The photos:

Official series description:

"Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now, centuries have passed, and the bonds of family are broken. Time, tragedy and hunger for power have torn the Original Family apart. When Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, receives a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, he returns to the city his family helped build. Klaus’ questions lead him to a reunion with his diabolical former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of New Orleans. Determined to help his brother find redemption, Elijah follows Klaus and soon learns that the werewolf Hayley has also come to the French Quarter searching for clues to her family history and has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie.

Tensions between the town’s supernatural factions are nearing a breaking point as Marcel commands his devoted followers and rules with absolute power. For Klaus, the thought of answering to his powerful protégé is unthinkable, and he vows to reclaim what was once his – the power, the city and his family. While they wait to see if their sister, Rebekah, will leave Mystic Falls and join them, Klaus and Elijah form an uneasy alliance with the witches to ensure that New Orleans will be ruled by THE ORIGINALS once again."

Here is the first video The CW sent our way:

And here is the second:

What do you guys think? Are you excited about The Originals? I am! I wish there was a premiere date so I could count down, but alas, The CW hasn’t released that yet.

- Moonlight

The Hunger is the story of reluctant vampire Lucinda: a murdered prostitute who has risen from her death as a dark, avenging angel. Lucinda spends her nights stalking drug dealers, rapists, and murderers to quench her thirst. Despite her efforts to disguise her kills, the police and a dedicated FBI agent hunts her, as do agents of the Church. If that wasn’t enough, an ancient vampire called Marcus of Alexander also hunts her for his own purposes. Events take an unexpected turn for Lucinda when one of her intended targets, Miami kingpin George Padillas, teams up with vampire hunter Monsignor John O’Connor to trap Lucinda. It seems that Padillas is dying and likes the idea of living forever.

Honestly, I can’t say that I blame him. In Dandridge’s world, vampires are generally evil and agents of Satan—though there’s no real explanation given for why Lucinda is the only vampire who has chosen not to be evil. However, that aside, unlife seems pretty good in this book. These vampires are possessed of all the usual super abilities: super strength, speed, senses, healing, and even shape-changing. For some reason, the dawn and first few hours of daylight can destroy them, but they can get up after a few hours’ rest and walk about in the daytime just fine, albeit without their normal powers. Still, that’s a bargain that most purely nocturnal vamps would kill for! Furthermore, at the height of their powers in the evening, weapons can’t even harm them. Being an agnostic myself, I think I’d happily choose the life of a vampire in this universe and take my chances.

The action never stops in this brisk, tightly plotted supernatural thriller and it’s good action. The fights are well-described, plausible given the kind of powers involved, and I never found myself wondering what was going on or who was doing what. Dandridge’s style is somewhat plain, but it reads well and carries the reader along easily. He wisely avoids using too many literary flourishes or over-worked similes, which helps give the tale a grounded feeling even when dealing with the most far-fetched of situations.

My main complaint with the novel is the fact that I’ve read and seen a lot of these elements before. Lucinda is a sympathetic heroine, but apart from her mission and back-story, there’s just not much to her. She feels like the love-child of Selene from the Underworld series and Angel the brooding vampire with a soul. Most of the characters are of a similar cut: serviceable, but unremarkable. My favorite character in the book turned out to be George Padillas, ironically, because I could identify with his motivations (as strange as that sounds). He’s not a nice guy, but he’s an interesting guy and I wouldn’t have minded seeing a bit more of him.

Over-all, this novel has some of the flaws one expects in a first or early novel, but considering that Mr. Dandridge has sixteen other novels to his credit now, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these early flaws are worked out in later novels. Fans of plot-driven paranormal action will find much to enjoy here!

You can check out more of The Hunger on Amazon.com.

Well, last night was the premier episode of True Blood season six. Awaited with as much dread as anticipation by some of us, my first over-all reaction was pleasant surprise!

Let’s start with the obvious: Billith. I am one of the many Trubies out there who thought that the idea of turning Bill into some crazed blood god ala Blade was ridiculous and a disservice to the character. Tonight’s episode, thankfully, dispensed quickly with blood-covered naked Bill in favor of a genuine-seeming character. My reaction to his reunion with Sookie, Eric, and Jessica was relief! A Bill who still believes himself to be Bill and doesn’t quite understand what has happened to him is a vast improvement over the lame one-note engine of destruction I was dreading. His later scene with Jessica was almost touching, though there was something just a little off in Moyer’s performance, I thought. I can’t be sure if that was deliberate or perhaps a side-effect of his directorial duties. As for the last scene…well, it seems we haven’t seen the last of Bloody Mary, after all. We’ll see where this leads.

On the subject of Moyer’s direction, I can’t criticize anything too heavily. The episode flowed well at a brisk pace, but still didn’t neglect any of the major plot threads. I wasn’t sure we really needed the Bill-O-Vision in the opening teaser—I don’t feel it added much to either characterization or tension. But, again, perhaps it was a time-saving measure to allow Moyer to spend more time behind the camera rather than in make-up.

I found Luna’s death to be somewhat anti-climactic and a little cheap. Sure, it makes sense in light of Tommy’s earlier death, but let’s remember that he took a savage beat-down while transformed. I don’t know if I quite understand why the show felt compelled to kill her off in such a lame and clichéd fashion. “Please…cough, cough…take care of my daughter…cough, cough…promise me…” (dies) Seriously? Why not just show her die at the end of last season? Why not come up with something a little more original? And what is it with single parent drama on this show?

Which brings us to Andy’s fairy-baby drama. Kudos to Chris Bauer for taking some fairly wooden, on-the-nose dialogue and making it play. The man really is a fantastic actor and a master of understatement! His reactions to Arlene’s pep talk was one of the finest performances I’ve seen on the show and a reminder that it’s really the human drama that makes this show work. Look at those babies grow! Another staple of television soap operas that provided a rather nice comedic moment in an otherwise grim episode. For my money, that one moment of genuine weirdness was the most effective thing this show has done with the Fairy plot thus far!

Now, I know that I’m going to catch hell for this given the amount of drooling internet memes that cross my newsfeed every day, but Eric is starting to bore me. And, sorry ladies, no Eric nude scenes in this first episode! As consolation, though, you got Alcide and the guys got some hot werewolf-on-werewolf action. “I’m your number one bitch!” That’s one of those wonderfully campy lines that are so awful they become somehow delightful.

But, anyway, back to Eric. Eric loves Sookie, Eric loves Sookie! This would have been a great revelation except…yeah, we know. No surprises here. I’ve long heard complaints that Bill is boring, but what’s Eric’s excuse? Isn’t Eric supposed to be the ruthless bastard that can’t be trusted? Hell, in the books, Eric casually uses and manipulates Sookie even when they’re dating! In the show, the writers have transformed Eric from a magnificent bastard of a vampire into a one-note action hero. News flash: Eric isn’t supposed to be the hero of this story! Sookie is supposed to be our sympathetic interest and, frankly, Sookie and Eric have both become so bland lately that I find myself yearning for the Terry/Arlene scenes! Last night’s episode wasn’t terrible for either of them, but it wasn’t great, either. How about showing Pam some love, Eric?

Pam, Pam, Pam…why did they take the coolest bitch on the show and turn her into an insecure, whiny high-schooler? WHY?? In the novels, Pam and Sookie are best friends and Pam feels absolutely zero threat from Sookie and Eric’s relationship. I like that, it breaks that lame catty women stereotype and strengthens both characters. This show should give some serious thought to going back to the books for inspiration rather than just making it up as they go. I like the Pam and Tara relationship and I think it could be great for both characters, but since they’re dealing with hundred-plus year-old characters, why can’t they let them act their age? Why does it fall to Tara to give Pam relationship wisdom? Look, I loved Pam’s “magic fairy vagina” speech as much as anyone, but this jealousy thing is so two seasons ago!

To end on a positive note, however, let me just say how awesome it was seeing veteran character actors like Rutger Hauer and Arliss Howard on the show. Having finally cleared up the “who is Rutger playing?” mini-mystery, we can now sit back and enjoy what promises to be a great antagonist for this season. An even more pleasant surprise is the nuanced realism that Arliss Howard seems to be bringing to the governor (not be confused with The Governor of Walking Dead fame). We know from the previews and HBO press releases that he’s going to prove something of an antagonist, but at least we’re being presented with a realistic antagonist with understandable motives instead of a Southern stereotype.

All in all, this first episode has raised my hopes a bit for this season after the sorry train-wreck of Season Five. With new show-runners replacing the departed Alan Ball, let’s hope that this season is a transition into some smaller-scale, character-based drama that the show has been missing for the last few years. In the end, True Blood is supposed to be about a small-town Southern waitress dealing with weird stuff. As I said in my earlier article WTF True Blood?: this isn’t Buffy and this isn’t Angel, the world doesn’t have to be ending every season and Sookie doesn’t need to save it. Here’s hoping we get the character’s we love back and the stories that focus on them!

About Clan Of The Vein:

Clan of the Vein is an action-packed graphic novel about Ian MacBane - history's most deadly vampire turned vampire assassin. Fueled by relentless determination, MacBane tirelessly hunted the world for countless centuries until he had exterminated every last vampire. With his quest seemingly complete, he became damned to live an immortal existence as a warrior without a war. Taking refuge in an ancient castle on an uncharted island off Hy Brasil, where he survived on an alchemic serum that suppressed his thirst for human blood.

His isolation ends when a squad of vampires called the Children of Judas attack. His belief that he had exterminated the vampire menace was dead wrong. The last remaining vampires have joined forces to locate an ancient artifact that would give birth to a new generation of monsters. The location of this lost artifact is locked deep in the abyss of MacBane's forgotten past and his enemies will stop at nothing to force him to remember.

Written by NEO EDMUND
Artwork by NEIL D’MONTE and JASON WALTON

For more info and to donate go HERE.

What do you think? I love me some vampire comics, so I am hoping this one does well. Comics FTW!

- Moonlight

Julie Plec dished on Klaus and Caroline’s romantic chemistry during the Vampire Diaries panel at the Austin Television Festival in Austin, Texas.

According to Plec, the sparks between the two characters took her and the rest of The Vampire Diaries writers by surprise. "We knew that we were taking this young, bright-eyed girl and this seasoned vampire and we were going to give them a moment," she revealed of the Season 3 scene in which Klaus gave Caroline his blood to heal her of the werewolf bite. "And it was something we thought was very interesting for Klaus, who had been so dispassionate about anybody else, to connect with this random person for no apparent reason."

But the obvious romantic tension between Klaus and Caroline didn't change the fact that Klaus is all kinds of evil.  "We were like, well here's this character who's loathsome — absolutely loathsome — and we don't want to make him not loathsome, he's the villain," Plec told fans during the panel. "And so how do you continue to evolve this this connection that these two have that works so powerfully without compromising the villainy of a hideous and hateful and delightful character?"

Plec admitted that it would be tough for Caroline to fall for someone like Klaus… right now. "We knew in these four years that there was no way Caroline could ever... I mean, he murdered the Mayor, her boyfriend's mother." But, Plec added, "There is something so magical between them that I would say it is definitely not the end of their journey."

She said “definitely!” That means we will get more Caroline and Klaus time! That’s probably going to happen in Klaus’ new spin-off series The Originals.

I can’t wait! How about you?

- Moonlight

In Eastern European folklore vampires were believed to be the reanimated bodies of the recently dead. Even though these vampires were said to reside in their local boneyard there is, however, absolutely no specific mention of native soil in any vampire folklore or early vampire fiction. None, and I have read a lot of vampire non-fiction.

So where did the idea come from?

Bram Stoker!

That’s right, Dear Readers. Bram Stoker came up with the native soil bit for his legendary 1897 novel Dracula. In this famous book, the vampire Dracula needed to rest in a box filled with his native Transylvanian earth. To attack him, one simply needed to destroy these boxes. Which is what they do in the novel. Of the 50 boxes of soil transported to England, Van Helsing and the others locate 49 of them. They filled them with Eucharist wafers, leaving just one, and forcing Dracula to flee to his home in Transylvania.

And there you have it. The native soil myth does not have any ties to history or folklore, this was 100% made up by Bram Stoker. Many have theorized as to why he did this. Was it an simply a plot excuse to get Dracula out of England? Was it metaphorical? Did it represent Victorian England’s fear of others invading their native soil? Who knows? All we do know is that it came out of the influential mind of Stoker.

What do you think of this bit of vampire mythos? It’s not used by many authors or film makers anymore. Do you wish more writers used Stoker’s idea?

- Moonlight

Personally, I feel that a vampire is a being that feeds on the blood of another. Simple. That is the basis of what a vampire is – a blood drinker. Truthfully, there is no right or wrong vampire, it simply needs to follow that one rule and that rule is feeding on another's blood (or in some cases, life force/energy). That’s how I see it, but others disagree and have countless rules and regulations when it comes to what a vampire is “supposed to be.” Like, a vampire has to be scary, a vampire has to be evil, a vampire has to look a very specific way (no sparkling blah blah) … etc. I think that’s all nonsense. To me a vampire is a creature that drinks blood. It can be evil, it can be wholesome, it can sparkle if the author wants it to, it can have glowing eyes and rotting flesh, it could be mindless, or it could be intelligent, and so on. No right or wrong. Vampires are universal.

But what do you think? Are you one of those people who feel that a vampire has to be something specific? That there is a right and wrong kind of vampire? I am not asking for your favorite "type" of vampire, but what you think a vampire should be or is. Everyone has their preferences, but your least favorites aren't wrong, are they? I think a sparkling vampire is ridiculous, but it's not necessarily wrong, because there is no right or wrong when it comes to what a vampire is. Or so I think.

To me, a vampire can look however it wants or act however it wants. A vampire is whatever the storyteller wants it to be.

What do you think?

- Moonlight

Official description:

The fourth soundtrack to the popular HBO TV series. This installment includes songs from the show's 5th and 6th seasons and features songs from Eric Burdon & Jenny Lewis, Iggy Pop & Bethany Cosentino, The Heavy, Howlin' Wolf, The Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, Los Lobos, The Flaming Lips and many others.

Track listing for Volume 4:

1. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - Eric Burdon with Jenny Lewis

2. Let's Boot and Rally - Iggy Pop with Bethany Cosentino

3. What Makes A Good Man? - The Heavy

4. Smokestack Lightnin - Howlin Wolf

5. Pocket Change - Alabama Shakes

6. Authority Song - Bosco Delrey

7. Turn Turn Turn - My Morning Jacket

8. Your Face Can Tell The Future - The Flaming Lips

9. The Sun - The Naked and Famous

10. Undertow - Warpaint

11. I Wanna Be Your Man - Mobley

12. {She s A) Wanderer - Deap Vally

13. Whatever I Am, You Made Me - Koko Taylor

14. We'll Meet Again - Los Lobos

As a blues fan, I was happy to see Howlin' Wolf on the soundtrack. True Blood gets points for that one.

You can listen to a sample of the soundtrack over here.

What do you think of the latest soundtrack? Do you think any of the songs hint at what’s to come this season? If they do, then we're in for an interesting season. Let us know in a comment below what you think.

- Moonlight

Why should we buy your book?

Do you like action? A little romance? What about mystery? Humor perhaps? If you have been waiting for a book with vampires set in a backdrop of reality, wait no more.

Ok, ok, that was in my big announcer voice. If you like to read, I like to entertain. I have had a great deal of positive feedback from readers young and old alike. I am not doing this for gain or glory. What means the most to me, is when someone as really enjoyed my story. If I touch someone's heart, then that would be to me, true success.

How early did you begin writing? Had you written much before Melabeth?

I began writing Melabeth in November of 2011. Surprisingly, I had never written anything more than an email before Melabeth. I am a voracious reader; my younger brother was the aspiring writer. My brother Nick passed away from brain cancer at the age of thirty one. He had only finished one short story, which I hope to publish this summer. I tried writing in honor of my brother's memory, and found out two things. One, I love it, and two I am surprisingly good at it; I have always been a story teller, I guess it came naturally.

Why did you choose to write a vampire story?

I have always been captivated by vampire stories. My favorite books are Dracula and the Lord of the Rings. I have a saying, "I love a story told, in the backdrop of reality."

Are you a believer in vampires or anything supernatural?

I do believe in the supernatural. I have not personally encountered any vampires, but I am open minded, just in case I do.

You use the word "warlock" for a male witch. But actual Wiccans find this word deeply offensive. Were you aware of this?

The simple answer would be, no. It is viewed differently throughout time and by various people. The early Christian Monks translated this word to mean, "Oath breaker" and who would want to be that? Newer translations bring the meaning to "spell singer" they warded off evil spirits during religious ceremony. Of course there is the simple modern definition: "Male Witch." I believe this best matches the description I wanted. I had never heard that wiccans found the word offensive. In my book, being a Warlock was a male witch, not the Christian translation.

Among the most unique aspects of your vampires is their eyes. Can you tell us what went into that choice?

In a lot of movies vampire's eyes glow. A cool effect, but I wanted a more organic feel. Being creatures of the night, large eyes would naturally capture more light and allow for better night vision. I also thought there should be tell-tale signs of vampires when they are trying to blend in. The idea that their fangs would come out, along with claws and elongated fingers, but their eyes would always show what they really were.

What led to the choice of a female lead?

That was the hardest choice, by far. I almost didn’t write this story because I was nervous about writing from a female’s point of view. No one has had a problem with my interpretation of a young female. The overall theme of the Melabeth series is about forgiveness. The bigger the sin, the more forgiveness needed. I have a daughter; therefore when Melabeth is victimized, it is my worst fear, for her and all women. I personally believe we live in a time when woman are free, yet more abused than ever.

What influences led you to choose the decades the story takes place?

I’m afraid I can’t answer this question, but I can say this; it will make sense by the end of the third book.

Who would play Melabeth in a film? Thoughts of any other casting choices for other characters?

I had pictured Dakota Fanning, but not all red eyed, acting like a Vulcan. Emma Watson would be a great choice as well.

Do you have a routine when you're writing? Music? Atmosphere?

I wish! I work full time and have three kids. I write wherever I can. I could write during a tornado; interruptions-I am used to. In fact, I don’t think I have written for more than a hour at a time.

What have you learned writing Melabeth that you'll apply to the sequel?

Shorter chapters, and avoid using the word, "said." Its better when you use descriptive words instead.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Three things. First… write. Second, get a group of your peers together and let them read every chapter you write. They encourage, give you ideas, and bug you, "Are you done with the next chapter?" By the way that’s a good sign, because they are really into your story. Third and final thing, "storyboard." I love detail and intrigue, and you can always tell when a writer doesn't storyboard.

That wraps up our interview with E.B. Hood, follow him on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/MelabethTheVampire

New Melabeth art below by Dan Olwell

"This season, the writers and I have been making a concentrated effort to help Sookie grow up, become a little bit darker, more accepting of her fate, more self-knowing," said Brian Buckner in an interview with Manhattan Magazine.

Not only will we be seeing a darker side of Sookie, but she'll also be maturing sexually, taking a more aggressive approach to the many sexy men in her life.

"Things left off in a pretty serious place in regards to where Eric and I leave Bill having just turned into this creature of the blood with these monster fangs - and who the hell knows what that is?" said Paquin during the same interview. "So obviously, that situation has to [play] out. And we have new cast members this year, and that's always fun to have fresh blood, if you'll pardon the pun."

We won’t just be seeing a new Sookie, but a new Bill as well.

"Is he going to be evil? What does he want? What is he going to do?" said former showrunner Alan Ball. "Will he be able to revert back to Bill? That's for future seasons. The implication, certainly, is that he is more ferocious."

Here is the latest True Blue Season 6 trailer:

True Blood will return to HBO on Sunday, June 16.

What are your thoughts on Sookie and her life changes? I am glad she will be growing up, but at the same time I am sad that the sweet, innocent girl is gone. Hopefully this new Sookie is a badass and not all moody and mopey. As for her sex life… well, I am sick of the same old romances and the pointless sex scenes. BUT, if the scenes have a real purpose in the storyline then I am all for more sexy times.

What do you think?

- Moonlight

There have been other vampires after Dracula, and variations of the abilities of the most popular undead. Some could turn into bats, some could fly without a change. All had the compulsion to drink blood, killing and changing their victim into something just like them. Count Orloff, Blacula, Salem’s Lot, all portrayed vampires as evil. Evil in the sense that there really was no good in them. They were children of Satan, plain and simple, and were here on Earth to damn the souls of the living into the existence of the undead. They really didn’t have any other purpose. They didn’t sit in board rooms or go clubbing after they made their kill. They rose, they hunted, and they went back to their sleeping arrangements until the sun went down again.

Don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoy the vampire tales where the undead do more than just eat and sleep, like some kind of undead relatives in the home for an extended visit. The Lost Boys, Buffy, Blade, Underworld, Dark Shadows, the German film We Are The Night. All portrayed vampires as having a good time, partying the night away. But they still needed to feed, to kill, to continue their lifestyle (or is that undeathstyle). Vampires could even be portrayed as sympathetic creatures at times. Most didn’t ask for this existence, and most could see no way out. Their very instincts betrayed them, their behavior programed for survival at all costs.

Then there are the vampire stories in which they are portrayed as some kind of Flintstones or Jetsons, regular people who just have an eating disorder. Even these can be interesting with interesting characters. Kindred: The Embraced come to mind, where some of the vampires were evil, some were good, but all tried to fit into society in some manner. But to this reader one of the most interesting things about vampires is the evil that dwells within them. It might be an evil that they despise themselves, but it is still the dominant feature of their personality.

When I wrote The Hunger I tried to go back to the roots of the Vampire, or at least my roots in this genre. The protagonist, Lucinda Taylor, is a vampire, and as such she must kill on an almost nightly basis. It is like being addicted to drugs, if she doesn’t get her fix she reverts to the beast. Instead she feeds on the very people who tormented her in life, the pimps, drug dealers and crime bosses. And using the disease model of vampirism, she decapitates her kills so they can’t rise again to become the kind of killer she does not wish to be. There was a term that I remember from some fantasy novel I read back in the 1960s, It takes evil to fight evil. So it all goes back to that, vampires were made to be evil, and should always remain such.

Official details:

Synopsis: An explosive cocktail of Quentin Tarantino's CAMP, Takashi Milke's PERVERSION, and Sergio Leone's COOLNESS

The Nazis have Count Dracula in their possession and are experimenting on him at the castle. A team of Special Forces soldiers is sent to retrieve Dracula without knowing what they are looking for or what horrors they will discover in the castle. The premise soon becomes clear - The Nazis want to examine Dracula in order to extract the secret of immortality; and the Allies want to stop the Nazis from achieving everlasting life.  The soldiers simply want to survive and escape the castle.

Starring: Tom Felton (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Harry Potter series), Christopher Walken (A Late Quartet), Michael Madsen (Kill Bill), Sean Clement (Flash Point), Rin Takanashi (Like Someone in Love, Restless), Gabriel Freilich (Dark Shadows), Gia Skova (Azienda).

Director: Jim Donovan (Provocateur, Pure)

Writer: Geoffrey Gunn

For more info check out the official site here.

So what are your thoughts? My first thought was “BloodRayne!” Every time I hear Nazis and vampires I think of the video game BloodRayne (one of the best game franchises ever). I’m not a fan of the Grindhouse genre and it sounds like this film may be just that. So I am not exactly excited thus far. But we’ll see after a trailer is released.

- Moonlight

(click titles to view on Amazon)

Double Disaster! (My Sister the Vampire) by Sienna Mercer
Finally a new book in the popular children’s series! A killer story to sink your teeth into! Olivia's living it up in London on the set of her film, Eternal Sunset. But all she can think about his ex-boyfriend and co-star, Jackson. Meanwhile Ivy is in for a shock when she starts High School; suddenly the goths are the in-crowd! How will Ivy cope when she becomes instantly popular and her trademark death-squint loses its power to stop a bunny at ten paces?
Coming out June 3, 2013.

Trail of Dead (Scarlett Bernard) by Melissa F. Olson
As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett’s secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city’s unearthly underworld. Now two dead witches are found a few days before Christmas, and Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her own former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire and who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia—unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first.
Coming out June 4, 2013.

Sleeping With The Entity by Cat Devon
Meet Daniella Delaney. She’s all ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man. He’s got fangs. As leader of the Vamptown clan, Nick has no intention of letting Daniella breathe new life into his old haunts. But something about her leaves Nick hungry…for more. He can’t control her mind like other humans, a trait that makes Daniella irresistible. Could it be that, for the first time in centuries, Nick has met his match? Love is always a force to be reckoned with. But can this vampire have his cake and eat it too?
Coming out June 4, 2013.

Shapeshifted (Edie Spence Novels) by Cassie Alexander
Nurse Edie Spence is once again called upon to save a life…and this time, it’s personal. Can her new community of zombies, vampires, and shapeshifters come to her rescue when she needs them most?  When Edie was fired from her paranormal nursing job at County Hospital, her whole world came crashing down. Now she’s is once again shaken to her core. Her mother is deathly ill and there’s only one thing that will save her: vampire blood. But with the paranormal community shunning Edie, where can she obtain it…without losing her own life in the process?
Coming out June 4, 2013.

The Keep: The Watchers by Veronica Wolff
Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire Carden. But most important, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance. Her friend Emma was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living returns. With so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all. But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood…. Hers…
Coming out June 4, 2013.

Darkest Desire of the Vampire by Rhyannon Byrd and Lauren Hawkeye
Wicked in Moonlight by Rhyannon Byrd
When Lainey Maxwell is attacked by werewolves while on vacation, vampire Nick Santos—a hard-edged, mysterious stranger—saves her, and gets bitten in the process. Holed up in a private bunker, Lainey and Nick embrace their most erotic dreams. But the full moon is drawing near—and their time is rapidly running out….
Vampire Island by Lauren Hawkeye
When Isla Miller arrives at a Tahitian resort, she senses that something is off. Everyone is too beautiful, especially Sloane Goldhawk.
As a vampire familiar with the island's darker side, Sloane doesn't think Isla's the type to visit Ile de Nuit, known for its hot nights and hedonists. But Isla seems determined to prove otherwise….
Coming out June 4, 2013.

Bled & Breakfast: An Immortality Bites Mystery by Michelle Rowen
Fledgling vampire Sarah Dearly knew what she was getting into when she married master vampire Thierry de Bennicoeur. As an agent of the Ring, Thierry is sent all over the world to solve vampire crimes and keep them secret from humans. And now Sarah’s on the job with him—for better or worse. Right after their wedding in Las Vegas, Sarah and Thierry get their next assignment: Three vampires have gone missing in Salem, Massachusetts, and they need to find out why. Their contact in Salem turns out to be a local lothario with a penchant for witches, but before he can help them, he suddenly goes up in smoke—leaving behind nothing but a stain on the ground and a seemingly impossible mystery. Did a witchy ex-mistress cast a deadly spell, or is there something even more sinister happening to the vampires of Salem? Getting to the truth may require raising the undead, with a little help from the owners of a vampire-friendly bed and breakfast. But uncovering Salem’s darkest secrets may drag some of Thierry’s own past into the light.
Coming out June 4, 2013.

Blood Curse (PULSE Vampire Series #8) by Kailin Gow
Kalina's blood is a gift. Kalina's blood is a curse. After finding out the source of her Life's Blood, Kalina is convinced her blood is more of a curse than ever. Her blood has awakened the source and now real evil is about to be unleashed into the world. Kalina and the Greystones have experienced victory, but now that Octavius has gone missing, it is a race for Kalina and the Greystones to stop the greatest evil that ever walked the Earth.
Coming out June 7, 2013.

Stoker's Manuscript by Royce Prouty
When rare-manuscript expert Joseph Barkeley is hired to authenticate and purchase the original draft and notes for Bram Stoker's Dracula, little does he know that the reclusive buyer is a member of the oldest family in Transylvania. After delivering the manuscript to the legendary Bran Castle in Romania, Barkeley—a Romanian orphan himself—realizes to his horror that he's become a prisoner to the son of Vlad Dracul. To earn his freedom, Barkeley must decipher cryptic messages hidden in the text of the original Dracula that reveal the burial sites of certain Dracul family members. Barkeley's only hope is to ensure that he does not exhaust his usefulness to his captor until he’s able to escape. Soon he discovers secrets about his own lineage that suggest his selection for the task was more than coincidence. In this knowledge may lie Barkeley's salvation—or his doom. For now he must choose between a coward's flight and a mortal conflict against an ancient foe.
Coming out June 13, 2013.

The Strain Volume 2 by Mike Huddleston, Sierra Hahn and David Lapham
A vast conspiracy has made it nearly impossible for the CDC's Dr. Ephraim Goodweather to convince the world that there's a vampiric epidemic spreading across Manhattan. His only hope is to go head-to-head with the ancient evil responsible for the wave of bloodthirsty vamps set to drown the Big Apple... but can the strain be stopped?! Adapted for comics by Eisner Award-winning writer David Lapham (Kull: The Hate Witch, Stray Bullets) and artist Mike Huddleston (Butcher Baker, The Coffin)!
Coming out June 18, 2013.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike - A Dark Place by Victor Gischler, Scott Allie, Sierra Hahn and Paul Lee
Fresh from his latest attempt to get Buffy to act on her feelings for him, Spike, the once-terrifying vampire Big Bad, has fled to the dark side of the moon. His soul-searching trip leads him to a group of dangerous demons and a rude awakening from his reverie, which in turn leads him on an unexpected adventure to... Sunnydale! Working in an appearance by the main villains from Angel & Faith and a romantic liaison with a succubus, Victor Gischler (Deadpool, Punisher) brings Spike's character to vivid life, presenting this vampire who chose to have a soul with the hard truth about himself and his pursuit of the Slayer.
Coming out June 18, 2013.

After Dark by Gena Showalter and Kait Ballenger
The Darkest Angel
Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even  the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long....
And from debut author Kait Ballenger
Shadow Hunter
Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead.  But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts.
Coming out June 25, 2013.

After Daybreak: A Darkness Before Dawn Novel by J. A. London
Dawn grew up behind a wall, terrified of the vampires outside who controlled the lives of humans and demanded their blood. But when she became a delegate for her city and met Victor, she realized that not all vampires were the same, that maybe one could be trusted. Now Day Walker Sin is infecting his followers with a disease that turns them into mindless killers. Dawn and Victor will have to convince humans and vampires to band together to stop him, because alone they will all die.
Coming out June 25, 2013.

There you have it Dear Readers! All of the vampire books coming out this month. Which are are looking forward to?

- Moonlight

Naturally, what follows are full of spoilers--so you've been warned!

Episode 6.01: “Who Are You, Really?” Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

In the wake of Bill’s (Stephen Moyer) blood-soaked reincarnation, Sookie (Anna Paquin), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), Jason (Ryan Kwanten), Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), Tara (Rutina Wesley), Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) and Nora (Lucy Griffiths) flee the Authority compound as Sam (Sam Trammell), Luna (Janina Gavankar) and Emma (Chloe Noelle) dodge swarming guards. Now packmaster, Alcide (Joe Manganiello) discovers that the job comes with unsavory side dishes, but other major perks. In Bon Temps, Andy (Chris Bauer) deals with parenting four newborn human-faerie hybrids. Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Truman Burrell (Arliss Howard) vows open season on vampires. Jessica returns to Compton Place as Jason hitches a ride with an eerie stranger. Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Stephen Moyer.

Episode 6.02: “The Sun” Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

A long-lost relative reveals himself to Jason and Sookie. After Tara is victimized by a new government weapon, Eric takes matters into his own hands in an effort to thwart Burrell’s anti-vampire initiatives. On the road to work, Sookie is drawn to a handsome stranger who shares her faerie abilities. Sam is unnerved by supernatural-rights zealot Nicole (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), and is confronted by Alcide and Martha (Dale Dickey) about Emma’s future. Bill contemplates the scope of his heightened powers. Written by Angela Robinson; directed by Dan Attias.

Episode 6.03: “You’re No Good” Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 30 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Irate over Burrell’s blatant aggression towards vampires, Eric takes matters into his own hands. After dangerously testing the limits of his powers, Bill enlists a TruBlood innovator to synthesize a new type of blood – but has difficulty finding the right donor. Sookie begins to learn why Warlow is after her. Sam receives unexpected help from Nicole and her Vampire Unity Society (V.U.S.) associates. Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) finds his past ideals turning into a current nightmare. Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Howard Deutch.

We also know at least the titles and airing dates of the following six episode--all but the finale in fact:

Episode 6.04: "I'm Your Man" Debut: SUNDAY July 7 (9:00-10:00pm)

Episode 6.05: "F*ck the Pain Away" Debut: SUNDAY July 14 (9:00-10:00pm)

Episode 6.06: "Don't You Feel Me?" Debut: SUNDAY July 21 (9:00-10:00pm)

Episode 6.07: "The Funeral" Debut: SUNDAY July 28 (9:00-10:00pm)

Episode 6.08: "Dead Meat" Debut: SUNDAY August 4 (9:00-10:00pm)

Episode 6.09: "Live Matters" Debut: SUNDAY August 11 (9:00-10:00pm)

Given the seasonal quote for this year--"No One Lives Forever"--episodes seven and eight presumably resolve around the final death of somebody. Just as we can probably guess that episode five includes a fair amount of the series' signature graphic sexuality.

Or not. We'll have to wait and see, but not for much longer!

With the economy being what it is, and the huge competition from the internet and direct-to-dvd, small wonder Hollywood studios look to established stories for investing purposes. Here's a suggestion for a remake: Dracula's Daughter, the first sequel to the film starring Bela Lugosi. It went through numerous re-writes before production began, most running seriously afoul of the infamously puritanical (as well as racist) Hays Code. Philip K. Riley unearthed enough details of the proposed film he even published his efforts, part of his "alternate history of Universal Monsters."

The finished product frankly comes across as a mish-mash. Like Dracula itself we find a blend of creepy melodrama with very strained humor involving the working class. Gloria Holden didn't want to play the lead, and her distaste seems to have added a real melancholy air to this, the first "reluctant vampire" in cinema (Countess Zaleska remains the spiritual ancestor of Barnabas Collins. Louis de Lioncourt and of course Angel as well as Nick Knight). She hopes that with the final death of her father, the curse of undeath may pass from her. Of course it does not. Her faithful servant Sandor harbors no such hopes--indeed, desires eternal life for himself! But the Countess seeks the help from renowned psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Garth.

All this seems well and good. But think for a moment how a remake might approach these elements. Consider for a therapist might try and genuine cure a woman who (to his mind) suffers from the delusion she's a centuries-old vampire! Here to me is a source of genuine drama untouched upon in the original. I can see Dr. Garth questioning the Countess, who in turn reveals all kinds of disturbing details. His fascination grows, both in terms of this case and the sheer charisma of a woman who seems more than a woman. One thing I found distasteful in the 1936 film was how Dr. Garth remained untempted by the Countess. His own--tempestuous--feelings aimed squarely at his secretary, Janet. Indeed their relationship seemed to come right out of a madcap comedy of the period! Fun! Certainly more real than the vanilla romance of Harker and Mina in the first movie! But for a triangle to really work, the "target" needs to feel something for both sides.

So think of all the possible facets of this situation to explore! If Dr. Garth begins to believe Countess Zaleska's claims--how might that rock an Edwardian gentleman's view of the world? Let us see him mourn the death of someone close, then see how he reacts to an offer of immortality! In the original Janet and the Countess barely met. What if they got to know each other, and the jaded Countess sought to tempt Janet as well? Another means to manipulate the doctor, but maybe more. One of the most powerful memes in vampire fiction that eventually emerged (and has ended up watered down, frankly) is that of loneliness. Decades must begin to feel like months after a time, spent with only other vampires for company. Easy to suppose that for the Countess, escape from undeath means lifting the weight of an empty heart. Life means the possibility of friends, family, loved ones. Or--as she becomes convinced the curse will not leave--to find companions for herself in the night.

Now toss Sandor into the mix, promised immortality but not yet given it. Eager, but bitter, and (Renfield-like) monomaniacal. He might have his own plans, his own schemes about achieving the same heart's desire.

Amid all this heady brew of lust, temptation, betrayal and obsession let the vampiress hunt for her victims and Dr. Garth (who numbers among his friends some top officials at Scotland Yard) become increasingly aware of weird crimes. One can imagine the Countess seeking to control her thirst, until she loses control and drains someone dry. Then she preys on others, drinking less, making them last. But the bite of a vampire does not leave someone untouched. Even her living victims seem different somehow. One can imagine one or two of them brought to Dr. Garth for treatment.

I like to imagine Sandor somehow using modern equipment to draw out some of the Countess' blood while she sleeps, then using it to become a vampire himself. An all-out battle between two vampires--one young but crazed and vicious, the other much older and more powerful hindered by the remnants of conscience--could well form the climax! With their powers--shape-shifting, super-strength, etc.--it could well satisfy movie goers want action with a capital A. Yet the potential remains for a compelling story of seduction and horror as well!

Somebody should do this!

Project details:

Twenty years ago, White Wolf unveiled Mind’s Eye Theatre. It ushered in an entirely new era of immersive and interactive entertainment, and added a vibrant new dimension to roleplaying games. Even though it has been years since a new MET book has been published, legions of dedicated Mind’s Eye Theatre fans around the world are still playing. They have been waiting patiently for an updated version of their favorite Live Action Roleplaying game – and with your help, now they’ll get it!

Mind's Eye Theatre: Vampire The Masquerade draws on more than two decades' worth of material from the iconic World of Darkness game setting. The rules are designed and adapted specifically for the Live Action Roleplay environment, while maintaining the fidelity of the original game. Modern design methods meet classic feel in our new expression of the game!

Here’s what you will find in the new book:

• All the clans. All the bloodlines. All the disciplines. This is a complete game, containing everything you need to enjoy Vampire The Masquerade in one of its most thrilling formats.
• A streamlined character creation system that is quick, yet comprehensive.
• A new cinematic yet mathematically-balanced rules system developed specifically to support the story and style of a live action environment for Vampire The Masquerade.
• Detailed settings for Camarilla, Sabbat, and Anarch games, with custom rules designed to enhance the story of each setting.
• Gorgeous new full-color art that faithfully depicts this dark and decadent world.
• Support, guidance, and advice for Storytellers, covering everything from how to write plots, run engaging scenarios, or personalize a setting for your chronicle. Learn how to manage a chronicle in a world where players want to play 24/7 and to customize your setting for the story you want to tell in your chronicle.
• A brand-new NPC creation system that allows you to quickly create allies and antagonists at the challenge level required for your chronicle.
• A new equipment building system that allows storytellers to quickly recreate any real world item (such as weapons, equipment, and vehicles) required for the chronicle.

It’s an awesome project to help out. You can find more info HERE.

Any LARPers here? What are your thoughts on the project?

- Moonlight

SPOILERS BELOW!

If you haven’t seen the Season 4 finale, don’t read on.

If you did see the last episode then you know about Bonnie and Jeremy. Bonnie is dead and Jeremy is alive! Craziness!

In a recent interview, Plec revealed that Jeremy would have a difficult time adjusting to his "humanity." Which is to be expected.

Plec said, "Jeremy will not have a very easy time of it. His first big hurdle is his cover story for being suddenly alive. So he'll struggle a bit with the return to the normal world."

It was also revealed that he will have to keep Bonnie's ghost a secret from the rest of the folks in Mystic Falls.

She said, "I think she was pretty clear about Jeremy wanting to keep her secret so I guess we'll see how long he's willing to do that. The predicament for Bonnie is that she's on the other side so she can pop in and see what's up and who's doing what."

"So she's going to struggle a bit in the beginning and that'll either strengthen or hurt her budding relationship with Jeremy which already has so many obstacles attached to it," Plec said

Ooooh! What do you think about what went down with Bonnie and Jeremy? Were you surprised, shocked, happy, disappointed, pissed? Let us know in a comment below! As for season 5, that won’t be here for like, a year. Sad face.

- Moonlight

About the film:

“Beautiful vampire Djuna (Josephine de La Baume) tries to resist the advances of the handsome, human screenwriter Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia), but eventually gives in to their passion. When her troublemaker sister Mimi (Roxane Mesquida) unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna’s love story is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered..."

Written and directed by: Xan Cassavetes

Here is the trailer:

I wasn’t expecting to hear much about this movie. But nearly every review I have read on this film has been amazing. Kiss of the Damned is winning viewers over with its style and its dark story. I personally have yet to watch this movie, but after hearing all of the praise, I am definitely interested. One reviewer called it "Retro and smart, glamorous and gritty, very satisfying." Another said, "Totally entertaining, full of sex, violence, blood and humor (believe it or not), and super-beautifully crafted. The cinematography and soundtrack are amazing."

Here’s what a few official reviewers had to say:

"Cassavetes can film an erotic encounter worthy of the 1970s and the golden age of sex scenes, and that is no small compliment these days." -NY Post

"A celebration of what made old vampire sexploitation movies so thrilling: flashes of flesh, pervasive menace, and dark blood oozing down some fancy lady’s chin." -The Onion AV Club

"Challenging, insightful, and (best of all) entertaining." –Fearnet

Have any of you seen it? If so, what did you think?

- Moonlight

Right.

Check out the DVD details down yonder.

Season 5 Description:

"Hal, Tom and Alex are three housemates with some serious issues on their hands, and they’re not just about household chores. Hal (Damien Molony) is a 500 year-old vampire, Tom (Michael Socha) is a hardened werewolf and Alex (Kate Bracken) has recently had the misfortune of becoming a ghost. But threat lurks around every corner. There is the volatile and deluded Crumb (Colin Hoult) – a newly recruited vampire, and the sinister Mr Rook (Steven Robertson) – head of a secret government department. With bills to be paid, our heroes take jobs in Barry’s kitschest hotel, but alongside the flock wallpaper and the cocktail umbrellas dwells an evil greater than anything faced before. On the face of it, Captain Hatch (Phil Davis) is just another foul-mouthed decrepit old man but he hides a dark secret that threatens not only our heroes’ friendships but the entire world."

Bonus Features:

• Deleted scenes
• Cast and crew interviews
• Exclusive scene
• Alex’s Unfinished Business

Are you a fan of Being Human? Would you like it if we gave both versions a little more love here on Vampires.com? Let me know in a comment below!

- Moonlight

Melabeth the Vampire happily manages to avoid the latter's fate, at least in my opinion.

Author E.B.Hood focuses upon a trope which only recently showed up in vampire stories. From Polidori's The Vampyre until more than a century later, in the Universal film House of Dracula, the actual experience of becoming a vampire seems never to show up. Most famously Anne Rice of course wrote a classic about it in the 1970s. She very nearly created a subgenre with that work! Hood tells a vaguely similar tale. By "vaguely" I mean his characters, plot and even fictional world vary vastly from that of Rice. Not a criticism! Who after all wants just a carbon copy of what has gone before?

Quite simply, Melabeth is a murder victim, a teenage girl abused and left for dead when a vampire finds her. He makes for a mysterious figure, but he claims to have fallen in love with this girl. Nicks cannot be sure it will work, but he attempts to turn Melanie Elizabeth using his blood. Eventually, she crawls out of her grave, thirsting for blood but lusting even more for revenge against her killers. About this point she takes a new name. Melabeth.

So far, so good! As you can probably imagine, the rest of the book chronicles her learning about vampiric existence, adjusting to a new age (she didn't wake for almost two decades) and the search for those who raped and murdered her. Her quest takes several interesting turns, including a coven of undead including a terrifyingly powerful child, a chatty ghost and a cute boy from a family of witches. She also runs afoul of what amounts to the supernatural police--a covert group in charge (they say) of maintaining order amidst the secret world of the not-quite-human.

How is it?

First, lets begin with the most positive. It makes for an enjoyable and interesting read. The tale grabbed my attention and left we wanting more. No less impressive, all the characters did indeed come across as individuals, each with their own 'voices' and with a very believable dynamic between them. Trust me when I claim plenty of best-selling novels frankly fail to achieve that! I could name names!

But I won't.

All of the above qualifies as high praise. Each reader must decide for themselves, but the central character appealed to me and her story kept me turning the pages. But let us also consider what's wrong with the book--or at least what could have ended up much better.

Let us begin with the writing itself. Hood generally writes in a clear cut style. Easy to read and follow. A sense of flow and rhythm that does much to aid the reader. All excellent! But he shows a tendency to slip into the bane of American writing--the passive voice. Not always. More, he avoids the (even worse) habit of making sentences not only passive but complex at the same time! That combination might as well be labelled a tranquilizer! He avoided that quite nicely. But frankly, he still uses the passive voice too much.

More irritating was his shift of perspective without much warning.  He doesn't do this much, but when he does it jars.

But that dovetails into what is arguably the biggest weakness of the book--its length. Melabeth the Vampire comes across as at least a quarter, maybe as much as a third too short. Everything takes too little time, as if he were rushing through the plot instead of taking his time. As as result, the character arcs suffer. Make no mistake--the character arcs are all still there. We follow and understand them. But they feel truncated. For example, the journey from gang-raped virgin to forthrightly lusting teenager in the title character seemed too short. Not in terms of time, but for what we experience through her eyes. And while David (her love interest) is seemingly an equally important character (he even has whole chapters from his POV) we don't follow him nearly enough. As a result, his changes seem less comprehensible. Likewise, we don't feel as he does for his family (whose back story, incidentally, seems needlessly complex--felt like a I needed a chart to keep all of them straight). This gets more and more problematical as the novel progresses.

A final word--about world-building. Like Vampire: The Masquerade and The Dresden Files, we discover with Melabeth that our world contains an entire covert civilization in our midst. Vampires, spirits, sorcerers, etc. seem scattered everywhere. Much of the details of this seem terribly cool, such as the so-called City of Vampires (eventually we learn where it is and have the reaction "Of course!"). But here I have a slight complaint. Again it comes down to length, and its connection to pacing. We don't really get a sense that this part of the world is (or even needs to remain) secret. Love how the author hints (successfully) at an entire world out there and we're seeing only one little section of it. Very Harry Potter in its way. But because the whole story feels a bit rushed, we also don't get to see many routine, constant efforts to Keep The Secret.

In short, most of my complaints about the book consist of desiring more of it! Which qualifies as "praise with faint damnation" in my book. For the record, I look forward to the sequel.