Title: The Calling
Author: M.D. Neu
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 108300
Genre: Paranormal, paranormal, gay, dark, immortal, magic users, psychic ability, vampires
Blurb:
Being a nobody isn’t Duncan Alexander’s life goal, but it’s worked for him. He has a nondescript job, a few good friends, and overall he’s content. That’s until one fateful trip to San Jose, California, where he is “Called” to meet the mysterious Juliet de Exter. Juliet is a beautiful, wealthy, powerful Immortal who is undertaking The Calling—a search for a human to join her world of Immortals. Inexplicably, Duncan’s calling is more dangerous than any of the Immortals, even Juliet, ever thought it would be.
There is more to this nobody, this only child of long-deceased parents, than anyone thought. When Duncan experiences uncontrollable dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he hasn’t been, Juliet and the other Immortals worry. Soon, his visions point to a coven of long-dead witches. The dreams also lead Duncan to his one true love. How will Duncan navigate a forbidden romance with an outcast Immortal? How will he and the others keep the balance between the Light and Dark, survive vicious attacks, and keep the humans from learning who they truly are? More importantly, who is this implacable foe Duncan keeps seeing in his dreams?
The Review:
The Calling by MD Neu is an interesting romp through a new version of the Vampire mythos. Neu has created (for me) a version of the legendary creature that is reminiscent of the Fae, featuring both Light and Dark sides to this tribe of predators. As the story unfolds and the vampire lore is discovered I was reminded (fondly) of The Hunger (1983 film with Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon), Lost Girl (TV series 2010-2015 with Anna Silk) and the infamous Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers.
The writing is unapologetically casual, and easy going. The blurb states “Being a nobody isn’t Duncan Alexander’s goal, but it’s worked for him.” And as Duncan is the narrator of the story, you quickly get a sense that his character is uncomplicated, honest, and simple.
Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.
Without spoiling any fun, let’s just say that Duncan is anything but ‘a nobody’ and as he becomes enveloped into the world of immortals we find out how truly unique and special he is.
I suppose the one downside for me was the oddly lighthearted, and at times glamorous lifestyles of the Light side of the vampire clan where Duncan starts his journey. I had a hard time relating to Juliet, Duncan’s maker, and leader of the Light as she was more like a fairy godmother than a vampire.
I’ve always had a penchant for dark and creepy, and it wasn’t until the introduction and more grotesque scenes of the Dark side of the immortal world, and the brilliant descriptions of Duncan’s visions where I was treated to the dank underbelly of the magical realm I so enjoy. I instantly fell for the charms of Victor, the leader of the Dark clan. He was quick to anger, prone to whim and fancy, and decidedly nefarious in his dealings – just the kind of creature I enjoy – he was charismatic, handsome, spellbinding and completely untrustworthy. I loved him, and his motley crew of dark companions.
Neu captured my attention with his main character’s coupling – a love interest from the Dark tribe. The history of Kirtus was most inventive. A vampire who through strange circumstance ended up on the wrong side and who shall remain there forevermore. Neu adds a special element to vampiric lore as each one has a special gift. Kirtus has the ability to control the elements, and is a redhead, so what’s not to love? I’m excited to see where this relationship goes.
There are little shots of humor scattered throughout this story as well, including a small dig at the current political climate – well done – that gave me a good giggle.
I was disappointed to discover that true magic with its infinite possibility and unchecked potential is not something humans can handle. I’d love nothing more than to see a clumsy witch attempt spells with this type of magic. The carnage would be spectacular.
The last few pages of the novel set this story up for a sequel and I’m already chomping at the bit to read how the next great battle between good and evil (or perceived good and evil) comes to pass.
So, if you’re interested in a new spin around the block in the Vampire-mobile, one where high fashion meets creative blood infused cuisine, masquerade parties, magic, pomp, and circumstance, tradition and ritual, then you’re in for a treat.
Rating:
Purchase Links:
NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the-calling/
Amazon: http: http://hyperurl.co/uhvg88
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/769919
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1127687304
Kobo: https: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-calling-80
Meet the Author:
M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man, he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric, his husband of eighteen plus years.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.mdneu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthor/
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