Christine Feehan's Blog - Posts Tagged "carpathian-series"
Men of the Monastery: Dark Promises
High up in the Carpathian Mountains sits a monastery that is both sanctuary and self-imposed prison to ancient Carpathian warriors. These men know they are dangerous. They hope to keep others safe and prolong their existence by remaining within the walls of the monastery and keeping their darkness at bay. They are men, not of humanity, but of honor; not of this world, but of one long gone. The ways of the world are not known to them. Their savageness, needed to protect the world from evil vampires, is now their downfall. Who could love them, even if a lifemate was found? Who could overcome their savage nature, understand their break from humanity, accept their darkness enough to bring them into the light?
I created the monastery and the Carpathian warriors in it because I thought it would offer a unique hero, or heroes, to the Carpathian world. These are men who never served the new Prince. We don't know how old they are and how they felt about Mikhail's father. All we know is that they served as warriors who fought evil and kept us safe. They gave of themselves knowing it could kill them. Knowing they could be sacrificing their chance at finding a lifemate. And to ensure they remain honorable now that they have slipped into such darkness they are nearly savage, they shut themselves away to protect those around them.
I know there will be some people who will not care for the monastery Carpathians. They are too savage, too primal and lack even empathy. They feel nothing. They go entirely on instinct and what they remember of feelings. And therein lies the opportunity for me to create amazing heroines. The women who become lifemates to these men will have to have great courage and selflessness. They will need to be strong in ways they never imagined.
Dark Promises gives us a look at some of these men. We get a chance to look within the walls of the monastery. We have an opportunity to see the struggles of these men and just how far outside humanity they have come.
Who will save these men? Who would care for such savage warriors? Who would give of themselves to bring them back from the darkness. And if they cannot be saved, what should be done with them? It's these questions that I think make the monastery and its inmates so intriguing.
Dark Promises
I created the monastery and the Carpathian warriors in it because I thought it would offer a unique hero, or heroes, to the Carpathian world. These are men who never served the new Prince. We don't know how old they are and how they felt about Mikhail's father. All we know is that they served as warriors who fought evil and kept us safe. They gave of themselves knowing it could kill them. Knowing they could be sacrificing their chance at finding a lifemate. And to ensure they remain honorable now that they have slipped into such darkness they are nearly savage, they shut themselves away to protect those around them.
I know there will be some people who will not care for the monastery Carpathians. They are too savage, too primal and lack even empathy. They feel nothing. They go entirely on instinct and what they remember of feelings. And therein lies the opportunity for me to create amazing heroines. The women who become lifemates to these men will have to have great courage and selflessness. They will need to be strong in ways they never imagined.
Dark Promises gives us a look at some of these men. We get a chance to look within the walls of the monastery. We have an opportunity to see the struggles of these men and just how far outside humanity they have come.
Who will save these men? Who would care for such savage warriors? Who would give of themselves to bring them back from the darkness. And if they cannot be saved, what should be done with them? It's these questions that I think make the monastery and its inmates so intriguing.
Dark Promises
The Lifemate Mythology – Dark Legacy
With over 30 books in this long-running series that began in 1999 the challenge is always how to keep it fresh and expand the Carpathians and their mythology. At the time the first book in the series, Dark Prince, was published, there weren’t any vampire books being written for the romance genre. The idea of vampire-like creatures that protect humans and kill vampires was new. That vampires came from these same Carpathians, ones who had not found their lifemate and gave in to the darkness, was unique.
At that time, the mythology behind the Carpathians included the fact that converting a human woman into a Carpathian took three blood exchanges. Like classic vampire lore, Carpathians, as well as vampires, could not withstand the sunlight, and they slept in the earth during those hours. Two very unique pieces of Carpathian mythology included the fact that vampires came from Carpathians. A Carpathian who gave in to the darkness and became evil turned into a vampire. Vampires were once the friends and loved ones of Carpathians, making their turn to evil both dangerous because these beings knew Carpathian people, lands and law, and made it sad because Carpathian hunters were sent to kill those who were once their friends or family.
The second unique piece of Carpathian lore had to do with “Lifemates”. A Carpathian had one and only one lifemate. But, they didn’t necessarily know who that lifemate was or where they were. And, if the Carpathian male didn’t find his lifemate he lost his ability to see in color and to feel emotion, sending him beyond the brink of darkness where the allure of becoming a vampire called to them. If the Carpathian never found their lifemate they could choose to become a vampire, or they could choose to meet the sun, thus taking their own life instead of becoming an evil thing.
There was a shortage of Carpathian women, so when a soul was split the soul had to go somewhere, and in light of the lack of available Carpathian women, it went into human women who had psychic ability. Finding a lifemate was important, and once found, three blood exchanges to convert a human woman was necessary. Whether human or Carpathian, to be bound as a lifemate, the male had to say the ritual binding words. Once said, that couple were together, as one, for life.
Carpathian males were hunters, keeping humans safe from vampires or any others who would do harm to them. It was their duty to safeguard their lifemate at any and all cost. Carpathian men were born protectors. Women and children were sacred. And in Dark Prince we discover that the Carpathians are nearly extinct and there aren’t enough Carpathian women. But, as fate would have it, human women with some psychic talent could become lifemates. Whether an act of evolution or simply an unknown fact until Mikhail, the Carpathian Prince, found Raven, a human woman who’d become his lifemate, it’s not exactly clear.
With Dark Legacy, book 31 of the series, the issue of lifemates is once again addressed. The idea of lifemates hasn’t changed. Some people seem to understand exactly how lifemates work, but as time passed and there were more books it became clear that not everyone had a clear understanding. People would ask questions about why this couple couldn’t be lifemates, or why someone had to wait so long for a lifemate. There are rules that govern that and can’t simply have an exception made and still be true to the initial mythology.
Dark Legacy clarifies the issue of lifemates and revisits, briefly, what lifemates are, why they’re important and where the pairing comes from. The clarification may give some readers an epiphany regarding current characters who are still unclaimed, or it may validate what some readers already knew about lifemates. Certainly, the issue of lifemates is bound to be an interesting topic of conversation for readers of the series as they discuss characters still searching for a lifemate.
At that time, the mythology behind the Carpathians included the fact that converting a human woman into a Carpathian took three blood exchanges. Like classic vampire lore, Carpathians, as well as vampires, could not withstand the sunlight, and they slept in the earth during those hours. Two very unique pieces of Carpathian mythology included the fact that vampires came from Carpathians. A Carpathian who gave in to the darkness and became evil turned into a vampire. Vampires were once the friends and loved ones of Carpathians, making their turn to evil both dangerous because these beings knew Carpathian people, lands and law, and made it sad because Carpathian hunters were sent to kill those who were once their friends or family.
The second unique piece of Carpathian lore had to do with “Lifemates”. A Carpathian had one and only one lifemate. But, they didn’t necessarily know who that lifemate was or where they were. And, if the Carpathian male didn’t find his lifemate he lost his ability to see in color and to feel emotion, sending him beyond the brink of darkness where the allure of becoming a vampire called to them. If the Carpathian never found their lifemate they could choose to become a vampire, or they could choose to meet the sun, thus taking their own life instead of becoming an evil thing.
There was a shortage of Carpathian women, so when a soul was split the soul had to go somewhere, and in light of the lack of available Carpathian women, it went into human women who had psychic ability. Finding a lifemate was important, and once found, three blood exchanges to convert a human woman was necessary. Whether human or Carpathian, to be bound as a lifemate, the male had to say the ritual binding words. Once said, that couple were together, as one, for life.
Carpathian males were hunters, keeping humans safe from vampires or any others who would do harm to them. It was their duty to safeguard their lifemate at any and all cost. Carpathian men were born protectors. Women and children were sacred. And in Dark Prince we discover that the Carpathians are nearly extinct and there aren’t enough Carpathian women. But, as fate would have it, human women with some psychic talent could become lifemates. Whether an act of evolution or simply an unknown fact until Mikhail, the Carpathian Prince, found Raven, a human woman who’d become his lifemate, it’s not exactly clear.
With Dark Legacy, book 31 of the series, the issue of lifemates is once again addressed. The idea of lifemates hasn’t changed. Some people seem to understand exactly how lifemates work, but as time passed and there were more books it became clear that not everyone had a clear understanding. People would ask questions about why this couple couldn’t be lifemates, or why someone had to wait so long for a lifemate. There are rules that govern that and can’t simply have an exception made and still be true to the initial mythology.
Dark Legacy clarifies the issue of lifemates and revisits, briefly, what lifemates are, why they’re important and where the pairing comes from. The clarification may give some readers an epiphany regarding current characters who are still unclaimed, or it may validate what some readers already knew about lifemates. Certainly, the issue of lifemates is bound to be an interesting topic of conversation for readers of the series as they discuss characters still searching for a lifemate.
Where to Start Reading Each Series: Dark Series
I’m one of those people who like to read an entire back list when I come across an author I love. I’m excited when I see they have this huge body of work because I know I love their writing and it’s like finding buried treasure. But, I realize not everyone is like that. Some people find a long-established series to be daunting and get overwhelmed so they won’t read it. I understand now wanting to commit to starting from the very beginning when everyone else is talking about Book #30. You want to participate in what’s going on now and don’t want to have to invest time you may not have at the moment.
With this in mind I thought I would talk a bit about each series and whether or not you’d need to read the entire series, or where you might be able to just jump in. Keep in mind that I write ALL of my books so they can stand alone. Today we’ll talk about the DARK series.
DARK SERIES
The Dark Series, also called the Carpathian Series, is my longest running series. It’s about immortal vampire hunters called Carpathians who, if they don’t find their lifemate (think soulmate, but truly the other half of their soul) they lose the ability to see in color, lose their emotions and eventually either meet the sun or turn vampire.
The early books have many beloved characters including the Prince of the Carpathian people (there isn’t a king) Mikhail. The early books follow the struggles of the Carpathian people as they try to figure out why females aren’t surviving, thus leading the entire race toward extinction.
WHERE TO START IF NOT AT THE BEGINNING
If you don’t want to start with Book #1, Dark Prince, and want to catch up with what’s going on now you could start with the novella Dark Crime Book #27. This novella can be found in ebook form under Dark Crime or in paperback in an anthology called Edge of Darkness. This book has us back in the United States after a prolonged time in the Carpathian Mountains. We have new characters fighting a new evil and it’s all centralized on the West Coast so far. Tariq has been chosen by Mikhail to be the leader in the United States for the Carpathians and Tariq has the assistance of a new set of heroes that hail from a mysterious monastery high up on the mountains. They are ancient Carpathians who went to the monastery as a way of keeping others safe from them.
It’s always fun to go back and read the older books, but you can always do that at your leisure. Start with Tariq and his group so you can enjoy the current book talks for this series. These books are meant to be stand alone books, but of course it’s always fun to follow an overall ARC. And though you don’t have to go back, if you enjoy the series, I hope you’ll want to know all of the heroes of this series.
With this in mind I thought I would talk a bit about each series and whether or not you’d need to read the entire series, or where you might be able to just jump in. Keep in mind that I write ALL of my books so they can stand alone. Today we’ll talk about the DARK series.
DARK SERIES
The Dark Series, also called the Carpathian Series, is my longest running series. It’s about immortal vampire hunters called Carpathians who, if they don’t find their lifemate (think soulmate, but truly the other half of their soul) they lose the ability to see in color, lose their emotions and eventually either meet the sun or turn vampire.
The early books have many beloved characters including the Prince of the Carpathian people (there isn’t a king) Mikhail. The early books follow the struggles of the Carpathian people as they try to figure out why females aren’t surviving, thus leading the entire race toward extinction.
WHERE TO START IF NOT AT THE BEGINNING
If you don’t want to start with Book #1, Dark Prince, and want to catch up with what’s going on now you could start with the novella Dark Crime Book #27. This novella can be found in ebook form under Dark Crime or in paperback in an anthology called Edge of Darkness. This book has us back in the United States after a prolonged time in the Carpathian Mountains. We have new characters fighting a new evil and it’s all centralized on the West Coast so far. Tariq has been chosen by Mikhail to be the leader in the United States for the Carpathians and Tariq has the assistance of a new set of heroes that hail from a mysterious monastery high up on the mountains. They are ancient Carpathians who went to the monastery as a way of keeping others safe from them.
It’s always fun to go back and read the older books, but you can always do that at your leisure. Start with Tariq and his group so you can enjoy the current book talks for this series. These books are meant to be stand alone books, but of course it’s always fun to follow an overall ARC. And though you don’t have to go back, if you enjoy the series, I hope you’ll want to know all of the heroes of this series.
The Last Hope for The Ancients
High up in the Carpathian Mountains is a monastery hidden away called the Retreat in the Veil of Mists. Until recently, this monastery was the last refuge for those ancient Carpathian warriors who hoped to keep humanity safe by locking themselves away and working to keep the darkness at bay.
These warriors are men of honor, suffering and in despair. They didn’t feel suicide was right and so they sought the company of others like themselves, looking for both sanctuary and camaraderie. Though, without the hope of ever finding a lifemate it was a lonely existence.
But, the outside world slipped in, in Dark Ghost, when Fane introduces himself as keeper of the monastery to Teagan and offers his assistance as well as the assistance of the warriors within the monastery. We learn much more about the monastery and its inhabitants in Dark Promises when Gabrielle follows Gary and finds, in a very horrible way, that Aleksei, one of the monk warriors, is her lifemate. Aleksei brings Gabrielle inside the monastery as he determines her fate, and his own. It is here in Dark Promises that two modern women are found to be lifemates; Gabrielle and Aleksei and then Trixie and Fane. The ancients can see for themselves that there’s hope out in the world now that they know psychic women can be lifemates.
With the ancients now aware that human women can be lifemates many of them join Tariq Asenguard in Southern California where he has set up a compound and monitors vampire activity, something that soon becomes an all-out war. More ancients join as the battle continues and we find in Dark Carousel that Tarqi has been chosen by Mikhail, the Prince, to represent him in the United States.
In Dark Legacy we discover that the vampires have a plan and are strategically working toward carrying out that plan, which includes killing Tariq and everyone who is helping him. Dark Legacy has a lot of action as the battle begins to spread and a huge twist leaves the danger growing more than the Carpathians realize. Dark Legacy also has some surprises that readers will be excited about and this revelation will reverberate throughout the next several books.
Dark Sentinel brings the New Guard together in a new way. And, we’re re-introduced to the human society of vampire hunters that have joined in the fray. Andor, one of the ancient warriors, is attacked on several fronts leaving him to die, which he is ready for. In order to save him it will take his lifemate and the New Guard of ancient warriors to ban together along with Gary Daratrazanoff, a great and powerful healer. But, they have to completely trust in each other, because there’s only one way to save Andor, and it’s never been tried before. If something goes wrong, some, or all even all of them, could die.
These ancients have suffered a long time and finally have a shot at finding a lifemate. They have hope for the first time in centuries. They just have to hold out a little longer. Be strong. Don’t give up.
Chapter 1 of Dark Legacy
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These warriors are men of honor, suffering and in despair. They didn’t feel suicide was right and so they sought the company of others like themselves, looking for both sanctuary and camaraderie. Though, without the hope of ever finding a lifemate it was a lonely existence.
But, the outside world slipped in, in Dark Ghost, when Fane introduces himself as keeper of the monastery to Teagan and offers his assistance as well as the assistance of the warriors within the monastery. We learn much more about the monastery and its inhabitants in Dark Promises when Gabrielle follows Gary and finds, in a very horrible way, that Aleksei, one of the monk warriors, is her lifemate. Aleksei brings Gabrielle inside the monastery as he determines her fate, and his own. It is here in Dark Promises that two modern women are found to be lifemates; Gabrielle and Aleksei and then Trixie and Fane. The ancients can see for themselves that there’s hope out in the world now that they know psychic women can be lifemates.
With the ancients now aware that human women can be lifemates many of them join Tariq Asenguard in Southern California where he has set up a compound and monitors vampire activity, something that soon becomes an all-out war. More ancients join as the battle continues and we find in Dark Carousel that Tarqi has been chosen by Mikhail, the Prince, to represent him in the United States.
In Dark Legacy we discover that the vampires have a plan and are strategically working toward carrying out that plan, which includes killing Tariq and everyone who is helping him. Dark Legacy has a lot of action as the battle begins to spread and a huge twist leaves the danger growing more than the Carpathians realize. Dark Legacy also has some surprises that readers will be excited about and this revelation will reverberate throughout the next several books.
Dark Sentinel brings the New Guard together in a new way. And, we’re re-introduced to the human society of vampire hunters that have joined in the fray. Andor, one of the ancient warriors, is attacked on several fronts leaving him to die, which he is ready for. In order to save him it will take his lifemate and the New Guard of ancient warriors to ban together along with Gary Daratrazanoff, a great and powerful healer. But, they have to completely trust in each other, because there’s only one way to save Andor, and it’s never been tried before. If something goes wrong, some, or all even all of them, could die.
These ancients have suffered a long time and finally have a shot at finding a lifemate. They have hope for the first time in centuries. They just have to hold out a little longer. Be strong. Don’t give up.
Chapter 1 of Dark Legacy
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The Creation of a Hero: Andor Katona
Some heroes come to me easily. They speak to me in a way which may sound crazy, unless you’re an author, but is true. When I say that they speak to me, I mean that I know what their voice is. I know if they’re calm or volatile. I know if they are old fashioned or modern. I have a clear idea of who they are and how they behave.
That doesn’t always happen right away though. Some heroes are stubborn. When you see me torture them a bit, it may be that I’ve been struggling with him and he won’t fall in line with what I want. Those are often the most surprising heroes in which people either totally love them, or they don’t.
I love them all. Those who cooperate and make my storytelling easy for me. And, those who fight me along the way, forcing me to bend to their will, or causing me to force them into compliance.
Andor was a joy to write. I was in the mood for someone romantic and deep, perhaps a little vulnerable so our heroine could come along and remind him that life is worth fighting for. There’s something about a hero who struggles and suffers, but who would dig deep within himself to protect the woman he loves and is willing to compromise in order to secure his woman’s happiness. Andor was that man.
You know from the first chapter that he is weary. Like all of the other ancients from the monastery, he didn’t believe suicide was the answer. To “meet the dawn” because he hadn’t yet found his lifemate and had become dangerous to others was the reason he’d gone to the monastery, but time and violence and a perpetual lack of hope had worn him down. So, when he’s attacked and about to die, he is ready to accept it. Dying while fighting evil was an honorable way to go. He’d put in his time, fought his battles, and now he just wanted a release from his suffering.
Then, in storms a woman waving a saucepan and looking to save his life and in an instant everything in his world changes. Fate, destiny, dumb luck, call it what you will, but in that final moment Andor sees his salvation. And he sees it in full color.
Centuries of turmoil, violence, anguish and torment couldn’t hold a candle to a single second filled with hope and love. Everything that had made him the fearless, dangerous warrior he’d been for all that time sparked back to life and he was once again a deadly predator. And a dark sentinel.
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That doesn’t always happen right away though. Some heroes are stubborn. When you see me torture them a bit, it may be that I’ve been struggling with him and he won’t fall in line with what I want. Those are often the most surprising heroes in which people either totally love them, or they don’t.
I love them all. Those who cooperate and make my storytelling easy for me. And, those who fight me along the way, forcing me to bend to their will, or causing me to force them into compliance.
Andor was a joy to write. I was in the mood for someone romantic and deep, perhaps a little vulnerable so our heroine could come along and remind him that life is worth fighting for. There’s something about a hero who struggles and suffers, but who would dig deep within himself to protect the woman he loves and is willing to compromise in order to secure his woman’s happiness. Andor was that man.
You know from the first chapter that he is weary. Like all of the other ancients from the monastery, he didn’t believe suicide was the answer. To “meet the dawn” because he hadn’t yet found his lifemate and had become dangerous to others was the reason he’d gone to the monastery, but time and violence and a perpetual lack of hope had worn him down. So, when he’s attacked and about to die, he is ready to accept it. Dying while fighting evil was an honorable way to go. He’d put in his time, fought his battles, and now he just wanted a release from his suffering.
Then, in storms a woman waving a saucepan and looking to save his life and in an instant everything in his world changes. Fate, destiny, dumb luck, call it what you will, but in that final moment Andor sees his salvation. And he sees it in full color.
Centuries of turmoil, violence, anguish and torment couldn’t hold a candle to a single second filled with hope and love. Everything that had made him the fearless, dangerous warrior he’d been for all that time sparked back to life and he was once again a deadly predator. And a dark sentinel.
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A Gathering of Carpathians
Dark Sentinel opens up in the forested mountains of California. While Andor Katona contemplated dying, Lorraine Peters came out of the dark forest to save him, whether he liked it or not.
I’ve always loved researching different places, but I admit that California is near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in California. I live here still nestled back in the forest, near the ocean. I’ve been from one end of the state to the other, which says a lot since the state is roughly 770 miles in length and 250 miles in width. The state has oceans, deserts, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and even snow if you care to drive to it.
Looking at the majesty of the Carpathian Mountains, thinking of the monastery so high up and hidden away, I could easily see ancient Carpathian warriors feeling at home in California. Especially in the mountains and forests. I’m happy to move our ancients state-side and challenge them, not only to deal with vampires who have found a way to evolve and become diabolically strategic, but challenge them to live in a modern world, with modern women.
Andor has traveled to Southern California because he heard his brethren had found lifemates, the other half of their soul. He was willing to help Tariq Asenguard, the Carpathian who would oversee what was happening in the western United States, keep humans safe.
It was fun writing about Tariq’s compound where he’s set up a safe place for those who are under his protection and care. It’s a beautiful and vast piece of land with a large lake surrounded by homes.
It is in this compound that the ancient warriors from the monastery have gathered to fight an army of vampires and human puppets, zombie-like creatures and others willing to do their bidding.
Warriors with renewed hope, cunning, a desire to fight the evil vampires and keep humanity safe gather in Southern California ready to do battle and hoping to one day see in color.
Please do stop by my Kindle Notes & Highlights section and read the behind-the-writing notes I left for you. These are my notes to what readers said are their favorite passages in the book! Dark Sentinel Kindle Notes & Highlights.
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I’ve always loved researching different places, but I admit that California is near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in California. I live here still nestled back in the forest, near the ocean. I’ve been from one end of the state to the other, which says a lot since the state is roughly 770 miles in length and 250 miles in width. The state has oceans, deserts, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and even snow if you care to drive to it.
Looking at the majesty of the Carpathian Mountains, thinking of the monastery so high up and hidden away, I could easily see ancient Carpathian warriors feeling at home in California. Especially in the mountains and forests. I’m happy to move our ancients state-side and challenge them, not only to deal with vampires who have found a way to evolve and become diabolically strategic, but challenge them to live in a modern world, with modern women.
Andor has traveled to Southern California because he heard his brethren had found lifemates, the other half of their soul. He was willing to help Tariq Asenguard, the Carpathian who would oversee what was happening in the western United States, keep humans safe.
It was fun writing about Tariq’s compound where he’s set up a safe place for those who are under his protection and care. It’s a beautiful and vast piece of land with a large lake surrounded by homes.
It is in this compound that the ancient warriors from the monastery have gathered to fight an army of vampires and human puppets, zombie-like creatures and others willing to do their bidding.
Warriors with renewed hope, cunning, a desire to fight the evil vampires and keep humanity safe gather in Southern California ready to do battle and hoping to one day see in color.
Please do stop by my Kindle Notes & Highlights section and read the behind-the-writing notes I left for you. These are my notes to what readers said are their favorite passages in the book! Dark Sentinel Kindle Notes & Highlights.
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RESPECT – From the Brotherhood
How does a young, human woman find herself respected by a group of ancient warriors? The answer is simple – she earns it. Lorraine, our heroine in Dark Sentinel does exactly that.
The “brotherhood” are group of ancient Carpathian warriors who incarcerated themselves in a secret monastery high up in the Carpathian Mountains. They had become too dangerous to be around humans, but felt that walking into the sun was cowardly. They went there to be with one another, learn to deal with an emotionless life and keep their dangerous longings in check. They’d become so strong and so deadly they needed to remain around those who could stop them if they were to lose control.
The brotherhood was close, living for years with only each other. They all shared a common tattoo; a promise to their lifemate that they would hold on only for her. But, hope doesn’t always come to the gate. They discovered humans could be lifemates and the warriors went to the United States to help a fellow warrior and to look for that all-elusive lifemate.
Hardened warriors with little reason to trust the modern world, or even their Prince, found reason to give their respect to a human woman.
How do you get respect from these immortal men? You show you’re willing to put it all on the line, just as they do. You show that you’re willing to die to save someone else. So, when Lorraine was willing to go to the nether world to try and save Andor knowing she might lose her soul there with him, she earned her place among the warriors. She earned their respect.
Of course, adding a modern-day, spirited woman to a group of serious, old fashioned warriors added some endearing moments and significant humor. And for one ancient Carpathian, it added a great deal of hope and love.
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The “brotherhood” are group of ancient Carpathian warriors who incarcerated themselves in a secret monastery high up in the Carpathian Mountains. They had become too dangerous to be around humans, but felt that walking into the sun was cowardly. They went there to be with one another, learn to deal with an emotionless life and keep their dangerous longings in check. They’d become so strong and so deadly they needed to remain around those who could stop them if they were to lose control.
The brotherhood was close, living for years with only each other. They all shared a common tattoo; a promise to their lifemate that they would hold on only for her. But, hope doesn’t always come to the gate. They discovered humans could be lifemates and the warriors went to the United States to help a fellow warrior and to look for that all-elusive lifemate.
Hardened warriors with little reason to trust the modern world, or even their Prince, found reason to give their respect to a human woman.
How do you get respect from these immortal men? You show you’re willing to put it all on the line, just as they do. You show that you’re willing to die to save someone else. So, when Lorraine was willing to go to the nether world to try and save Andor knowing she might lose her soul there with him, she earned her place among the warriors. She earned their respect.
Of course, adding a modern-day, spirited woman to a group of serious, old fashioned warriors added some endearing moments and significant humor. And for one ancient Carpathian, it added a great deal of hope and love.
My Official Website
Christine Feehan Website
Christine's Facebook
Christine on Twitter
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The Woman in the Mirror: How we see ourselves in the heroines we read
It’s important to me that my heroines reflect a wide variety of women. Julija, from Dark Illusion, is more powerful than she knows. She thinks things about herself and about love that is filtered through some terrible life experiences. She was taught from an early age not to trust Carpathian males. So, when she meets Isai things don’t go smoothly.
I’ve had people ask me why I write heroines who sometimes fight becoming a lifemate. Let’s face it, if it all went easy there’d not be a lot to write about. There’s always conflict in new relationships and Carpathians have to deal with that like everyone else. Especially the men. Especially the ancient ones who know little of modern women.
In my real life I am a 3rd degree black belt and earned my instructor’s license to teach martial arts. I love martial arts, though I’m retired now, but I did that for 20 years. I taught special women’s classes. This was for battered, abused women. Some had had very horrible things done to them and they needed to fuel their courage. I say “fuel” and not “find” because all women have courage. Sometimes they just need to be reminded or lifted up. Learning self-defense can help with that.
So, I’ve met all kinds of women throughout my life. Some who are quiet, some who speak up and out and aren’t afraid to tell you what they think or how they feel. Some don’t want to be noticed, but prefer to stay in the background. Some want to fight anyone and everyone they feel needs it. Large women, petite women, every ethnicity, social background, walk of life, they all matter to me. I want all of them to have a happy ever after. Whatever that means to them.
When I started writing the Dark Series I wanted a woman who could accept an unusual man. Raven, from Dark Prince, was psychic and so she already knew there were unusual people in the world. She was one. As a couple Mikhail and Raven were a great example light and darkness. Raven is brilliant, confident and accepting. Mikhail lucked out!
Not all women are accepting. Gabrielle from Dark Promises certainly didn’t start out wanting her lifemate. Trixie (also from Dark Promises) tried to kill her future lifemate even as she admitted to herself that he’s hot.
Ivory Malinov fromDark Slayer is a formidable warrior. Emeline from Dark Legacy was timid and vulnerable in a way even though she certainly had courage.
Julija is a fighter. Unfortunately, her need to fight doesn’t always serve her well when it comes to love. She has courage. But, I love that she has a vulnerability at her core that helps us empathize with her and love her.
Of all of the Dark series heroines I’ve written, which do you feel you’re most like? Which one would you want to be most like?
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GhostWalkers, Carpathians, Leopards, Shadow Riders and Bikers ... Oh My!
I thought I'd update everyone on what books are coming out and what I'm writing now.
Toxic Game released in paperback recently and I'm so happy to have Draden and Shylah's story out once more. These two stole my heart and are one of my most favorite couples. I think Toxic Game is one of the most romantic stories I've ever written.
Next up for the GhostWalkers will be Lethal Game, which is Malichai Fortunes and Amaryllis.
I completed Lethal Game and turned it in already. I'm not sure which character will be next, but you're welcome to tell me who is on your wish list!
Dark Illusion was released in hardcover Sept. 3rd and I'm so happy so many of you enjoyed it. We hit #3 on the New York Times combined list, thank you! This is Julija and Isai's book. I enjoyed bringing back Xavier's book and the shadow cats! The paperback version will be out in a few months. As soon as I have an exact date I'll post that on my website.
Currently, I'm writing Dark Song which is Ferro and Elisabeta's book. I'm already a few chapters in and have I am being surprised by Ferro. It's always fun when a character becomes even better than I thought they would be and I'm having so much fun writing this story.
The book should be out around this time next year, but I don't have the exact date just yet.
Leopard's Wrath is my next Leopard series book and it will be released on Nov. 5th. This is Mitya and Ania's book. I know many readers have been waiting for Mitya's book and I'm happy it's finally time for his story to be told. You get to find out more about his history and I'm leading up to something surprising for this series in the books to come!
Shadow Flight is Taviano and Nicoletta's book and I am so excited it's finally their time! I completed that book and turned it in for editing. This is one of those books that was so satisfying to write. It's helpful to write about characters over a long period of time where you get to know them so well. When it's their time to be featured in a story you already know how they'll react. Sure, you get surprised from time to time, but they're familiar in a way that feels good to spend time with them. Both characters were that way. Yeah, there was a bit of fiasco in the beginning, but... oh wait...I can't give any of this away yet! It's too soon!
The next book in my Torpedo Ink series is Ice's book. Vendetta Road brings our Ice man to Vegas and to a woman he knows he doesn't deserve, but hey! Why let that stop you, right? LOL Ice has the charm and he's not afraid to use it. But, never fear, his woman is no shrinking violet. Someone's about to have their heart melt. :-)
After Vendetta Road is Desolation Road which is Absinthe's book. That book did not go as I had originally planned, which is always a double-edged sword. It's fun, but sometimes you just want a story take the easy road. What was I thinking? LOL
I think that catches up for now. I'd love to know which character you're most looking forward to reading about in any or all of my series!
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Christine Feehan Website
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Toxic Game released in paperback recently and I'm so happy to have Draden and Shylah's story out once more. These two stole my heart and are one of my most favorite couples. I think Toxic Game is one of the most romantic stories I've ever written.
Next up for the GhostWalkers will be Lethal Game, which is Malichai Fortunes and Amaryllis.
I completed Lethal Game and turned it in already. I'm not sure which character will be next, but you're welcome to tell me who is on your wish list!
Dark Illusion was released in hardcover Sept. 3rd and I'm so happy so many of you enjoyed it. We hit #3 on the New York Times combined list, thank you! This is Julija and Isai's book. I enjoyed bringing back Xavier's book and the shadow cats! The paperback version will be out in a few months. As soon as I have an exact date I'll post that on my website.
Currently, I'm writing Dark Song which is Ferro and Elisabeta's book. I'm already a few chapters in and have I am being surprised by Ferro. It's always fun when a character becomes even better than I thought they would be and I'm having so much fun writing this story.
The book should be out around this time next year, but I don't have the exact date just yet.
Leopard's Wrath is my next Leopard series book and it will be released on Nov. 5th. This is Mitya and Ania's book. I know many readers have been waiting for Mitya's book and I'm happy it's finally time for his story to be told. You get to find out more about his history and I'm leading up to something surprising for this series in the books to come!
Shadow Flight is Taviano and Nicoletta's book and I am so excited it's finally their time! I completed that book and turned it in for editing. This is one of those books that was so satisfying to write. It's helpful to write about characters over a long period of time where you get to know them so well. When it's their time to be featured in a story you already know how they'll react. Sure, you get surprised from time to time, but they're familiar in a way that feels good to spend time with them. Both characters were that way. Yeah, there was a bit of fiasco in the beginning, but... oh wait...I can't give any of this away yet! It's too soon!
The next book in my Torpedo Ink series is Ice's book. Vendetta Road brings our Ice man to Vegas and to a woman he knows he doesn't deserve, but hey! Why let that stop you, right? LOL Ice has the charm and he's not afraid to use it. But, never fear, his woman is no shrinking violet. Someone's about to have their heart melt. :-)
After Vendetta Road is Desolation Road which is Absinthe's book. That book did not go as I had originally planned, which is always a double-edged sword. It's fun, but sometimes you just want a story take the easy road. What was I thinking? LOL
I think that catches up for now. I'd love to know which character you're most looking forward to reading about in any or all of my series!
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Christine Feehan Website
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The Quiet Strength: Dark Song
I think it’s easy to see acts of courage when there’s a battle raging all around. It’s easy to see when the villain is obvious and engaged in evil. Our hero and heroine show their courage when they fight that evil either physically, psychically or perhaps with magic. But, there’s another kind of courage and strength that is often overlooked and that’s the courage of emotion.
If you think about it, being brave in light of overwhelming vulnerability can be the hardest fight of all. The scars can be the deepest. Losing an emotional battle can change you just as a physical fight can.
There’s a quiet strength to both Ferro and Elisabeta in Dark Song. Hers is perhaps more obvious. She’s fighting years and years of abuse. Years of being told she’s worth nothing. Years of head games and horror. Now, she’s escaped and every day, every decision she makes for herself, is an act of courage. Sometimes the greatest courage is not giving up. And smoldering beneath that vulnerability and fear is a quiet strength few see. But before it’s all over, her courage will surprise them all.
For Ferro his quiet strength is even more subdued. He’s a fierce warrior and even the other ancients fear him. He has a reputation from centuries of fighting. So, when his lifemate needs him as her shield he becomes that without fanfare. Without thought. He simply becomes what she needs regardless of how that makes him appear outwardly to the others.
As a couple their strength is in their patience with each other. And later, when everything falls apart, it is in the total trust they must give each other in order to survive.
