Title: Blood Purple
Author: Ashley Nemer
Publisher: XOXO Publishing
Published: September 25th 2012
Book Description
In a world we think we know, live other races entirely hidden from the mortal perspective. Creatures of legend, of fable and myth, their very history and nature have allowed them to walk side by side with humans since time immemorial. They are warriors, they are hunters, and they are Algula. Vampire. And in their own midst, a battle is brewing for supremacy, for dominance, that can and will affect all around them. Old hatred never dies and vengeance is a fiery sword that cuts a bloody swath.
My Review
This was a fabulous start to the series. We have a mix of paranormal/romance with a bit of an ancient twist as the story prologue starts with a feud between immortals centuries ago. As we move into the modern day, the feud continues but with some new players. It's fun, graphic and has a touch of romance too.
Nikole and Zayn are siblings and Zayn is the current King of the Algula (Vampires). They are currently in hiding from Haydar, who is their Uncle, and the person who began the war over a millennium ago. He wants to rule the Algula and will use anyone and anything within his power to obtain his objective.
Nikole's greatest desire is to be able to join the Algula army so she can fight alongside her brother Zayn. She is put to the test, but she lets her guard down. To escape the lectures of her brother she ventures out to the local night club to meet her best friend Adara, where they meet some guys who aren't exactly who they appear to be.
I really like Nikole, she may be a Princess but she has a warrior’s heart and a very strong personality. She doesn't crack under pressure and she is able to push Zayns buttons. They are very close siblings and Zayn just wants to protect his sister.
Zayn wasn't as dominating as I hoped, but at the conclusion of the book, things are going to change! He has a confident exterior but when he's behind closed doors his emotions are able to escape. He has been ruling his people for so long that he always puts others before himself. I don't think he has really done anything for his own pleasure. But even during a crisis the King needs to find someone for support.
There are a few Villains in the book, some of which have some serious physiological issues, and some of the things that they do are a little disturbing, but they give great depth to the story. To see the inner workings of their minds and some of the hardships they have had to deal with enables us to see why they have become that way.
I found that Ashley Nemer has a fabulous writing style. Even though we are in the present day, she often takes us back into the past and shows us glimpses of some of the characters lives. There are some steamy bedroom scenes, but there is also torture and murder too! Not everything can be black and white; loyalties change, new relationships are developed and some friendships are challenged. So basically to sum it up, some nasty things happen, crap hits the fans all over the place and War maybe coming. Things are going to be interesting in the next book.
Nikole and Zayn are siblings and Zayn is the current King of the Algula (Vampires). They are currently in hiding from Haydar, who is their Uncle, and the person who began the war over a millennium ago. He wants to rule the Algula and will use anyone and anything within his power to obtain his objective.
Nikole's greatest desire is to be able to join the Algula army so she can fight alongside her brother Zayn. She is put to the test, but she lets her guard down. To escape the lectures of her brother she ventures out to the local night club to meet her best friend Adara, where they meet some guys who aren't exactly who they appear to be.
I really like Nikole, she may be a Princess but she has a warrior’s heart and a very strong personality. She doesn't crack under pressure and she is able to push Zayns buttons. They are very close siblings and Zayn just wants to protect his sister.
Zayn wasn't as dominating as I hoped, but at the conclusion of the book, things are going to change! He has a confident exterior but when he's behind closed doors his emotions are able to escape. He has been ruling his people for so long that he always puts others before himself. I don't think he has really done anything for his own pleasure. But even during a crisis the King needs to find someone for support.
There are a few Villains in the book, some of which have some serious physiological issues, and some of the things that they do are a little disturbing, but they give great depth to the story. To see the inner workings of their minds and some of the hardships they have had to deal with enables us to see why they have become that way.
I found that Ashley Nemer has a fabulous writing style. Even though we are in the present day, she often takes us back into the past and shows us glimpses of some of the characters lives. There are some steamy bedroom scenes, but there is also torture and murder too! Not everything can be black and white; loyalties change, new relationships are developed and some friendships are challenged. So basically to sum it up, some nasty things happen, crap hits the fans all over the place and War maybe coming. Things are going to be interesting in the next book.
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Author Bio
Ashley was born in Wichita, Kansas. She is the eldest of three. She has two brothers who she completely adores and who were the inspiration for her Alpha Lead Zayn. She has always enjoyed writing and using her creativity. This started at a young age in Kansas City, Missouri when her brother Ryan and her would take scraps of wood and paint different pictures on them. Eventually when her articulation of feelings and emotions gained depth she started writing Original Oratory while attending Clear Brook High School.Ashley’s first novel, Blood Purple is based on Algula vampires who dwelled in the Middle East and were forced from their home. The idea for this series spurred from one evening of Ashley researching her nationality after talking with her Aunt Pam about where her family originated. She and one of her friends did research on the folklore of that part of the world and found there was very little information about the paranormal genre and how it tied into the Middle East. Ashley took this idea and ran with it.
Ashley is married and lives in Houston with her husband Tony. They have two dogs named Toto and Doogie. They have been together for almost 8 years and he brings her more joy than she could ever imagine as a child. She loves to read and has been hooked on the romance genre ever since her lifelong best friend Laura gave her "Ashes to Ashes' by Tami Hoag to read when they were younger.
Ashley finds her strength through her family, especially her parents. They always support her in life, they push her to strive for greatness. There once was a motto that Ashley heard in her youth through her Taekwondo life 'Reach for the Stars' and that is what Ashley has always done. It was through her upbringing that the values Ashley has and display's came from. With her Parents always cheering her on in life she was able to grow up having faith in herself and her ability to conquer the world.
You can stalk Ashley online at:
Oh my god...thank you for this, amazing review ... I am speechless.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Ashley!! I hope you really like it!! How long do I have to wait for the next book??
ReplyDeleteI have no idea it's still with my Beta's and I'll have to send it to the publisher and go through the proper channels. I'm hoping by March!
ReplyDeleteO.o i am going to have to check this out, am curious about the author's writing stlye
ReplyDeleteooooh!! exciting!! I can't wait to see what happens, Zayn's heart may have turned to stone....
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun one, Will be interesting in the sequel, that's for sure...
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, I'm curious if you had a chance to pick up my book yet? If so, I would love your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, Blood Yellow is finishing up the last round of edits and about to go to the publisher...Excellent feedback from this last beta reader!
ReplyDeleteNo Ashley, it is on my list..but i am booked solid until March 2013!! so many books so little time!!
ReplyDeleteThat is exciting!! Will be interesting to see what happens!!
ReplyDelete