Review: A Vampire's Reckoning by VMK Fewings
Stone Masters: A Vampire’s Reckoning, published by Lachesis Publishing, is a book about secrets, and how those secrets lead to an entire family’s demise. But perhaps even more, this is a weaving of relationships, and the lengths we will take to fulfill a love destined, whether it be the love for a brother, a father, a man, or woman.
Jadeon is the heir to St. Michael’s Mount, the estate of his father’s, Lord William Artimas. Although he may be somewhat distant, Lord Artimas seems the protective and loving father, but how far will he go to protect his family, his estate, his land? Lord Artimas belongs to the Stone Masters, a “group of brave men whose sole, sacred duty is to hunt down and kill the mythical creatures of the night, known as vampires.” What he has been called to do is what invites danger into the very walls of his own castle.
As young boys, Alex (Jadeon’s younger brother) and Jadeon sneak out to take a night swim with their childhood friend, Catherine. The boys witness something far darker than they could have ever imagined. It would change their lives forever. It is the beginning of mysteries, of secrets told and secrets kept. How far will their desires drive them all?
Stone Masters is a well-crafted vampire novel, with all the rich velvety elements one would expect, as well as a unique storyline. The point of view is not simply that of Jadeon’s, but also of Orpheus. Orpheus is a vampire hell bent on revenge; his beloved was taken away from him. Now he must punish those who punished him. He and Jadeon travel many years playing a very macabre game of cat and mouse.
Jadeon’s loyalty to his family is challenged, as well as his loyalty to himself. He must journey into the innermost part of himself to prove where his loyalty lies. This is a story of love, of human necrosis, and the rise there from: desire versus the true-self.
Fewings weaves her tapestry well; there are several noteworthy characters that have not been mentioned in this review, simply because I do not wish to give any of the surprises away. This book is a memorable book, one not to quickly push away, as it reveals the intentions that lie within our own hearts. William Blake perhaps sums it up best: The Desire of Man being Infinite, the possession is Infinite, and himself Infinite. This is what Fewings is asking of her readers, to make themselves infinite.
VMK Fewings is polishing the final stages of the sequel to Stone Masters: A Vampire’s Reckoning, entitled, Orpheus: A Vampire's Rise. She is hoping for a 2009 release.
Stone Masters: A Vampire's Reckoning is available at: Amazon
Click here for the Stone Masters: A Vampire's Reckoning YouTube video.
