Reviews For By Minda Samiels | ||
Louise Klement Reviews |
A Salute to Women of Mystery | |
Soul of The
Vampire by Minda Samiels Publisher: Clocktower Books Publishing ISBN: 0-7433-0095-5 Format: Download, POD New author, Minda Samiels wrote a riveting tale of romance and suspense. In Soul of The Vampire, she's shown us what a vampire could be like in a positive light, instead of the blood-sucking creatures they are usually portrayed as. Michael de Charney, born in the late 1500's is cursed to live his life as a vampire. Though his soul is surely damned because of this curse, he tries to use it for good. Three hundred years later, Michael becomes The Avenger. Sought out by police, yet a hero to many, he rescues young women from the horrific crimes of rape and murder. The police and coroner, Elaina, search for The Avenger, afraid he will soon turn on the victims themselves. As Elaina investigates the crimes, Michael finds himself in a battle that could possibly free him from all damnation. Ms. Samiels did a good job transitioning between Michael's past and present. Her skills are very promising, and she shows us by writing a wonderful tale. There were some parts that I felt needed to be expanded on, especially when they affected the main characters in such a big way. Reviewed 21 Sep 2000 by Louise Klement Sample a few chapters www.geocities.com/mitchmom3/soulofthevampire.html Louise Klement Home page -> http://louiseklement.homestead.com/ The Evil One - Suspense novel coming soon from Crossroadspub.com Chronicles of Sally Mae - a novella about life. --->Save a tree - buy an ebook<--- |
Soul of a
Vampire
by Minda Samiels, Clocktower Fiction To look at Michael De Charney, one would think him to be handsome in an exotic way, no older than thirty-five. With his impeccable suits and manner, plus a bank account to rival that of Bill Gates, one would hardly be inclined to see Michael for what he really is -- a four-century-old vampire with a knack for doing good. In Minda Samiels', Soul of a Vampire, we read the story of Michael's soul, of a rough life in turn of the century France (seventeenth, that is), and his current life as "The Avenger," a nameless vigilante who stalks local parks attacking would-be muggers and rapists, leaving broken bones, punctured necks and baffled policemen in his wake. Detective Rick Matthews is determined to bring The Avenger to justice; despite the fact Michael is (please forgive me for this) taking a bite out of crime, the police would rather tone down vigilantism before something dire happens. Rick's ex-wife Elaina Campbell, a forensic specialist working on the same case, is eager to solve the mystery of The Avenger, though soon gets more than she bargained for when she meets a tall, handsome stranger while walking alone in the park at night. Soul of a Vampire is not a traditional mystery, but rather a tale of suspense. The story is twofold: presenting vampire Michael's adventures in the present day interspersed with flashback chapters of his life before immortality and the events leading up to the fateful night Michael's life (or rather, afterlife) changed forever. The result is a well-rounded story of one man's ability to hang on to his ideals and quite possibly his soul during a lengthy, earthly purgatory, although I must admit I preferred the scenes of seventeenth-century life more than I did the modern story. Perhaps it is the history buff in me that was more fascinated with the buildup to Michael's transformation than the end result. A more romantic reader, as well as fans of vampire/gothic fiction, will enjoy this read. http://www.chickpages.com/bookworms/catholicchick/mysteryreviews4.html
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A Mystery Fanatic Ezine |
Tracey Eastgate Reviews | |
SOUL OF THE VAMPIRE by Minda Samiels Publisher: Clocktower Fiction ISBN: 0-7433-0095-5 Format: Download, POD First time author Minda Samiels brings us the story of Michael De Charney, a vampire, a soul in torment, despite his now souless existence. His Brother Claude will destroy their entire family in his greed, and will chase Michael'sthrough the ages, seeking vengeance for the loveless existence he irrationally blames on his brother. Minda Samiels weaves love and romance into a tale of intrigue and evil in SOUL OF THE VAMPIRE. Michael's De Charney's memories of the past, his family and lost love, soon have the reader empathizing and rooting for the vampire, as he battles evil in an attempt to redeem his own lost soul. Michael walks the city at night; his prey, those who would prey on the innocent. He slacks his unholy hunger by drinking the blood of these criminals. Breaking their arms to hide the marks of his teeth he leaves them alive, but seeking redemption in fear of the haunting, evil pictures he instills in their minds. Then he meets Elaina, a forensic pathologist working with her ex-husband, Detective Rick Mathews to find the vigilante they have named the Avenger. She struggles with the clues in the strange case that lead her to suspect the new love in her life, Michael De Charney. SOUL OF A VAMPIRE is a gripping tale, though I found myself wanting a little more detail regarding some of the issues Michael & Elaina must deal with, I truly enjoyed reading this book. Minda Samiels does an excellent job in her first book of providing the reader with a few hours of escape into the world of her imagination. Reviewed by Charlene Austin © September 2000 All rights reserved. www.gloreb.com/mystery.htm |
Soul of the
Vampire by Minda Samiels Publisher: Clocktower Fiction http://www.clocktowerfiction.com Genre: Horror ISBN(s): POD: 0-7433-0095-5 PDF: 0-7433-0194-3 ReB: 0-7433-0252-4 Release Date: POD - October 2000, PDF & ReB December 2000 Cost: Pending *** Very Good Michael de Charney was the son of a Baron in the Champagne region of France, but even that couldn't help him solve this problem. The problem is it is now late 1998 and he was born in the late 1500's, four hundred years ago. Michael had the misfortune of becoming a vampire against his will, a plan initiated by his own brother. Michael's life had been anything but easy since he was a child. He was the third son of the Baron which practically guaranteed he would receive no inheritance and very little for a dowry, so as a result he was sent to school to become a priest, a profession he did not want. As time moved on however, he was able to escape to England from France and his controlling and manipulative brother. In England, he began to build a life for himself and his mother; happiness seemed to be finally within his grasp, only to be destroyed by his brother once again. Elaina Campbell is a forensic specialist with the County Coroner's office and has been asked by the Chief of Police to help them solve the Avenger case. The Avenger began working two years ago and had already cost Elaina her marriage, now she was supposed to work with her ex-husband and help him solve the case. She had noticed fang bites on the wound site of a couple of the victims, however nobody was going to believe her opinion as to what was going on. But when she met Michael, her world began to suddenly change and change for the better. Michael was everything she could possibly want in a man and to make things even better, it seemed as if the feeling was mutual. But was it? SOUL OF THE VAMPIRE is a nice blend of new and old on a subject that has been around forever. Author Minda Samiels has blended a wonderful mixture of horror and folklore, romance and pain, turning it into a book that one would enjoy reading. The story isn't as heavy as some horror books can be which makes this a delightful read. Review by: Tracy Eastgate Tracy's Book Reviews http://www.geocities.com/t_eastgates_reviews/ Copyright =A9 2000 by Tracy Eastgate | |
Stay@HomeCafe.com |
A Grain of Salt Reviews (www.webnow.com/DThoCha) | |
Review Of: Very Engrossing,
Heroic, and Romantic... A page turner... Minda Samiels keeps you wanting
more from this, her first book. Reviewed by Kym LD,
member of A-Mystery-Fanatic@topica.com
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SOUL OF A
VAMPIRE |