Dark Tales 1: Vampyress

Science Fiction & Fantasy

By Shannon Leigh

Publisher : Wild Child Publishing

ABOUT Shannon Leigh

Shannon Leigh
I'm  a practicing registered nurse who graduated with a B.S.N. R.N. from the Indiana University School of nursing in May of 1996. I live in Indiana with my husband, four sons, dog, and one cat. The boys and I enjoy camping, fishing, and sitting out back with the dogs, while a cozy fir More...

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Description

Cursed to harbor the beast that drove the Prince of Walachia to perform unspeakable acts of cruelty upon her loved ones, Ivona Knight has spent the last five hundred years eliminating all descendants of the Dracula line. Trapped within a remote tavern by a hammering storm, she engages in a storytelling game with her fellow patrons. But as she conveys her tale, she senses a familiar presence emanating from one of the others that stirs emotions deep within her which only one other has ever evoked. Has she found her next target? Or has she become the hunted?

The Deepening

This is a dark tale. Leigh goes to great lengths to set the tone with her excellent descriptive talents. And I was quickly captured by the thoughts of Ivona and the nonverbal but electric conversation between herself and the handsome stranger across the room. Then, as I realized her story was going to be a true one, that Ivona intended to reveal who she is, my pulse began to race. The story thus set was doled out in a suspenseful way that urged me to keep reading. All in all, Vampyress was a fine example of storytelling.

--Clayton Bye

http://www.thedeepening.com/horror/2009/09/14/dark-tales-1-vampyress-by-shannon-leigh/

 

Bitten By Books

Vampyress is absolutely captivating. It is truly reminiscent of campfire stories with an audience simply eager to hear more. The story is simply evocative as if I was personally in the setting hearing Ivona tell her tale that I was actually sorry and disappointed when she finished. I ate up every word and personally am anxious to read its sequel.

Rating: 5 tombstones!

--Lyda

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=815

 

 

Manic Readers Reviews

Deeply dark you will want to save this tale for the light of day.  This short story will delight all who love scary vampire tales.  Filled with things that go bump in the night and from the things of nightmares, keep your sweetie close.  You will definitely want someone’s hand to hold with this one.  Every page is written wonderfully, to pull you in and suck you under.  Watch out, it's the Vampyress.

Rating: 4 stars.

--Krystal

http://manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=1237

 

Coffeetime Romance:

This is the story of Dracula told like no other. The character of Ivona is captivating and surreal. Lucian may be silent throughout much of the story, but he is just as intriguing. Ms. Leigh enthralls the reader, much like Ivona's audience. She weaves a tale of mystery, and you are just waiting for something to erupt. This will have you anxiously awaiting Book 2.

Rating: 3 cups of coffee

--Lototy

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Darktales1vampyress.html

 

 

TCM Reviews:

Dark Tales 1: Vampyress will captivate the reader until they finish the last page and left wanting more. I was impressed on the aspect Shannon Leigh gave to this story. The plot and the character development are sensational for such a short story. I will definitely be awaiting the next book in the series and eager to read more about the characters. I would recommend this for anyone who likes paranormal, vampire, horror, and thriller genres.

--Amy J. Ramsey

http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/2457.html

 

 

Dark Angel Reviews:

The heightening sensual tension between Ivona and Lucien, the dismay and fright of members of her audience,  the alternating of Ivona’s “personas”, and the continued underpinning of the recounting of Vlad’s sadistic depredations all lead to an intriguing tale which the reader can’t set aside. VAMPRYRESS will linger on in memory and creates an exciting beginning to the DARK TALES Series.

Rating: 4 1/2 Pixies!

--Frost

https://www.darkangelreviews.com/Vampyress.html

 

 

Cocktail Reviews:

“A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.”

As Ivona’s tale evolves, with fantastic imagery and information about Vlad the Impaler, Ivona’s emotions are clearly defined and heart wrenching. Lucian puts pieces of the puzzle together and realises he is bound to Ivona in a way he didn’t envisage…

Rating: The Whole Bottle of Champagne!

--Nutty Nana

http://cocktailreviews.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/dark-tales-1-vampyress-wild-child-publishing/

 

 

Fallen Angel Reviews:

Author Shannon Leigh takes a familiar historical story and offers a creative twist in the Vlad Tepes Dracula tale. Part fiction, but mostly historical fact, Vampyress takes the reader on a dark journey of brutal torture and utter despair for the Wallachian region of Romania.

Rating: 4 angels

--Bella

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2008/June/Bella-DarkTales_Vampyress.htm