#BlogTour The Lazarus Child by Jay Raven

 Today it's my turn on the BlogTour The Lazarus Child by Jay Raven.

About the Author

Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

If you would like to be informed of new releases, enjoy free short stories and access exclusive giveaways and competitions, please subscribe to Jay's monthly newsletter on his website at www.jayraven.com

Follow @JayRavenAuthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, Buy The Lazarus Child

About the book

To save his missing daughter a distraught slayer must venture deep into the heart of darkness

Legendary vampire hunter Anton Yoska is on the edge, tormented by the rumour that the precious child he once thought dead is still alive and lost in a world of monsters.

One creature alone knows for sure what happened to Gretchen, but Terek Modjeski won’t divulge his secret - revelling in the twisted power over his long-time foe.

Despairing and drinking heavily, Anton stumbles from near disaster to near disaster as he puts his team in jeopardy, testing their friendship and loyalty to snapping point.

Only one diabolical solution is possible - to confront Terek in his maximum security cell and force the bloodsucker to end his game of cat and mouse. But making the cunning infernal talk will mean employing brutal methods that go against every code Anton has ever lived by, forcing him to become as much of a demon as the leeches he hunts.

Face to face with the evil, taunting vampire, the desperate slayer takes a decision that will change his destiny forever - sending him hurtling into danger to confront a terrifying truth about his lost child that risks not only his sanity but the future of mankind.

Review

The last sentence... I mean really? It just conjures up all kind of images.

This is the third book in the Blood Riders series, it can be read as a standalone novel, however I would suggest reading the others to get the gist of the characters and their journey.

I think it's fair to share that the Anton we experience in this book is not the Anton we met in the first. Gone is the determination, the soul and the essence that separates him from the monsters he is slowly disintegrating into. He has become a liability to his team, a risk to himself and people are starting to perceive him differently.

The author shows the way his main character is slowly stripped of his humanity, as he navigates the pain and guilt he carries around with him. Each story shows how he inches towards the decline. It gives this supernatural story a bit of an edge. The hunter becomes what he both hates and fears the most.

This story has a load of potential, even three books in. I still maintain that the team element, and the characteristics and personalities of said team, is what drives this series. Not necessarily the sub-plots. Sometimes contemporary trumps niche from an audience perspective, which means the more speculative creativity can be hindered a wee bit. Open up the gates.

The Lazarus Child at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com. 

#BlogTour Daylight's Deadly Kiss by Jay Raven

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Daylight's Deadly Kiss by Jay Raven.

About the Author
 Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

If you would like to be informed of new releases, enjoy free short stories and access exclusive giveways and competitions, please subscribe to Jay's monthly newsletter on his website at www.jayraven.com

Follow @JayRavenAuthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, Buy Daylight's Deadly Kiss

About the book
Daylight’s Deadly Kiss - Blood Riders Book Two
In 19th century Europe the most deadly vampire-killing weapon ever devised is up for grabs - and both the Undead and the living will stop at nothing to possess it... 

It’s a legend, a fairy story parents tell frightened children to make them sleep. Basium Lucis - Daylight’s Kiss - the fabled compound that recreates sunlight in a bottle, and incinerates bloodsucking monsters on contact.

Vampire hunter Anton Yoska doesn’t believe in its existence or the whispered rumours of its creation by Leonardo Da Vinci 250 years before.
       
But when a mysterious Hungarian arts dealer claims to have uncovered the long-lost formula, Anton’s cynicism is shaken to the core as he is tasked to procure the pyrotechnic marvel for the Vatican’s centuries-old battle with the vampire sect known as the Brethren.

In a desperate race to beat nosferatu forces intent on destroying the wonder weapon, and cold-blooded gangsters who desire the Alchemist’s most prized invention for their own aggrandisement and riches, Anton is caught in a maelstrom of double dealing and lies..

Traps loom at every turn, and nothing is what it appears, but acquiring the Basium Lucis is the least of the his problems  - for the ferocious Modjeski vampire family want retribution for his slaughter of their clan chief a year before. And old flame and rival slayer, Nadia, has her own devious plans to thwart Anton’s quest.

As time runs out and predators circle, the beleaguered hunter realises he’s been tricked into a suicide mission. But Anton Yoska won’t go down without a fight – and he doesn’t care who he takes to Hell with him.

Review
Anton Yoska and his merry band of oddbod vampire hunters, which includes a bloodthirsty bear who likes to rip vampires to shreds by the way, are back in this second book in the Blood Riders series. Both books can be read as standalone novels.

The team is drawn into a competitive deal to acquire something everyone knows as sunlight in a bottle. A compound that can extinguish the life of any daylight-fearing vampire. If it is real it is worth its weight in gold.

The Basium Lucis turns out to be more than just the stuff of fairytales and myths. It is an extremely efficient weapon that could equal the odds in humans vs bloodsucking monsters fight. As a man stuck in the middle of both worlds Anton Yoska isn't sure where he stands on this mythical weapon.

As if that wasn't enough trouble to keep him occupied the Modjeski clan are back on the warpath and intent on getting revenge. Revenge in the form of death to Yoska and his team, preferably in a painful and bloody manner.

It's a gothic supernatural fantasy, a team of extraordinary vampire hunters often with more luck than skill.

Raven weaves subliminal humour into this bloodthirsty read with this band of merry rogues. Quick retorts and genuine emotions, and of course the very unique way they battle the undead, is what makes this read both vicious and entertaining.

It's a fast-paced read with a main character who often finds it difficult not to identify with both halves of his new self. He feels their pain and yet has no problem destroying them when the need arises. The Blood Riders are definitely an entertaining read.

Buy Daylight's Deadly Kiss at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of To Snare a Witch by Jay Raven.

#BlogTour To Snare a Witch: Bell, Book and Candle by Jay Raven

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour To Snare a Witch: Bell, Book and Candle by Jay Raven.

About the Author
Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

If you would like to be informed of new releases, enjoy free short stories and access exclusive giveways and competitions, please subscribe to Jay's monthly newsletter on his website at www.jayraven.co.uk

Follow @JayRavenAuthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook,
Buy To Snare a Witch: Bell, Book and Candle

About the book

A Chilling historical tale of lust, sorcery and devastating revenge
No female dares spurn the lecherous advances of Sir Henry Cruttendon, 17th Century England’s most reviled nobleman. To do so risks a retribution that would terrify the Devil himself.
But Elizabeth Fiennes is no ordinary woman, blessed with stunning beauty,  intelligence and guile. Coming from an influential family, she believes she is safe.

What she doesn’t understand is that the Earl is determined to satisfy his lust and plans to use the wave of witch trials, fear and superstition  sweeping the countryside to force her into his clutches.
And as he springs his malicious trap it triggers a chain of unholy events plunging hunter and prey into a maelstrom of deceit, terror and depravity – leaving them both staring into the face of true evil...

Review

This is a novella length read and I have to say Raven uses every single page to draw readers in with this flipped on its lid take on the historical witch purges.

Imagine, if you will, the witch purges from a purely economical point of view. If riling up the crowds and executing innocent people after torturing them was a profitable business venture, then that would put an entirely different slant on the whole thing, right?

When the disgusting Sir Cruttendon decides to get what he wants by using the ploy of naming, shaming and killing a witch he doesn't realise he might be messing with the wrong person. The kind of person who is willing to do absolutely anything to get revenge and save a loved one.

It's historical paranormal fantasy. The first in the To Snare a Witch series. It's a quick read and a turbulent one, despite the length Raven manages to fit everything in from sexual encounters to the most potent of potions. It can get a wee bit lecherous at times, but then again Crittendon is a lech.

It's a short entertaining venture into the world of witchcraft.

Buy To Snare a Witch: Bell, Book and Candle at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Jay Raven Books; pub date 15 May 2019. Buy at Amazon com.