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Beneath Blackthorn – Introducing the Lycans into Blackthorn

When the regulations were first established, the third species were transported from holding sites to various locales around the globe. Each time a balance was ensured – either vampires or lycans would be the majority species in each of the cores. The aim behind this was to ensure peace across locales. If a minority group was mistreated in one, their equivalent could be on the receiving end of retaliation in another. Yes, word does spread between locales.

However, maintaining this balance meant that sometimes three or four lycan packs were moved to the same location whilst other packs were split and spread across locales, left to reform in their new so-called ‘temporary’ homes. This is what happened to Jask, hero of Blood Torn.

One of the most interesting aspects for me with introducing lycans into Blackthorn was the different social structure they brought with them in comparison to vampires.

Blackthorn vampires are primarily solitary in nature. Outside of the new world created by the regulations, their loyalty would be first and foremost to the same bloodline (family). Their social network would be classed as acquaintances rather than friendships, with loyalty earned from evidence. As part of their nature, they have an aura of clinical indifference to those who fall outside of the remit.

But now, under the new order, vampires, who are the majority third species in the locale around which the Blackthorn series is based, are forced to socialize within boundaries (which includes venturing into Lowtown if they so choose). In order to survive, they have to tolerate each other and, with it, change elements of their behaviour to compensate. (Don’t worry, I broke it to Kane and Caleb gently…from a distance…)

Don’t let this be misleading though – vampires will band together like any other species for their survival. However, when it comes to banding together, this is an art form for lycans…

By instinct, my Blackthorn lycans are a pack species. I have to say that because nowhere is there a hard and fast rule that this is how lycans should operate. In fact, in many references to lycan mythology they are frequently portrayed as lone creatures. But if you take into account their wolf heritage (an inherent gene in Blackthorn lycans), it only seems natural to make that an attribute of their behaviour. More importantly to the series, it makes lycans a contrasting species to their vampire counterparts.

So here are some wolf facts that might prove useful if you’re planning on getting to know Jask’s pack any time soon…

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

  • The wolf pack consists of a strict social order, with the leaders known as alphas regardless of gender. The alpha male and female lead the pack as equals.
  • The alphas are not always the biggest wolves in the pack, but they are the toughest and the most respected – the latter due to their ability to dominate and take down anyone who challenges their position. And it is their repeated success against opposition that secures their position.
  • Alphas have duties. They make the daily decisions, initiate defense attacks or hunting trips, keep the pack in line and harmonious, and are the primary caregivers.
  • Betas are the male or female most likely to replace the current alpha of the same gender.
  • Those too young to enter the pack’s social hierarchy look to adults or wolves older than themselves for guidance.

BONUS SKILLS

  • Wolves see well at night due to having more night vision cells than humans do. They also have larger pupils that allow them to gather more light when it’s muted.
  • They can smell their prey from as far away as a mile and a half.
  • Their hearing is extremely advanced, picking up sounds up to 10 miles away depending on the environment. They can also hear sounds undetectable to human ears – both in terms of high and low pitches.

BEHAVIOUR/PACK MENTALITY

  • Wolves are very social animals and form strong bonds with their pack.
  • Cooperation and order is integral to their success, with all members working together e.g. to develop complex hunting strategies.
  • Wolves will aggressively defend their territories from other packs or threats. And if put into abnormal situations (such as small enclosures) instead of shying away, they can become more violent to protect themselves.
  • A pack works collectively to care for and teach their young. Puppies will always be adopted by another female (or even another pack) if need be.
  • Wolves like proximity to a water source. Great swimmers, they are fond of water and will use it for play and relaxation (which is why all good zoos will have a water feature in the wolf enclosure).
  • Wolves are very communicative with each other and play fighting is common during relaxation time.
  • Like humans, wolves use eye contact and eye position as a form of social communication and bonding, including using it for greetings and dominance behaviors. A wolf can use eye contact to examine another’s mental state.
  • If a wolf is showing signs of hostility, returned eye contact can lead to an altercation. A smart submissive wolf will avert their gaze when a dominant wolf confronts them, with the most submissive eye posture being averted eyes wide enough to show the whites (just like with humans).
  • A fixed and aggressive stare directly into a wolf’s eyes is a blatant challenge of that wolf’s status. If directed at a dominant wolf, a fight is likely to ensue. High-ranking wolves will use ‘the stare’ to assert rank over pack members or to challenge an ‘outsider’.

‘ROMANCE’

  • The alpha male and female pair for life. But it’s not all sweetness and light – certainly not in the beginning. Alpha females have no shame in being the instigator and alpha males, in turn, can be grouchy in response. The greeting ritual is usually tense. Forget being on bended knee and playing gentle, it is not uncommon for alpha males to spar with their potential mate – all very playfully of course – until a mutual understanding is met. Sounds like an ideal basis for a dark paranormal romance to me!

That’s the last lycan insight post for now. I hope you’re feeling more prepared for what’s to come. Blood Torn will be with us before we know it. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little bit excited… 🙂

* Please note: I cannot verify the accuracy of anything in this post beyond references to my own works of fiction. I am not claiming any independent research outside of what is widely available from a broad variety of sources. Some of my notes are years old so impossible to trace back. 

Blood Torn Release Date

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I’m SUPER excited to be able to announce that Bookouture have disclosed the release date for Blood Torn (Blackthorn book 3) as…

FEBRUARY 2014

The exact date will be confirmed nearer the time (don’t forget to sign up via the ‘Email sign up’ tab above if you want to be notified instantly when the book is released).

Hopefully it’ll give you something to look forward to after all the Christmas and New Year festivities. Hold onto those gift vouchers!!

Our Blackthorn Quiz winner will be receiving her advanced copy in January along with all the official reviewers. Hope you’re itching to get to it, Tracey!

And if February seems too long away…

I’m also really pleased to tell you that you’ll be able to read the first 3 chapters of Blood Torn for free in January – just to give you a taster of what’s to come. Oh, and let’s not forget the cover reveal, the Bites, maybe a few sneaky insights from me… 😉 It’s going to be a busy couple of months – I hope you’re ready!

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Beneath Blackthorn – Blackthorn Lycans Vs Lycan Myths

CAUSES AND ORIGINS

People’s ability to change into wolves is mentioned in myths across countries and cultures, stretching back as far as Ancient Greece as well as appearing in the Bible. Despite this, there was no widespread belief in lycanthropy in Europe prior to the 14th century. Until then, lycans had only appeared in myths during the Bubonic Plague after wolves – believed to be the dead transformed – were frequently spotted leaving mass graves on moonlit nights. However, lycan sightings became prevalent during the witch trials of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries when belief in evil mingling amongst us soared (and when the possible contamination of rye bread with ergot-induced LSD-type hallucinations).

Current beliefs are that lycanthropy is either a hereditary condition or, more popularly, that the ‘disease’ is spread to another after being bitten or scratched by the infected.

The idea of the disease being ‘transmittable’ is, however, not part of the original folklore. Instead, lycanthropy was first believed to be the result of a curse or divine punishment, not least because many saints were alleged to have inflicted lycanthropy as a curse upon those who upset them. This divine retribution theory was reinforced by the belief that those excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church suffered the same fate.

Across various cultures, lycanthropy was also claimed to be caused by:

  • removing your clothes and putting on wolfskin;
  • drinking rainwater out of a wolf’s footprint;
  • drinking from enchanted streams;
  • sleeping outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on your face; or
  • being conceived on the night of a full moon.

But lycanthropy wasn’t only associated with the supernatural. The term also became accepted in the medical world, used as a mental health diagnosis during the 16th and 17th centuries (though the later emergence of psychology meant ‘lycanthropy’ was soon replaced with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or multiple personality disorder).

Other medical conditions were also used to explain lycanthropy, the most popular of which were:

  • rabies (furious) – some symptoms of which include excessive salivation, confusion, photophobia (fear of bright lights) and aggression;
  • congenital porphyria (which has also been attributed to vampirism) – the symptoms of which are photosensitivity, reddish teeth and psychosis; and
  • hypertrichosis – an extremely rare hereditary condition of excessive hair growth all over the body and face.

LYCAN APPEARANCE AND TRAITS

Last time, I mentioned that one way to spot a lycan whilst in their transformed state was the absence of a tail. According to folklore, there are also physical traits to look out for whilst lycans are in their human form. These include:

  • monobrows;
  • curved fingernails;
  • bristles under the tongue;
  • hairy palms;
  • low-set ears;
  • fur appearing under the skin in the wound of a fresh cut; or
  • an index finger much longer than the middle finger.

Crossing cultures and eras, lycans are believed to have super-human speed and strength, with a particular ability to land on their feet from impressive heights. They are also renowned for having advanced healing as well as immunity to ordinary weapons both in their human and wolf state. It’s also widely accepted that animalistic urges (such as hunger, aggression and sexual arousal) are intensified and harder to control directly before and during transformation.

CURES AND DEFENCE

Unlike with vampirism, there were many beliefs that lycanthropy could be cured. Some claimed methods included:

  • exhaustion – long periods of physical activity could purge lycanthropy from someone’s system;
  • medication (particularly using wolfsbane);
  • exorcism;
  • striking a lycan on the forehead or scalp with a knife;
  • addressing a lycan three times by his/her Christian name;
  • scolding;
  • conversion to Christianity, with a devotion to Saint Hubert*, in particular, considered both a cure for and protection from lycanthropes (*possible interesting fact: I grew up in “Hubert Road” – maybe I was safe from them after all!);
  • extracting three drops of blood whilst transformed; or
  • if the lycan avoided eating human flesh for nine years.

In terms of defence against attack, lycans are commonly believed to be vulnerable to silver – especially silver bullets. Even touching their skin with silver will cause burns. However, there was no mention of this in original folklore. Not unlike the association with vampires’ allergy to silver, this concept didn’t appear until the 20th century, becoming a rapidly established belief linked to lycanthropy after the release of The Wolf Man (1941).

SO, WHICH MYTHS APPLY TO BLACKTHORN LYCANS?

Causes and Origins

As with Blackthorn vampires, Blackthorn lycanthropy isn’t evoked by something magical or a curse. Neither is it derived from something evil – despite what the Global Council insist upon in order to justify the segregation they enforce and maintain (please refer to my previous post The Third Species and their Shadows).

Instead, Blackthorn lycanthropy is a result of a mixed gene pool of integrated human and wolf DNA stemming back thousands of years, with their response to the lunar cycle comparable to an allergic reaction. Again, as with Blackthorn vampirism, lycanthropy cannot be transmitted any more than being bitten by a dog will turn you into a Labrador. Blackthorn lycans are a species in their own right.

Lycan Appearance and Traits

There is only one physical indicator of Blackthorn lycans when not transformed, and that’s their broader and more elongated canines (don’t forget Blackthorn vampires have an extra set of incisors to differentiate the two species). In fact, before ‘shadows’ were discovered, it was dental examinations that first enabled the Global Council to distinguish the third species from humans.

Just as folklore dictates, Blackthorn lycans are considerably stronger and faster than their human counterparts. Their wolf instincts also mean they have quicker reaction times.

However, most Blackthorn lycans see their condition as an affliction, not least because of the excruciating pain during transformations as well as their subsequent loss of control (yes, those aforementioned animal urges do increase). Their situation has become more risky since the regulations were put in place. More of that in Blood Torn! Also, in accordance with generally accepted folklore, after returning to their human forms they become weak, debilitated and depressed – another reason they see their condition as an affliction.

Cures and Defence

There is not a cure for Blackthorn lycans, any more than there is cure for being human. However, if you’ve read Blood Shadows, you’ll know the lycan condition can be ‘managed’. You’ll find out lots more about that and the ‘meds’ (as referred to in Blood Shadows) when you read Blood Torn.

As for defence against attack, you’d better be faster or stronger than your lycan opponent. But just like Blackthorn vampires, they are not immortal (though they do equally have extended lifespans). A bullet or any other object can be fatal if lodged directly in the heart or any other vital organ – if you can get close quick enough, that is. 😉

It’s the last lycan post next time, and I’ll be delving into the aspects of wolf behaviour that contributed to refining my Blackthorn lycans.

* Please note: I cannot verify the accuracy of anything in this post beyond references to my own works of fiction. I am not claiming any independent research outside of what is widely available from a broad variety of sources. Some of my notes are years old so impossible to trace back. 

Beneath Blackthorn – Creating and Naming Blackthorn’s Most Pivotal Pack

It’s been a little while since I’ve written a ‘Beneath Blackthorn’ post. For those new here, please feel free to catch up on all my inside info on creating Blackthorn, not least my vampires, via the About Blackthorn tab. But for the next installment into my Blackthorn series, those delectable bad boy vampires are going to be jostled aside (temporarily!) to make room for Jask Tao – my first lycan hero.

If you’ve read Blood Shadows, the final chapter of Blood Roses or the first chapter of Blood Torn, you would already have met the uncompromising and stoic leader of the other core third species in Blackthorn.

I was nervous introducing Jask into the Blackthorn mix – first and foremost because lycans never were ‘my thing’. But this species quickly became the perfect contrast to vampires, let alone an integral facet of the series’ overarching plot. Their ‘pack’ mentality, in particular, was fascinating to explore as was a hero who not only carried the weight of responsibility as leader, but headed up the minority species compared to the more prevalent vampires. From the outset I knew I was delving into very different territory, but it didn’t take long for Jask to take on a life of his own.

The second reason I was nervous introducing lycans was my lack of knowledge surrounding the myths. Without the internet (gee, I feel so old when I admit to that), my only insight was via films or TV. But because of my previously mentioned fear of all things anthropomorpically wolfy, all I had left was rooting out books in my local second-hand bookstore – and they wasn’t exactly in abundance.

So, straight out of a psychology degree, I was lead more by social psychology in the creation of the ‘pack’ characters than pure mythology. With some later wolf research thrown into the mix, the pack’s personality started to develop.

For many years, I quite happily referred to Jask as just ‘Jask’ and his fellow lycans as ‘the pack’. This was fine whilst I was world-building for myself but, when I started considering publication for the series, I stumbled on a problem – how was I going to ‘officially’ refer to them? By then there were two established terms out there: lycanthropes (lycans for short) and werewolves. I decided to find out if there was any difference – and what a headache that turned out to be! But with the joy of the internet then on tap, the research floodgates opened.

MORE THAN ONE TYPE

Whether a permanent or temporary transformation, there are three core categories of these notorious wolf-humans:

Category 1: Shapeshifter

Shifters have become extremely popular over the past few years in books, on TV and in films. By their very nature, shifters can choose what animal to become. Wolves remain an ever popular choice, no doubt because of their dramatic potential on screen and in stories. The key factors that define this category are, firstly, shifters can change any time they choose (though sometimes heightened emotion, particularly anger, can also cause it) and, secondly, they physically become identical to the creature. Think Sam in True Blood or Jacob in Twilight.

Shifting is as old and established as mythology itself. It has always been particularly popular amongst witches. If you adhere to the original folk stories though, you can always spot a shifter through one simple feature – the animal they become never has a tail. In some Swedish accounts, a ‘werewolf’ would run on three legs, stretching the fourth one backwards to become a ‘tail’ to cover their deceit.

Category 2: Wolfman

In the days before advanced special effects and CGI, there was The Wolf Man (1941)  and the Oddbods in Carry On Screaming (1966). A ‘wolfman’ is fundamentally a human that develops wolf-like features rather than morphing completely  i.e. they still walk around on two legs but become covered in hair and develop fangs and claws. This always happens at night. By day, they’re ordinary humans.

Category 3: Werewolf/Lycan

The debate around the difference here is immense – not least due to the popular introduction of the term ‘Lycan’ in the Underworld films. Some argue that they are two entirely different species. But with film influences aside, I’m going to class them as the same.

The significant difference in this category is that werewolves/lycans have no control over their change (like I said, ignoring what happens with Michael in Underworld). They are subject to change under a full moon and only return back to their human state at dawn. The other core difference is that, once transformed, they are distinguishable from ordinary wolves. They are larger, more powerful and often have more grotesque physical features. They are also more intelligent and frequently maintain their human eyes (not sure I’d stick around long enough to check!). Think George and Nina in Being Human as well as David in An American Werewolf in London.

Blackthorn lycans fall into category 3, basically because it’s the most applicable and best-fit for the series.

BUT…WEREWOLF OR LYCAN?

The terms werewolf and lycanthrope are arguably interchangeable. The term “werewolf” derives from Old English whereas “lycanthrope” is Ancient Greek in origin. In essence, both mean the same thing: a human able to transform themselves into a wolf.

In Old English, “were” (from the Saxon “wer”) means “adult male human” – and, if you spell it correctly in Old English, “wulf” to mean “wolf”. The term originated in Europe and much of its folklore, like vampirism, was linked to Roman Catholic influences – not least with the magical or viral connotations.

The Ancient Greek term lycanthrope, is a bit more ambiguous. “Lykos” means wolf, however, “ánthrōpos” apparently translates as “human” not just “man” – hence, lycanthropy means “wolf human”.

If we had lots of coffee, enough time in the day and plenty of experts on hand, I’m sure these terms could be further debated, primarily because ‘man’ is often regarded to encompass all of ‘mankind’ to include women too (think Biblically), thus negating any of the above argument. But, basically, I had to make a choice and the feminist in me decided to stick to “lycanthrope”. Adding to my decision was wanting to link back to the oldest origins, and the very first mention of a human-wolf transformation was in Greek Mythology with King Lycaon turned into a wolf by Zeus. Thus my Blackthorn pack adopted the term “lycans”.

Next time, I’ll share what I discovered about the causes and origins of lycanthropy as well as the cures and methods of defence – and relate that back to my Blackthorn lycans.

Lycans, Weres and Wolves, Oh My!

I amused my publisher a little while ago when, during a conversation about Blood Torn, I happened to mention I’m terrified of werewolves.

I’m not sure whether it was something someone in my sub-genre should have admitted to – but I have a habit of blurting out minor confessions when I get over-enthused talking about Blackthorn.

And my fears aren’t limited to werewolves. Vampires also scare me, as does the dark, busy cities, being enclosed, the cruelty humans are capable of against their own and others…basically, Blackthorn scares me. And it’s not just the place itself, but most of what happens in the books. Nonetheless, it’s my unease that ultimately helps me create tension in the stories. I wasn’t joking when I previously admitted to gasping, wincing or even looking away whilst writing some scenes. And when my heroes or heroines decide to take a step off my pre-planned path, it becomes even more stressful.

As an author, you can either play safe or go places you’re not sure you want to go – not unlike as a reader. Personally, I find the latter much more rewarding to survive which is why I ultimately write, read and watch what I do.

As you may know from previous posts, vampires are a particular passion of mine (despite the fear) and I’ve had a lifelong fascination with their mythology. Originally, Blackthorn was going to be vampire-focused. Then along came Jask, my hero of Blood Torn. He was supposed to stay in the background. Needless to say he wasn’t having any of that!

My first ‘encounter’ with a werewolf was watching An American Werewolf in London (1981). A “black comedy”, it said. Did I laugh? No. And I have a fairly dark sense of humour. There were two scenes that were particularly terrifying – on the moors where it all began and then in the tube station. (No more backpacking moor walks for me in the fog! And no tube journeys either! They can go in the ‘activities reject pile’ along with riding an inflatable on the ocean after seeing Jaws…) I was never the same again.

So when you’re left with residual psychological damage after your first encounter with a werewolf, it’s not exactly easy turning one such mythological creature into a hero – or an attractive one at that! Thankfully Jask made the task a lot easier.

Although vampires dominate the district of Blackthorn, lycans (I’ll let you know why I refer to them as that instead of werewolves next time) not only play a core role in the district’s stability, but also what’s to come in the series. Hence why Jask needed a story all of his own.

I’ve already given you some clues in a previous post about what you can expect with Blood Torn (no spoilers, I promise, if you haven’t looked yet), but I haven’t yet shared some of the research I used to help shape my Blackthorn lycans. So, I’ll be back next time to let you know what I discovered along the way, as well as a post soon after about some of the traits you can come to expect with Blackthorn’s most pivotal pack.

And the Blood Torn winner is…

A month ago, I posted a quiz for one reader to win a pre-release copy of Blood Torn – Blackthorn book 3.

I’m very excited to announce that the winner is…Tracey Rogers!

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Tracey, I’ll be in touch very soon!

But can you believe there was only two points between 1st and 2nd place? I couldn’t just let that go. So for the two joint runners-up (exactly the same score), I have some exclusive signed postcards for you. And those postcards are going to…

 Fiona Chapman

and

Susie Kim

Congratulations, both! If you send me your postal address via ‘contact’ above, I’ll get your postcards out to you in time for Blood Torn. They make great bookmarks. 😉

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 Huge thanks to everyone who joined in! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 🙂

Waiting for Blood Torn?

Are you itching to meet Jask and Phia? Do you want to step inside the clandestine lycan compound to see what really goes on in there? Are you painfully poised waiting to find out what could possibly happen next in the world of Blackthorn? Is all of this build-up just taking WAY too long?

The next stage has begun on Blood Torn with my first set of edits underway. After that it’ll be line-edits, then copy-edits and then Blood Torn will be with the typesetter. And that means copies become available for review.

Would YOU like to be one of those reviewers?

I am super-exited to be able to tell you that one lucky Blackthorn fan is in with the chance of winning an e-copy of Blood Torn before it becomes available to buy. Along with a small line-up of professional bloggers/reviewers, you’ll be amongst the first to step into new Blackthorn territory. We’ve never done this for the series before, hence my excitement.

Interested? Do you class yourself as a true Blackthorn fan? At the end of September, I’ll be posting a Blackthorn quiz with a range of questions about the series so far. The person who answers the most questions correctly (or we’ll draw top scorers from a hat) will win an advanced copy of Blood Torn.

I’ll explain more when the quiz is posted. I hope you’re up for a challenge! 🙂

Blackthorn Survival Guide

A little while ago, Blackthorn devotee, Amity Grays mentioned the prospect of a survival guide to Blackthorn in one of her blog posts. The idea quickly caught on. The problem is, Blackthorn is a complex place with a culture all of its own. More to the point, I’m still keeping some of it hidden from you at the moment – so knowing where to begin wasn’t easy.

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But some readers want to delve a little deeper into Blackthorn regardless of a guide. The last intrepid bloggers to venture into the district were DaVinciKittie and Molly over on GraveTells, who dared to enter the Dehain brothers’ club. And let’s not forget brave Aimee Duffy who was the first to ever try to interview Kane Malloy (apparently she’s still in recovery). And now, Tracey Rogers, another Blackthorn devotee, decided it was time she ventured into Blackthorn – only she took me with her for an on-the-spot interview! (I’m obviously back, I’m only hoping she is!)

For everyone else, I’ve broken you in gently so far – keeping you more or less in the confines of Kane’s place (Blood Shadows) or Caleb’s (Blood Roses). But I can’t hold back any longer. With Blood Torn, you’re not just heading into the lycan compound, but into some of the murkier depths of Blackthorn. And it doesn’t get much better from there, at least for a while. So I resolved it was time I pulled together a few pointers for the next stage of our journey.

First, let’s have a quick recap on a couple of demographic basics (remember you can refer to my Beneath Blackthorn posts here on my blog if you want to understand more about the make-up of the world):

  • Each locale is made up of four bordered districts. Blackthorn district is the core of one locale. It’s where the third species reside, consisting mainly of vampires and lycans. But there are humans (and a few others!) too.
  • Within Blackthorn itself, East is Kane’s territory, West is Caleb’s and North is Jask’s. The hub of the district is set in the west, which is the centre of nightlife activity.

The hub is exactly where you’re most likely heading if you’ve planned a night out in Blackthorn. Let’s assume you’re maybe from Midtown or Summerton and that you’ve never been to Blackthorn before. What advice would I give?

Here’s an essential 15-point guide to make your night out in Blackthorn as enjoyable and safe as possible:

Be prepared

  • Dress appropriately. If you’re heading to the hub of Blackthorn, you’re entering the party capital. Dress to blend in. Look like a newbie and you may as well stamp victim on your forehead. Trust me, residents will know!
  • Don’t go in alone. Groups are better.
  • Don’t go kitted up like some member of a 80s or 90s vampire-killing film. The third species aren’t inherently evil, they aren’t the undead – they’re just a different species. You’ll either die from humiliation or an unappreciative resident.

Mind your language!

  • Don’t mention ‘fangs’ to vampires, unless you plan on it being an insult. Blackthorn vampires have an extra set of lateral incisors, not fangs. Lycans use cuspids (canines). Referring to fangs is a prime way to show that not only are you a newbie, but that you actually believe the old stereotypes – never a good icebreaker in Blackthorn.
  • Don’t mention you’re from Midtown or Summerton. Remember, your privileged lifestyle will be a sore point. You’re from across the border in Lowtown, if anyone asks.

Watch your behaviour

  • Keep your eyes up and ahead. Don’t avoid eye contact, but keep it fleeting and never take a second glance.
  • Basically, don’t stare. Prolonged eye contact with another means either you’re interested in them or you’re looking for trouble. Staring at ‘events’ means you’re willing and able to join in whatever is going on.
  • Don’t ask for directions. Ever.

What to avoid

  • Watch out for vampires who roam alone, and watch out for humans who roam in groups away from the crowds.
  • Avoid anyone with numbers tattooed on their inner arms. That’s all I’ll say for now!
  • Stick to the main streets, no matter how busy. Quieter most certainly does not mean safer.
  • Don’t ever go to The Circus – it really isn’t what you think.
  • Avoid the old cinema. It’s been transferred to live performances you don’t want to witness.
  • Public feedings are illegal.
  • If you’re asked if you’re interested in being a feeder, say no. And avoid being bitten at all costs. You’re going to have to get through a lot of red tape to return to Midtown or Summerton if you don’t!

I hope that helps! Now to find Tracey…

Meet Blackthorn’s Cast

I’ve been busy on Pinterest lately. I find it insanely addictive – especially as I await my Blood Torn edits and in-between writing book four. I keep finding so many terrific images that I’ve even started to expand my boards. But that’s the easy part.

It’s never been so straight forward finding images to match my characters. It’s fine if you see an actor or actress, decide they’ll be your character and away you go. I’m working backwards. Because I’ve lived with the Blackthorn bunch a long time, I have a really clear vision for each of them.

So, when I was published with Bookouture, the biggest challenge I faced was finding pictures to share with the cover designer. Each of the models were to be hand picked and photographed, so it was really important to get it right. The last thing you want as an author is to look at the front cover of your book and not recognise the face staring back at you. Fortunately that hasn’t happened yet.

Over the past few months, I’ve had boards for Kane & Caitlin and Caleb & Leila. In preparation for Blood Torn’s pending release, I now have one for Jask and Phia. But, as you’ve yet to meet the rest of the characters, I thought it was about time you did!

I’m not going to make it that easy though. Click here to see my vision for the cast of Blackthorn…but there’s a catch! I’ve named my three heroes and heroines (that’s too easy!), but I’ve yet to label the rest. Instead, I thought I’d let you have a look first to see if you can work out who’s who. All the characters are mentioned in either of the first two books or from chapter one of Blood Torn. If you think you know who they are, feel free to comment on each pin via Pinterest. I’ll reveal who they are in a couple of days so you can see if you’re right. Happy spotting!

Blood Torn – What’s In Store?

*Contains spoilers for Blood Shadows and Blood Roses*

Last week I announced I’d finished writing Blood Torn. I thought I was being nice keeping you up to date. But, as happened with both the build up to Blood Shadows and Blood Roses, I was inundated with accusations of being a tease. Me? Tease? And there was me thinking you wouldn’t want me giving away too much too soon. It seems I was wrong.

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But, if you are one of those who don’t want to know anything until the book lands in your lap, look away… now!

WHOSE STORY IS IT?

Blood Torn is about Jask Tao, leader of the lycans, and Phia McKay, Leila’s (Blood Roses) sister. A lycan with control issues and a human with a serious attitude problem – yep, my latest romantic coupling imploded from the outset. Banter, power struggles, flirting, insults, arguments – it’s never been a dull moment with Jask and Phia. You can see some images of my best-fit vision for the lively pair here on one of my Pinterest boards.

Jask

If you’ve read Blood Shadows, you’ll remember Caitlin Parish being taken to Jask after she escaped from Kane. He’s the no-nonsense, uncompromising head of the only lycan pack in Blackthorn – which also happens to be a minority third species compared to the vampires in that particular locale.

Jask was left reeling at the end of Blood Shadows after Kane Malloy went back on their agreement to kill the agents responsible for setting up his pack. He confronted Caitlin in one of the final scenes, warning that he’d finish the job if Kane didn’t.

You don’t see anything of Jask in Blood Roses until the final chapter when he’s led to a somewhat feisty, belligerent and bolshie human strapped to the subterranean level of some old ruins. A human he quickly works out is a serryn.

Phia

Phia, aka Sophia (Sophie to her loved ones) McKay, has been missing in Blackthorn for ten months. Although both Alisha and Leila refer to her in Blood Roses, and her links to The Alliance are mentioned, you don’t get to meet her until the last chapter of the book.

When Leila fell for Caleb in Blood Roses and consummated that love, her serrynity jumped to the next sibling in line. When you first met Sophia, she had already worked out what she is.

The Alliance, the vigilante group Phia works for, aims to bring down the underground third species ringleaders in Blackthorn. It was The Alliance who were responsible for trying to kill Jake Dehain at the beginning of Blood Roses. Suspicious their existence has been uncovered, let alone suspecting both her sisters are in Blackthorn, the last thing Sophia needs is to be sidetracked by Jask.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE STORY

  • No surprise here, but yes, it’s dark. Jask and Phia’s relationship isn’t as dark as Caleb and Leila’s (let’s be honest, I think they win the monopoly on that one, him being the prophesied leader and all that), but the situations they find themselves in certainly are. Again, definitely not a story for the faint-hearted.
  • You’ll get insight into the lycans. You’ll be heading into the lycan compound and seeing what goes on behind the closed doors of this clandestine community. You’ll learn more about how they got there, what’s different about Blackthorn lycans (I do like my twists on mythology as you know), let alone gain insight into their mindset. You’ll also find out more about Jask’s view on the whole TSCD scandal of Blood Shadows.
  • You’ll find out more about serryns. Leila’s reticence to fulfil her destiny meant she never flourished in her serrynity. Phia isn’t quite so reluctant! Expect to see a serryn in action.
  • You’ll see loads more of Blackthorn. Unlike the insular nature of the first two Blackthorn books, Blood Torn necessitates being out and about a LOT more. I’ve also delved much more deeply into Blackthorn culture as a result.
  • You’ll learn more about some of the other residents. Yep, it’s not all vampires and lycans in Blackthorn. There’s another group that lurk in the shadows – and you sure wouldn’t want to meet any of these in a dark alley (book 4 anyone?).
  • Expect power struggles and twists. Blackthorn wouldn’t be Blackthorn without a few power struggles here and there, so expect more of these – as well as some undercurrents building in the background. Neither would it be Blackthorn without a few twists along the way.
  • Some characters are back! I’m not going to spoil it by telling you who, but do expect one of two very familiar faces to become embroiled in the storyline. For better or for worse, paths are beginning to cross.

So, am I officially no longer a tease?

Oh, and if any of these latest revelations have left you a little anxious, fear not – I have a Blackthorn Survival Guide on the way. 🙂

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