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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Review
Ian Conner’s Cardinals is probably one of the most beautifully descriptive books I’ve read in 2022. There were points where the images were so clear, it was as if I could touch the things I was looking at. And the descriptions do not slow the pace of the novel in the slightest. They add to it. The world building is impeccable and the writing is nearly flawless.
The beginning is a bit slow, but once the story picks up steam, it was almost impossible for me to set it down. I really enjoyed the plot. It is such an intriguing vampire history that is definitely unique. To me, this is what a vampire story should be. Raw and scary. This book brought me back to why I love vampire stories.
I absolutely love the characters here. Not only is Ian Conner talented with world building, but he creates characters who, if I didn’t know any better, feel like they exist! Like I know them and I can talk to them. I love that. That is what reading is about–being able to get lost in a story and feel as if it’s really happening around you.
How could I give this any less than five stars? If you like vampires, don’t miss out!
Thank you to R&R Book Tours for the review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Rating
5★
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.”
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.
Black Raptor Books
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August 15th
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Jessica Belmont 