Navigate / search

Blood Deep – What’s Next for Blackthorn?

This time next week, Blood Deep will be yours! But if that still feels like too long a wait, you might be pleased to know the first three chapters will be available for you to read here on MONDAY!

Blood-Deep-Kindle

So let’s have a quick summary first…

WHERE DOES IT FIT IN?

Blood Deep is the fourth book in my series and introduces you to the final integral couple that you need to meet. I have to say this because some readers are still assuming it’s the finale: Book 4 is not the end of the series (more on that after Blood Deep’s release). By the end of Blood Deep though, a lot more will finally fall into place about what lies ahead for our four couples.

WHOSE STORY IS IT?

Blood Deep is about Eden Reece (hero) and Jessie (heroine). This is the first time I’m not giving away many clues about who they are, how they fit into the overall story, or their intentions. I hope you’re going to enjoy uncovering it for yourself.

THE STORY SO FAR

So far we’ve been to the east side of Blackthorn (and Lowtown) with Kane and Caitlin’s story in Blood Shadows. We’ve been to the west side of Blackthorn (and Summerton) with Caleb and Leila in Blood Roses. We’ve entered the north and the lycan compound with Jask and Phia in Blood Torn. Now, in Blood Deep, it’s time to venture fully into the south – con territory.

The cons are the human convicts extradited from the penitentiary across the border in Lowtown. Tagged, any attempt to recross the border will release a lethal neurotransmitter into their system. Once they’re in, they’re never getting out. You can spot a con by the numbers on their inner forearms – numbers that dictate the type and frequency of their crimes.

The cons have taken over the south side of Blackthorn, each with their own domain, their power dictated by the number of houses they own in a row. If you’ve read chapter one at the end of Blood Torn, you’ll know Blood Deep opens with a brutal encounter outside one of those rows. Our hero, Eden, has recently arrived in Blackthorn, just in time to see nine crates being furtively taken through the back door. Of course, we all know what those crates contain…or should I say, who is inside them.

Here are a few hints of what to expect. So if you don’t want to know anything until the book lands in your lap, look away… now!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE STORY

  • No surprise here but yes, yet again, it’s dark. Caleb and Leila’s romance (Blood Roses) is the darkest of all four couples. However, when it comes to dark situations and dark backdrops, I think Blood Deep is the murkiest of all the books so far. The cons are a collective of humans that reflect the sinister side of human nature, so be prepared for some uncomfortable moments. I’m certainly hoping that, during the course of the story, you’ll see why Kane, Caleb and Jask rule their domains with the hard edge for which they are notorious.
  • You’ll find out more about the human plight in this dystopian world. It’s not all about the cons though. Although I touched on the plight of humans in Blood Torn through Sophia’s eyes, Blood Deep delves further into the world of the humans who don’t live a privileged life under the regulations.
  • There will be mystery, psychological warfare, action and, of course, a heavy dose of heated romance. So Eden isn’t exactly coming across as ideal hero material with all those numbers on his arm. Fortunately, Jessie is already showing a glimpse of being a force to be reckoned with. This is Blackthorn though, so things are never that simple.
  • You’ll learn about some new Blackthorn mythology. Blood Deep features a new spin on an old favourite. My lips are sealed beyond that little revelation!
  • Some familiar faces are back! The further we delve into the series, the more paths will cross between the characters you have come to know. I’m not going to drop any names, but expect some well-known faces to reappear.
  • It’s not just about Eden and Jessie. Some lingering questions will be answered. Up to now, certain things have remained shrouded in mystery…Why does Kane want to kill the very leader who could save his kind? What’s the “darkness” he was troubled with at the end of Blood Shadows? Just what was the true implication of Caleb and Leila not sealing their fate in Blood Roses? Why were the lycan young really taken from the compound at the end of Blood Torn – was it a part of Sirius’ master plan, or a twist of fate?

I really hope you’re looking forward to your next adventure into Blackthorn! Lea, who won the early copy of Blood Deep, left a comment on my Facebook page yesterday saying: “Oh, Lindsay. You have outdone yourself with this addition to the series.” Thank you so much, Lea! Fingers crossed you’ll feel the same way.

Thank you again to everyone who has pre-ordered already. And I’m delighted to tell you that, for the first time ever, the paperback is also now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

We’re almost there…only seven days to go! 😀

Blood Deep – a Gothic No. 1!

We’ve got less than two weeks left before Blood Deep is released! I’m being asked if I’m getting excited. Absolutely! And your excitement is most definitely a massive part of that.

When Blood Shadows was released, I had a small following of readers who had found Blackthorn through the New Voices writing competition (from which I was discovered by my publisher). That readership increased by the time Blood Roses came out. Since the release of Blood Torn, Blackthorn’s readership has really surged. That’s all thanks to the fabulous Bookouture constantly getting my series ‘out there’ as well as every reader who is enjoying the series enough to help spread the word.

This is the first time a Blackthorn book has ever been available for pre-order though, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. And, well, I can’t quite believe it but, although it’s not been released yet, Blood Deep is at number 1 in Amazon’s Gothic Romance charts!

It reached number 1 on Amazon.co.uk last weekend…

photoUk1

…with all three other Blackthorn books accompanying it in the top 6.

photoUKallch

Then this weekend, it reached number 1 in the Gothic Romance charts on Amazon.com too!

photoUS1
photoUScha

It also reached number 1 on Amazon.com’s Gothic Romance ‘Hot New Releases’!

photoHNR

So THANK YOU to everyone who has already clicked that pre-order button. As you can imagine, I’m thrilled with the response.

We’re almost there now… so that means, as we count down the days, I have a post coming next week to give you a few hints of what to expect with Blood Deep. No spoilers though, I promise!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xxx

 

Blackthorn on Audio – with Tantor!

Blood-Lindsay-website-header

I mentioned a while ago that some exciting things had been going on in the background that I couldn’t wait to share with you. Well, this is it! I am beyond thrilled to be able to tell you that Tantor Media have selected the first three books in my Blackthorn series to be produced in audio format!

I received an email late Summer wherein Tantor cited their interest in my series. Not only was I astonished that they had discovered Blackthorn, but that they showed a keen interest in starting the ball rolling straight away. The fabulous Lorella Belli Literary Agency took over from that point on behalf of both Bookouture and myself to make sure everything went ahead seamlessly. Thank you so much for all your hard work in the background, Lorella!

Tantor

For those who aren’t familiar with Tantor (and so you can be assured that Blackthorn is in very safe hands), it’s a leading independent audiobook publisher based in the States. Tantor is the recipient of numerous Audie Awards, AudioFile Earphones Awards and Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Awards.

Boasting must-have authors and award-winning titles, Tantor’s extensive catalogue includes Man Booker, Pulitzer, and National Book Award winners, as well as countless New York Times bestsellers and titles with starred reviews from all the major publications. They have a brilliant list of PNR titles already and I’ll be amongst extremely good company with Lara Adrian, Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews on their list! Needless to say I am beyond delighted to have Blackthorn chosen by them.

I am exceptionally privileged that Anne Flosnik has been selected to be the narrator.

Flosnik_A_D

Ms Flosnik is an accomplished multi-award-winning British actress lauded for her work in fiction, romance, suspense, and fantasy. She has garnered two AudioFile Earphones Awards, an ALA Award, and three Audie Award nominations. Her narration also earned her one of the Best Audiobooks of the Year 2009 by AudioFile magazine. Though I must confess, it wasn’t just her impressive background and listening to samples of her work that won me over – but when I discovered she had narrated my all-time favourite classic, Wuthering Heights!

Not only is Ms Flosnik super-lovely (and so professional), a huge bonus is how much she’s enjoying the series so far. Here’s what she had to say about Blackthorn:

“I am completely spell bound by these beautifully crafted books. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be working with such exquisite writing. It’s very easy to care about your characters, and they, the events, and the world that you have created for them are grippingly real, on an almost visceral level. I am on the edge of my seat to discover how everything plays out, to say the very least. It truly is an honour to be the narrator for these magnificent books.”

How amazing is that?

And when I said Tantor are acting quickly, I meant it! Not only is Ms Flosnik already underway with the narration, all three books will be available on audio THIS year:

Blood Shadows released 18th November 2014

Blood Roses released 9th December 2014

Blood Torn released 30th December 2014

They’re already available for pre-order for anyone searching for something for their Christmas list. 😉 (Don’t let the old covers on Blood Shadows and Blood Roses confuse you, they’ll be replaced with the new ones in time for release.)

Once all the excitement about Blood Deep’s release dies down, I’ll write a post for all those who would like to know what’s been going on behind the scenes – and what really happens in the background when a book gets selected for audio. It has been a fascinating experience.

Have a great week! xxx

Blood Deep Winner Announced

Every person who entered the competition to win an eBook of Blood Deep was given a number. Those numbers were entered into a random generator. One number was selected.

So, here we go…

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

HUGE congrats, Lea! Please contact me via here or via private message on my Facebook page with your email address and what eReader you use and I’ll send your book over to you.

Thank you, again, to every single person who joined in both here and on Facebook. Your comments were fantastic. I didn’t expect to be quite so overwhelmed by what you had to say about Blackthorn and all the characters you’ve met so far. I’m so glad I have lots more to share with you!

Have a brilliant weekend. I have more exciting news coming next week. xxx

Blood Deep Press Release

There’s now only 3 weeks to go until you can get your hands on Blood Deep! I thought you might like a look at Bookouture’s official press release of the book, just so you can get a sneaky peek of what to expect…

Blood Deep by Lindsay J Pryor press release_Page_1
Blood Deep by Lindsay J Pryor press release_Page_2

Pre-orders are available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com now! Pre-ordering will also be available on iBookstore, Kobo and Barnes & Noble in due course. Pre-orders are for eBooks only. Paperbacks will need to be ordered on the official release day.

Don’t forget, one lucky reader is going to have Blood Deep in their hands THIS weekend. It’s not too late to enter via here or the relevant post on my Facebook page. You still have until midnight (UK time).  I’ll announce the winner tomorrow. 🙂

Have a fab weekend everyone! xxx

Blood Deep Cover Reveal

I am very, very exited to be able to introduce you to Eden and Jessie – my hero and heroine of Blood Deep! Bookouture have done me proud again. 😀

There’s now just over three weeks to go until its release!! Don’t forget, you still have time to enter to win a copy of the eBook – either via here or my Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who has entered so far, and for the stunning comments that are being left about how much you’re enjoying Blackthorn. xxx

Blood-Deep-Kindle

 

 

Win an Early Copy of Blood Deep!

I have three exciting things to share with you…

Firstly… I can confirm that Bookouture will most definitely be signing more books in my Blackthorn series! I’ll have more news as to how many and when after Blood Deep‘s release.

Secondly… we have the cover reveal for Blood Deep coming THIS WEEK! I hope you’re ready to meet Eden and Jessie.

Thirdly… at the end of yesterday’s post, I mentioned that ONE lucky reader will be in with a chance of winning an early eBook of Blood Deep (suitable for all devices).

If you’d like to be in with a chance of being the ONE lucky reader to have Blood Deep in your hands this weekend, all you have to do is leave a comment either on this post or where I’ve opened the competition on my Facebook page. Tell me how excited you are about Blood Deep, who your favourite character is so far, or why you like Blackthorn so much. Things are already well and truly underway over there, so do come along and join in if you can!

The competition closes at midnight (UK time) on Friday. All entries (one each) will be given a number which will be randomly selected on Saturday. I’ll announce the winner then.

Good luck! xxx

image001

Blackthorn – Behind the Name

image

If you’re a regular here, you’ll know that every now and again I share snippets about Blackthorn’s creation. I’ve written several posts in the past about my worldbuilding, including giving insight into some of my research and reasoning that went into it over the years.

However, I’ve not as yet written a post about why I decided ‘Blackthorn’ was the most suitable name for the series – so I thought it was about time I did.

BLACKTHORN: THE IDEAL BARRIER

Found throughout the British Isles, Blackthorn tends to dwell on the edge of woodlands. Although a tree, it is more like a large shrub and so forms excellent thickets and hedgerows.

As its name implies, the Blackthorn is an extremely thorny tree. Dark, almost black in colour, it consists of dense branches and twigs laden with thorns that twist and span out in all directions. Because of its subsequent impenetrability, it was frequently used by the Celts to form a barrier against intruders.

Linked to the rose family (yes, Blood Roses is titled as such for a very good reason), its dark purple berries are used to create a red, blood-like dye. It is also rumoured to have a blood-like sap within its dark skeleton.

FOLKLORE AND MEANING

I don’t know about you, but I love a bit of mythology! The Blackthorn was once seen as a guardian of the balance between light and darkness, particularly as it was thought to be one of the trees that crosses the barrier between this world and the paranormal. Originally, this was not in a bad way. However, with the introduction of dualistic religions (those that divide the world into ‘good’ and ‘evil’), the Blackthorn took on more negative connotations. The Blackthorn is certainly rumoured to carry the most sinister reputation in Celtic tree lore and has long been associated with darkness and mystery. Referred to as the keeper of dark secrets, it is renowned for being a tool capable of keeping evil contained.

True to the duality of its old world reputation though, the Blackthorn is also associated with protection. Not only can it be used to contain evil, it can also be used as a boundary to keep bad things out. In Irish fairytales in particular, it’s not uncommon for heroes to be helped by the Blackthorn tree in such ways as throwing a twig behind them to then take root and form an impenetrable hedge or woods from their enemies.

However, with the ancient Celtic name for Blackthorn being ‘straif’ (meaning ‘strife’ or ‘strive’), it is equally depicted in many fairy tales throughout Europe as a tree of bad omen. It is also associated with warriors, war, blood and death, and its reputation isn’t helped by being known as the tree of destiny. It is a tree that is symbolic of fate, particularly of outside influences that must be obeyed.

The Blackthorn has also be seen as a test of love. In Sleeping Beauty, it is said to be a Blackthorn that forms the thorn bramble that hides the castle from intruders. In order to prove himself worthy, the prince must cut through and survive in order to rescue the princess. (Of course, in the first three books of my series, it’s the ‘princesses’ who break through the boundary to rescue my ‘princes’. 😉 )

AGAINST THE ODDS

Despite its mixed messages, the Blackthorn ultimately carries a positive message. Its small, delicate white flowers that appear in early spring out of the darkness of winter are said to symbolize surviving a time of difficulty – the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. A particularly cold spring is referred to as a ‘Blackthorn Winter’ because its berries that ripen after the first frost – after the trials and tribulations of a bad winter – are said to be the sweetest.

Due to this, the Blackthorn is said to represent strength and perseverance, not least because of its wood’s resilience against the weather. It can also grow where many other trees can’t, further associating it with strength. The Blackthorn is often called the ‘Mother of the Woods’ because it is the first tree that grows on wastelands and creates safe nurseries where other trees can then grow, thus giving it nurturing associations too. But, off the back of this, the Blackthorn carries a sacrificial overtone as well. It has been known that once a forest takes root and flourishes, the Blackthorn slowly dies.

So, there you have it. Though considered a portent of challenges and adversity ahead, according to Celtic lore, with it comes the promise of improvement. Associated with overcoming obstacles for a better future, Blackthorn is ultimately representative of hope in the midst of devastation.

I do love a happy ending. 🙂

(Please note (because I have to do this): The information contained in this post is from various sources that, unfortunately, I’ve lost track of over the years. I’m not advocating its accuracy or making any claims for the research.)

 *  *  *

There’s now only four weeks to go until the release of Blood Deep!

But, in case you missed my announcement on Facebook on Friday, not everyone will have to wait that long. I’ll be back tomorrow with news of how one lucky reader can get their hands on Blood Deep even sooner than that.

I’ll post how tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 😀

 

New Blackthorn Update!

I’ve been a little quiet on here this past month, but lots has been happening in the background – not least a long chat with my publisher on Friday about Blackthorn’s future. For those who don’t follow me on Facebook, you might not know that I submitted my proposal for the rest of the series recently. I’ll have more news soon as to how it went. I also saw Blood Deep’s cover for the first time last week! I cannot wait to share it with you! 😀

With less than five weeks to go now until the release of Blood Deep, I can’t believe it’s only been eight months since we were building up to the release of Blood Torn.

Blood-Torn_bites_5

The reviews  are still coming in though (THANK YOU to every single person who continues to rate and review my books), the most recent coming from Sarah at Larissa & Friends’ Bookish Life.

Larissa's Book Blog

A while ago, they gave Blood Shadows 4 stars, then Blood Roses received 4 1/2 and now Blood Torn has been given 5 stars!!

With the series now onto #3 I wondered where we would be going next and if Pryor could keep up the form that she displayed with the first two. I didn’t need to worry! #3 is quite possibly my favourite of the series…I still haven’t really worked out how they will all fit together but that’s the world that Pryor has created – keeps me on my toes!

Thank you so much, Sarah!

Then today, Blackthorn hit the recommended reads list on The Author Visits:

The Author Visits

I found this series while perusing Amazon in search of a new arsenal of books to read. Boy was I NOT disappointed with my findings. As a fan of J. Ward and L. Adrian and as a paranormal writer myself, I am always on the lookout for something fresh, creative and more importantly, well written. Lindsay Pryor nails all three of my reading requirements and how.

Lindsay’s writing style swept me in. She has a literary approach to telling a fantastical story and I absolutely applaud her for that. Lindsay has become one of my all time favorite writers because she has managed to build a world that is full of intriguing characters while doing it was panache. She avoids what I call “grunge” language and draws you in with intelligent writing and hence, it’s a no-brainer why she’d made it on my recommendation list.

Thank you hugely, Veena!

I’ll be back with a blog post in a few days, explaining what inspired me to name the series ‘Blackthorn’. Oh, and yes, there will be lots of Blood Deep news coming soon! Have a great week, everyone!

Blackthorn on Paranormal Book Club

Last week, I announced on my Facebook page that Shani from the awesome Paranormal Book Club gave Blood Shadows a 5 star review and shout out on their Facebook page. This week, Shani has now given Blood Roses and Blood Torn 5 star reviews too! The PBC Facebook page is featuring Blackthorn right now with Shani declaring, “This is one of my favourite series so far this year!” Yesssss!! 😀

Screen Capture

This is what Shani had to say about each:

Blood Shadows

What a FANTASTIC read! This was a great vampire book. The character development was on point and the plot fast paced. I loved the interaction between Caitlin and Kane. The plot twists got me every time. Add this book to your “to read” list. If you want action, love, and some hot fangs then this is the book for you.

Blood Roses

I am completely enthralled with this paranormal series. You get so wrapped up in the story and characters that you lose track of time. I truly loved book 2. The story that developed between Leila and Caleb is riveting. The more I read the more I fall in love with Blackthorn. What a great plot and character development that does not leave you wanting. Action, love, trust, sex, mystery. What more could you want? Add this series to your must read list.

Blood Torn

WOW! It just gets better and better! You really see how everything is intertwined in this book. I could not put it down. Jask’s and Sophie’s storyline was awesome! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4. Brilliant job Lindsay Pryor.

Thanks so much, Shani!

Screen CapturePBC1