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Title: The Cries of Vampira: (The Horror Of Gaad Grey, The Evil Alpha Werewolf #1)
Author: Sean H. Robertson Publisher: CreateSpace Release Date: November 2, 2010 Pages: 82 (novella) My Copy: Author From Goodreads: Princess Kristin, Princess Kylie and Prince Kolbe Robertson are Triplet Teen Assassin Vampires. Their royal family, the Robertson Clan, occupied the throne of Scotland during the 11th and 12th centuries. Their peaceful homeland of Vampira is under daily attack from the evil Alpha Werewolf Gaad Grey and his horde of Grey Wolves, who seek to decimate the Vampire species and enslave humanity as well. |
I had high hopes when I started reading The Cries of Vampira. The story is centered around a war between vampires and werewolves, two of my favorite things! This short novella is very dark and contains a surprising amount of fowl language given that the target audience is ages 13 and up. I’m no innocent but a few parts of this book actually offended me. I was taken aback by the author’s choice of words.
I enjoyed the way each chapter was broken down into a type of pre-war time frame. There are a few flashbacks to the past but the majority of the story takes place during the course of a day or two. The time stamps and the multiple council meetings gave an interesting glimpse into a kingdom’s workings before the launch of a full scale war. On the other hand, there was a near complete lack of anything supernatural. Considering this tale is about weres and vamps I found this oversight to be quite baffling.
The Cries of Vampira is not for the faint of heart. There are quite a few violently graphic parts that I found to be overkill. I’m not sure what this book is categorized as but personally, I’d put it in the horror genre. Robertson is donating 10% of this series’ royalties to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, great cause! But if the goal of this novella is to increase bullying awareness I think it falls short. Having never been a victim myself, perhaps I’m completely off base but the supposed message in this story eludes me.
Young love could have been this story’s saving grace. Princess Kristin hurriedly marries her sweetheart before heading off to challenge the Grey Wolves’ leader. *cue carnal diversion here* But, unfortunately, it never comes. Which surprised me considering how gory this novella is. I expected the author’s skills with descriptions to transfer over to some sizzling love making.
This novella just wasn’t for me. The unnecessary gore and foul language was a real turn off. The lack of paranormal content and two dimensional characters left me wishing that I had passed on this free download. Definitely not for the squeamish!
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
hi Carmel! i have a copy of this too. thanks for forewarning me. let’s see how it goes for me though. c”,)
@aobibliophile – Hope you get more out of it than I did!
Thanks for the honest review Carmel. I hadn’t even heard of this title before, but I wont be rushing out to get my hands on it.
Hmm, I’ve never heard of this one before, but think I’ll be skipping it. Too bad there is so much language, even though a lot of kids in public school hear more than their fair share! Good thing about some of the proceeds going to Suicide Prevention, though.
Anyway, thanks for the honest review, Carmel.
@Carissa @Kat – I hate having to write negative reviews but sometimes there’s just no sugarcoating it. Thanks for reading it anyway!
I had similar feelings about this novella. It was a fair read but not at all what I was expecting. Horror is more fitting…I think!
Have a Happy New Year!
Hi – I’m a new follower from networkblogs and Im thrilled to be here.
I’m going to subscribe too to keep up on the news.
Happy new year. Shah. X
@Jennifer – Thanks! Good to know that I wasn’t alone in my thinking on this one.
@shah wharton – Happy New Year! And welcome to follower! 🙂
I have this on my TBR list too but havent gotten to it!!
Horror huh?
I see!
Thanks for the review!
Kelly aka yllektra(I Work For Books) – If you like horror give it a go!