Veiled (Veiled Book 1)
by Stacey Rourke
Nov 6, 3017
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Cover Designer: Wicked Book Covers
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Political propaganda would have us believe vampires are our friends. Fanged teddy bears misunderstood thanks to archaic lore. Activists picket for them to be welcomed into our society.
They claim vamps don't kill.
They preach we are safe.
They ... are dead wrong.
One year ago a hive slaughtered my family and left me for dead. Found by a team of scientists with their own agenda, I was forged into an unstoppable weapon.
I possess their strength, with none of their weaknesses.
I can move among them free from their crippling hunger.
I am their greatest threat.
Armed with this arsenal, vengeance will feed my desire to penetrate the seedy underbelly of their fetishized lifestyle and expose them for the monsters they truly are.
Vincenza “Vinx” Larrow is a biologically engineered vampire sponsored by an elusive benefactor with endless wealth. Vinx is born as a vampress after a hive of Nosferatu slaughter her family leaving her for dead. Barely clinging to life, Vinx is injected with a serum affording her vampiric rebirth minus some of the traditional vampire weaknesses. Her life purpose shifts drastically as she begins her life as an anti-vampire operative; a role she eagerly accepts as she seeks retribution for her family’s seemingly senseless murder.
Veiled is a thrilling new urban fantasy with many parallels to current cultural climate. The storytelling alternates between past and present giving readers insight into Vinx’s transformation. The non-linear storyline lends complexity and interest to the book. I feel, however, there was something missing in relationship development between characters, particularly Vinx and Carter, a reporter and member of her inner circle. While I think it’s okay for readers to fill in the blanks, I enjoy relationship dynamics in a book, especially romantic tension. In this case, the Vinx/Carter pairing kind of misses the mark.
Rourke injects Veiled with a litany of political and social concerns. Issues of discrimination, cultural appropriation, media ethics, sexual consent, gun control, poverty, domestic terrorism, and racism are raised within the context of the story. Vampires in Veiled are fighting for equality in human society, seeking to pass the Nosferatu Presumption of Innocence Bill. The plight of vamps is an echo of many of the issues relevant in the real world. While it’s a bit of a bombardment of all the issues, it distinguishes the book as more informed. I appreciate Rourke’s boldness in creating this microcosm of social awareness.
Veiled’s biggest strength is its wild and complex plot. While many answers are offered in Veiled, so many more questions remain. The layers of conspiracy and intrigue are mind-bending and I look forward to peeking past the veil in the second installment, Vlad.
Four Sheep
Bianca Greenwood
EXCERPT
“Comparing us to aberrant criminals? How do you justify making such a bold leap?”
“With centuries of murders, torture, and feedings!” he exploded, hopping in his seat as if suppressing the urge to leap onto the tabletop and douse me with holy water. “All of these vile acts have been committed under the teachings of your demonic demi-god, Vlad Draculesti. Your immortal Lord Impaler.”
One corner of my mouth tugged back in a knowing smirk. “And no one has ever killed, maimed, or committed genocide in the name of Christ?”
“It’s a sorry argument to use our history against us!”
“Yes, it is!” I vehemently agreed. “And yet that is exactly what humans subject us to. You fault us for the mistakes our kind has made in the past, mocking our deity without truly understanding his teachings. Meanwhile, you fetishize our culture and use it in your foreplay. Statistically speaking, human on human deaths outweigh vampire-on-human deaths twenty-three hundred to one. And why is that? Because humans take their passions too far, while when we pair with a human we focus on building a lasting relationship built on trust, safety, and security.”
“Humans you keep around for feeding and screwing!” my opponent hollered, spittle bubbling in the corners of his mouth. “You’re vicious killers!”
“My apologies to our viewers for that use of inappropriate language,” the prim and poised moderator stated into the camera before fixing her critical gaze on the frothing conservative. “Mayor Donaldson, I again ask you to control these outbursts or we will have no choice but to conclude our debate.”
Before his mouth could open to protest further, I leaned in and caught him with my narrowed gaze. “Show me proof. Where is the recorded documentation of these crimes you’re accusing us of? I tell you what, while you hunt to find that, I will wander into any costume shop or Halloween store and snag a set of fangs and a gothic cape that misrepresent us as night prowling fiends. The so-called facts you are basing your viewpoint on are myths formulated by your own kind to make us these legendary creatures that go bump in the night. Thank you, for granting me more power than I can fathom. That said, you should know I can’t turn into a bat, I spend as much time in front of the mirror as the next gal, and I enjoy a few extra shakes of garlic on my pasta. I’m not a monster, Mayor Donaldson. I am a vampire citizen who wants the same rights you take for granted.”
About the Author:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
About the Author:
