Bloodchained
- Author: Diana Laurence
- Publisher: Living Beyond Reality Press
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Paranormal Suspense
- Amazon Listing - Bloodchained
- Book Trailer - Bloodchained
Contents
Book Description
Bloodchained was written by Diana Laurence, creator of the Soulful Sex romance anthologies. Bloodchained is unusual in that it is the product of the unique "Soulful Sex: Partners" Project, in which the author teamed up with a group of readers to create the first work of romantic fiction ever produced as a team effort.
Bloodchained is the story of Grace Gilder and her brother Sebastian, who run an elegant inn in the city of Audacacia, home of the famous Temple of Love. Their inn hosts pilgrims journeying to petition the power of the Temple to intervene in matters of the heart. It's also the tale of Finn Equain, an enigmatic gentleman who harbors a secret and unhealthy obsession with the Roicans, the legendary race of blooddrinking immortals. By the time Grace and Finn's paths cross, powers beyond their control are at play. Figuring into their fates are two more mysterious characters: the delightfully charming Liam and his shy but ravishing sister Nessa. The fates of these five will be decided by the ultimate conflict between supernatural powers of lust and loyalty, desire and devotion.
The Roicans
Roicans are a completely new twist on vampires. Blood sustains them, but only special blood. They are indestructible and have only one weakness: their dependence on their mates. There are as many good, moral Roicans as there are evil, depraved ones...but you can't always tell which is which. They have select supernatural powers, including the ability to heal themselves and others, and the ability to control the will of mortals and weaker Roicans. Theirs is a rich and ancient culture, shrouded in secret, with very surprising origins.
Reviews
I loved this story. It truly has it all. I went into this one thinking it had been built up to the point it couldn't possibly live up to everything I had read about it. Well, I was wrong, it surpassed my expectations and has become one of my favorite stories. Ms. Laurence has created a world of such beauty, laughter, love, betrayal and yes lust, it completely swept me away. Her characters have a life of their own. Finn and Grace are the perfect heroine and hero in their own imperfect way. I did not want this story to end but found that it couldn't have had a better ending. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a great story.
Bloodchained is like no other book...the talented Diana Laurence...crafts a tale that comes together brilliantly. Paranormal and historical romances are two of my favorite genres, and the way this story revolves around both genres is pure delight. The characters' emotions are remarkable. There are moments for laughter, and sometimes for a few tears, as Grace, Sebastian, and Finn, along with the other characters, exhibit wide range of emotions through love, disloyalty and deliverance that engages the reader at every turn of the page in this unique read.
This carefully plotted novel by Diana Laurence was such a treat to read! Not many books are able to capture me completely the way this wonderful book did. Each chapter of Bloodchained made this reader hungry for more...a superb love story that touched my heart. I highly recommend this phenomenal read!
This unusual approach to novel writing has produced a story that will thrill paranormal and historical romance lovers alike...the blending of these genres is definitely a winning combination. The romances, and there are more than one in this novel, are at times sweet and at other times extremely intense. Laurence has imbued her characters with traits that range from one extreme to the other, from honor to depravity. I cried at heartbreaking moments in the story. At other moments, I laughed at the quick wit exhibited by several of the characters. Through it all, I enjoyed this story of love and passion, betrayal and redemption. Grab a copy of this superb book and experience the world of the Roicans for yourself.
Sign of the Bloodletters
In 2009, Laurence and illustrator CC Rogers released Sign of the Bloodletters, a 12-page comic book based in the Bloodchained universe. The comic takes place at Swife's Inn, where young Nevia Swife and her father Artur are visited by two strangers with disparate views of the legendary "Bloodletters." Nevia is particularly intrigued by the mysterious and alluring Jonas Tammany, whose motives in teaching her about the Roicans are difficult to discern. In addition to the print version offered for sale, Living Beyond Reality Press published the comic book free online on the Bloodchained website.
Bloodchained II: The Secret of Secrets
Bloodchained II: The Secret of Secrets is the sequel to the novel, and picks up with the original characters two years after the conclusion of Bloodchained. It was published in October 2009 by Living Beyond Reality Press.