Fresh Fiction Blog | Marie Treanor | Vampire Intelligence

In her rather lovely review of BLOOD ON SILK, my first Awakened by Blood book, Fresh Fiction reviewer Aubrey MacDougall called it “a vampire romance for the intelligent reader”. I liked that. After all anyone who chooses to read my books must be highly intelligent, right? :-)

Of course, I didn’t set out to write a massively intellectual novel (which is fortunate, because it isn’t!). I wanted to write an absorbing, gothic vampire romance for adults, and I wanted my characters to be intelligent. I liked the idea of Elizabeth, my intellectual heroine, who’s spending all her time rationalizing vampire myths, being the one to awaken Saloman, the greatest vampire legend of all. Elizabeth is researching for her PhD; she’s obviously very bright, but she’s also a little unworldly and naïve, and for some time refuses to believe the evidence of vampire existence that’s thrust under her nose. After all, even the cleverest of people have their blind spots.

Likewise Saloman, the last of his Ancient race, is an extremely intelligent being. He survived for millennia before his betrayal in the seventeenth century, and although the modern world is completely new to him, he sets out to discover it with enthusiasm, and learns very fast how to rise to a position of wealth and influence.

The angsts and concerns of my Awakened By Blood characters are certainly more adult in tone than those of, for example, Young Adult characters. Elizabeth and Saloman’s relationship is very physical and steamy, and it’s not always their brains that lead the way! In BLOOD ON SILK, Saloman does genuinely mean to kill Elizabeth after making love to her; Elizabeth uses sex to try to change his mind.

In BLOOD SIN, the recently released second book in the trilogy, Elizabeth is trying to deal in an adult way with her separation from Saloman. She’s not a teenager, she knows she’s not going to die of unrequited love, and she doesn’t waste her time moaning that life is unfair. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t suffer. But when Saloman walks back into her life, she has to lay aside her turbulent emotions and use her intellect to work out just what he’s up to and who’s in most danger from his presence.

In some ways, Elizabeth is a very mature, self-contained person. She doesn’t need to open her heart to a best friend. She’s good at keeping secrets. She keeps the plans of the vampire hunters away from Saloman, and doesn’t tell the hunters anything at all about her relationship with Saloman. But that’s a secret just bursting to get out and Elizabeth knows this conflict of loyalty must lead eventually to the break-up either of her relationship with her friends the hunters, or with Saloman, who doesn’t take betrayal lightly. I also like to think she looks intelligently at such issues as immortality, free will and prejudice.

But when it comes down to it, this is a romance, a fantasy. Vampires make such wonderful stories – the ultimate bad boys with added power, attitude and sex appeal. For me, a black sense of humour adds to their appeal - and surely to exist all that time, they’d need one!

More than anything, I want readers to have fun with Elizabeth’s unique relationship. She has a mysterious, powerful and very sexy lover; she has to stop him killing people and she has to fight his plans to rule the world. Seriously, what’s not fun about that?

Marie Treanor lives in Scotland with her eccentric husband and three much-too-smart children. Having grown bored with city life, she resides these days in a picturesque village by the sea where she is lucky enough to enjoy herself avoiding housework and writing sensual stories of paranormal romance and fantasy.

Read excerpts from BLOOD SIN: http://www.marietreanor.com/BloodSin.htm#excerpts

Website: www.MarieTreanor.com.

Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Treanor-Paranormal- Romance/105866982782360

Join the party on her new blog, Marie Treanor’s Romantic Theme Party: http://romanticthemeparty.blogspot.com/

Buy BLOOD SIN (Awakened by Blood 2) at Amazon

Buy BLOOD ON SILK (Awakened by Blood 1) at Amazon

Watch out for BLOOD ETERNAL (Awakened by Blood 3, coming October 2011)

Comments

I love the idea of an intelligent vampire story. I haven't read any since Anne Rice's books. And the twilight books left me wanting something not for the teen set.
(Pam Howell 7:38am April 21, 2011)

Sounds intriguing for sure...like one that I won't be able to put down...Thanks for sharing...
(Dawn Staniszeski 8:23am April 21, 2011)

Your books sound great. I love reading vampire stories and yours sound really interesting. The covers are also amazing.
(June A, Manning 9:42am April 21, 2011)

This series sounds so great! Best of luck in your future endeavors!
(Renee Pajda 9:44am April 21, 2011)

Sounds great! Saloman sounds like an eternal bad boy.
(Cherie Japp 10:24am April 21, 2011)

Thanks to Fresh Fiction for letting me blog today :). And thanks for all the kind comments!

Hi Pam, I'm a big fan of Anne Rice - Interview with the Vampire blew me away when I first read it years ago!

Dawn, glad you're intrigued :)- and you're welcome!

Thanks, June, I love the covers too!

Thank you, Renee!

Hi Cherie - he has his moments :).

Marie
(Marie Treanor 10:52am April 21, 2011)

I often wonder if some writers believe that intelligence and romance are mutually exclusive. I love the idea that someone very intelligent can also find love and desire themselves. Using all parts of the brain and heart are what most people do. Intelligence does not dull the senses. On the contrary, I think it sometimes makes you more aware. Thank you for reminding me of that with this book.
(Renee Brown 10:57am April 21, 2011)

I loved your the first book. I bet this book is going to an excellent read as well. Never underestimate a woman in a long red dress that is backless, the results are endless someone once told me. Can't wait for yor next book, best of luck with you and any book that write in the future
(Anthonia Sharp 10:57am April 21, 2011)

Your book sounds so intriguing, and the way you explained it has me hooked!! I'm very anxious to read it!! This is completely out of my genre, but I'm sure it's a book I will thoroughly enjoy!! Your home sounds lovely as well. Congratulations on your new book. I'm sure it's going to do very well!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:47am April 21, 2011)

I love vampire stories and this one sounds really interesting. I'm looking forward to reading it!
(Cheryl Lynne 1:06pm April 21, 2011)

Love vampire stories! Especially one where the hero and heroine are both
smart!
(May Pau 1:22pm April 21, 2011)

I have not gotten my hands on this series yet, but I love the sound of it! Thanks for sharing!
(Colleen Conklin 1:23pm April 21, 2011)

This series sounds awesome. I am dying to know if mortal elizabeth joins saloman and they get their happily ever after. Thanks for the new read!!
(Sherie Lagarde 1:56pm April 21, 2011)

Haven't read many vampire books but I'd read this one.
(Jackie Wisherd 2:14pm April 21, 2011)

Blood Sin sounds so interesting. I really enjoy paranormal romances. The fact that the heroine has a complicated relationship with the vampire only makes it more interesting to me.
(Stacie Deramo 2:20pm April 21, 2011)

Renee, my pleasure :) Thanks for your interesting comment!

Thanks, Antonia! I'm so glad you enjoyed the first book - and absolutely one should never underestimate Elizabeth, especially in that red dress :)

Thanks, Peggy! I'm especially pleased if I've enticed you from other genres :).

Hi Cheryl Lynne and May Pau - good to hear! Hope you like mine too!

Thank you, Colleen, and you're welcome.

Thanks, Sherie - you'll have to wait until Book 3 in October to find that out :).

Thank you, Jackie, that's quiote a compliment!

Hi Stacie - thanks! I like complicated relationships in my reading too :).

Marie
(Marie Treanor 2:47pm April 21, 2011)

Just wanted you to know I really enjoy losing myself in your books. Thank you!
(Millie Corle 4:38pm April 21, 2011)

I love paranormal romance, and I am intrigued by your description of the book. I will definitely have to read it.
(Tabitha Monroe 6:00pm April 21, 2011)

"gothic vampire romance for adults" THANK YOU!!!! Love the cover.
(Mary Preston 6:23pm April 21, 2011)

It does sound like she has a cushy easy job doesn't it?
(Diane Sadler 6:57pm April 21, 2011)

Your new series sounds great!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:47pm April 21, 2011)

I am intrigued by vampires and would be delighted to read your book.
(Cheryl English 9:16pm April 21, 2011)

Elizabeth sounds like a great character. The story surrounding the free-will and loyalty the way you have described puts your book on my must read list.
(Carla Carlson 9:28pm April 21, 2011)

I love paranormal romances, I havent had the honor of reading any of your books yet, but I am greatly looking forward to doing so. As other commented, that it has a certain twist to Anne Rice's Vampire Novels I am sure I will be hooked because I have read and own every single book she has written and enjoyed them from interview of the vampire to armand, the witches chronicles, etc.. I would like to find another author who can spellbind me as she has done in the past. I would be honored to if I won, thank you. [email protected]
(Lisette Reyes 10:08pm April 21, 2011)

I want this book. I have it on my wish list. The series sounds really good.
(Jennifer Beyer 10:40pm April 21, 2011)

Sounds good. It's hard to find any vapors romance described as
intelligent. I'll have to read it.
(Christina Young 10:49pm April 21, 2011)

It sounds like your heroine has quite a tall order to fill. Lucky for us readers.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:29pm April 21, 2011)

Sounds like a great book. Enjoyed what I read.
(Sheila True 11:41pm April 21, 2011)

Not only does the novel sound wonderful. You were very fortunate with the art department and the cover!
(Cynthia Netherton 11:41pm April 21, 2011)

Why do good girls love bad boys, even if they are vampires? Story of my life; the bad boys not the vampires.
(Diane Chenier 11:41pm April 21, 2011)

Thank you, Millie! What a lovely comment to wake up to!

Good news, Tabitha - thank you :).

You're welcome, Mary :), And I agree entirely about the cover!

LOL, Diane - keeps her busy!

Thanks, Marjorie!

Cheryl, great to hear!

Thank you, Carla, that's good to know :).

Thanks, Robin!

Hi Lisette! Thanks for your comment. I'd be honoured to come anywhere close to the wonderful Anne Rice in your estimation.

Great, Jennifer - thank you!

Thanks, Christina. I liked the description myself, but as I say it's still first and foremost a vampire romance!

Thanks, G - I like to keep her on her toes :).

Good to hear, Sheila - thank you!

Thank you, Cynthia! And I do feel very lucky with the cover art...

Not sure, Diane, but it seems to work in fiction :). And vampires ARE the ultimate bad boys!

Marie
(Marie Treanor 1:36am April 22, 2011)

Your book sounds great, I love reading vampire stories.
(Frances Namuth 2:44am April 22, 2011)

Thanks, Frances - hope you enjoy this one too :)

Marie
(Marie Treanor 4:23am April 22, 2011)

I like that there are realistic obstacles to the relationship. The heroine has to decide if she wants a relationship and then how they can be together since they have such different views of how the world works.
(Lindsey Ekland 5:40am April 22, 2011)

OH my but this sounds great. I absolutely love my Vampire
Romance. The idea of the story being related to everyday live
with intelligent people is fantastic. I will be looking for it
in stores.
(Terry Forester 10:08am April 22, 2011)

I'm really tired of all the lusty vampire stories. Your book sounds different. Good for you!
(Molly Wilsbacher 10:14am April 22, 2011)

Blood Sin sounds very interesting. I have just started reading vampire stories and not sure why I didn't before..I am at retirement age so think it is about time I tried them. I now have them added to my favorites and realized I missed out on much good reading. [email protected]
(Susan Leech 10:59am April 22, 2011)

I love the idea that intelligence is important in a relationship, before, during and
after. Way to go!!!!!! I'm looking forward to this one. I'm tired of thinking "what
a dumb thing to do" even if the story is good otherwise.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:16am April 22, 2011)

Thanks for your comment Lindsey - insightful!

Thank you, Terry - great to know!

Hi Molly! I wouldn't like to mislead you, so I'd better tell you that my vampires are pretty lusty and Elizabeth and Saloman's story is very steamy in parts :). But the other things are there too!

Hi Susan. I suppose we all go through phases with our reading, and go with what suits our mood at the time. But I'm very glad to hear you're reading vampire stories now!

Thanks, Sandra :). Of course, even the cleverst people make mistakes, and behave stupidly from time to time, so my characters are not inhumanly perfect! But they do think :)

Marie
(Marie Treanor 11:55am April 22, 2011)

This sounds like a good book and the cover is great. Nothing
better than an intelligent Vampire story.
(Ilona Fenton 1:46pm April 22, 2011)

i love paranormal romances. i have the 2nd book of the series that i won, now i just need to go out and get the first book and then i will fall in love with them. i read the first chapter of the second book and can't wait to read the rest. Keep on writing the great books.
[email protected]
(Chris Bails 1:05pm April 26, 2011)

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