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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Faith Jackson

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I love about this book is it teaches us something we should all carry with us no matter who or what we are. I love books that hold values and morals as a storyline. Cheesy, I know but I love it. Alex Charalambides does this perfectly in this tale which is one for the ages.
The book draws you in with Excalibur, who is always on a search, has one question for the universe, “When Fate calls, will you answer?” but calls across the eras for a notable hand until a distrustful American student is selected.
Lance, a prideful young man, is ready to assume his destiny and step out on faith. Lance is on for a wild ride into the supernatural world below modern London, his sword begins to speak as the inner champion roars deeper.
Caught in a battle within mystical families, Lance faces the conclusive question of: Does he rule the sword or is it the other way around?
This book is an instant classic with the storytelling technique that Alex Charalambides writes this story. Grab this one and you won’t regret it!

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Lisa Helmick

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is quite an adventure. Filled with wizards, Magic and Excalibur is a retelling of a classic. While the story drew me in I struggled with the timeline of the characters. It is confusing to me and makes the story not flow very smoothly. Causing me to lose interest at times. I plugged on and the story does pick up near the end. The main character held my interest and wondering what would happen to him and the sword. There are few secondary characters who I liked and others not so much.

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Kerry Carr

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great adventure.

Lance is a normal school kid until a trip to an English museum changes everything. When Lance and his friend Megan are attacked a mysterious sword appears out of a toilet and calls to Lance.

Lance realises the sword is for him and that he is destined for great things. Now he has the sword it is a race against time to save the world and himself all while avoiding people who want the sword.

Joining him on his journey are three wizards but can they be trusted or are they all as dangerous as each other.

Its a great adventure full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked.

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Angela Hayes

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Black Blade by Alexander Charalambides is superb YA fantasy adventure with plenty of action, magic, and fun. This is a quest that will take the characters on an adventure they could never have imagined. With wizards, magic, Excalibur, and much so much more that made this a really great read.
As the first book in the series, it was a great introduction to what looks set to be a really fun series. The story is told from several POV’s and is a fairly quick and easy read. I am interested to see what’s in store for us in the next book/s! Can’t wait.

Thank you, Alexander Charalambides!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Tausha Treadway

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides. This is the story of Lance an American student who is on a school field trip at a Museum when he finds a sword named Excalibur and is chosen to go on a quest/journey into the unknown. He travels into the supernatural that is present day London and the sword begins to talk to him. The voice becomes louder and louder. Along the way he meets many different characters and they all are a huge part of the journey. Lance finds himself caught in a war between magical families and he begins to question whether he is in charge of the sword or is the sword in charge of him? Once you being to read this book you will be sucked in and won’t want to put it down until the very end! Its a great story!

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Connie Cranston

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Black Blade by Alexander Charalambides is a fantasy adventure following Lance, an American student, who finds Excaliber and is chosen for a quest. This story is full of action and magic. I enjoyed the characters, but was a little confused by the timeline at points. The POV changes also confused me a bit. I think with a few more headings that can be fixed. I do think this was an interesting and unique take on the story of Lancelot and Excaliber. I look forward to reading the next adventure from this author.

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Jenni Bishop

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Black Blade by Alexander Charalambides YA fantasy paranormal story that is full of magic and adventure. It is Alexander’s first book and is a fun way to start the series and it is funny and a joy to read. There are a lot of characters and the story being told by different POV’s and at times it is a bit confusing to keep them all straight. The story is easily read and definitely entertaining. Alexander has done well with this first book and I look forward to the next one.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Kerry Baker

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Black Blade by Alexander Charalambides is a great fantasy book that is a unique take on Lancelot and Excalibur.
This is a relatively new author to me but I was excited to read more of his work. I loved the new take on this old story.
The story was in depth and complex, jumping back and forth time wise but the author handles it well, keeping the storylines moving forward nicely. I enjoyed the fact that the story was told from multiple points of view as it gave an overall view of what was going on.
This author has a great way of using his words to create a lasting story. It was interesting and unique and exciting to read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this author in the future.

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Sara Oxton

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Black Blade by Alexander Charalambides a cutting four-star read. This was my first read by this author and I hope it wont be the last as I enjoyed the writing style, there was action a plenty and magic and fun to keep the story going, it really did manage to keep a pace well. Its told by several POV’s and that was one thing I struggled with, as I couldn’t keep up, but to be honest it could be me and the place I am in right now, so give it a go and see what you think. The one thin I did really enjoy was fate/destiny story added something special as its always something that has attracted me. The characters are well developed, and the story is good, so dig in and enjoy.

Review by @saraoxo

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Laura Furuta

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1)
By Alexander Charalambides
5 out of 5 stars

The story Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides is a wonderful fantasy book that I loved reading. The story pulls you in from the beginning and I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. The story has the character of Lance chosen for a journey/quest. He has the sword Excalibur and starts down a path down under present-day London. How will this journey end? Read this book to find out. This is a story that has magic, action, danger, warring families, and a quest to finish. Lance is a character that has undertaken this journey and is determined to see it through. I also enjoyed many of the characters that Lance meets along the way. Some of them are helpful and others seem to have their own agenda and plans. Who can Lance trust? The story is told from several characters POV. It had me guessing and turning pages to find out what happens next. It creates an atmosphere of excitement and mystery. Don’t miss out on a book that you won’t want to put down until the final page. I found myself not wanting this adventure to be over. I would highly recommend reading it.

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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Black BladeBlack Blade by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first book by this author but it is my favorite yet. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life. This is paranormal story that is full of action that kept me turning pages. When fate comes calling will Lance recoginze that this is his destiny? As the voices inside him grow louder, who will he listen too? He gets stuck in a war where he will have to make a decision. Will the sword rule him or does he have it in him to rule the sword? Strong, supportive chraracters make this story easy to read. I highly recommend reading this book.

 

Review by @bjwagner
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Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Black Blade (Black Blade Book 1) by Alexander Charalambides
 
Genre – Urban Fantasy/Supernatural
Page Count – 229 pages
Cover Designer – Mina Chara
Publishing Company – www.goodboybooks.com
When Fate Calls, Should You Answer?
What starts as a sudden field trip to the UK turns sinister when friends and fellow students Lance and Megan are attacked by a mysterious, inhuman figure.
Suddenly entrusted with a sword by a disembodied hand, and fantastical responsibilities by three rambling figures that claim to be wizards, Lance and Megan have a choice to make as they race through the foggy London streets. Caught in a war between magical families, Lance faces the ultimate question: does he rule the sword, or does the sword rule him?
Reviewers describe Black Blade as ‘an eminently well-written and intricately plotted read that will entertain you for hours.’

~ AMAZON ~

You can find this video on our YouTube Channel

Visit us at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttf3qLZIeWgu0ZWDHc-hLg

Born in the UK near London, Alexander now lives in New Hampshire with two high-maintenance dogs and a very, very tough houseplant. His novels cover a spectrum of genres and ideas, usually focusing on the struggles of politically alienated young people.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER CHARALAMBIDES

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WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP

 

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Amanda Taylor

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State
By Alexander Charalambides

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a paranormal full-length book. I love books about Vampires, and this is one that I see myself reading again multiple times. The main character in this book is Rowena and she has a lot of tough decisions to make after the Pales aka Vampires have taken over. What would you be willing to give up saving your family and yourself? Rowena is by far my favorite character in this book, but you can’t help but like both Vincenzo and Luka also. This book was intriguing it keeps you hooked reading page to page and throws in so many twists and turns you can’t figure out what will happen next. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Kerry Carr

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Its a romance and political story all in one.

When Rowena and her family get sponsered by a rich vampire family she doesnt know what to do. The humans in the city are treated as slaves but does she really want to lose herself and become a vampire too?

The son of the family Vincenzo runs an organisation to try and get equal rights for the humans in their city and with the help or Rowena they set out to make changes so that she can live and remain human.

Rowena starts to have feelings for Vincenzo but cant she forgive his kind for the things they have done. With her emotions confused it gets harder when a handsome rebel called Luka comes on the scene.

Is her feelings for Vincenzo strong enough to stay and see things through or will she get tempted and leave with Luka.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Erin Wolf

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides, 4 stars.

This is quite an interesting and unique book. Sure, there have been many books about vampires. We have even read the human must decide between the vampire or the human. But this book throws in something I have never seen before — politics. Rowena is thrust into a world of Pales living richly and the humans living in squalor. She can no longer stand by and watch, she must help. In order to succeed, she must play the game of politics. While this has been done to some extent before, I can’t say I’ve seen it like this.

Then there’s Rowena herself. Not annoying in the least (as some young adult leads can be), you root for her all the way. Then there are the other characters, her family and the ones who try to help and harm her. All are completely different and add to the story. You will not love everyone, but that is the point. We also can’t forget the story itself. Yes, politics plays heavily in this story, but it is not over your head or all dry talk. The author makes it interesting and easy to understand while entertaining you at the same time.

A story of survival, making things better, politics and love with a supernatural twist, this book is so different and the story is done so well, I highly recommend it.

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review by @erinwolf79

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Amber Lange

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a unique take on vampires. This is my first book by this author. I feel like he did a good job with his characters. Rowena I feel like was very dedicated to her survival and family. I also found her to be very interesting and can’t imagine myself what choice I would make with what she is given. The beginning was a bit slow but I feel it speeds up the deeper you get in. Overall it was a good story. I would rate 4 stars.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vampire State
By Alexander Charalambides
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel.

Here you will find Pales, aka,Vampires, and tough decisions. Just what is needed to take you to the fantasy, this book brings. Rowena is going in eyes open. What she sees and learns will help her with what she needs to do. Romance will also play a part in her life. You will need to read this story to find out how it ends. Does Rowena choose Vampire? Who does she fall head over heels in love with, Vincenzo or Luka?

Alexander Charalambides is a new to me author. While I read this story, I had to remind myself, this is just a fantasy. This story is a fast page turning novel. The action sucks you in, you have no choice but to continue to read. His explanation and description of the characters and where they live was well thought out. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. I have to admit, I kind of fell in love with this book. I can think of many who would love to read this as well. Keep them Coming Alexander Charalambides! Looking for many more adventures ahead.

Review@Cinful

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Erica Fish

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is my first book by this author. Charalambides plot line is engaging. His characters are complex and relatable. Yes, this book is about vampires, but I found this book more than another vampire book. Rowena finds herself in a predicament. She can be treated like royalty since her father returns as hero, but she would have to accept the “The Gift” and become “Pale” So what is a girl supposed to do? There is another temptation for her to become apart of the Darkness of the World’s Oldest Empire. Which life with Rowena follow? You will have to read the story to find out.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Angela Hayes

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is an original take on vampire lore. The book covers quite a lot- from politics, drama, intrigue, danger, romance, a bit of a love triangle, and more. It felt a little dystopian and dark at times. But that added to the whole atmosphere.
What if you could have everything you ever dreamed of- such as status, wealth, and influence? And all you had to do was die first? Rowena faces this dilemma- with a huge choice to make. What will she decide?
This was an interesting story- complex and dynamic. It felt a little heavy and slow going at times- but I was intrigued enough to want to know how everything played out, and it was worth it in the end.

Thank you, Alexander Charalambides.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Katie Kearney

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides.
Let’s start off by saying I really liked the take this author took on this story it’s different enough to be refreshing. Each character brings something unique to the story and truly have a part, sometimes that’s not always the case but in this story it is. I felt a connection to each one on some kind of level. The storyline kept me on my toes with twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but loved. The author takes readers on an adventure with the characters and I honestly couldn’t put this story down once I started. The world building is very well done with amazing characters you can’t help but be drawn to. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking. From page one I sunk completely inside this story and was sad when I realized I was at the end. This is my first time reading this author but it’s definitely not the last. Five stars all the way!

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Kerry Baker

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a fantastically written book that will completely capture your attention.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed how he took a very well trodden topic and still managed to put his own stamp on it. The characters were brilliant. They were well developed and interesting to read about. Especially Rowena, she was easily my favourite.
I also really liked the fact that the author didn’t have to rely on typical vampire traits – ie blood and gore – to portray them as evil. It felt like that was the “given” meaning he could focus on other aspects.
The book was entertaining and a really enjoyable read: I would certainly recommend it and I will be looking out for more work by this author.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Anna Hirsch

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides
4 Stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author. His view of vampires is different and I found the story to be original. A war is going on and the vampires, now called Pales, have taken over. Rowena and her parents are brought to Sanguinia and sponsored by a family of elite vampires. They can have everything they ever wanted; power, money and fame. All they need to do is die and become a vampire. Rowena has choices to make. She’s torn between her parents, torn between two guys. She wants to make a difference, have her life mean something. Danger lurks around every corner and most of the time, Rowena has no idea what’s going on.

I found the book interesting but a little too political for my tastes. Most of the time it was dealing with senators and laws so it dragged a bit for me. I believed in what Rowena was trying to accomplish and was cheering for her until the end.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Mirela Ruiz

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a refreshing take on paranormal romance. I would give this book a four out of five stars. Rowena was an interesting character to meet, I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. The story is multilayered and when you think you have it figured out something changes. I loved the authors take on vampires and his unique twist.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Sheri Schrader

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides intrigued me from just seeing the cover. I really enjoy stories that are vampire-related and couldn’t wait to dig into this one. This is a thrilling ride to go on. Rowena has a choice she has to make concerning accepting the Gift and becoming a Pale. Will she take the jump or not? This is interesting because it is set a bit differently amongst a political thriller with some romance. I was not disappointed in this read and it was worth digging into this book. The characters are well written and the plot is pretty good. I look forward to seeing what Alexander Charalambides writes next.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Liz Vrchota

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampire State is the first book that I have read by Alexander Charlambides so I was not exactly sure what to expect with this other than I loved the cover and had to know what would happen between them. I am glad I took a gamble, especially since Vampire novels usually have super high standards for me being an avid fan of the classics. I loved the way the characters were developed and brought to life right before your eyes as you read. The world building was fantastic and made the story believable and realistic even with the fantasy elements. I loved the added twist of romance with the love triangle blooming between Rowena and Vincenzo and Luka. Not only does Rowena have to determine her future as either a vampire or a pale but she is going to have to make a decision regarding her heart. I loved this adventure and look forward to seeing what else is available and to come from Alexander Charalambides. I am sure it will be something I can sink my teeth into as well.

Review by @lizaileen
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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Madison Degraffenreid

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides

5-stars

Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides was a unique and exciting vampire novel. Rowena’s father returns from war having rescued an important person from the Pale population. This provides them with the opportunity to go from living life as poor to having access to things the rich people do. The only downside is they are on borrowed time and must decide to join the Pale population by receiving “The Gift” or becoming something like slaves or worse. She is pulled into the world of politics by charming Pale Vincenzo in his ploy to find progress and equality. Luka, who is different and unique in his own way, sheds a different light on the issue. She has to make a choice though, to die or not to die.

This book was exciting, creative, and invigorating. I loved this new world the author created and how detailed the scenery was. The characters were also developed well. I loved Rowena and Vincenzo the most. I found Luka fascinating but Vincenzo stole my heart at the start. I definitely recommend this book. It is not a traditional vampire read and I loved the change up it gave me.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Jonell Collins

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great little story. It comes along at a great time in our own country. In Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides we get a great story about change. Change is seldom easy, and I think this author does a good job of showing us different aspects of the difficulties of change. Our heroine, Rowena, slowly recognizes her part in the need for bringing about these changes, but she is up for the challenge. Vincenzo and Luka have very different approaches to change but in the end….it works. The real shining point of this story is the dialogue between Dominus and Rowena. It’s there that we see the solution for real change. This is a fast-paced little story and was over too soon. I found myself wanting more. If you are like me and you like the story within the story this is a book that you will really enjoy.

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Naomi McDonald

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to read this book based on the synopsis. I had no idea what to expect as I have never read a book by this author before. I enjoyed the more unique portrayal of vampires, and the world building is excellent. There is a bit of mystery as Rowena tries to learn more about the Sanguinians and their city, Sanguinia. There are some great twists and turns that keep the story moving so you can’t put it down.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s a quick read that takes you on a great adventure of political intrigue as well as a bit of romance. ?

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I thought it was a good one to start with. It was interesting from beginning to end and it was well written. This story is about Rowena and the choices she has to make in her life. Big decisions will have to be made and she will have to make them fast.
So many twists and turns in this one, I was on the edge of my seat at times and I liked that. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and I would recommend this Book to anyone that likes vampire reads!
Happy Reading!

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Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Heather Lovelace

Vampire StateVampire State by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was unprepared for the level of detail, world building, and character development I found in these pages. Charalambides does a fantastic job not falling into the latest trend of catering to the YA crowd with another vampire tale. This was mature, engaging, and riveting. From beginning to end, I simply was hooked. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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