I was checking my blog stats this morning when I stumbled across a referral source I’d never seen before. Someone had clicked an outgoing link from a blog called Paranormal Unbound. My curiosity was doubly evoked, not just because I hadn’t previously heard of the blog but I also wanted to know why I had been mentioned.
In my usual style, I was having major palpitations as I followed the link. Nervous of what might have been said, the same questions that always cross my mind appeared: What if it’s not good? Do I really want to look? But my curiosity is as much an affliction as my self-doubt.
Instead, I was thrilled to discover a terrific interview with GraveTells’ DaVinciKittie hosted by author, A.J. Larrieu. Not only was DaVinciKittie praising my Blackthorn series, but even A.J. Larrieu said I’m a favourite new paranormal romance author of hers. Look…!
It absolutely made my day – hence the impromptu blog post.
Not only am I super pleased to have discovered a paranormal blog that I didn’t know about before, but particularly one that prides itself on breaking rules and redefining the genre. As anyone who has followed me for a while knows, one of the things that held me back with this series for so many years was not feeling it fitted in. So, when I read what DaVinciKittie had to say, you’ll understand why it meant so much to me:
“PNR has tropes and over-utilized plot devices just like every other genre, romance or not, but for every 4 or 5 run-of-the-mill copycat stories we get in the GraveTells review submission box, there is at least one gem with fresh ideas and a new take on the paranormal universe just waiting to be promoted and discovered…. You mentioned Lindsay Pryor earlier; her Blackthorn universe is one of those little gems because it is edgy, unpredictable, and walks the line of what is considered “appropriate” for romance. It’s an engaging combination of urban fantasy and paranormal romance…”
If you’d like to read the full interview, you can follow the link here.
So here’s huge thanks to DaVinciKittie for the mention as well as A.J. Larrieu for introducing me to Paranormal Unbound. It’s well worth a look for all PNR fans!
It’s my second sunshine blog tag of the week! Yay! This time it’s the Summer Sun Award. This website has never seen so much of the bright stuff! It’s slightly later than planned as I got a little immersed in Blood Torn this week, but it goes like this…
Firstly, you display the logo and link back to the blog of the person who nominated you. Then you answer the following summery questions before nominating a lucky eight ….one for each sunray on the picture. Then you must tell the lucky eight and name and display their blog link.
Favourite song with summer in the title or the words (give the line)
I really had to think about this one. For my chilled-out mood, I’ll go for Summer Breeze by The Isley Brothers and for my bounce-around-the-house mood, I’ll opt for Summer Of ’69 by Bryan Adams.
Favourite book about summer
Oh heck. I had to delve into my childhood for this one! If my memory serves me right, wasn’t The Enchanted Wood set during summer?
Favourite hot summer film
The Lost Boys. It sure looked like summer in Santa Carla to me.
Favourite summer memory
Way too many! I got married in August so I’ll pick that.
Favourite summer holiday destination
I’m totally biased and love the UK. There are still so many parts of it I want to explore. Cornwall is a particular favourite of mine, especially Land’s End. I also love Whitby (obviously!) and beautiful cities like Durham, York and Bath.
What books will be in your suitcase this summer?
I HAVE to get to The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s been top of my TBR list for a ridiculous length of time. Still, it has been something of a busy year! And my writing friends just keep getting published…
What’s your likely destination this summer?
Blackthorn. So as not to break a lifelong habit, I’ll be spending my school holidays at my computer in my study. Let’s just say book 4 is already taking hold.
What hottie would you most like to be sharing the hot days and long nights with this summer?
Hubbie, obviously. My vampire hotties would frazzle in all that sun, so that rules them out. But if hubbie is busy, can I pick Batman? But only if he lets me drive. And I want a mask. I definitely want a mask. And a cape… is that not what you meant??
And it’s nomination time…
Some people I wanted on my list have already been grabbed (boo!), but I’m going to mention them anyway because I’ve no doubt they’ll be worth a read: Incy Black, Aimee Duffy, Jane Hunt and Rae Rivers.
I tagged them last time, so I hope they’re keeping up. As I like to keep you busy, you’re nominated again Tima Maria Lacoba and Kierney Scott!
I’ve been tagged for blog hops! But not just any blog hops – sunny ones! We all know Blackthorn isn’t exactly associated with little rays of sunshine, so needless to say I’ve piled on the sunblock as I venture into the first of two…
Huge thanks to the lovely Rae Rivers for tagging me for blog hop number one. As it happens, I’m also interviewing her over on The Hot Pink Typewriter tonight about her PNR debut with Harper Impulse. Do come and say hi if you can!
The first thing I have to do is explain the hop. The name of this hop is The Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop. Each author invites up to five other authors to answer the same five questions and discuss their current summer release and/or WIP as well as a tasty recipe that ties into it!
So here goes…
MY CURRENT RELEASE IS…
…Blood Roses, book 2 in the Blackthorn series, released in April. It’s a dark, claustrophobic and psychologically intense paranormal romance. All the details can be found in the ‘Books’ tab above.
MY CURRENT WIP IS…
…Blood Torn, book 3 in the Blackthorn series, due for release in the Autumn of this year. I’m keeping tight lipped about it for just a couple more weeks.
THE QUESTIONS…
1) When writing are you a snacker? If so, sweet or salty?
I tend to drink more than snack – water if I’m being good, iced coffee or Pepsi if I’m not. But as for snacks, it has to be sweet every time. I love dark chocolate, especially with a hint of orange.
2) Are you an outliner or someone who flies by the seat of their pants? Are they real pants or jammies?
When I first started writing the Blackthorn series, there was a lot of flying by the seat of my jammies – but I was writing for myself so it didn’t matter if I went off on tangents. If anything, it gave me a better indication of how the series would eventually take shape. Now it’s like taking the puzzle apart and putting it back together, so I always use outlines.
3) When cooking or baking, do you follow the recipe exactly or wing it?
LOL! Cooking or baking?? Me?? It’s a standing joke that I only ever venture into the kitchen for beans on toast or to reach into the fridge (see question 1). It’s safe to say I’m not exactly gifted in the domestic arts – but I am getting better. I’ve never baked though. I assume that refers to cakes and such like? Heck no! Opening packets is easier and less time consuming. I know some people find cooking relaxing. You’re more likely to find me on my knees sobbing, clutching the oven and pleading for mercy. I think I must have had a dubious past life because most things I cook come out looking like a sacrifice to some ancient deity.
4) What is next for you after this book?
Book 4 (not going to give away the title yet) is already underway in the background, so my focus will be on writing that in-between edits for Blood Torn which are starting very soon.
In terms of my publishing future after Blood Torn, I’m really not sure. I signed a three-book deal with Bookouture which will obviously come to an end very soon (sob), so all I can say is watch this space.
5) Last Question…on a level of one being slightly naughty to ten being whoo whoo steamy, where does your book land?
This is sooo subjective. From reading my reviews, I guess the majority would place it somewhere between hot and whoo whoo steamy.
THE SUMMER RECIPE…
I have to come up with a summer recipe that ties into Blackthorn. So, taking into account my response to question number 3, this is the best you’re going to get I’m afraid…
Open the freezer. (Blackthorn can be a cold place at times and outsiders receive a frosty reception.)
Find a large tub of rich and creamy DARK (this is Blackthorn, after all, no milky stuff here) chocolate ice cream. Oh, and preferably the type with all the chocolate chunks in it (to compliment the hard edge to the series).
Grab an ice-cream scoop. (If it helps, you can imagine one tipped like a stake just in case you get any vampires sneak up behind you – no one gets in the way of us and ice cream, right?)
Remove one scoop of ice cream and place it in a bowl. (Not straight into your mouth – apparently this is very unladylike. Gee.)
Only one scoop? Methinks not! We’ll say that one is for Kane, so let’s take a second scoop for Caleb and a third for Jask. Yep, any excuse!
Pour on a generous spilling of strawberry or raspberry sauce. (If I have to explain why, you’re not quite following my train of thought.)
Grate some more dark chocolate over the top. (There’s always an extra little dark twist in Blackthorn, right?)
Grab a spoon (silver, of course), indulge and enjoy!
I would now like to nominate the following bloggers to join the hop. I sure hope you’re better cooks than me!
Yesterday, I had my first birthday as a published author.
Those who have been following me for a while might remember a post I wrote around this time last year. I included a picture of the electronic typewriter I’d had for my 13th birthday after resolutely announcing I was going to be an author one day. It’s strange to think that less than 12 months ago, my hopes were still a bundle of dreams.
Well, it’s taken 26 years (why rush?) to get there, but I’m finally wearing the official badge. And it’s no longer my electric typewriter I’m willingly glued to for hours on end… (can anyone spot Batty?)
(No, my books never leave my side when I’m writing. Yes, the pile of paperwork in the left hand corner are my Blood Torn notes.)
And I couldn’t have asked for a better lead-up to my birthday this year. After announcing last week that I’d reached the top 10 in Amazon’s Gothic Romance chart in Germany, I then reached the top 20 here in the UK.
On the weekend, I was thrilled with an awesome review for Blood Roses from Lindsey Clarke, which then got picked up by local online newspaper The South West Artists’ Daily.
As for the day itself, there came the arrival of some vamptastic custom-made biscuits courtesy of the lovely Tracey Rogers (they taste as good as they look, Tracey!).
And these were followed by a plateful of scrummy choc-chip Blackthorn birthday cupcakes organised by my wonderful husband. Even the icing is edible!
As well as spending the best part of the day on the North Devon coastline with my better half, I also managed to squeeze in some time with Henry Cavill – albeit it on the big screen. Being a sci-fi and fantasy geek, I was really excited to see the new Superman film.
For those who follow me on Pinterest, you’ll know I picked out Henry Cavill when I had to find some Kane lookalikes as guidance for my book cover designer. Having no idea who he was, but now having finally seen in him action, I know I chose well – he has the perfect Kane scowl if ever I’ve seen one!
I think it was finally confirmed when Superman and Lois were alone in the interrogation room (sound familiar?).
I leaned across to my husband and whispered, “Definitely works as Kane.”
My husband nodded, even though he’s only read the opening chapters of Blood Shadows. “I can see why.”
This was promptly followed by Lois asking Superman, “What’s the ‘S’ for?”
Hubbie instantly leaned back across and whispered, “Soul ripper.”
I stifled my giggles. Obviously. He might not have read the books yet, but clearly I talk about them more than I realise! Hmm, that’s become something of a habit lately.
Tonight is the season finale of The Vampire Diaries here in the UK. I love this show and have never missed an episode. Over the past couple of months, watching it has been even more fun because I’ve had a group of wonderful Twitter pals to share it with – all simultaneously ‘online’ as we write our own (sometimes incoherent) running commentary. So, before I’m mourning into my hanky tonight, here’s a quick season recap…
Super-sweet Elena didn’t just develop an attitude problem – she turned bad. The relief. We were itching for Klaus and Caroline to kiss. Didn’t happen. But will it?? Stefan needed to finally get over Elena and get it together with Rebekah. Again, didn’t happen. But it might! All The Originals (well, nearly) were back full force. We lost Jeremy. We may even have lost Bonnie (nooo!). Alaric (yay – Damon’s drinking buddy!) and Lexi were back, albeit briefly. We’ve had compelling and spells; an ancient cure for vampirism; siring and love triangles; angst, double-dealing and betrayal and, at one point, we even thought we’d tuned into an episode of Lost (if you saw it, you’ll know what I mean).
And then there’s Damon – oh sweet, messed-up, badly-behaved but ever-so-entertaining with that cheeky grin and, er, other attributes – Damon. Some episodes we just stopped caring how complex the plot got as long as we tallied up enough Damon screen time. It’s all about the priorities. 😉
The Vampire Diaries isn’t the only vampire series I’ve been addicted to over the years. I was into Moonlight, Blood Ties and True Blood once upon a time. Unfortunately I gave up on True Blood after about three seasons when it got way too bizarre and disturbing for me (I’m something of a sensitive soul, believe it or not). Those that stood the test of time though, along with TVD, were Ultraviolet, Angel and Being Human (all hail, Toby Whitehouse!).
Ultraviolet was the first vampire series I was hugely into. Then came Angel. I was into Buffy in a big way so when the spin-off series came out I was hooked. I wore my Angel t-shirt to death and even bought the special collectors boxset when the series ended. Then along came Being Human (UK version – couldn’t get into the US remake) about a vampire, a ghost and a werewolf who all share a house. A simple concept maybe, but the execution is far superior to anything I’ve ever seen. As far as script writing goes – perfect. Characterisation is off the charts. Sexy vampires? Have you seen Aidan Turner as Mitchell??? Seriously, I’ve never been the same. It died off for me a little after the main cast went, but it’s still worth some merit.
Then there are the vampire movies….
The vampire books…
The awesome live shows (think I’ve seen this one about seven times)…
And you know you’re obsessed, really obsessed, when you can’t even serve up a summer drink without a little bit of vampire incorporated.
Yep, you know you’re true vampire fan when you keep a coffin of fangs in your freezer.
Last month, I was chuffed to be tagged for ‘The Inspiring Bloggers Award’. So to be tagged again, this time for ‘The Sunshine Award’ is awesome.
The Sunshine Award is a lovely sunny flower that bloggers give to other “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”.
For someone who writes pretty dark stuff most of the time, a sunny flower appearing on the page is a rare thing indeed. It’s not often I get to talk chocolate milkshakes and fluffy bunnies (which is what most of my ‘real’ life consists of), so here we go…
As with most awards, ‘The Sunshine Award’ comes with a few simple rules:
(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.
(2) Do the Q&A below.
(3) Pass on the award to 10 – 12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.
So firstly, I’d like to say a huge thanks to fab blogger and historical romance author, Shehanne Moore who very kindly tagged me for this award. And here’s the Q&A:
Favourite Colour: Red. But I also like purple.
Favourite Animal: I love bats. I think they’re amazing. We’re very fortunate to have Pipistrelles in the garden and I’m often out there on warm evenings with my bat detector. I was very privileged a while ago to have handled a Bechstein (which is very rare bat here in the UK), when I went to visit a bat carer. You can’t see the scale in the picture, but he was tiny and sooo cute.
I also adore rabbits and have had house bunnies for fifteen years. Over the years, all of my pets have come from backgrounds of neglect/abandonment/mistreatment. It’s brilliant being able to turn that around and make them trust again. Here’s my current boss, Tilly, sitting alongside her mum during an episode of The Vampire Diaries. She wasn’t quite as enthralled as me! Either that or she’d just seen Damon…
Favourite Number: I’ve always had a thing about the number 7. I’ve no idea why. I prefer odd numbers to even.
Favourite Non-alcoholic Drink: I drink a lot of water, indulge in Pepsi Max and also LOVE chocolate milkshakes. Here’s my favourite… (which is a photo from the night I signed my book contract. Yep, I’m wild.)
Facebook or Twitter: I’ve not been on Facebook overly long. I only have a Fan Page and not a personal profile which limits what I can do, but it’s great to chat to people there. I’ve been on Twitter longer and love chatting there too. Oh, I’ll just chunter away anywhere…
Your Passion: Writing. It always has been. As you’ve probably guessed, I also feel strongly about animal welfare.
Giving or getting presents: I’m a big kid when it comes to presents – either suits me!
Favourite Day: Any day where I get to write all day. I love that feeling.
Favourite Flowers: I love all types of lilies, but I’m going to be patriotic and pick daffodils as they’re my national flower. I may live in England now, but I’m still a proud Welsh girl. They’re a Spring flower so we’ve got loads in the garden at the moment, as you can see…
I’m now going to pass the award to…
The TVD crew for making Tuesday nights so much fun:
Tracey Rogers (now you have a blog, there’s no escaping!)
I haven’t been involved with a blog tag for a while, so I was chuffed to have been nominated for this award by the lovely Fiona Wilson. Huge thanks for the nomination, Fiona!
Here are the rules of The Very Inspiring Blogger Award:
Display the award logo on your blog.
Link back to the person who nominated you.
State 7 things about yourself.
Nominate other bloggers (the number seems to vary) for this award and link to them.
I’ve had quite a few interviews lately, so I had to try and think of things that I’ve never mentioned before. I’m going to stay away from the subject of writing/my books for a change and give you seven totally random facts about me…
I was bitten by a snake as a child. Fortunately the Adder bit my shoe first and deposited most of its venom before biting me on the ankle.
I once stayed in a real haunted house (Llancaiach Fawr Manor in South Wales, U.K) as part of a paranormal investigation team. I thought I’d be terrified but, despite all the spooky activity, I just fell asleep.
I’m terrified of the dark and full-face masks.
I’ve never missed an episode of Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries or Being Human (UK).
I’m tea-total and always have been.
I share my birthday with Sir Paul McCartney, which was much to my late dad’s delight as he was a huge Beatles fan – so am I.
My first car was a off-white mini metro that I used to drive to university. The registration started with CL so I called her Clarice after Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. I was studying psychology at the time and was into criminology in a big way. Sir Anthony Hopkins, who used to live not far from me, signed a copy of the book.
And, in alphabetical order, I’m tagging the following inspirational bunch of bloggers who have all impacted on me one way or another:
For just one post, I thought I’d break from the norm. As well as a passion for vampires, you might know I have a fascination with many other myths and legends – especially local ones. So, after Batty’s popularity since introducing him to you only a week ago, he’s back for a second appearance. This time, Blackthorn’s mascot is adding a little something to my visit to the magical village of Tintagel in Cornwall: the home of King Arthur.
For those who might not know, King Arthur was a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries who led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. A lot of the story is based on folklore and literature so his actual historical existence is debated and disputed. Needless to say, most people will have heard of Merlin, Excalibur, The Holy Grail and the Knights of the Round Table.
At Tintagel, there’s a replica of King Arthur’s great hall. So here are a few things from inside…
Batty hanging from a sword. Shame it’s not Excalibur.
The sword was the principal weapon of a knight but was of equal importance symbolically. The blade was symbolic of faith. The knight would keep his blade shining bright as a reminder to keep his soul pure. The scabbard was symbolic of purity and as such had to be kept clean at all times. The handle and pommel – the part that allows the knight to control the sword – signified power so had to be wielded with humility.
Batty in the middle of the Round Table.
This is a replica Round Table around which Arthur and his 12 knights congregated. It is circular to represent that there is no head of the table, implying that everyone who sits there has equal status. The shields of all the knights, including Arthur, span out from the middle and their knights’ names are engraved where they would have sat. The table was believed to have been a dowry from Guinevere.
Me and the knight (Batty in hand).
Now I love a knight as much as the next girl. They’re supposed to be chivalrous and gentlemanly, but it doesn’t hurt to check! The way to assess a knight’s intentions was whether they had their helmet visor raised or closed. For a knight to raise their visor, and thus show you their eyes, meant they had no aggressive intent – and is one of the possible reasons why the military still salute today: a symbolic lifting of the visor.
And once I knew the coast was clear…
Batty and King Arthur’s throne.
It wouldn’t be a king’s abode without a throne. I think Batty looks quite at home! And yes, I spent a little while there too. 😉
I hope you enjoyed your brief tour and quick step into one of Britain’s most famous legends. I’ll be back talking vampires on the weekend with an update about Blood Roses, including a few clues of what to expect.
After almost 30 years of writing, 21 years since I’d written my first paranormal romance and 16 years of Blackthorn in the making, 2012 was the year when I finally became a published author.
My avid followers will no doubt have picked up on the fact I haven’t had a moment to breathe since then. No sitting with my feet on my desk, sipping Pepsi whilst I dreamily doddle plotlines in my notebook in-between gazing out of my study window. Oh no.
In April of 2012, I’d resolved I’d had enough of sitting on the Blackthorn series and needed to seriously pursue publication. I set up a blog (a must, I was told by my new writerly friends) and, in June, started submitting to publishers.
I’d prepared for the long-haul – weeks, months, maybe even years of waiting. Okay, the latter is an exaggeration – I’d decided I’d self-publish if it came to that. But on Friday 13th July, came the request from Bookouture that changed everything. Less than a month later came ‘The Call’ along with a very impressive book proposal and fantastic plans for Blackthorn.
September was the month of secrets. I blogged about being offered a three-book deal, but had to remain hushed about who by until Bookouture was launched and all the finer details were tied up – not least the contract! And, gee, was it tough keeping quiet!
Finally, at the end of October, I was finally able to announce that I had signed with Bookouture and my brand new website was launched. News of my signing went global and there were over 1,000 hits on the news feed in the first couple of days.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, straight after, Hollywood came calling. Yes, they really did! I didn’t say much because, well, basically I knew the chances were minimal. It was still amazing to have had the book requested though and the feedback from the head of creative affairs, although a no, was great:
“I really enjoyed BLOOD SHADOWS, Lindsay is a wonderful writer. She’s crafted one heck of a world with Caitlin, Kane, VCU and the Soul Ripper. A few of us really took to the book and world creation but, alas, the consensus was that it isn’t exactly what…is looking for.”
I didn’t have time to dwell though, because we were already in November – and what a month November was!
First came the cover reveal for Blood Shadows. And for anyone who has got a hardcopy and seen who the designer was (yes, I know some of you have!) you’ll know why I was so ecstatic about who took the project on. Shortly after came the first of the fantastic and fun Blackthorn Bites. Within days there was the release of the awesome Blood Shadows book trailer. On Thursday 15th, I shed a tear when I held a copy of my book in my hands for the first time. Then on the 27th November (give or take a few days…) Blood Shadows was finally officially launched.
The promotions kicked off instantly and haven’t stopped since, not least with my U.S. book tour starting on 28th December and running through the whole of this month.
And the reviews. Ah, the reviews. I have come to discover that reviews are single-handedly one of the most rewarding and, at the same time, utterly terrifying parts of being a published author. I’ve been lucky that, apart from a handful of ratings (rose bombers spring to mind anyone?), the reviews have been amazing. So thank you to every single person who has taken the time and the effort to share what they think on Amazon and Goodreads. There is no better way to get my books into the hands of new readers than through those reviews, so believe me when I say I appreciate your effort more than I can possibly express here.
And during all of this, I’ve feverishly been working on revisions for Blood Roses, which I sent back to Bookouture on New Years’ day. Yay! More about Blood Roses very soon…
But before I go, when I announced by blog tour last Friday, I did promise to tell you about my Christmas present this year.
I’m the kind of girl who, as long as I get a couple of notepads and a pack of pens or pencils, I’m usually a pretty happy bunny as far as presents go. Throw in a bottle of my favourite Thierry Mugler’s Angel now and again and you’re guaranteed to raise a satisfied smile. Fortunately, I have a husband whose imagination, year after year, spans beyond my feeble attempts at a creative list for Santa.
I must be honest though, this year I did give him a hint of what I wanted. I didn’t quite expect the end result though. Welcome to my new study wall…
Now if that isn’t motivation enough to keep writing Blackthorn books, I don’t know what is! And yes, if you wrote one of the earlier bites, you are up there! So huge thanks to Michele Hauf, CC Mackenzie, Fiona Chapman, Lindsey Clarke, Amity Grays and RomFan Reviews.
But that wasn’t all. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m a fan of personal gifts. So when this little chap was handed to me, overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe it. Say hello to Batty…
This little chap was handmade especially for me by exceptionally talented, local artist Minerva (of Minerva Twist). She’s thrown a creative spin on a variety of animals but this was her first attempt at my personal favourite – a bat. Not only is he reading a copy of my book (and the glasses are uncannily like mine too!), but she even went to the trouble of joining the oo’s together just like on the cover of Blood Shadows and putting a dot after the ‘J’ in my name. Now that’s the attention to detail I like. Thanks Minerva, you ridiculously talented lady, he’s absolutely gorgeous!
And that’s it – here’s hoping 2013 brings just as much excitement!
Finally, huge thanks to my super-supportive, long-suffering husband who makes sure I eat, drink, sleep and, on occasion, get suitably socialised. Massive thanks you all my wonderful, wonderful supporters, including my fantastic new-found writing friends – to those who have been published this year and those who are going to be published in 2013, here’s wishing you every success. And for those who haven’t got there yet, I’m rooting for you with every digit crossed. I’m a walking example that dreams can and do eventually come true. DO NOT give up.
So here’s an extra special thank you to the amazing Oliver Rhodes, founder of Bookouture, for not only making my dreams come true in 2012, but for making my first two months as a published author more exciting and fun than I ever could have imagined.
I’m concluding my top ten favourite vampire films, with a countdown of 3 through to 1. Enjoy!
Number 3
Underworld
Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale) is a vampire determined to destroy the lycans who allegedly killed her family. When she discovers they’re pursuing a human – Michael – she sets out to capture him herself. There were four films in total, but the first is definitely the strongest. Great vampire and werewolf mythology, a superb gothic backdrop, terrific action scenes and with a strong British female lead playing the heroine, this film is sheer entertainment.
Number 2
Daybreakers
I adore this film. The premise is simple: a plague has transformed humans into vampires so that less than 5% of the human population exists. Of course, vampires needs human blood to survive. More so, vampires deprived for too lengthy a time degenerate into psychotic, blood-hungry creatures that will attack anything. A vampire corporation is working to capture and farm all remaining humans whilst a synthetic blood substitute is found – and quickly. In the meantime, a good-guy vampire haematologist who works for them gets word of a cure (and it’s inspired!). Credit where credit is due, this film really offered something different.
Number 1
The Lost Boys
Okay, so I’m predictable. But will anything ever top this? Scary, funny, action-packed, edge-of-your seat stuff, this film will forever be number 1 on my list. Michael and Sam move to the beach community of Santa Carla only to discover it’s the murder capital of the world – oh, and home to a gang of urban, bad-boy vampires. Wanting to fit in, Michael falls prey to becoming one of them, but he’s yet to make a human kill and turn. The race his on for his younger brother to kill the head vampire before Michael takes a bite out of one of the locals. Inspired by Peter Pan (yes, really) and with two of the lead characters named after Edgar Allan Poe, you get a sense of the balance between light and dark in this film. It has to have one of the best closing lines/scenes to a vampire film ever, and by a character (the grandfather) who wasn’t even written into the original script! Vampire film bliss, and here’s the original trailer embeded direct from You Tube… 🙂
