A little while ago, Blackthorn devotee, Amity Grays mentioned the prospect of a survival guide to Blackthorn in one of her blog posts. The idea quickly caught on. The problem is, Blackthorn is a complex place with a culture all of its own. More to the point, I’m still keeping some of it hidden from you at the moment – so knowing where to begin wasn’t easy.

But some readers want to delve a little deeper into Blackthorn regardless of a guide. The last intrepid bloggers to venture into the district were DaVinciKittie and Molly over on GraveTells, who dared to enter the Dehain brothers’ club. And let’s not forget brave Aimee Duffy who was the first to ever try to interview Kane Malloy (apparently she’s still in recovery). And now, Tracey Rogers, another Blackthorn devotee, decided it was time she ventured into Blackthorn – only she took me with her for an on-the-spot interview! (I’m obviously back, I’m only hoping she is!)

For everyone else, I’ve broken you in gently so far – keeping you more or less in the confines of Kane’s place (Blood Shadows) or Caleb’s (Blood Roses). But I can’t hold back any longer. With Blood Torn, you’re not just heading into the lycan compound, but into some of the murkier depths of Blackthorn. And it doesn’t get much better from there, at least for a while. So I resolved it was time I pulled together a few pointers for the next stage of our journey.

First, let’s have a quick recap on a couple of demographic basics (remember you can refer to my Beneath Blackthorn posts here on my blog if you want to understand more about the make-up of the world):

• Each locale is made up of four bordered districts. Blackthorn district is the core of one locale. It’s where the third species reside, consisting mainly of vampires and lycans. But there are humans (and a few others!) too.

• Within Blackthorn itself, East is Kane’s territory, West is Caleb’s and North is Jask’s. The hub of the district is set in the west, which is the centre of nightlife activity.

The hub is exactly where you’re most likely heading if you’ve planned a night out in Blackthorn. Let’s assume you’re maybe from Midtown or Summerton and that you’ve never been to Blackthorn before. What advice would I give?

Here’s an essential 15-point guide to make your night out in Blackthorn as enjoyable and safe as possible:

Be prepared

• Dress appropriately. If you’re heading to the hub of Blackthorn, you’re entering the party capital. Dress to blend in. Look like a newbie and you may as well stamp victim on your forehead. Trust me, residents will know!

• Don’t go in alone. Groups are better.

• Don’t go kitted up like some member of a 80s or 90s vampire-killing film. The third species aren’t inherently evil, they aren’t the undead – they’re just a different species. You’ll either die from humiliation or an unappreciative resident.

Mind your language!

• Don’t mention ‘fangs’ to vampires, unless you plan on it being an insult. Blackthorn vampires have an extra set of lateral incisors, not fangs. Lycans use cuspids (canines). Referring to fangs is a prime way to show that not only are you a newbie, but that you actually believe the old stereotypes – never a good icebreaker in Blackthorn.

• Don’t mention you’re from Midtown or Summerton. Remember, your privileged lifestyle will be a sore point. You’re from across the border in Lowtown, if anyone asks.

Watch your behaviour

• Keep your eyes up and ahead. Don’t avoid eye contact, but keep it fleeting and never take a second glance.

• Basically, don’t stare. Prolonged eye contact with another means either you’re interested in them or you’re looking for trouble. Staring at ‘events’ means you’re willing and able to join in whatever is going on.

• Don’t ask for directions. Ever.

What to avoid

• Watch out for vampires who roam alone, and watch out for humans who roam in groups away from the crowds.

• Avoid anyone with numbers tattooed on their inner arms. That’s all I’ll say for now!

• Stick to the main streets, no matter how busy. Quieter most certainly does not mean safer.

• Don’t ever go to The Circus – it really isn’t what you think.

• Avoid the old cinema. It’s been transferred to live performances you don’t want to witness.

• Public feedings are illegal.

• If you’re asked if you’re interested in being a feeder, say no. And avoid being bitten at all costs. You’re going to have to get through a lot of red tape to return to Midtown or Summerton if you don’t!

I hope that helps! Now to find Tracey…