*WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BLOOD SHADOWS AND BLOOD ROSES*

BLACKTHORN MINDSET

Kane and Caleb live in a dark, dangerous and violent place. Blackthorn isn’t just a third species territory (which you’ll see more of in Blood Torn) – not anymore. Instead of keeping Blackthorn exclusive, the Global Council decided it would be acceptable to use the district as an overflow system for the humans they couldn’t control in their penitentiaries – convicts of the most despicable crimes. As such, territoriality is rife in Blackthorn. Reputation to retain and maintain that territory is everything. As Caleb put it:

‘It was about survival and survival was about reputation… It meant no mercy and no second chances. Any sign of pity could be fatal.’

When it comes to reputation, Kane and Caleb’s notorious pasts have secured their places as top of the Blackthorn underworld. So far, they’ve wisely kept a distance from each other, their paths not needing to cross. Kane stays to the East and Caleb stays to the West. But who’s got the greatest advantage should we see these vampires clash?

HERITAGE

There are three types of vampires that I have mentioned in Blackthorn so far: master vampires, Higher Order vampires (vampire royalty) and ‘lesser’ vampires. The Higher Order have secured their place to reside in Midtown under the proviso they work as advocates between the humans and vampires (and one or two other things that will be revealed in Blood Torn). The Higher Order are allowed to rule over lesser vampires in the locale. They’re forbidden from interfering in TSCD policies, but they can take matters into their own hands where allowed. In these cases, they are the judge, jury and executioner.

Kane – master vampire: Master vampires don’t come under Higher Order rule. A master vampire is purer in strength and ability than Higher Order vampires. They are also the only type of vampire than can feed on other vampires if they so choose. One on one, technically Kane should be able to beat Caleb but…

Caleb – Higher Order vampire/destined Tryan: Caleb is first introduced as a lesser vampire until his Higher Order heritage is revealed. But even his true heritage makes him no competition for Kane. But, of course, Caleb’s not just any Higher Order vampire – he’s the destined Tryan. He’s not completed the process yet, but his very choosing could set him a notch above his Higher Order counterparts. A worthy opponent for Kane after all, maybe?

TERRITORY AND FINANCES

The amount of territory both vampires own equates. Kane owns the East, Caleb owns the West and both own parts of the South. Caleb appears the most lucrative, with thriving businesses throughout the West, not least owning the most successful club in Blackthorn. Kane however was landowner before relocating to Blackthorn. His home where he took Caitlin at the end of Blood Shadows, hints at a wealthy past. He certainly doesn’t seem to find it too difficult to get his hands on ‘resources’ when he needs them.

ALLIANCES & ALLEGIANCES

Kane: Being a master vampire brings automatic respect amongst the third species (even the lycans – Jask aside for the moment, that is). As such, Kane appears to have few enemies. More so, as links with characters such as Alexander and Tamara in Blood Shadows show, his acquaintances are only too willing to help him. Alexander, in particular, equally turned to Kane for support, indicating Kane not only has respect but clout too. The TSCD’s failure to detain Kane after several decades speaks of a community that remains loyal and protective of him. Or is that too scared to cross him? With no indication of confidants, Kane appears to be an otherwise solitary character.

Caleb: Caleb’s reputation as the Higher Order’s most intrepid serryn hunter proceeds him. Anyone who can take on serryns and survive is heralded a hero in the vampire community. But far from sitting on his laurels, Caleb is also a well-connected and respected business owner. His employees, not least Hade, seem only too willing to do his bidding. The fact that word leaked out about Tay’s involvement in trying to double-cross Caleb, speaks of a community fiercely loyal to him. He also has the firm support of his younger brother and confidant, Jake.

ENEMIES

Kane: The TSCD appear to be Kane’s only enemy, having hunted him for decades. However, it is revealed at the end of Blood Shadows and Blood Roses, that the Higher Order also appear to have a vested interest in Kane. Everyone seems to want Kane alive. That’s not a bad position to be in in Blackthorn. Unless, of course, The Alliance set their sights on Kane like they did with Caleb…

Caleb: Caleb’s enemies have been those who have envied his success. But Caleb dealing stringently and mercilessly with opposition has made these occurrences rare. He also used to have links with the Higher Order through Feinith, but that turned sour at the end of Blood Roses. I’m not sure she’s ready to forgive him for his rejection just yet. And now it seems Caleb also has The Alliance to contend with.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Kane: Kane disclosed to Caitlin that, as a master vampire, he has access to a wealth of knowledge about vampiric heritage and, as it appears by the end of Blood Shadows, the prophecies themselves. He was very guarded letting Caitlin read him, telling her of the risks of seeing his inner darkness would pose to her. Is that true, or was there something she was never meant to see?

Caleb: So far Caleb’s remained very quiet about the nightmares and visions he was experiencing in the lead up to getting the Armun tattooed on his back. He hasn’t even confided in Jake. Did what he see have a part to play in his decision to let Leila try to find an alternative? Has his exclusive insight into what’s to come put him in an advantageous position, or everyone else in jeopardy?

ATTITUDE

Both Kane and Caleb are old-fashioned warriors at heart, born leaders fearless of opposition and both loyal to their own kind. Both have served in the battlefield. Both are fiercely territorial. Methodical thinkers, astute, perceptive, strategic and manipulative in getting what they want, they are also laced with a lethal dose of charm, intelligence and charisma. Emotional disconnection is an art form they have perfected, a cocoon they have wrapped themselves in – that was until their heroines came along.

Conclusion: it’s still anyone’s game at the moment. But are their heroines a newfound strength or destined to be their downfall?

The last Kane Vs Caleb post will be up on Friday where I’ll be looking at where we left them – all ready to pave the way for Blood Torn. 🙂