Abraxas: Seeing Green continues where Book 3 of the series left off. With Edward in a coma and Ryan acting so bizarrely, Christine feels overwhelmed with her complicated new life. So many things happened in the few months she has become a vampire. And one of the things that trouble her the most is her whirlwind relationship with Ryan. She still cannot see beyond the big difference between the two of them and has a huge problem with the idea of being married. But one thing she has learned from experience is never doubt the love they have for each other. Thus, whatever happens, she will work it out with Ryan.

Something is definitely wrong with Ryan. A “souvenir” from the Abraxas clan’s encounter with Natasha attached itself to him. And with the jealousy he strongly feels against Edward, the demon spirit possessed him. Fortunately, Kiera knows something about trapping the demon, and with the love and loyalty the remaining members feel toward Ryan, we all know they are willing to help. Yes, life for the Abraxas clan has not quieted down ever since Christine joined them.

And by the way, the challenges never stop for them. Just as it did with Book 3, Book 4 leaves us in a cliff hanger. If you want to know what happens, you need to read the next installment.

As I did with the first three books, I was not able to put this book down. It just has that enthralling aspect to it. I am pretty sure you will find Ms. Santiago’s unique take on vampires extremely appealing, as well. I love the secondary characters Kiera, Kurt, and Jonathan. As in any vampire family, they bring color and flavor to the Abraxas series. I still have reservations about Christine. I expected more growth and understanding from her; she needs to handle her relationship with Edward better. I doubt she would like it if she was in Ryan’s shoes. Look how she reacted with his past (and very much over) relationship with Natasha. But in real life, insight and acceptance do not come that easily. Anyway, I am really looking forward to reading the next book.

Book Stats:

(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Since there are so many people “on stage” in this book (nine or ten named characters including DD, or Dracula Dude as he is so lovingly referred to), only a few will be mentioned for the sake of brevity. Otherwise, this review will be three pages long and though I know everyone loves to read what I have to say, even I would get sick of hearing me ramble for three whole pages.

Jonathan, a strange young man, much like Ministry lyric, wishes every day were Halloween. The skeleton key he finds while trick-or-treating grants him his wish, with a decidedly grim twist. Costumes morph into real life, masks molding to the faces of their wearer and imaginary personas—like Dracula—turning the person into a real-life monster. It seems a minor trickster demon created the key to stir trouble. If they want to save their neighborhood, Jonathan and his friends must find a way to vanquish the demon and, hopefully, return everything to normal.

Haywire Halloween by Cinsearae Santiago was a complete surprise. I normally like to start a series from the beginning, but this seemed too fun of a story to pass up. Admittedly, I was a little lost as to who everyone was, but it did not keep me from enjoying the story. Action-packed and well-written, I did not need to know everyone’s history; I was too busy figuring out what they were doing in the present.

Much of the story contains light-hearted banter and cute one-liners, like the beginning question of “Dude, where’s my skull?” and the understandable, and personally shared, fear of clowns. What surprised me the most, though, was the absolute grittiness of the horror: not just blood and guts — there are caved-in heads and seeping entrails. If you have a squeamish stomach I would stay away from this story. Otherwise, dig in because it is a delicious mix of comedy and gore that makes you lick your lips and ask for more.

Book Stats:

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Bitten by Books is excited to welcome author Cinsearae Santiago and Jonathan (one of her characters) today as our featured interview! They will be talking with you and answering questions. Check out the contest at the end of this post! You could win the amazing prizes they are offering up!

CS: I’d like to welcome Jonathan Gianni as a guest here with me on BBB. Hi Jonathan!

JG: *Rushing in with a bag of Cheetos and sitting down* Hey. Did I make it?

CS: Um, barely, but I think we can excuse it. Tell us a bit about yourself now that you’re here.

JG: *Chomping away on his Cheetos*

CS: Kiddo, you’re pretty much ‘live’ right about now….

JG: Crap! Sorry! *Shoving bag under his chair* Um…I don’t really like to talk about myself.

CS: Hey, you WANTED to do this, so talk, dammit!

JG: Um…I like computers a lot. I like to do RPGs with friends online. Um….I like carnivals…I have a blog (http://kieraandjonathan.webs.com) ….I have a pet hamster…and I love Halloween….

CS: Excellent! We can talk more about that!

JG: Whew! Cool. What would ya like to know?

CS: Exactly what on earth possessed you to wish for everyday to be Halloween?

JG: Oh…um…It wasn’t really my fault! Honest! It was that stupid demon’s fault! I didn’t know I’d get tricked into it!

CS: Okay, I’m NOT gonna go there….I’m glad things got taken care of concerning THAT, but still…what is it about Halloween you love so much–besides the candy?

JG: Well, for me, it’s just a chance to play dress up and be somebody I’m not, know what I mean? And Halloween is just COOL!! I love going into Halloween stores, and seeing people’s houses decorated all creepy. And the pumpkins, and hayrides…and there’s this energy in the air…kinda mysterious and invigorating, at least for me.

CS: Don’t worry, there’s a lot of folks who love Halloween too, but I don’t think they love it that much that they’d want it to stay that way EVERYDAY…

JG: *shifting uncomfortably in his seat* Um…well, I like the strange and unusual! Real life is boring. Real life sucks! Seeing someone walk around with a pumpkin head would be WAY more amusing than just seeing a regular person, ya know?

CS: Ah…no.

JG: How about a talking skull-head instead? Or a dinosaur head?

CS: Jonathan…please.

JG: *sighing* How about kool aid-colored cats for Halloween?

CS: You’re pushing it, kiddo.

JG: *Slouching* Well, I wish folks could celebrate it for the whole month, at least!

CS: Any words of wisdom for the viewers out there?

JG: Oh boy do I have lots! Don’t pick up stuff in the street. You never know if it’s cursed or not! And don’t make deals with demons! And never trust a fart, either!

CS: *slapping forehead in disgust*

JG: Ooo, and I’ve even got 37 tips on how NOT to get murdered on Halloween on my blog too, along with some other cool stuff…. *grins*

CS: *Rolls eyes towards the ceiling* THANK YOU, Jonathan, for this LOVELY intro into your life.

JG: Thanks! Folks can find out a lot more about me at my blog. Talking to people makes me feel weird…

CS: Okay, you’re free to go then, kiddo. Sheesh.

JG: Awesome! *looking under chair* Um…can I eat the rest of my Cheetos now?

Readers please feel free to ask Johnathan some questions as well as the lovely Cinsearae Santiago. They will be here throughout the day answering your questions!

****************************************************

Learn more about Cinsearae Santiago below:

Read Reviews of her work here.

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 10/15/09 at 11:59 pm CDT to do the different things that YOU choose to do.

She will be giving away an amazing prize package that includes an ABRAXAS tote bag, signed mini poster, button, magnet, crucifix keychain, exclusive handmade bracelet created for and inspired by the series, handmade earrings, a Halloween goody bag chock full of candy and toys, and E-copies of her Halloween short stories, “The New Kid”, “Doppelganger”, “A Sensual Situation” and “A Love Story, or: Be Careful What You Wish For” on CD. Open to readers worldwide!

1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Cinsearae’s books.

Abraxas: The Haywire Halloween

Use this link to find all of her other books and publications for purchase: http://www.lulu.com/gratistavampires

Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.

OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon search box or this link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.

It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.

2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Cinsearae or Johnathan a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions/comments = no entries! You can come by through 10/15/09 and ask your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)

3. Spread the word! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11774 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.

NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.

4. Be friends with Cinsearae by joining her here:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Cinsearae
Facebook www.facebook.com/Cinsearae
Myspace: www.myspace.com/Cinsearae_s
Newseltter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gratista_Vampires

Good for 100 entries per place you friend. Please send proof of friendship to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces).

5. VOTE in the The Vampire’s Assistant Movie Giveaway here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11315 and leave a comment. Good for 50 entries.

6. VOTE in the 2009 Favorite Paranormal Fiction Author of the Year - Round 3 here:  http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11704 and leave a comment where you heard about the poll. Good for 50 entries.

7. Make a purchase in our Bloody Cafe store here: http://www.cafepress.com/bittenbybooks. We are all volunteers so your continuing support is deeply appreciated. Email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies. Good for 100 entries.

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Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry! Email us a copies of ALL of your verification emails to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 150 entries each place you add us.

RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

The contest ends on 10/15/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.

1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.

2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.

3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.

4. Contest is open to USA readers except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.

5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.

6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.

7. Contest is void where prohibited.

8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Hallowed Malice is a collection of six horror stories. Most of the stories center around an individual who has been wronged, and the vengeance they take on those who have hurt them. Other stories deal with the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one, focusing on what lengths some people will go to relieve the agony. Sprinkled throughout the anthology are eerie photos and depressing poems.

One story stood out from the rest, and that was No Time For Goodbye by Camille Augustine. The writing was thought-provoking, with a tender love story mixed in. Don’t fret…there is still a twist at the end to satisfy a love of intrigue and horror. Overall, Hallowed Malice is a truly hair-raising experience.

Book Stats:

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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I have to admit I was a bit unsure about what the storyline for The Abraxas Series would present when I began reading it. This is a unique set of three short stories in the series combined into one book. It starts out with the protagonist Christine Vargas being brutally attacked and turned into a type of super vampire. Admittedly the first book had quite a hard horror edge in a few scenes. I was pretty unsettled at a few of the scenes and found myself turning up the lights a bit! The horror edge mellowed into the rest of the series.

As the storyline unfolds we find Christine embraced (by some) into the fold of the local vampire family. Apparently she is the re-incarnated mate of the leader of the family who has been waiting for her return. They are both filled with the magical power of Abraxas, which gives them more strength and abilities than the rest of their “family members”.

Ms. Santiago adds a few new twists to the every popular vampire genre and gives it a unique spin all its own. The pace really picked up in books two and three, and I was surprised when it came to an end. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Christine and Ryan, and the author left room for the series to expand in several areas. I hope to see more of this colorful array of characters in the future. The way the story ends is a total surprise and very creative if not macabre.

Book Excerpt: “Christine Vargas is an independent, young working class-girl violently swept into another world–a world deemed unrealistic and impossible by many, a world under the mundane one she is so used to. During her physical transition, she has to come to grips with new powers she has been bestowed, and join up with her new ‘Lord’, Ryan Price, a gentleman of high social status, and twice her age. Her ‘new family’ is a motley crew of young vampires, and among the family are two rebellious twins trying to dethrone Ryan and take over the clan with their own legion of bloodthirsty (and drug-hungry), zombie-like vamps. Only Christine can determine the outcome of the oncoming battle and must chose quickly before the unthinkable happens. This is only the start of the strange, twisted, and mystical life Christine is now a part of, as more scarier situations present themselves to her, Ryan, and their delicate ABRAXAS clan–and sometimes, the ‘monsters’ aren’t quite what you’d expect…”

Book Stats:

(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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