – and human vampires, who are the members of the Vampire Federation, trying to preserve their little corner of the former USA in agreement with the Empire.
The way this story is told is interesting – the history of the vampires and the humans is told via a series of flashbacks...more
Slow to start for me, but it did pick up. So far its pretty damn good. I especially love how the vampires take over Vegas. The twist between good and evil with the vampires was very interesting and I cant wait to read the second part to figure it out. I'm not a big fan of the empire though, I hope our world doesn't come even close to it. All in all, it was a good read and I can't wait for the second book so I can find out what happens to hank and the good vampires.
Fading in Darkness the long-awaited sequel to Shining in Crimson is now available for Kindle! Trade Paperback and limited hardcover editions coming very soon. You can enter to win a signed trade paperback edition here on Goodreads right now!
I'm re-reading this book as I need a pick-me-up. I was bored one day searching the Amazon lists of books, and came across the novella "What Happens in Vegas" for free and thought to myself, "Eh... What the hell. It's free and it might be good." As a Vegas fan I'll read just about anything with Vegas in it. I was hooked from the start. When I finished speeding through the pages I re-read them to make sure I wasn't sugar coating this. I had to be sure this wasn't too good to be true before I bough...more
Mar 13, 2012
Jiva
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Jiva by:
Robert S. Wilson
Great book. I have a "thing" where I am sick of the "same old same old" vampire stories.. This book was nowhere close.
I hate giving 5 star reviews.. I always feel like there HAS to be something wrong. In this story, I know what I had a problem with but it wasn't enough to take a star away.
Negative: I felt there were certain aspects of the story that were not well explained.. particularly a) wassup when Hank was in the desert, b) and the effect the ancestor's *** has on him (I try not to spoil)....more
I hate giving 5 star reviews.. I always feel like there HAS to be something wrong. In this story, I know what I had a problem with but it wasn't enough to take a star away.
Negative: I felt there were certain aspects of the story that were not well explained.. particularly a) wassup when Hank was in the desert, b) and the effect the ancestor's *** has on him (I try not to spoil)....more
There's a lot going on in this book. While I love a good roller coaster ride of action and horror - and that's here, too - there's actually a lot going on under the hood in Shining in Crimson as well. I like books that try to go beyond just blood and guts, and works on different levels. Political and religious subtext is in this novel, giving it a nice extra layer many might miss. Thankfully, it's written in a way that doesn't beat you over the head. That makes this book easy to enjoy no matter...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Full review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
This was a book with so much potential and a real chance to attempt something different with the whole Vampire genre but instead the author retreads old ideas and seemingly forgets about the aspects of this book that so attracted me in the first place. The whole idea of Las Vegas as Necropolis goes largely unaddressed other than as a basic premise and there is little reference as to how The Imperial Empire managed to seize control of the good...more
This was a book with so much potential and a real chance to attempt something different with the whole Vampire genre but instead the author retreads old ideas and seemingly forgets about the aspects of this book that so attracted me in the first place. The whole idea of Las Vegas as Necropolis goes largely unaddressed other than as a basic premise and there is little reference as to how The Imperial Empire managed to seize control of the good...more
To see this review and more like it please check out my site www.ufreviews.com
My first introduction to urban fantasy was through vampires. Vampires opened the door for me into a world of books I could not have even fathomed on my own. They are responsible for bring to light the world of werewolves, the fae, and all things magic through this fantastic genre I love more than any other. I have been waiting for a really good vampire novel for some time now, and this was a pretty good book for me.
I...more
My first introduction to urban fantasy was through vampires. Vampires opened the door for me into a world of books I could not have even fathomed on my own. They are responsible for bring to light the world of werewolves, the fae, and all things magic through this fantastic genre I love more than any other. I have been waiting for a really good vampire novel for some time now, and this was a pretty good book for me.
I...more
SHINING IN CRIMSON is a nice departure from the usual vampire books. This one has a unique storyline, one that I enjoyed. The story revolves around Hank Evans who is sentenced to death. Death under the New Empire rules is to be sentenced to Necropolis, the former Las Vegas, now inhabited by vampires. The vampires take care of the criminals and the Empire doesn't waste money on prisons.
Hank doesn't want to die; he has a son who depends on him. Through an unusual event Hank manages to survive thos...more
Hank doesn't want to die; he has a son who depends on him. Through an unusual event Hank manages to survive thos...more
I loved this. I enjoyed the vampires and humans alike - both showing equal potential for light and dark, and even those who I hated to begin with - Simon - evolved positively. There was a lot of history delivered almost seamlessly through the use of shared-experiences upon consumption of blood, which I loved. There was also a moral message, a religious and political one too, all without preaching or grandstanding. It allowed us entry into the hearts and minds of all, from the persecuted child to...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I described it to a friend as "freaky good!". For me there is nothing better than an author who can take the usual "supe community" and stir up the "norms". Robert S. Wilson takes the vampire world and gives us a fresh look at the hierarchy and characteristics we've come to know. He also shakes up the mortal USA political/religious norms. Always something to think about.
While at times the plot is a little violent, it lends to creating a story that is action packed,...more
While at times the plot is a little violent, it lends to creating a story that is action packed,...more
More than just a vampire story!
A wonderful vampire tale that was scary and bone-chilling yet had a slight touch of compassion. Mr. Wilson created such complex characters that you can't help but form some sort of emotional attachment to them.
The story is not the typical vampire story where vamps go hunting for innocent victims and they are definitely not sparkly.
This is also a story about survival (not only for the humans but for the vamps too), discovering your strengths and weaknesses and comin...more
A wonderful vampire tale that was scary and bone-chilling yet had a slight touch of compassion. Mr. Wilson created such complex characters that you can't help but form some sort of emotional attachment to them.
The story is not the typical vampire story where vamps go hunting for innocent victims and they are definitely not sparkly.
This is also a story about survival (not only for the humans but for the vamps too), discovering your strengths and weaknesses and comin...more
So, I've been an "aficionado" of vampires for almost as long as I've been reading novels. From Stoker's Dracula to this latest, by Robert S. Wilson, Shining In Crimson.
I have to say: I'm really impressed.
Wilson's dystopian Empire (formerly the good old U.S. of A.) is well-thought out and carries a weight and depth to it unlike many others I've read about. The vampires of his world are both tribal and democratic, as well as useful tools of the Empire itself.
The characters each have a richness to...more
I have to say: I'm really impressed.
Wilson's dystopian Empire (formerly the good old U.S. of A.) is well-thought out and carries a weight and depth to it unlike many others I've read about. The vampires of his world are both tribal and democratic, as well as useful tools of the Empire itself.
The characters each have a richness to...more
Nov 21, 2011
Sharon
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Sharon by:
http://shiningincrimson.blogspot.com/
http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2011/...
Looking for a vampire story without romance? Yes, it does exist . Wilson has put a new spin on the vampire theme in this well crafted story with characters that will intrigue and move you.
Twenty years ago there was a civil war in America and a twisted extremist religious group took power and set up an Empire. During this bloody war a new threat appeared, vampires. The Emperor created a fragile truce between the humans and the vampires with the following co...more
Looking for a vampire story without romance? Yes, it does exist . Wilson has put a new spin on the vampire theme in this well crafted story with characters that will intrigue and move you.
Twenty years ago there was a civil war in America and a twisted extremist religious group took power and set up an Empire. During this bloody war a new threat appeared, vampires. The Emperor created a fragile truce between the humans and the vampires with the following co...more
3 and a half stars.
Wilson has definitely brought real vampires back to the horror genre, thank God. His vampire flashbacks made me think of Ann Rice (and that's a good thing). There were a number of times throughout where I was wondering what the hell? And then, once Wilson revealed a little more, my patience was rewarded and I understood. My favorite characters overall would be Ishan and Rachel. I always love it when I start a book hating a character and then end up empathizing with, or pulling...more
Wilson has definitely brought real vampires back to the horror genre, thank God. His vampire flashbacks made me think of Ann Rice (and that's a good thing). There were a number of times throughout where I was wondering what the hell? And then, once Wilson revealed a little more, my patience was rewarded and I understood. My favorite characters overall would be Ishan and Rachel. I always love it when I start a book hating a character and then end up empathizing with, or pulling...more
1984 meets The Strain. It's not just another vampire story; rather, it's a warning of what happens when a pliable sheep-like society is frightened into submitting to evil leadership disguised as a good shepard. This story draws you in by blurring the lines between good and bad. Nothing is black and white and the time it takes to clear up who the good guys really are brings you so far into the development of these characters that you will be more than dissapointed when the story ends. I'll be eag...more
The author was giving out review copies and the entire synopsis/premise REALLY grabbed my interest so I took the offer of a free read in order to review it. I wanted to - but the entire first chapter was a case of telling instead of showing. I sank. There were some key moments there that could have been spectacular in the suspense department that fell flat because of this. I forged ahead into Chapter 2 and 3, and had to stop. I really can't take a story where everything is told "at" me. So I can...more
So my first book of 2012, and it's a great start for the year.
Hank seems to have been handed a shit deal for "breaking the law" and sent to Necropolis to face his death. Hank has other ideas that the Empire wasn't made aware of. Toby (Hanks son) is the driving force for Hank to survive and to find a way of out Necropolis (which noone has ever done).
Most of the book is reading about Hank and his struggle to get out of Necroplois, along with what is going on while Hank is getting out. There is alo...more
Hank seems to have been handed a shit deal for "breaking the law" and sent to Necropolis to face his death. Hank has other ideas that the Empire wasn't made aware of. Toby (Hanks son) is the driving force for Hank to survive and to find a way of out Necropolis (which noone has ever done).
Most of the book is reading about Hank and his struggle to get out of Necroplois, along with what is going on while Hank is getting out. There is alo...more
I don't get much time to read anymore..so I get mad when I end up with a scrappy book...which was NOT the case here. Great original vampire story set post apocalyptic Las Vegas and surrounding areas. I flew through the pages when I had a chance and was actually upset to put it down! Now I'm just really upset book two isn't out yet! Although there is a short story tie in to the series its not nearly enough to quench my thirst!
At first glance i thought this book to be the usual cliche vampire book, but i have to say it was quite different than i expected. It had an excellent story and the vamps were downright bloody, they were truly what i would expect a vampire to be like. It's written in a seamless fashion, weaving through memories and time.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who might like something unexpected and refreshing.
I normally don't like vampire books, but I decided to give it a try because of the mention of a dystopian future. I'm so glad I did, because this is far more than just another vampire book. I love the mix of reality and fantasy--it feels like something that really could happen, rather than requiring you to suspend your disbelief indefinitely. It also kept my attention and was tough to put down.
Really enjoyed this first installment in the Empire Of Blood series. A bit of a different take on vampires, it has plenty of action and horror. The story moves along quickly as it's told from several different characters POV's and I liked his method of including the flashbacks to flesh out the history of these characters. Well worth a read and I'll definitely be buying the next part.
Shining in Crimson is a new take on a very popular genre....vamps! A pretty good read although at times I felt bogged down and almost put it down, but being the book lover I am pushed thru and finished it...Hank sure has been handed a crappy hand but getting fangs changed everything....
I've read the review and love it...at that moment I wanted to start reading this book! And then I heard about this giveaway and said to myself this the chance to win a copy...So I hurry up and enter this wonderful giveaway..:D I hope I win...One awesome book review.
I liked this book. It was different from other vampire books and I was really starting to get into it and then suddenly, when you thought everything was just going to get going really good and things were going to really ramp up, it ended leaving you with a wtf? Now I have to read the next book to see what happens next! ugh! Ok...I don't mind that too much but I'm not a fan of cliff hanger endings.
Overall, I thought Shining in Crimson was a fun alternative to most of the vampire fiction on the market today. The story was creative and the characters interesting. I especially liked the haunting, post apocalyptic nature of the book and the way in which the author only needs to provide small bits of info on the Empire and the nature of the city of Necropolis to keep you reading.
My major issue with the book was that I felt at many times as if I was being talk to instead of shown. It's easy to...more
My major issue with the book was that I felt at many times as if I was being talk to instead of shown. It's easy to...more
Amazingly brilliant first novel. Absolutely loved it. The only suckage is having to wait for book two
Shining in Crimson is truly a refreshing change in the vampire genre. Robert has created an entire NEW Vampire genre, in my opinion.
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Robert S. Wilson was born in Bloomington, Indiana during the blizzard of '78. His first taste for horror came from watching episodes of The Twilight Zone and the stories his mother told him of a supposedly haunted house his family once lived in. He is the author of Shining in Crimson, book one of his dystopian vampire series: Empire of Blood. His novella, The Quiet, appeared in the anthology Not i...more
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Apr 24, 2013 08:20am