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Lovelace & Wick #1.5
Iago Wick and the Vampire Queen
This is an alternate cover edition for B07584BL66
As a demon, Iago Wick has made quite a career out of conjuring mischief and mayhem in the name of Hell, but this time, perhaps he’s gone a bit too far.
After deliberately foiling the plans of a spoiled vampire—all in the name of fun, really!—Iago discovers that the vampire in question is no ordinary bloodsucker. She’s the newly-appointed matriarch of one of the oldest vampire families in America, and she’s very angry.
Soon, Iago is caught in a war with the vampires and their cyborg servants. Will he settle his score with the clan of bloodsuckers or will Iago find himself at the mercy of the Vampire Queen? What precisely is the matter with those strange cybernetic servants, anyway? And most importantly, will Iago ever get the smell of garlic out of his clothes?
"Iago Wick and the Vampire Queen" is a 17,000-word short story prequel to The Lovelace & Wick Series.
As a demon, Iago Wick has made quite a career out of conjuring mischief and mayhem in the name of Hell, but this time, perhaps he’s gone a bit too far.
After deliberately foiling the plans of a spoiled vampire—all in the name of fun, really!—Iago discovers that the vampire in question is no ordinary bloodsucker. She’s the newly-appointed matriarch of one of the oldest vampire families in America, and she’s very angry.
Soon, Iago is caught in a war with the vampires and their cyborg servants. Will he settle his score with the clan of bloodsuckers or will Iago find himself at the mercy of the Vampire Queen? What precisely is the matter with those strange cybernetic servants, anyway? And most importantly, will Iago ever get the smell of garlic out of his clothes?
"Iago Wick and the Vampire Queen" is a 17,000-word short story prequel to The Lovelace & Wick Series.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2017
30 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rainey
12 books86 followersJennifer Rainey is a sometimes-writer, sometimes-folk singer from beautiful central Ohio. When she's not busy writing, you can probably find her perusing antique malls or watching classic horror films.
To keep an eye on what she's up to, please check out http://jenniferraineyauthor.blogspot.com.
To keep an eye on what she's up to, please check out http://jenniferraineyauthor.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 9, 2020
This is chronologically set before the events of the first book, but I think the series numbering is correct and it’s better to read this short story after the first book, which introduces the reader to the worldbuilding and the characters. Also, there are a couple of references to secondary characters of the first book that would be completely missed otherwise.
The dry humor I loved so much in the first book is still here and the writing seemed to flow more easily than in the first half of the previous book, it could be that it just felt that way because I’m now used to the writing style, but I don’t think so and it’s promising for the rest of the series.
As far as the plot goes, Iago gets himself into trouble while in the process of gaining souls for Hell, so what else is new?
Maybe one of these days he will allow his beloved and patient partner Dante to plan disasters and mayhem in peace, but this is not the day. And given how entertaining the results are, I can’t say I’m disappointed. Dante will just have to forgive Iago for more than his regular lateness for dinner. Ah, the things a demon must endure for love.
The dry humor I loved so much in the first book is still here and the writing seemed to flow more easily than in the first half of the previous book, it could be that it just felt that way because I’m now used to the writing style, but I don’t think so and it’s promising for the rest of the series.
As far as the plot goes, Iago gets himself into trouble while in the process of gaining souls for Hell, so what else is new?
Maybe one of these days he will allow his beloved and patient partner Dante to plan disasters and mayhem in peace, but this is not the day. And given how entertaining the results are, I can’t say I’m disappointed. Dante will just have to forgive Iago for more than his regular lateness for dinner. Ah, the things a demon must endure for love.
November 11, 2020
Another entertaining installment in the series. Labeled #1.5, this novella is actually set prior to the events of Book 1. Still, I think reading Book 1 first was the right way to go; that makes it easy to sink right into this story, since the world has already been established.
Supporting characters in Book 1 make brief appearances here -- little do they know what's in store for them in the very near future, mwahahaha -- and the writing seems smoother and more assured. Not that there was ever any problem with the writing, but here it just flows, nicely spiced with Iago Wick's humorous musings on the human (and the demonic) condition.
He's a demon who does love his job. And he's a bit of a shit-stirrer on occasion; his irrepressible urge to push things just a little too far is part of what makes him so much fun as a character.
That inability to resist sowing a bit of mayhem when the opportunity arises gets him -- and his lover/partner Dante Lovelace -- into a very tricky situation with a family of vampires.
This book is perma-free on amazon, which, honestly, just seems wrong. I would gladly have paid for it -- and if you know what a sales-hound I am, you'll know I do not say such things lightly. :)
Supporting characters in Book 1 make brief appearances here -- little do they know what's in store for them in the very near future, mwahahaha -- and the writing seems smoother and more assured. Not that there was ever any problem with the writing, but here it just flows, nicely spiced with Iago Wick's humorous musings on the human (and the demonic) condition.
Iago Wick did not make trouble. Rather, he looked for the seeds of trouble and encouraged them to sprout and grow.
He's a demon who does love his job. And he's a bit of a shit-stirrer on occasion; his irrepressible urge to push things just a little too far is part of what makes him so much fun as a character.
He had a feeling this would come back to haunt him, but the call to cause such mischief was too resonant to ignore.
That inability to resist sowing a bit of mayhem when the opportunity arises gets him -- and his lover/partner Dante Lovelace -- into a very tricky situation with a family of vampires.
This book is perma-free on amazon, which, honestly, just seems wrong. I would gladly have paid for it -- and if you know what a sales-hound I am, you'll know I do not say such things lightly. :)
November 11, 2020
This is actually a prequel and could be read first, but I think the world building is more solid and detailed in the first book and the character arc for Iago may be too foreshadowed if you read this one first.
That said, this was much more tightly written and more enjoyable. Perhaps that's because I know what the author is doing with this world now, but I think it also helps that this is more focused and doesn't spend too much time getting to the main conflict, unlike the first book. The dry humor is on par as well, and even provides some interesting insights into Dante's character as well.
Thanks to be BRers, Elena and Rosa, and thanks to Teal for bringing these to our attention.
That said, this was much more tightly written and more enjoyable. Perhaps that's because I know what the author is doing with this world now, but I think it also helps that this is more focused and doesn't spend too much time getting to the main conflict, unlike the first book. The dry humor is on par as well, and even provides some interesting insights into Dante's character as well.
Thanks to be BRers, Elena and Rosa, and thanks to Teal for bringing these to our attention.
November 11, 2020
I liked this short story as much as I liked the first book in the series. It takes place before the events in the first book, but I think it's better reading it between the first and the second because you have an idea about the world our characters are into.
I liked a lot this glimpse at Iago and Dante lives. I think I'm starting to like Dante even more than Iago, and I'm looking forward to spend more time with him.
And as always, BR makes everything better, so thank you to Ele, Linda and Teal for keeping me company.
I liked a lot this glimpse at Iago and Dante lives. I think I'm starting to like Dante even more than Iago, and I'm looking forward to spend more time with him.
And as always, BR makes everything better, so thank you to Ele, Linda and Teal for keeping me company.
September 15, 2021
This scratched a distinct itch somewhere between Bartimaeus & The Parasol Protectorate on the snarky/silly/sexy steampunk Victorian dealings with demons and vampires.
I will probably continue this (self-published) series.
I will probably continue this (self-published) series.
September 3, 2018
4.5 stars. lmao reading this. Despite the huge career difference, I can't help sharing the kindled spirit with Mr Iago Wick.
July 18, 2024
Supernatural business is nothing to mess around with.
I enjoyed the quiet and unassuming small town setting. Honestly, the residents of Marlowe probably wouldn’t have believed what was going on behind closed doors in their sleepy community even if one of the main characters had decided to reveal their true identities to everyone. Peaceful places are a good option for hiding in plain sight, and I liked the way the author showed the many ways in which awful deeds can done right under the noses of people who think they know all of the local gossip already.
This novella had a dry sense of humor that I struggled to connect with due to the terrible things that were simultaneously happening to so many of the human characters. I’d read about either one of these things on their own, but the combination of them simply didn’t work for me as a reader. It felt a little too flippant to move between an edgy joke and another description of the ways in which vampires harm the humans around them. This is a subjective piece of criticism, of course, and I’m sure there are a lot of readers out there who love this sort of dark writing style. I’m simply not one of them, and I found myself wishing I could stick to the more lighthearted elements of the plot and skip over the rest.
With that being said, Iago’s personality was such an interesting one. There was a strong, sharp sense of danger surrounding him due to the fact that he’s (obviously) a demon and therefore not exactly the most wholesome fellow around. He had his own moral code that often didn’t match up to what a human might consider a reasonable or kind thing to do, but I did admire the way he stuck to it no matter who or what might have tempted him to break the rules of hell just once.
Iago Wick and the Vampire Queen was a playful read.
I enjoyed the quiet and unassuming small town setting. Honestly, the residents of Marlowe probably wouldn’t have believed what was going on behind closed doors in their sleepy community even if one of the main characters had decided to reveal their true identities to everyone. Peaceful places are a good option for hiding in plain sight, and I liked the way the author showed the many ways in which awful deeds can done right under the noses of people who think they know all of the local gossip already.
This novella had a dry sense of humor that I struggled to connect with due to the terrible things that were simultaneously happening to so many of the human characters. I’d read about either one of these things on their own, but the combination of them simply didn’t work for me as a reader. It felt a little too flippant to move between an edgy joke and another description of the ways in which vampires harm the humans around them. This is a subjective piece of criticism, of course, and I’m sure there are a lot of readers out there who love this sort of dark writing style. I’m simply not one of them, and I found myself wishing I could stick to the more lighthearted elements of the plot and skip over the rest.
With that being said, Iago’s personality was such an interesting one. There was a strong, sharp sense of danger surrounding him due to the fact that he’s (obviously) a demon and therefore not exactly the most wholesome fellow around. He had his own moral code that often didn’t match up to what a human might consider a reasonable or kind thing to do, but I did admire the way he stuck to it no matter who or what might have tempted him to break the rules of hell just once.
Iago Wick and the Vampire Queen was a playful read.
April 7, 2018
Zero chance of boredom while reading this book.
This book’s brilliant opening was just a taste of the vivid imagery and dark, ironic humour that characterises the writing. Before I had finished the first page, I knew I had found an author whose work I would truly appreciate.
This story is deliciously dark and twisted, full of varied and creatively crafted characters who each have their own motivations and desires that bring some surprising twists to the tale. The story moves at a very good pace, with lots of interesting plot and character developments.
The other aspect of this story that I really enjoy is that it delivers a wonderfully unique combination of steampunk, science fiction, historical fiction and paranormal elements.
There is absolutely zero chance of boredom while reading this book, and it is perfect for my subversive sense of humour. I definitely intend to read this entire series.
This book’s brilliant opening was just a taste of the vivid imagery and dark, ironic humour that characterises the writing. Before I had finished the first page, I knew I had found an author whose work I would truly appreciate.
This story is deliciously dark and twisted, full of varied and creatively crafted characters who each have their own motivations and desires that bring some surprising twists to the tale. The story moves at a very good pace, with lots of interesting plot and character developments.
The other aspect of this story that I really enjoy is that it delivers a wonderfully unique combination of steampunk, science fiction, historical fiction and paranormal elements.
There is absolutely zero chance of boredom while reading this book, and it is perfect for my subversive sense of humour. I definitely intend to read this entire series.
September 15, 2022
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me.
When demon Iago Wick harvests the soul of lovelorn Michael Locksley, he brings the wrath of the new vampire queen of Marlowe down upon himself and his lover Dante… and a good bit of hilarity ensues in the process.
I love a well-rounded anti-hero. Both Iago and Dante fit that description. Despite the fact that they’re agents of Lucifer, they’re far from unlikable. They have very human foibles that make them wonderfully relatable. I also may be low-key in love with Dante after this story to be honest.
The humor was dark, well-timed, and didn’t feel forced in my opinion. It gave me Good Omens-esque vibes, and through most of the story, I pictured Iago as a younger Michael Sheen. I think of you enjoyed that book or show, this would be a good read for you as well.
Finally, the writing was engaging and flowing. I never felt bogged down while reading it.
This short story sold me on Rainey’s Iago Wick series and I’ll be coming back for more.
When demon Iago Wick harvests the soul of lovelorn Michael Locksley, he brings the wrath of the new vampire queen of Marlowe down upon himself and his lover Dante… and a good bit of hilarity ensues in the process.
I love a well-rounded anti-hero. Both Iago and Dante fit that description. Despite the fact that they’re agents of Lucifer, they’re far from unlikable. They have very human foibles that make them wonderfully relatable. I also may be low-key in love with Dante after this story to be honest.
The humor was dark, well-timed, and didn’t feel forced in my opinion. It gave me Good Omens-esque vibes, and through most of the story, I pictured Iago as a younger Michael Sheen. I think of you enjoyed that book or show, this would be a good read for you as well.
Finally, the writing was engaging and flowing. I never felt bogged down while reading it.
This short story sold me on Rainey’s Iago Wick series and I’ll be coming back for more.
May 20, 2019
Interesting
I’m not sure what to call the style of this book but it works very hard to be clever. The characters are quite precious and arch with each other. It would be dreadfully tiring to always be as witty and insouciant as they are. I found it amusing but I’m not sure I could read a lot of it. I’m certain many people will enjoy it. It reminds me quite a bit of the Good Intentions book by Pratchett and Gaiman.
I’m not sure what to call the style of this book but it works very hard to be clever. The characters are quite precious and arch with each other. It would be dreadfully tiring to always be as witty and insouciant as they are. I found it amusing but I’m not sure I could read a lot of it. I’m certain many people will enjoy it. It reminds me quite a bit of the Good Intentions book by Pratchett and Gaiman.
October 1, 2023
Interesting
Short but quite a fun read, when a human falls in love with a vampire queen you know it's not going to end well, so he sells his soul to a demon which sparks a vendetta between the vampires and said demon and all hell breaks loose. Not a bad read, Baz.
Short but quite a fun read, when a human falls in love with a vampire queen you know it's not going to end well, so he sells his soul to a demon which sparks a vendetta between the vampires and said demon and all hell breaks loose. Not a bad read, Baz.
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April 9, 2018I read this after the next book in the series. It was still entertaining. I enjoy Iago and Dante. Well written.
January 5, 2019
Vampires, demons, and cyborgs, oh my! This was a short, fun little paranormal romp.
September 15, 2019
Another good one.
January 4, 2021
Entertaining prequel to the Wick & Lovelace series. Longish story rather than a novel. Looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews