REVIEWED BY
FROST
"In the Blood"
by Rick R. Reed
Rating: 5 Swords

In the Blood







In the Blood
Rick Reed
Quest Books
September 2007
Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary
http://www.rickrreed.com/previewofintheblood.htm
http://www.regalcrest.biz/book_page.php?bookID=195
Print
186 pp.
5 Swords
As a rule, I don’t read vampire fiction; in fact, I usually avoid it. I made an exception for Rick Reed’s new novel because he is an author I
tremendously admire. Anything Rick writes I would read—even a scientific textbook! When I opened this novel, I expected excellent writing and
a compelling story line-and I was accurate in this prediction.

In the Blood is much more than just a vampire novel that will hold the reader’s interest. It becomes a philosophical and metaphysical exploration
of the adventures of history, art, and sensuality, in the eyes and minds of three vampires who laugh at the Anne Rice vampire milieu.

Maria, Terence, and Edward are more-much more-than ordinary vampires could ever be. Simultaneously, they exceed the admirable vampire
image, and fall far short of it. Their feeding habits are much more grueling and they are much longer-“lived” than the usual mode of vampires.
In addition, in order to achieve their odd version of immortality, they must sacrifice far more than watching mortal loved ones age and die as
they themselves “live” on.

Young Elise, a creative artist whose vision has turned to black and shades of gray, is their newest choice. Drawn to her art, Elise awakens in
Maria an electrical impact far beyond what she’s ever experienced, and for Elise, the mutual attraction is nearly sufficient to pull her into their
realm. Death artist by day and streetwalker by night, Elise doesn’t have much to lose, other than her life; but she isn’t willing to sacrifice the
one good in her life, even for the love of Maria.

In the Blood plumbs depths not expected in the “ordinary” vampire novel, and by the final outstanding denouement in a story full of
convolutions and unexpected surprises, I knew the book would linger long in memory. Rife with sensuality, both romantic and gory, In the
Blood sizzles and steams, the fog of lust only temporarily obscuring the mystery and truths underlying the story.


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