Review of Unholy Embrace by Trish Martin at Horrornews.net

REVIEWED BY "TRISH MARTIN"

http://www.horrornews.net/

Unholy Embrace by Neil Benson is the story of a romantic and dangerous love affair between a beautiful, ages-old vampire and a mortal man. This story is enchanting and sexy with an edge of excitement. Not only do we read about vampires but of werewolves and demons. The New York night life and seedy underbelly do well to create a dangerous atmosphere. I enjoyed reading about the main character’s blossoming relationship but also the horrific demons and monsters that lurk about in the night. Nessa Harcanu is the sexy vampire born in 1597 in a small town near Budapest.

Though Nessa is voluptuous and sultry, she posses a power beyond mortal imagination. She becomes involved with a mortal man named Frank Thornton who is an attractive architect that is skeptical about the existence of vampires and demons. Also joining the story are members of the Meyer family of which Nessa becomes close with early on in her life as a vampire; they come to serve her and assist her with her needs throughout the ages. We also come across a weaker vampire named Narice whom, after her master is killed by Nessa, begins following Nessa waiting to exact her revenge. There are a few other characters we run across in the story who serve as a backdrop in the evolvement of the two main characters. The interaction with these other characters gives us insight to the character’s lives and personalities.

Nessa’s tale of how she became a vampire and her life up until present day is one of intrigue and even sadness. Frank listens to Nessa’s story and becomes even more enchanted with her and begins to understand her a little better. Their relationship is really one of master and subservient, Nessa the master and Frank the subservient. Even with the uneven balance of power the relationship between the two becomes stronger and the need to protect one another grows. The appearance of a demon creates more drama and trouble for the two and they realize in order to save humanity they must defeat this demon in any way possible.

I would classify this story as less horror and more romantic suspense but it is still a wonderful and exciting tale. As I delved deeper into the book I found it hard to put down. It is definitely an easy read and isn’t cluttered with unnecessary plot and lag time. There were times of some light eroticism mixed in with story to give it an edge above the teeny-bopper vampire love stories. Also we examine great power within Nessa making her almost super-heroine like in her conquests. Frank’s mind is torn between his deep love of Nessa and his wish for normalcy in his life. My only complaint as far as this novel was concerned was that I felt that the ending was a tad rushed; I felt that maybe the writer was a little unsure of how to resolve the conflict without creating more trouble for the characters.

Neil Benson has a rare talent for creating a story where you can identify and truly care about what happens to the characters. Giving life to character’s like Nessa and Frank enables the reader to walk in the footsteps of the characters, getting more in-depth in the story and almost being able to see the world through their eyes. I would also have to give Neil Benson props on creating a dueling perspective between the characters; by doing this we can see the story from the perspective of both Nessa and Frank. I would highly recommend this book to all vampire lovers out there and especially those who enjoy romantic flights of fancy.

http://www.amazon.com/Unholy-Embrace-Neil-Benson/dp/0982679505/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274756051&sr=1-2

The Fate of Madame Cabanel by Eliza Lynn Linton - free vampire short story

The Fate of Madame Cabanel by Eliza Lynn Linton is about the insidious and vile nature of the vampire. There is a horrorible lesson for all who underestimate the power of the vampire.

http://www.scribd.com/full/14137259?access_key=key-160t35wo6lb1g75jxumo

Unholy Embrace vampire novel by Neil Benson - seeking ancient wisdom to fight a demon

seeking anccient wisdom to fight a demon

An old man sat in an old, carved teak chair He wore a white silk robe with a black-and-white yin and yang symbol. He was almost bald, with parchment like skin, and a long white beard. His head tilted downward as he looked at us through half closed eyes.

“Come forward,” he said in a soft voice with a Chinese accent.

Nessa and I moved closer until we were within six feet of him.

“Why does a nightwalker seek me out?”

She bowed. “Honorable one, we have a dangerous demon to deal with. A friend told me you might help us.”

“How did you get this?” He held up the ivory carving. His face remained expressionless, and his voice a whisper.

“About a hundred years ago I was in Paris. I met a monk who called himself Shien Po. We talked one evening, and he gave it to me as a parting gift. He said it would be useful one day.”

The old man smiled. “A greater honor than you realize. You talked with Yuan-Li Quan.” Nessa looked up and her eyes widened. “The ancient Immortal chose to wander through Western Europe at a time of change. If he saw no evil in you, then I can find none. I have forgotten my manners. I am Chen Li.”

“I am Nessa and this is Frank.”

Chen Li nodded at me and looked back at her. “And who sent you to me?”

“The Knower who lives beneath the streets.”

http://neilbenson-horrorandfantasyauthor.blogspot.com/p/unholy-embrace-by-neil-benson-first.html

Unholy Embrace vampire novel - fight with a white werewolf

Nessa fights a white werewolf


When I turned around, a tall, blond haired, athletic looking young woman stood between me and the door. She held a six-foot long round metal pipe with both ends capped by pieces of steel sharpened to fine points. Silver coated the last few inches on the tips. She had a feral look on her fine featured face. The way she held the pipe, and balanced on the balls of her feet, indicated she was an adept martial artist.


No human, however skilled in the martial arts, could hope to take on a vampire, even when armed with a lethal weapon. When I examined her more closely, I saw the heavy covering of fine blonde hairs on her arms. She was a werewolf, requiring me to be more careful in fighting her.

When I took a step forward, she jabbed at me with the pipe, but not with the intent of stabbing me, but rather to test my reaction. I took another step, which gave her a chance to pierce my heart with the point of the pole. She jabbed at me, but before it reached my body, I grabbed it with both hands...

http://neilbenson-horrorandfantasyauthor.blogspot.com/p/unholy-embrace-by-neil-benson-first.html
First three chapters

Unholy Embrace vampire novel by Neil Benson. - A confrontation between mortal and immortal

Nessa, the vampire, starts off the interchange.

"I was lonely, and I sought an interesting and attractive man and decided to let events take their own course.” She paused, lowered her eyes, and remained that way for a long time. Then her gaze sought mine. “It was never my intention to fall in love with you.”

“Love? What we've shared is lust. You haven't expressed feelings, at least verbally,” I said. “From the moment we met, events never took a natural course. You were the sexual aggressor controlling me from the start.”

“You need to take responsibility for your actions.” Her tone stabbed me like a sharp saber. “You made a choice when you responded to my smile and sat beside me. Whatever responses I evoked are part of your nature. My behavior was provocative, but I never apologize for whom I am. You’re an adult. You know the risks you take when you meet a stranger in a bar. Especially when she tells you she's a vampire.”

Her eyes, flat and hard, presented a side of her that I hadn't seen before.

I took a deep breath and met the measure of her gaze.

Nessa stood there, hands on her hips, staring defiantly at me. Now that I saw beyond her beauty, I could recognize her strength in living a life she never chose. I stood at a crossroad few men ever experienced. What I said next could decide the rest of my life. “I love you, but I have no idea how we can become more than lovers.”

http://neilbenson-horrorandfantasyauthor.blogspot.com/p/unholy-embrace-by-neil-benson-first.html

First three chapters