Nine Hundred years before Christ, God 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 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 from using the Amulet of Cassiel to re-enter heaven. The race and intrigue to recover the Amulet are full of intrigue and betrayal.
A completely new twist on Stoker's tale.
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REVIEW
Conner takes the vampire legend in a new direction as we meet Asherah, God's wife cast out of heaven, stricken from all the books to be cursed eternal, never to see the sun again, Always thirsting for the blood of the living, i.e., Vampire. There are those Asherah makes into fellow vampires, and then there are those she leaves for dead only to survive, not fully Vampire and not entirely human these are called Cardinals. We meet one such Cardinal in Kella Donnachaich, and Suzette Allard left for dead back in the 13th century; both have a vengeance for Asherah who made them.
After gathering all 50 Angel's Tears and finding the Amulet of Cassiel, Asherah will be able to summon the Chariot of Fire and enact her revenge on her husband (God). Fearing Asherah could end their lives, a stranger more familiar than they realize reaches out to Kellena and Suzette. But will it be enough to stop Asherah?
Conner takes us from ancient past to present day to past to present day effortlessly in visual detail with well-cultivated solid characters that are believable that they could be living in our world right now.
Being a vampire lover, Conner's vampires are way tamer compared to other vampire fiction I've read. It is a bit cringy and odd from what I am used to, yet it is still sensual, sexy, and works.
Overall, Conner keeps you interested, engaged, and want to turn the page. All vital elements for a good book. I enjoyed Cardinals very much. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.*****
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
Conner can be reached at Ian@BlackRaptorBooks.com
