Today Shining in Crimson (Empire of Blood) by Robert S. Wilson was released in the Kindle Version with the Paperback and Hardcover editions set to be released October 2nd. You can check out his website to see more about it, or visit Amazon to buy eReader version. Also you can follow Shining in Crimson on Facebook.
Now that you can look up what I am talking about, I thought I would explain why I mention this particular book release. Robert and I are both members of the Hatrack Writers Workshop (or Hatrackers). In early February I came across a post in our Fragments and Feedback section in which I read an intro to a Vampire book.
Typically this is not my genre and I tend to steer away from it. I don’t remember why I chose to read this, but I am glad I did. I was hooked by the style of this small opening fragment. I offered to review the whole thing. I had not read a critiqued a novel before, but if I can help I figured I would try it.
I spent the rest of the month reading over three chapter blocks. I offered my advice but truthfully I fell for Robert’s characters, their struggles, and the overall plot. And I continued to push him to send me more chapters, while he continued to try to get them edited. And, like most stories I truly love deep down, I was a little sad when it was over. From the time I read that draft to now, I would say that I gained a friend in Robert.
It was a really good book, and I generally don’t care for Vampire stories. Perhaps it is my limited knowledge of the genre. Perhaps it is the way Twilight has transformed the mainstream vampire story. I don’t know why I don’t care for the genre. However, Robert changed my mind. Or at least opened my mind a little.
This is not the Vampire story where the vampires are hunky men, and you have to join Team Mark or Team Sam. This is about Hank, the Main Character who finds himself charged with a crime and sentenced to visit Necropolis, a city belonging to the Vampires now. This is a sure death sentence, but Hank is desperate to survive for the sake of his son.
There are several plot threads to this story giving it depth and forward motion. I found myself turning pages with ease as I hoped for the success of the various characters. I’ll stop here. It’s time for you to pick up your Kindle and read Shining in Crimson.
I have chosen to pre-order the paperback version which will ship on October 2nd in honor of Robert’s mother’s birthday (who passed away in 2006). If you wish to pre-order a paperback or hardback edition you can do it here. If you are on Goodreads you can enter to win a copy here.
At the very least, pick up the Kindle Version for only 99 cents. It will be the best dollar you ever spent.