Welcome to the book tour for Cardinals by Ian Conner! The author promises “a completely new twist on Stoker’s tale.” Read on for more info and enter to win a signed copy of the book!
Cardinals
Publication Date: May 2nd, 2022
Genre: Horror/ Vampires/ Sci-Fi Horror/ Fantasy
Publisher: Black Raptor Books
Nine Hundred years before Christ, God has cast his wife, Asherah, out of heaven and condemned her to roam the earth as the first vampire. Over the centuries, she created other vampires. There are also those that she left for dead but survived her attack without being completely turned into vampires. These survivors are called Cardinals. Scottish Countess Kellena Donnachaidh and Lady Suzette Allard, our protagonists, are among these cardinals. They are searching out Asherah for a final conflict.
Asherah has discovered a way back to heaven so she can exact her vengeance. Using the Amulet of Cassiel she can call the Flaming chariot of Israel to return to heaven and exact her revenge on God.
Now, 3000 years later, the Vatican and other groups are working to destroy Asherah and the vampires., fearing their own destruction if she ascends, simply want to stop Asherah using the Amulet of Cassiel to re-enter heaven. The race and intrigue to recover the Amulet is full of intrigue, betrayal.
A completely new twist on Stoker’s tale.
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Rating & Review
4 out of 5
Once this book got going, it didn’t lose momentum. The only reason I couldn’t give it a 5 is the first two chapters were extremely slow, and didn’t seem to add much to the story. Chapters 1-3 could’ve been condensed into a fast prologue, so if like me, you find it hard to get into the story at first, I promise pushing through is worth it! The characters are interesting, and the plot moves along nicely for the most part. I loved the intrigue that was woven throughout the story. I loved Kellena from the start, and Suzette was wonderful. Furthermore, I don’t know if I’d call this horror, but more of a thriller. A great twist on the traditional vampire story that vampire lovers are sure to enjoy.
Excerpt
“How can I be of service, your Holiness?” she asked, kissing his ring.
“Take a seat, Clarissia. This is an informal interview. You will find me more action than pomp and circumstance.”
“I have taken notice of that, your Eminence.”
The two sat together at the same table. He poured her a glass of water and sat it just out of her reach.
“What do you see?” he asked, taking his seat.
“Possibilities, a glass half full,” She replied.
“Excellent,” He countered.
“You have followed small details of papal history.”
“Yes, your Holiness.”
“In the sixth century, my namesake also shook the church to its foundations with truth, right, and a willingness to change. Including embracing, in secret, several less than popular themes.”
“Uxor Deai, Etectus est, satietas sanguinis.”
“Exactly! Today’s church must deal with the reality of science and the things science refuses to accept.”
“The idea of God having a wife that he cast out as the first vampire is likely to get us both taken off in white jackets with funny sleeves.”
The Pontiff laughed.
“So, we do understand each other.”
About the Author
Ian Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and Army Infantry Sergeant. Now living near San Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs, Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens, gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on the page.
Conner has authored several other novels:
Cooper’s Ridge – Science Fiction
The Long Game – Political Thriller
The Price of Partisanship – Political Thriller
Solaris – Political Thriller
Griffins Perch – Epic Fantasy
Ghost Witch – Horror
After a lifetime of destruction the thought of creating something tangible and lasting holds great appeal. He finds writing a cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and the eyes of others.
Click the link below to enter the giveaway!
Book Tour Schedule
August 15th
R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com
@aliciareviewsbook (Review) https://www.instagram.com/Aliciareviewsbooks/
Latisha’s Low-Key Life (Review) https://latishaslowkeylife.com/
I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/
@mels_booksandhooks (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/mels_booksandhooks/
August 16th
The Faerie Review (Review) http://www.thefaeriereview.com
@leirajadewrites (Review) https://www.instagram.com/leirajadewrites/
@itsabookthing2021 (Review) https://www.instagram.com/itsabookthing2021/
Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/
August 17th
Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/
@what.kerry.reads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/what.kerry.reads/
@takealookatmybookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/takealookatmybookshelf/
The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Spotlight) http://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com
August 18th
@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/
Ecci Libre (Review) https://eccelibri702630676.wordpress.com/
@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/
@alexis.reads__ (Spotlight) https://instagram.com/alexis.reads__?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
August 19th
Cheryl’s Book Nook (Review) https://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
@ems_literarycorner (Review) https://www.instagram.com/ems_literarycorner/
Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com
@calmstitchread (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/calmstitchread/
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