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Drasmyr
by Matthew D. Ryan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.
There’s a woman in chain mail standing across the room from me; her sword
is leveled at my chest. I can smell the enchantment on the blade, it’s a strong
one; maybe even strong enough to cause me harm. Still, I’m not too concerned;
it’s at least a ten foot lunge and I know I move faster than she does. Indeed,
she’s the one who is looking worried. My display of strength and the death of
her comrade have shaken her resolve.
She’s got a pretty face, flushed with excitement but strong and in
control. It is her neck that really draws me, though, so soft and inviting,
filled with the warm blood I desire. The curve of her flesh glistens, waiting
for a well-placed gentle kiss.
She’s breathing rapidly now, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her trek
up through the castle has sapped much of her strength. And the fear she feels
is naked in her eyes. Now, she’s getting ready to pounce, just a little too
much tension in her stance, her eyes just a little too focused. She couldn’t
give me more warning if she were to ask my permission first.
She moves in with remarkable speed, her blade striking out like a
serpent’s tongue. Even winded, she still manages to cut my cape, then prances
away with her back toward the wall, ready for anything. Anything, except me.
Overall:
If you are a fan of paranormal sci-fi and fantasy with a penchant for role playing games, you will love this book. The language reminded me of gamers that I hung out with in high school. The world building was very similar and author Matthew Ryan did a good job with it. More action oriented than I am used to, this book was a little confusing at the onset, but gained ground as I read further. The mystery element, vampires and strong plot make this a good pick for a teen that likes edgier books that fall into a fantasy and adventure range.
3/5
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Matthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.
Author’s Smashwords Page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/matthewdryan
Author’s Book Page: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131156
Author’s Blog: http://www.atoasttodragons.com
Author’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000038781652
Author’s Twitter Handle: @MatthewDRyan1
Author’s Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/579148.Matthew_D_Ryan
Author’s Shelfari Page: http://www.shelfari.com/matthewdryan/shelf
The book is available on Smashwords and elsewhere for no cost.
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