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Rosso Lussuria Vampire #1
Darkness Embraced
Where there is light, the darkness awaits, never too far behind.
Two hundred years ago, Epiphany was reborn a vampire. Sired by Renata, the Queen of the Rosso Lussuria, Epiphany willingly played the role of the queen’s beloved petuntil the day came when she was cast from the Renata’s bed and lost the queen’s protection from the Elder vampires.
Epiphany has done her best not to become a target, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, like a long-forgotten memory huddling beneath the mantle of Vasco’s power, her one true friend among the Rosso Lussuria. But now Renata has called Epiphany forth to face the Challenges that will elevate her clan status to the ranks of the Elder. But Epiphany has few friends and many enemies, and the chances of surviving the Challenges are slim.
Surrounded by harsh vampire politics and secret ambitions, Epiphany learns that an old enemy is plotting treason against the woman she once loved, and to save all she holds dear, she must embrace and form an alliance with the dark.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2011
25 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Winter Pennington
13 books304 followersWinter Pennington is the author of the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. She is an avid practitioner of nature-based spirituality and enjoys spending her spare time studying mythology from around the world. The Celtic path is very close to her heart. She has an uncanny fascination with swords and daggers, and a fondness for feeding loud and obnoxious corvids. In the shadow of her writing, she has experience working with a plethora of animals as a pet care specialist and veterinary assistant. She currently resides in Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 2, 2011
Darkness Embraced is the first novel in a new series by Winter Pennington. For some unknown reason the book's description didn't really grab me and I wasn't sure I wanted to read it (although the gorgeous cover sure grabbed my attention). I had really enjoyed Pennington's previous books, so with dragging feet I reluctantly started reading. Boy oh boy was I glad I did! It was such a great read and I couldn't put it down until I had finished.
The book follows Epiphany, an underling vampire in the Rosso Lussuria clan. Her first fifty years as a vampire were spent at her queen's side, loved and protected. For reasons she doesn't know she's cast out amongst the other underlings and has to spend the next one hundred and fifty years just surviving. Surviving the loss of her queen, the anger at being cast aside and the attentions of the clan elders.
The only thing that has kept her safe is the friendship of Vasco, one of the elders. His power has shielded her for the last one hundred and fifty years, but now it's time for Epiphany to step forward and challenge for the right to be an elder herself. She's not looking forward to the challenge, not so much the tests themselves, but that she'll have to face her sire and queen and one time love, Renata.
The challenge sets in motion events she could never have imagined. Epiphany is forced to face her own growing power as she steps into the middle of vampire politics, jealousies, ambitions and plots. Most unexpected of all, the realization that maybe, just maybe, her queen still has feelings for her.
Pennington has a wonderful talent at writing paranormal stories. Unlike many of the recent books in the genre that have vamps living amongst humans, Darkness Embraced has the vampire clan living in almost total isolation. This allows for the focus to be totally on the vampires and the clan hierarchy, customs and politics. Vampires and sex seem to go hand in hand and Darkness Embraced embraces the sexuality and sensuality of the main characters and takes them to wild, edgy places.
I think part of my initial hesitation in reading it, was that it was clearly marked as the start of a series. I always worry I'll get to the end and there'll be unresolved story lines and questions and I'll be left feeling frustrated. Thankfully Pennington does a great job of writing a well developed and complete book that can stand on its own, even if she never writes another in the series. Of course having said that, I sure hope she's writing up a storm with more books in the Rosso Lussuria Vampire series and we get to enjoy more stories started so brilliantly in Darkness Embraced.
The book follows Epiphany, an underling vampire in the Rosso Lussuria clan. Her first fifty years as a vampire were spent at her queen's side, loved and protected. For reasons she doesn't know she's cast out amongst the other underlings and has to spend the next one hundred and fifty years just surviving. Surviving the loss of her queen, the anger at being cast aside and the attentions of the clan elders.
The only thing that has kept her safe is the friendship of Vasco, one of the elders. His power has shielded her for the last one hundred and fifty years, but now it's time for Epiphany to step forward and challenge for the right to be an elder herself. She's not looking forward to the challenge, not so much the tests themselves, but that she'll have to face her sire and queen and one time love, Renata.
The challenge sets in motion events she could never have imagined. Epiphany is forced to face her own growing power as she steps into the middle of vampire politics, jealousies, ambitions and plots. Most unexpected of all, the realization that maybe, just maybe, her queen still has feelings for her.
Pennington has a wonderful talent at writing paranormal stories. Unlike many of the recent books in the genre that have vamps living amongst humans, Darkness Embraced has the vampire clan living in almost total isolation. This allows for the focus to be totally on the vampires and the clan hierarchy, customs and politics. Vampires and sex seem to go hand in hand and Darkness Embraced embraces the sexuality and sensuality of the main characters and takes them to wild, edgy places.
I think part of my initial hesitation in reading it, was that it was clearly marked as the start of a series. I always worry I'll get to the end and there'll be unresolved story lines and questions and I'll be left feeling frustrated. Thankfully Pennington does a great job of writing a well developed and complete book that can stand on its own, even if she never writes another in the series. Of course having said that, I sure hope she's writing up a storm with more books in the Rosso Lussuria Vampire series and we get to enjoy more stories started so brilliantly in Darkness Embraced.
August 19, 2021
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was not this, but I loved it either way! Such a pleasant surprise. I love when a book surprises me like this. I love vampire stories and I enjoyed this one very much. Epiphany and Renata’s story is so interesting and their chemistry is just off the charts and I love how trusting they are and how they communicate their feelings, albeit not at first, but it happens and it’s the best thing ever! I also loved the plot and trying to figure out who was after the Queen for the throne, sadly this time my guess was wrong lmfao which is cool because it was not predictable like most books. 100% recommend
June 2, 2012
As I started reading this book I realized that I am totally addicted to Winter Pennington’s writing style. Yes, it’s a paranormal story and that may not be everyone’s bad, but it’s so well done that the reader doesn’t get bogged down in questioning if the premise could be real. The characters and their story “feel” real and it’s completely engaging. In my mind that’s what really matters.
Well that matters and the fact that I’ve read everything I can find by Winter Pennington and might need a 12 step program to get me through until her next release. It was bad enough that I’m hooked on the Kassandra Hall Series, now I’m hoping that Renata and Epiphany also turn into a series.
Well that matters and the fact that I’ve read everything I can find by Winter Pennington and might need a 12 step program to get me through until her next release. It was bad enough that I’m hooked on the Kassandra Hall Series, now I’m hoping that Renata and Epiphany also turn into a series.
July 31, 2019
2.5 stars
March 1, 2017
The idea of the Dracule (however that is spelled) was interesting. Actually the most interesting part of the book. Silky, furry critters. Might be interesting to read more about them.
Overall, the book just had way too much sex in it for me personally. Interesting enough story/read or I wouldn't have finished or given up to 3 stars, but still. It's one of the reasons that other series I read by Pennington kept getting lower and lower ratings (5 stars, 4, 3). Each book I read by Pennington seems to have even more sex in it and/or obsession with.
At this rate, the next book or the one after will open during sex, will involve people walking around while humping each other (maybe just telepathically), will have fight scenes during sexual activity, then the book will climax with a ...well, explosive climax.
Overall, the book just had way too much sex in it for me personally. Interesting enough story/read or I wouldn't have finished or given up to 3 stars, but still. It's one of the reasons that other series I read by Pennington kept getting lower and lower ratings (5 stars, 4, 3). Each book I read by Pennington seems to have even more sex in it and/or obsession with.
At this rate, the next book or the one after will open during sex, will involve people walking around while humping each other (maybe just telepathically), will have fight scenes during sexual activity, then the book will climax with a ...well, explosive climax.
May 5, 2011
Romance is my first choice for reading, so I was pleased to find that "Darkness Embraced" is a paranormal romance. This novel stands alone, however, among the paranormal-themed books I've read because it isn't about weres or vampires living among the human race, it is about an underground world of vampires who keep secluded from humans as much as possible and still feed. The author does a credible job of building her world and a very good job of fleshing out her characters. It won't be for everyone, but I enjoyed watching her main character come into her power and finally capture the woman who holds her heart.
November 6, 2022
This book just keeps me coming back. I'm not sure if it is the dominance and submission in the bedroom or the main character shaking off her lethargy and standing up for herself. Probably both. And I am sure I'll be back for more.
October 2, 2020
I rather enjoyed this. The vampires are well done and well conceived in the main. When the Dracule was introduced I admit I thought, oh no not another tired treatment of the Dracula myth/legend/fable. But in the end, it was reasonably decent.
There is a great deal of sex. And in some parts, I think it felt as though it was chapter after chapter of light dominance and blood games. However, under all of that pointless frolicking - to me at least - there were some great plot hooks. Cuinn. Vasco. Some not so good. The obligatory psychotic whack-job. The ending was obvious, but I didn't care. I'm going to see if there are any more of these and add them to the list.
There is a great deal of sex. And in some parts, I think it felt as though it was chapter after chapter of light dominance and blood games. However, under all of that pointless frolicking - to me at least - there were some great plot hooks. Cuinn. Vasco. Some not so good. The obligatory psychotic whack-job. The ending was obvious, but I didn't care. I'm going to see if there are any more of these and add them to the list.
July 13, 2011
Ah, Winter Pennington ... you write urban fantasy well. Not sure if this really fits urban fantasy, but its still a great book.
This book is a departure from Pennington's Witch Wolf series (Kassandra Lyle) and doesn't appear to even be in the same universe - the vampires in this book live apart from humans whereas in Lyle's they are integrated into society.
The story revolves around a young vampire (200 years old ... but young) who has to face an intiatiation ceremony to become an Elder. Sounds easy, but these are vampires - so lots of plotting, powerful enemies and some pretty steamy bedroom scenes. Pennington has made some departures from the standard vampire fare which gives the book a unique feel and made me pay a bit more attention to her world building.
The title says Rosso Lussario Vampire 1 ... which makes me think that this will be the first in the series. At the end there's a unfinished thread or two that indicates that another book will be coming out to address them, but at the same time, Pennington wrapped up quite a bit and gave me the impression that this one was ended with a HEA (well, those who deserved a happily ever after). If another book doesn't come out, I'm satisfied enough with the ending. If another book does come out ... I'll be buying it.
This book is a departure from Pennington's Witch Wolf series (Kassandra Lyle) and doesn't appear to even be in the same universe - the vampires in this book live apart from humans whereas in Lyle's they are integrated into society.
The story revolves around a young vampire (200 years old ... but young) who has to face an intiatiation ceremony to become an Elder. Sounds easy, but these are vampires - so lots of plotting, powerful enemies and some pretty steamy bedroom scenes. Pennington has made some departures from the standard vampire fare which gives the book a unique feel and made me pay a bit more attention to her world building.
The title says Rosso Lussario Vampire 1 ... which makes me think that this will be the first in the series. At the end there's a unfinished thread or two that indicates that another book will be coming out to address them, but at the same time, Pennington wrapped up quite a bit and gave me the impression that this one was ended with a HEA (well, those who deserved a happily ever after). If another book doesn't come out, I'm satisfied enough with the ending. If another book does come out ... I'll be buying it.
November 28, 2019
I love Pennington’s take on vampires. It was very interesting and a new take on things. I liked that not all vampires have the same abilities and not all vampires have abilities at all. I liked the idea of them living in kind of hive, away from the human population. They only venture out when in need of new blood. I really loved the introduction of the Dracules or Great Sires, the idea of the Cuinn, the spirit of the fox blade, and the history of the first Vampire. The power dynamics between Renata and Epiphany was sizzling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
We have Epiphany a calm, quiet, and reserved submissive with a dark side. Her hash vampire mistress who loves her and guards her with and she holds dear. A third creature: a lover and a protector. I find ménágé á trîo books quite hot and this one no less. Sex, women, and mythical creature. Stuff fantasies are made of. As far as mystery and got s3x scenes go, this one is awesome. A great plot, and a solid story with characters that are full of flaws and personalities. Pennington has the whole mystery/fantasy writing down to perfection. Always a delight reading a Pennington book.
September 11, 2011
Enjoyed this book for it's sex scenes however the plot was not as in depth as her previous books. The book contains some light bdsm.
Worth a read however, I liked her other series that starts with "Witch Hunt" more.
Worth a read however, I liked her other series that starts with "Witch Hunt" more.
January 5, 2021
Muy buena historia, original y bien pensada, ya que casi todo lo de este estilo suele estar muy trillado.
March 4, 2023
Everything was perfect up until the dracule scene.
I just didn't really like it.
3 stars
I just didn't really like it.
3 stars
October 23, 2022
Everything…
Everything that this author writes is amazing and beyond my expectations. I purchased this book almost a year ago and I am just reading it. For what is contained in these pages; I should have read it when purchased. However I read her other series first and was blown away by the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. Unfortunately, it is not finished. Sigh. It has been a long time; she may never finish it.
This book was just as clever as that series. A common theme is that the heroine is seen as small and weak by others. But has significant strength and courage when called upon. Sexuality and sensuality are strong undercurrents of her MC. It is thrilling to witness it. It made me want to experience Epiphany. It made me want to know the Queen even more. It made me want to be the Queen’s. The way she wrote Renata’s story was quite enthralling from the very moment we laid eyes on her.
The story has so many interesting turns. Another thing about this author is that there is usually a triangle of some sort and typically winds up consensual. It is still something I personally don’t understand. But I find it interesting to read. But it does break something in me every time I encounter it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I hope it makes things final if there are no other books coming. I need more of these characters in my life.
Everything that this author writes is amazing and beyond my expectations. I purchased this book almost a year ago and I am just reading it. For what is contained in these pages; I should have read it when purchased. However I read her other series first and was blown away by the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. Unfortunately, it is not finished. Sigh. It has been a long time; she may never finish it.
This book was just as clever as that series. A common theme is that the heroine is seen as small and weak by others. But has significant strength and courage when called upon. Sexuality and sensuality are strong undercurrents of her MC. It is thrilling to witness it. It made me want to experience Epiphany. It made me want to know the Queen even more. It made me want to be the Queen’s. The way she wrote Renata’s story was quite enthralling from the very moment we laid eyes on her.
The story has so many interesting turns. Another thing about this author is that there is usually a triangle of some sort and typically winds up consensual. It is still something I personally don’t understand. But I find it interesting to read. But it does break something in me every time I encounter it.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I hope it makes things final if there are no other books coming. I need more of these characters in my life.
December 19, 2022
This was alright.
*The language was super strange and stilted. The conversations were stiff and the people acted like they didn't know each other at all. They dissected every little point while talking and would go back and forth over inconsequential details.
*Epiphany only succeeded at the challenges because of other people. It's frustrating to call that character development at all. For the past 150 years, didbshe really learn absolutely nothing? What was she doing? Certainly not learning Italian or how to fight. It seemed like Cuinn was more the MC than she was.
*she knows nothing about the other vampires. Her world is so small.
*The language was super strange and stilted. The conversations were stiff and the people acted like they didn't know each other at all. They dissected every little point while talking and would go back and forth over inconsequential details.
*Epiphany only succeeded at the challenges because of other people. It's frustrating to call that character development at all. For the past 150 years, didbshe really learn absolutely nothing? What was she doing? Certainly not learning Italian or how to fight. It seemed like Cuinn was more the MC than she was.
*she knows nothing about the other vampires. Her world is so small.
September 15, 2018
Ratings
This novel is not my cup of tea but I continued to read it because I enjoyed the unique storyline. When I went to give the novel a rating at first I went with 2 stars because of my prejudice against the sexually aspects of the book but that is not fair as I did enjoy the storyline and will read more novels by this author.
This novel is not my cup of tea but I continued to read it because I enjoyed the unique storyline. When I went to give the novel a rating at first I went with 2 stars because of my prejudice against the sexually aspects of the book but that is not fair as I did enjoy the storyline and will read more novels by this author.
July 4, 2022
Sooooooo Good it took me by surprise!
This book has become one of my absolute favorites! I read this book within one day and was absolutely enthralled! I adore the Author’s writing style and truly enjoyed EVERY SINGLE ONE of the characters! Enjoyed the mix of the pain and pleasure, dominance and tenderness….I mean every part of it spoke to me! Would 10 out of 10 recommend!
This book has become one of my absolute favorites! I read this book within one day and was absolutely enthralled! I adore the Author’s writing style and truly enjoyed EVERY SINGLE ONE of the characters! Enjoyed the mix of the pain and pleasure, dominance and tenderness….I mean every part of it spoke to me! Would 10 out of 10 recommend!
July 17, 2025
A thoroughly captivating read from beginning to end. The action, the intrigue, the suspense and the jokes, the romance, the passion, the pain and pleasure and of course the blood. What vampire story would it be without the blood? With a fff polyamorous romance thrown in and some mild bondage and bdsm scenes. Enthralling read!
June 3, 2018
good concept nah excecution
October 4, 2019
hmmmm
October 16, 2020
Good writing and easy to read. Such a good novel to read in quarentine! And as a lesbian I liked it very much thanks 🤣
January 25, 2022
I liked the book!
March 19, 2023
3.5 Stars
April 8, 2025
Was not expecting polyamory and monster sex. Just a tad off-putting…
July 13, 2017
You know those books where there's a character who is not the protagonist who you just fall in love with so much that they almost overshadow the person you're supposed to be focused on? Yeeeaahh... that was what happened with Darkness Embraced. All I have to say is: Vasco.
Alright, that's not actually all I have to say about this book. But I will say that Vasco is this huge, strong, tough, gay Italian vampire with a heart of gold and silver tinsel in his braids who I just want as my best friend. I would read an entire series about his past and story to where he is now. He was lovable and protective and I just cared so much about what happened to him that during the final battle our protagonist is fighting to the death and all I could think about was "Wait, where the hell is Vasco?! He's okay right? Because I haven't read his name for like 3 paragraphs, that doesn't mean he got hit did he?!" It was really rather ridiculous how attached I got to this guy in about 250 pages. He was a teasing, caring Elder who could be so unexpectedly gentle and then stick a sword in someone the next minute. It was beautiful to watch him be so proud of Epiphany as she grew because every time he smiled, it made me grin too.
OH RIGHT - sorry. Our protagonist here is Epiphany - a fairly young (relatively speaking) vampire who was cast out by her lover Renata, the Queen of their clan, for reasons she never knew. However it's time for her to begin her challenges to become an Elder, and that means going back to her old home, Rosso Lussuria, and facing the woman she's been trying (read: failing) not to love for the last 200 years.
I couldn't quite place why, but Epiphany irritated me sometimes. Maybe it was because it seemed like So that really bothered me. I agree that she got more politically minded and observant and bold, but other than that I didn't see her work that hard and put in her own blood, sweat and tears for what she got (haha, get it? blood, sweat and tears? And she's a vampire? Yeah? No? Y'know what, leave me alone, it's literally midnight right now). She also just seemed like she was unnecessarily looking for a fight sometimes, and then getting confused/annoyed when some Elders didn't like her. Specifically .
The romance was good, albeit a bit complicated when Iliaria got involved. I really don't feel like going too far into that, I'll just say it made me slightly uncomfortable at one point and I just really didn't like that whole plot line. I didn't actually get as much into it as I thought I would, I think partly because of the whole Iliaria situation. That was slightly disappointing.
The writing was engaging and fun to read, but the plot left something to be desired. The end reveal was ultimately predictable and I felt like I expected more. That being said, I got through this pretty quickly (especially considering with that slightly risque [gorgeous] cover, it's not like I could pick it up on the subway).
Just really quick before I collapse for the night, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Cuinn. I don't think I'll ever get enough of animal sidekicks (even when they're just inside your head) and his snarkiness and smugness just made my heart sing.
A couple characters I fell in love with and fun writing and an intriguing plot made me speed through this, but the ultimate reveal and main character made this a more disappointing read than it could have been if it had maybe taken a different direction (or just been about Vasco). But hey, I'm a sucker for lesbian romance, what can I say?
Alright, that's not actually all I have to say about this book. But I will say that Vasco is this huge, strong, tough, gay Italian vampire with a heart of gold and silver tinsel in his braids who I just want as my best friend. I would read an entire series about his past and story to where he is now. He was lovable and protective and I just cared so much about what happened to him that during the final battle our protagonist is fighting to the death and all I could think about was "Wait, where the hell is Vasco?! He's okay right? Because I haven't read his name for like 3 paragraphs, that doesn't mean he got hit did he?!" It was really rather ridiculous how attached I got to this guy in about 250 pages. He was a teasing, caring Elder who could be so unexpectedly gentle and then stick a sword in someone the next minute. It was beautiful to watch him be so proud of Epiphany as she grew because every time he smiled, it made me grin too.
OH RIGHT - sorry. Our protagonist here is Epiphany - a fairly young (relatively speaking) vampire who was cast out by her lover Renata, the Queen of their clan, for reasons she never knew. However it's time for her to begin her challenges to become an Elder, and that means going back to her old home, Rosso Lussuria, and facing the woman she's been trying (read: failing) not to love for the last 200 years.
I couldn't quite place why, but Epiphany irritated me sometimes. Maybe it was because it seemed like So that really bothered me. I agree that she got more politically minded and observant and bold, but other than that I didn't see her work that hard and put in her own blood, sweat and tears for what she got (haha, get it? blood, sweat and tears? And she's a vampire? Yeah? No? Y'know what, leave me alone, it's literally midnight right now). She also just seemed like she was unnecessarily looking for a fight sometimes, and then getting confused/annoyed when some Elders didn't like her. Specifically .
The romance was good, albeit a bit complicated when Iliaria got involved. I really don't feel like going too far into that, I'll just say it made me slightly uncomfortable at one point and I just really didn't like that whole plot line. I didn't actually get as much into it as I thought I would, I think partly because of the whole Iliaria situation. That was slightly disappointing.
The writing was engaging and fun to read, but the plot left something to be desired. The end reveal was ultimately predictable and I felt like I expected more. That being said, I got through this pretty quickly (especially considering with that slightly risque [gorgeous] cover, it's not like I could pick it up on the subway).
Just really quick before I collapse for the night, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Cuinn. I don't think I'll ever get enough of animal sidekicks (even when they're just inside your head) and his snarkiness and smugness just made my heart sing.
A couple characters I fell in love with and fun writing and an intriguing plot made me speed through this, but the ultimate reveal and main character made this a more disappointing read than it could have been if it had maybe taken a different direction (or just been about Vasco). But hey, I'm a sucker for lesbian romance, what can I say?
April 27, 2014
Considering my last venture into vampire books ended with me burned out of Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake series, I was a bit hesitant to pick this up. However, I have read other books from Pennington in the past and while her style can be a bit too adjective heavy I like the fact that she tries to inject new ideas in a genre that has been pretty much abused in the past decade.
What I liked most I think is that aside from some sort of "origin story" at the beginning of the book there are no humans featured in the book except in passing. Without spoiling much of the story, in Pennington's book vampire society is strictly set apart from the majority of the human species. The book focuses heavily on the politics and power plays occurring inside the Rosso Lussuria vampire clan and while the villain and the motives are not too hard to figure out, the story is well told and enticing till the end of the book.
The sex scenes are well written as well and while they do play a major part in the book they don't feel like they are put there JUST for the sake of having characters sleep together as there is character and behaviour exploration throughout the book.
The only minor complaint I have is that being Italian I felt, that while the majority of the italian words used were correct there were a few instances where the masculine form was misused referring to a female character, and it grated a bit taking me out of the immersion.
Other than that it's a good book that cements my feeling that Pennington is a good paranormal novel writer. While she does use her imagination freely (obviously), she never describes things so impossible that the reader can't emphatize with them.
What I liked most I think is that aside from some sort of "origin story" at the beginning of the book there are no humans featured in the book except in passing. Without spoiling much of the story, in Pennington's book vampire society is strictly set apart from the majority of the human species. The book focuses heavily on the politics and power plays occurring inside the Rosso Lussuria vampire clan and while the villain and the motives are not too hard to figure out, the story is well told and enticing till the end of the book.
The sex scenes are well written as well and while they do play a major part in the book they don't feel like they are put there JUST for the sake of having characters sleep together as there is character and behaviour exploration throughout the book.
The only minor complaint I have is that being Italian I felt, that while the majority of the italian words used were correct there were a few instances where the masculine form was misused referring to a female character, and it grated a bit taking me out of the immersion.
Other than that it's a good book that cements my feeling that Pennington is a good paranormal novel writer. While she does use her imagination freely (obviously), she never describes things so impossible that the reader can't emphatize with them.
January 19, 2020
An interesting vampire mythology. 4.5 stars
Pennington writes an interesting vampire novel. It's mythology is not complicated, but it is fascinating in it's execution. The execution being.... That there are no human characters. Just Vampires! Young Vampires, Old Vampires and those in the proces of gaining power.
As for the story itself. Epiphany is a young female vampire on the threshold of becoming an Elder. She was spurned by her Queen and lover and has been tormented by those more powerful than her for the last 150 years. Now she will have to face both the woman she tough loved her and those who tormented her for over a century.
Full review to follow.
PS. This is quite a graphic novel so for mature audiences only (+18)
Pennington writes an interesting vampire novel. It's mythology is not complicated, but it is fascinating in it's execution. The execution being.... That there are no human characters. Just Vampires! Young Vampires, Old Vampires and those in the proces of gaining power.
As for the story itself. Epiphany is a young female vampire on the threshold of becoming an Elder. She was spurned by her Queen and lover and has been tormented by those more powerful than her for the last 150 years. Now she will have to face both the woman she tough loved her and those who tormented her for over a century.
Full review to follow.
PS. This is quite a graphic novel so for mature audiences only (+18)
January 9, 2015
Picked this up as I was quite keen on reading a book with lesbian vampires. Though the story was a little plodding for the first half, the introduction of the Dracule character Iliaria piqued my interest and the story started to finally gain some momentum. The sex scenes are a hit and miss for me. I'm not a fan of reading anything remotely bdsm - but fortunately that aspect isn't a regular occurrence nor is it anything overly graphic.
Overall an enjoyable enough read. The love triangle between the main protagonist (a vampire underling for most of the story), the vampire queen and the Dracule is intriguing enough for me to want to read the next book of this series.
Overall an enjoyable enough read. The love triangle between the main protagonist (a vampire underling for most of the story), the vampire queen and the Dracule is intriguing enough for me to want to read the next book of this series.
April 9, 2015
I've had this book on my shelf for a time now and kept putting it off, until yesterday when I decided why not, well it was an excellent choice. I enjoyed the pace of the story and the characters of Epiphany and Queen Renata. Epiphany is finally coming to her powers after 200 years and is being tested to become an Ekder in the Russo Lussuria clan, during the trials events unfold that threaten the Queen, with help from other Elders of the clan and a Dracule named Iliaria who also becomes Epiphany's lover, the day is saved. About to start the next installment Summoning Shadows, can't wait
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