Dam'um: Song of the Vam P R's Blood Junky

One Blood #1

by Stavros, Carol A. Russell (Editor)

As the first book in the epic One Blood Series, Blood Junky sets the stage to an original tale of vampires. Culled from over 15 years of research and development, Blood Junky is an easy introduction into an originally vibrant and realistic world of vampirism.
Lori Bowland from LivingDeadMedia.com called Blood Junky “one of the best vampire novels ever written…I think that this one has the potential to become a new classic in the genre.” (Review: 2011) A psychological thriller, Blood Junky, weaves its lyrical fiction with historically accurate places, people, and events, creating new pathos and mythos for the immortal bloodsucker that present a more logical, and scientifically plausible, reality for how vampires could truly exist.
Blood Junky spans the globe, telling a unique tale of obsession and love from two distinct time periods in the life of the main character, Linnet Pevensey. Though each book of the One Blood series was conceived as part of an ever-widening, ever-increasing story line, Blood Junky is self-contained and can be read independently.

Genres: Vampires, Horror

384 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Notorious Poet. Fool. Born in Washington DC. Stavros was a writer and editor for The Independent Underground Magazine. A performing poet, whose verse has been published in several online and print publications, including Central Avenue, The Sword That Cuts Through Stone, Poets Against The War, Conceptions Southwest, The Mynd, Imagine: Creative Arts Journal, and Bartleby, where he won a specialty award for his poem, Blackbird.
In 1999, he won an Official Selection into the Writer’s on the Edge Festival for his play, The Redline. In 2001, he created the Poetry Television Project for public cable access in Albuquerque, NM. He helped to launch Unpublished Magazine and BioGamer Girl, sponsored the monthly poetry series, The Word Café, and produced a political compilation called Poetic Democracy. In 2007, he released the award-winning documentary film, Committing Poetry in Times of War for Ubuntuworks.
In 2010, he launched the Organic Ghetto, LLC and Crazy Duck Press with the release his first novel, Blood Junky, which continues to receive exceptional praise and review. He soon followed his premiere novel with the release of the highly popular, but sardonic, Dead Girl: A Romantic Zombie Tale of Revenge, and Blood Junky’s sequel, Love in Vein, which Living Dead Media defined as: “This series and more directly this novel is comparable with, and at times, surpasses the ‘Vampire Chronicles’ by Anne Rice.” Most recently, he’s co-produced and co-edited the annual anthology, Vampire News, which has just released its second volume.
Stavros is also an accomplished fangsmith, and in 2012, launched Kaos Kustom Fangs. He is also a visual artist, who produces original iconic, photographic illusions, a graphic designer, and musician who has scored commercials, film shorts, documentaries, and television programs.

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampirism encapsulated with refreshingly original premise and authenticity.

I am so impressed by this astonishingly remarkable novel which boasts qualities of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, within a historically evocative backdrop of atmospheric nuance. This psychological thriller interweaves historical accuracy with an undertone of literary genius, forming highly plausible philosophy and conception.

Unlike the majority of Vampire novels ‘Blood Junky’ is so assured in its content (regarding Vampire history and plausible fact), that in my mind I am certain of it being labeled as a classic of this modern age. As part of a series that follows Linnet Pevensey through two different time frames that interconnect, the novel can therefore be read either as a continuation of the series or independently as a singular volume on Vampirism. Stavros captures the exact essence of Vampires and their nature; such as powerful strength, blood-lust and predatory instincts. Vampires in this novel are as far-removed from humans as possibly imaginable and so in contrast to books like Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight or other Young Adult novels; he has delved back in time to original sources and perspectives. The author nurtures the ancestral myth of the Vampire and by bringing the legends of old alive once more, you feel in-tune with the clear image of a Vampire and their captivating instincts.

The true romantic concept, the feverish longing for blood and the fear that Vampire’s bring is brought to the fore in this spectacular story. This intoxicating, spinechilling and hypnotic tale brings ghosts of the past back to life in such a way; it is as if Dracula is reincarnated for a contemporary readership whilst maintaining that strong link to history. Exceptionally well-conceived this deliciously detailed creation is nothing short of astonishing, with such passion deeply ingrained within the pages for you to revel in. Additionally the seven page ‘Lexicon’ at the end of the book is most helpful, as well as making for interesting reading and understanding.

“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true”
– Quote

‘Däm'um: Song Of The Vam Pyr's Blood Junky’ exceeded all expectations and is a literary masterwork that I predict becoming this years bestseller.

*I won a paperback copy of ‘Däm'um: Song Of The Vam Pyr's Blood Junky’ by Stavros through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Linnet is thinking of Queen Elizabeth I. with her having all that power and the commander of armies and having power to rule over a country and make new laws if she so desired but yet she could not take a lover to her bed without disgracing her country. She is thinking what is the propose of having all that power if you could not be happy yourself. You can please all these people but not yourself. What is wrong with this picture? Linnet compared it to a cigarette saying what good is a cigarette if you don't have a lighter? I know that there is a difference in the times but still. I say no matter where you are from or what time you are from you should still treat everyone the same. We are all one. I say treat the lady with respect albeit the same respect you would anyone else but don't follow the lady around wanting to know her every move. In this day and time isn't there a law against that? One that is called stalking? I know I know I am getting off subject here sorry.

Linnet's only brother, William had died of consumption the year before she was born. All of her life Linnet lived in the spotlight of a brother that she never knew. She was more or less blamed for his death. I can just image what was said in her home by her parents no less. They were probably always putting her down for the things she did. It probably never matter if she always did thing to perfection it was probably never good enough for her parents. She was probably made to feel like a disappointment to her parents and no matter how hard she tried she could never please them. In their eyes she would never be good enough all because she was female and not male. But that was how it was in her day and to an extinct is still that way even today.

Nsia had spent years studying the Vam Pyr race and tracking down Dominique. He wanted to talk to her about the war that he believed was brewing between their races. Nsia's grandfather was one of the ones years ago that helped start a treaty of sorts between the two spices that would keep the peace. The Vamps would not go around attacking humans and the humans would not hunt down vamps and kill them for no reason. But Nsia thought that after all these years that the vamps of this generation did not know or did not care about the agreement made with his grandfather. Or maybe something has was going on with the vamps causing them to break the agreement. It could just as well been the humans that was causing all the problems. Nsia just wanted to find out the truth and put a stop to it. Nsia like his grandfather thought the two races could live in harmony if they both chose to do so. Nsia wants to find out all he can about the different Vam Pyr races. He needs to find a way to stop the war that may be coming. He just wants to keep the peace between the two species.

Blood Junky is unlike any vampire book I have ever read before. I liked how it went from one time period to the other telling each ones story. It told of Linnet's life before she became a vampire. Blood Junky is also a story of how three people loved and cared for each other very much. Linnet loved Nsia and Dominique both very much but each in her own way and even in different ways too but she loved both of them. If you are looking for a book about vampires that is different than any you have read so far then I highly recommended Blood Junky.

[Tara Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for mature readers that are looking for a recapturing of the missing side of the adult fantasy genre. The writing is gorgeous. You don't see writing like this anymore. It's classically lyrical - robust and packed full of metaphors, not stripped down and simplified like so much of our literature is today. Stavros has a way of making even the most mundane sentence into something carnal, bloody, or even lewd, whenever he chooses. His prose reminds me of the opening clip to the TV show Dexter. He's just tying his shoes and eating breakfast, but it's so much darker by the way its portrayed. It actually took me a while to get used to this kind of writing again. I've missed it.

Vampire theory is one of the most fascinating parts of this genre. We all have our own take on it...some better than others. Some of us sparkle, some of us turn into bats. Stavros's mythology is totally original and fascinating, once you get used to the unusual words. In very subtle ways (which, refreshingly, don't ever involve one character describing them for another), the reader learns the rules of these vampires, which thankfully includes drinking human blood and not going out in the daytime. Stavros's vampires are kept alive through a symbiotic relationship with a worm-ish organism living within their body that requires blood to live, and in turn keeps the host body from aging. This creature is the result of a melding of the blood of an ancient race called the Omjadda with human blood. Seriously fascinating stuff, revealed gradually and skillfully over the course of the book.

Even if I hadn't been asked to read this, I would've finished it gladly, and just as quickly. The characters and the writing got under my skin.

I don't usually like omniscient point-of-view. I think it's more emotionally detached, in general. But this was a very well done version of it. It didn't stop me from loving the characters. The novel may be a little on the vulgar side for some tastes; Stavros can be downright raunchy on occasion. This isn't a bad thing for some readers, I'm sure. It's just realism at its best.

In sum, my opinion is basically that this book isn't for everyone, but it was for me. Vampires have never been for everyone, and the fact that they are trying to be is what's nagging at me. This book is definitely for adults looking for amazing characters and rich settings set in prose that will amaze you with each sentence. This is vampire literature how it used to be, and how it should be again.

Blood Junky is available from the publisher here (http://www.artisfactstore.com) for a very reasonable price, along with fan merchandise which I might have to procure...

[Jaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

10/07 - Just recieved my copy in the post and I'll start it as soon as I am done with my current reads.

First things first though, the cover. I know small publishers have a tough time, and it's probably a bit of a catch 22, but it's worth investing in a designer if you really want to promote your book outside of selected circles. That's up to the publishers though, if they want to reach more people I would highly reccomend a complete cover redesign. (I think it's being relaunched, actually, so maybe they have already done that? I hope so.)

The brown on the cover gives it a really bad look, I wouldn't have picked it up based on that. Unfortunately the background textures are pixelated as is the skull design on the back. Also, the typography leaves a lot to be desired. I liked the idea of the blurb (repeated text) but the layout for it could've been a lot better aswell.

Perhaps I am being too critical, but I can't help it! One could argue that it's what's inside the book that counts, and to some extent this is absolutely true - but first you have to get people to pick up the book, isn't that so? Book covers are unique pieces of packaging and need to be treated as such. Publishers aren't designers and writers aren't designers.

Judging from other people's reviews though, this book sounds exactly like my cup of tea. Can't wait to get stuck in.

4/8 - Finally started reading this.

1/9 - Nice ideas and concept, but I quickly got frustrated and couldn't finish it. The language used was way too wishy-washy for my tastes and overall it's in dire need of an editor. What I did read, however seemed that it could be cut down on the page count considerably and not lose much. Sad.

[Stavros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visit Blood Junky's Facebook page to connect with other fans:

You Tube Book Trailer #1: http://youtu.be/r7s0Hrs-9fQ

Here is an excerpt from a review Blood Junky received on Wednesday, 26 January 2011, at 18:57. Direct Link to the whole review: http://www.livingdeadmedia.com/zombie...

In this review, writer Lori Bowland said, "This is an epic vampire tale which rivals LeFanu's "Carmilla" in sheer quality and is much better than most vampire stories. This has to be one of the best vampire novels ever written. I would even hazard to say that this novel is among such greats, like "Dracula". I think that this one has the potential to become a new classic in the genre. The novel tells the story, primarily, from the experiences of an 18th century young woman named Linnet. She begins the story as a source of blood for the older Dominique. I chose to take my time with this story and savor the novel. I would urge others to do the same. Readers won't want to miss every nuance that "Blood Junky" has to offer. The only flaw that it has is that it gets a bit heavy on exotic terms, but this is only a very slight flaw. The author includes a glossary which explains and defines the terms he's created that helps the reader understand the terms. This is a novel that readers need to immerse themselves in. It provides a very different innovative world that readers can revel in. This novel has a distinct style which can be characterized as being like a very rich dessert. It's like crème brulee on a literary level."

[Steve Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book received through Goodreads.

While I am of the opinion that the subject of vampires has possibly reached a saturation point in terms of books, movies and television, this book is a welcome entry into the field.

The author focuses on story-telling and the story that he has crafted is both fascinating and exceptionally well-written. The main characters in the book (Linnet, Dominique and Z) are well developed and are given very human qualities and emotions (love, loss, ambition, hopes and dreams).

While there are violent and sexual elements within the book, they do not predominate the story and while graphic, these scenes are usually limited to a few paragraphs rather than extending to pages as is often the case with books of this genre.

If I had one problem with the book, and it is a relatively minor problem, it is the inclusion of a 7 page lexicon of terms. While I fully appreciate the author providing a context to the story, and has painstakingly created his own unique history of vampires, I found the words when used within the novel to be a hinderance. Often I did not take the time to refer to the glossary especially when several of these words appeared one after the other and this may have resulted in my missing some aspects of the event.

Regardless, this is a well written and entertaining book which I fully enjoyed. My rating of 4 stars is more of a result of my having only a passing interest in the vampire genre of novels. For those who have a stronger interest in he subject, I would suggest the work would rate a full five stars.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Blood Junky' is a prequel novel to 'Love in Vein' by Stavros. The book is about vampires and gives the readers an idea of how vampires may have been created. The concept of the book is interesting; I would never have thought of a parasite causing vampirism. The plot focuses primarily around Lin, a vampire whose life has spanned several centuries. Part of the story focuses around when Lin was wholly human and working for the vampire Dominique (late 1700's) and the rest is in present day where Lin is living with fellow vampire Z. As a whole I enjoyed the plot line set in the past more then the future day. There was little character development or even plot development in the future day storyline. The plot line set in the past showed some development and gave information about Lin and Dominique.

Although, I typically enjoy vampire stories this was not my favourite. I was confused part of the time and missed what the point of the book really was. I realize this was a prequel and perhaps had I read 'Love in Vein' first I would have grasped the point of 'Blood Junky', but as a stand-alone novel it wasn't there.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

When I first gotten ahold of this book I was a bit skeptical about how it was going to turn out because maybe of the vamp books I've read as the same thing over and over. The whole vampire thing has been overdone and made tiring. What I wasn't expecting how much I loved this book. This book was a breath of fresh air. I found the concept of Jadaraa Soo an interesting take when it comes to being a vampire.

I loved this intense book. here is passion, there was obsession and never a dull moment. I loved how it switched back to the characters history of what life was like back then and how it was now. I loved how there was so much going on to keep me interested, wondering what was going to happen next. The ending wasn't at all how I expected, and I loved the ending of this book all the same. I look forward to reading the next book to this Love In Vein.

Overall I loved this book and highly recommend you lovely readers to check out this book.

[CurlUp&Hex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I usually like the teen stuff and was apprehensive about reading this. But, I had met the author at a horror convention and he convinced me to read it and also autographed the book in 'blood' for me. How can I resist that offer??
However, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked going back in history and reading the background stories of the characters! I especially enjoyed Z's background story. Although she wasn't the main character, she was my favorite and I loved her demeanor and attitude throughout the book.
I cannot wait to read the continuation 'Love in Vein' and hope it's just as amazing.
Stavros - you have helped me love adult vamp books. They are definitely more than just teen lust and glitter ;-)

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that most of these 4 star reviews have to be paid reviews, as I found word for word same reviews on amazon. I just finished this book and found multiple plot holes, and poor grammar through out the novel. It is a very cool concept, but sadly this book reads like a first draft written on a bender.
http://youtu.be/QdQuiQWNC3M

[Jocelyn Dex]

Review coming...

[E.B. Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was well written and reads like poetry. The author does a wonderful job bringing his characters to life and setting the stage. I felt like I was watching a movie because I could visualize what was going on… so clearly written. I would say this book is on my top 100 books!
So, why only four stars??
I read this book a week ago and really struggled giving the fifth star and it may just be me, but it is how I fell. The story isn’t there, you learn the characters, but it feels like a history lesson. In that alone I wouldn’t have taken a star, but with what story he does give, there are no surprises. The story was to straight forward and I was at least fifty percent into the book before I even understood what the story or stories in the book where.
I really can’t wait to start the next book, because I really did love his writing style. I also feel that if in the next book there is more of a story, I will want to go back and give the fifth star. Sometimes history is what one needs to bring life to their worlds.
In the end I suggest to read this book, but beware you need to invest in half this book for it really takes off.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received from Giveaway.

Being a fan of the vampire genre definitely made this book more of a joy to read for me. Better yet, it doesn't read like most vampire stories that I have come across. Although the jumping of timelines did confuse me when I first started reading, I was wondering if I was reading two different stories...but I started to finally get it about halfway through the book.

What intrigue me most about this book is the relationship of the characters within in story and so far, it is unlike anything that I have read before. And that is a very good thing in my book.

That said, I find a lot of things were unresolved and left unsaid...only a hint here and a vague meaning there...isn't this suppose to be the prequel? I'm not sure if that is the author's intention, I guess I'll have to read the sequel then!