The Blood of Others is a long contemplation of the subjective experiences of a few French intellectuals caught up in the moral vagaries of World War II occupied France. This novel isn't particularly notable for its plot per se; a bourgeois man cum revolutionary holds love at arm's length for the sake of his political cause and supra-important principles until he finds himself at the woman's deathbed as she is dying a hero's death. As this is de Beauvoir, the lens through which the plot and its p The Blood of Others is a long contemplation of the subjective experiences of a few French intellectuals caught up in the moral vagaries of World War II occupied France. This novel isn't particularly notable for its plot per se; a bourgeois man cum revolutionary holds love at arm's length for the sake of his political cause and supra-important principles until he finds himself at the woman's deathbed as she is dying a hero's death.
As this is de Beauvoir, the lens through which the plot and its prose unfold is an existentialist one; the ethical dilemmas that arise at the crossroads of identity integrity and class revolution are repeatedly cast against the brute reality of singular subjectivity and the imminence and permanence of death. The novel seems unable to resolve the issue of whether sacrificing our life moment for our ideals and principles is worthwhile, but perhaps that's not the point. We are cursed with freedom to choose, and at the end of the day, given that the end result is often hidden from us, there is no “right” choice, for ultimately we are left with the one reality that is certain: our own limited existence. Unfortunately, in my mind, the novel's ruminations are woefully off-center from the larger moral legacy of World War II; in light of the unfathomable horror of the Holocaust and its upending of all known moral certainties, this existentialist argument seems somewhat decadent and even Pollyanna-ish.
All the same, it was a thoroughly enjoyable, engaging read. Loosely based on Simone de Beauvoir's own experiences during the German invasion and occupation of France in World War II. According to Wikipedia, Simone herself thought the book had somewhat thin characterisation and suffered from an overly didactic approach. Partly wish I'd read this statement prior to reading this novel as I had a hard time connecting with the characters.The story also suffers from a too abrupt switch from the existentialist theme that both our actions and inactions affect ot Loosely based on Simone de Beauvoir's own experiences during the German invasion and occupation of France in World War II. According to Wikipedia, Simone herself thought the book had somewhat thin characterisation and suffered from an overly didactic approach. Partly wish I'd read this statement prior to reading this novel as I had a hard time connecting with the characters.The story also suffers from a too abrupt switch from the existentialist theme that both our actions and inactions affect other people and our personal responsibility for the consequences to a stronger focus on the relationship between Helene and Jean Blomart. A thought provoking worthwhile read though with a particularly evocative section on living in Occupied France and the nascent french resistance.
Ultimately a satisfying story although the disjointed narrative technique gets some getting used to. At first you it feels like you missed a page or a paragraph also it may sound strange but every sentence matters and you need to read with care.
An austere but ultimately satisfying novel as we follow the tormented lives of young left wing intellectuals exploring existential questions of 'why am I here? Or 'what is my purpose?'
Against the backdrop of fascist atrocities in Europe and the occupati Ultimately a satisfying story although the disjointed narrative technique gets some getting used to. At first you it feels like you missed a page or a paragraph also it may sound strange but every sentence matters and you need to read with care. An austere but ultimately satisfying novel as we follow the tormented lives of young left wing intellectuals exploring existential questions of 'why am I here? Or 'what is my purpose?' Against the backdrop of fascist atrocities in Europe and the occupation in France. Central to the plot is the love affair between Jean and Helene told in in flashback, as Helene lies dying from a gunshot wound. Pacifists by nature we follow them as they mature and come to realise that to win freedom you must spill the blood of others.
Written during the German occupation there is an authenticity at the core of the story. The Blood of Others was one of my favorite books in college. I read it many many times. I enjoyed re-reading it last year, but it was very different than I remembered it. The writing was self-indulgent and the characters kind of annoying. The ideas behind the plot were interesting, but the main character is almost paralyzed by his fear of interfering with someone else's life and it wasn't believable.
Just get over yourself. The idea of whose blood do you spill and whose do you save is an interes The Blood of Others was one of my favorite books in college. I read it many many times. I enjoyed re-reading it last year, but it was very different than I remembered it. The writing was self-indulgent and the characters kind of annoying. The ideas behind the plot were interesting, but the main character is almost paralyzed by his fear of interfering with someone else's life and it wasn't believable.
Just get over yourself. The idea of whose blood do you spill and whose do you save is an interesting and even powerful concept, and I found it thought-provoking in terms of war (it's placed in Paris before and during WWII), but in terms of relationships, it was crazy. You don't spend your life with someone out of pity, and you don't spurn someone to stay uninvolved. You love who you love. At least when you are young and unattached and deciding those things. I thought it was interesting too, that her lead male character was so complex and her lead female character was so two-dimensional. I know the idea was that the girl grew and changed and became more than she was, but you don't really see it until she is on her deathbed (that's not a spoiler because she is on her deathbed on page 1 and the rest of the book is written in flashbacks).
I really wanted to enjoy de Beavoir's writing. However, I found the characters unlikeable to the point of irritation. Too much introspection, self-obsession, and moping around pondering nonsense. The 'love story' was uninspiring, and I failed to capture any significant meaning behind a woman with child-like simplicity (not a compliment) who doggedly pursues a man who is incapable of loving her because his head is up his own ass. De Beavoir's lack of structure also annoyed the hell out of me.
Is I really wanted to enjoy de Beavoir's writing. However, I found the characters unlikeable to the point of irritation. Too much introspection, self-obsession, and moping around pondering nonsense. The 'love story' was uninspiring, and I failed to capture any significant meaning behind a woman with child-like simplicity (not a compliment) who doggedly pursues a man who is incapable of loving her because his head is up his own ass. De Beavoir's lack of structure also annoyed the hell out of me.
Is it too much to ask that one use an. or- heck, even get crazy- and insert a paragraph break when one is transitioning from scene to scene, or from one time period to another? Apparently, yes, it is too much to ask for. On one positive note, I appreciated the glimpse into WWII France, although it was brief, abstract at best, and fragmented.
I forced myself to finish this book for the mere, stubborn notion that I would know the ending and would not have wasted my time over an unfinished story. I wish I could say it was worth it. Simone is brilliant.
I love the way she writes, it's so poetical. You find so many beautiful sentences while reading her books.
At the beginning I thought I was not going to fancy the plot so much, it seemed just chitty chat about the complications of entangled love lives but as it moves further you understand the context all of this was written on (WWII, the occupation of France by the nazis and the revolutionary communism) and it makes it all so freaking interesting. It's amazing to see how Hel Simone is brilliant. I love the way she writes, it's so poetical. You find so many beautiful sentences while reading her books. At the beginning I thought I was not going to fancy the plot so much, it seemed just chitty chat about the complications of entangled love lives but as it moves further you understand the context all of this was written on (WWII, the occupation of France by the nazis and the revolutionary communism) and it makes it all so freaking interesting.
It's amazing to see how Helene's character grows and grows throughout the novel and how she starts to recognize that her life can be of such value to help a cause. And I loved the tragedy of it all.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, I gather that Simone de Beauvoir was highly critical of this novel, and thought the characters flat. By contrast, I found they came startlingly to life for me, introspective and given to effortless discussion on Existentialist themes as they are.
There is an aspect of this novel that left my puzzled; why ever do the heroine Helene’s petite bourgoise parents allow her to be engaged to a working class, active communist like her dull but worthy fiance through whom she meets her beloved Jean Blomart? I gather that Simone de Beauvoir was highly critical of this novel, and thought the characters flat.
By contrast, I found they came startlingly to life for me, introspective and given to effortless discussion on Existentialist themes as they are. There is an aspect of this novel that left my puzzled; why ever do the heroine Helene’s petite bourgoise parents allow her to be engaged to a working class, active communist like her dull but worthy fiance through whom she meets her beloved Jean Blomart? This improbability is never explained.
Overall, though, I found it a wonderful read; and what I love most of all is that at the end not only do the estranged heroine and hero at last discover each other emtionally, but all the main characters realize their own worth through involvement in a cause greater than themselves – the French Resistance. This novel is of course, an exploration of the issues of personal responsibility and the consequences of individual action and inaction in the context of the build up to World War II, the Nazi invasion, and the activities of the French Resistance. These themes are depicted through the main characters, and in particular the relationship of Helene Bertrand and Jean Blomart (I apologise for leaving out the French symbols – I still haven’t worked out how to do it on wordpress). Jean is a man who seems emotionally frozen, and who finds any sort of action a cause of tortured self doubt. Similarly, though, he finds any inaction equally subject to moral scruples; all this leads to his cautious life of rebellion against his bourgeois upbringing. He works in a print shop and though a trade union activist, his actions are intended to be ‘non political’; he conducts a passionless love affair with a woman whom he admits he wouldn’t miss if she left his life, though he treats her with remarkable respect for a man of that era: – ‘I’ve never been capable of passion.
I dither about between my guilty conscience and my scruples: my one and only aim is not to dirty my hands’ This seems partly a consequence of Jean’s guilt feelings over the death of his friend Marcel’s younger brother, whom he encouraged to join in violent political action. He feels that he won’t be able to love the teenage Helene, who has become wildly infatuated with him, as he ought; he does all he can to avoid starting a love affair with her until he is trapped into it. Helene, by contrast, is committed to her desires; she is summed up quite well by the remarks of a shocked critic in The Tatler:- ‘Helene, the little shop girl, wild as a hare with the morality of a pirate isenchanting’. She is in fact an artist though she works sometimes in the family confectionary. When we first see her she is deciding to steal a bicycle she covets, and at first her feelings for Jean are of the same order (though emotionally repressed, his sexual attraction comes clearly through the text). Coerced into a relationship through the horror of witnessing Helene’s abortion (where Jean shows that he is startlingly lacking in squeamishness – a sign of things to come, when he evolves into an excellent member of the Resistance) – he fears telling a lie in saying that he loves her as he doesn’t feel he is in love with her in the passionate way that she is with him. In fact, given her wild charm, physical attractions and adoring attitude towards him, it would probably be quite hard for a man not to fall for her, and it seems obvious to me, if not to all readers, that he loves her all along.
Naturally, the themes of alienation, of ‘nothingness’ are unswervingly explored in this novel; in de Beauvoir nothing is ever simple; the problems of Helene and her friend Denise are due partly to their basing their identity on being loved by a man, but also on their lack of deep commitment to a cause bigger than themselves. There are some wonderfully sensitive descriptions in the book; here Helene is looking forward to escaping through love making with Jean from thoughts of their friend Denise’s lapse into insanity (she lives with an eccentric but insensitive artist who would be guaranteed to drive any woman insane): - ‘During the whole day he had escaped her; in his past, in his thoughts, near his mother and Denise, scattered throughout the whole world. And now he was there, against her flesh, under her hands, under her mouth: to be with him, she let herself slip, without memories, hopes or thoughts, into the depths where time stopped’ The war encroaches; Jean won’t accept Helene’s attempt to get him freed from military conscription; they part, and at one time Helene even does trade with the invaders; but finally, seeing the deportation of Jews to Germany stirs her outrage and she abandons selfish desires, joins the resistance, and finds true love with Jean after all. I found this part of the book particularly moving. It was so fulfilling that they had at last found each other through the act of self abandonment to a higher cause: - ‘”You’ll be in danger and I shan’t be near you; I cannot bear that,’ he said.
“You’ll always be near me,” she said. “Distance doesn’t matter; you are always near me.” He put his arm about her shoulders, and she laid her cheek against his.
“You’re right,” he said. “Now, nothing will separate us, ever.” “You know,” said Hleene, “I was frightened during the first trips. Now I’m so happy that I can’t be frightened any more.”’ “My dear love,” he said.’ I’m glad that it is apparent from the text that they have been working together some time, and have discovered this mutual love and been happy before this, Helene’s fatal trip. I wish de Beauvoir had given us a bit more of a description of this happiness, as she gave us a fairly detailed one of their emotional separation. Years ago, as a youngster, I naively asked someone, ‘Why do bad things always happen to the characters in books who you care about?’ Well, this was obviously an oversimplification: bad stuff went down with Bossiney in 'The Forsyte Saga' for instance, and I didn’t care two straws about him. But you can be as sure that there‘s a happy ending n store for the emotionally scarred Duke of Wendover and his spirited miller’s daughter bride in ‘The Devilish Duke’s Demands’ (part 12).
(I just made that up: I hope there isn’t a book out there called that!). “Depends on the genre,” said my informant, laconically (like one of the cowboys n a Zane Grey novel). “Light fiction equals happy endings; the good stuff is often surrounded by gloom and doom.
Not escapism, you see.’ As a matter of fact, I don’t see why writers of light fiction shouldn’t work hard to create characters you care about, and Byronic heroes are only sympathetic when they drop the pose for a while. Finally, though, I see that whether we can care about the fate of characters in a story or not, whether it’s an existentialist novel or an ambitious series challenging the social order or a paranormal romance, depends on the little human touches they are given, the care with which they are portrayed, and that huge imponderable, the reader’s individual reactions to them.
These combined to make me care about Helene and Jean. The Blood of Others is a startlingly evocative demonstration of the struggles of France leading into the Nazi invasion and armistice. It delves deeply into the problems with class, political power, and philosophical disassociation of the time, while also managing to paint a heartrending but hopeful image of love. Simone de Beauvoir digs so deep into the psychology of her characters that at times it feels indecent. At times the characters act irrationally, even despicably at a few moments, in sea The Blood of Others is a startlingly evocative demonstration of the struggles of France leading into the Nazi invasion and armistice.
It delves deeply into the problems with class, political power, and philosophical disassociation of the time, while also managing to paint a heartrending but hopeful image of love. Simone de Beauvoir digs so deep into the psychology of her characters that at times it feels indecent.
At times the characters act irrationally, even despicably at a few moments, in search of an end which is not always noble. Yet, the reader can't be angry at them because the reader understands that it was the only thing they could do. Too often, books which take place in this setting are written by Americans who have no relationship to the culture and the history that caused the attrocities.
Books far too often focus on the travesty without addressing the actual psychological state of the country at the time, or understanding the role of communist thought in resisting fascism. This book offers an extreme level of insight into what all of it actually meant for France, aside from all the other stunning aspects of this book, it's historical insight alone is enough to convince me that this book should be required reading for anyone attempting to understand the tensions in Europe of WWII. This was a somewhat interesting book, written by a woman that makes men creatures of deep thought and action while women live their lives for them. Set in the years leading up to WW2 and France's collapse against the Nazi invasion, it follows the lives of Jean Blomart, the son of a printer; Helene, the shop girl who wants him to love her; and their friends - writers and artists and philosophers and the girls who love and support them. Life drifts along with it s petty needs and squabbles as the This was a somewhat interesting book, written by a woman that makes men creatures of deep thought and action while women live their lives for them. Set in the years leading up to WW2 and France's collapse against the Nazi invasion, it follows the lives of Jean Blomart, the son of a printer; Helene, the shop girl who wants him to love her; and their friends - writers and artists and philosophers and the girls who love and support them.
Life drifts along with it s petty needs and squabbles as the inevitable conflict approaches and finally envelops them. It's all told in flashbacks as Jean sits by a mortally wounded Helene's bed, waiting for her to die.
Jean's a self-important middle-class man who tries to be like the working class but just has too much self-reflection going on in his mind to ever achieve that. Even when he's being lazy and going with the flow, he's contemplating his own actions.
And when action is finally demanded, he accepts the responsibility and pain of that necessity, albeit with a heavy heart. He's the hero, such as it is. Helene (if she has a last name it's only referred to once and I can't find it) is a simple girl in a shop who only worries about herself and wants Jean to love her so much, she messes with his life.
Even in the middle of the occupation, she draws her blind against the horror of what's happening outside to do her nails. It takes the catastrophe happening to a friend to jolt her out of that. As I said, the story is told in flashback.in both third person and first, jumping back and forth between the styles, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph.
I know a lot of this is Jean's reflections and memories, but it doesn't seem to be important that the change of tense happen to better explain what's going on or to help illuminate the chaotic emotions in him. In fact, he strikes me as a prig who thinks he's brutally honest but in reality is unconsciously cruel. However, that is an important trait for a man about to set up resistance to the Nazi occupation.
He accepts the fact that the blood of others, many of whom are innocent, will be shed in order to fight the Germans. Helene does nothing except in reaction to or want for a man. It's almost as if de Beauvoir is dismissing her, because she's so flighty and silly and self-involved. Even at the end, when she joins up with Jean and is mortally wounded in an action, it's all brushed aside with the barest of explanations.
Granted the book is really about Jean watching her die, anguished, but it's all about his thoughts on the matter; hers are barely addressed. It's as if her actions are unimportant.which irritated me. I know this is considered a classic of existentialism, so I'm willing to believe the whole point of the story is supposed to be that you do what you do from one moment to the next, for we are all our own self-involved little islands in a world that doesn't care.
And often we don't realize how short-sighted and foolish that is until it's too late. But this was written after the war, when the women in the resistance in France had proven they were just as strong and thoughtful as, if not more-so than, the men. For Simone de Beauvoir to favor Jean's deep, meaningful contemplations and make him as the nominal hero while letting Helene languish in her love and need and despair for him, and little more, is so wrong-headed to me, I halfway wonder if I've missed the point, somehow. The translation I read is by Roger Senhouse and Yvonne Moyse; maybe it's a poor one. I never did get deep into the book or characters, not like I did with 'War and Peace' or '100 Years of Solitude'.
The one real positive of reading this book, for me, is it helped clarify a character in another book I plan to write - 'The Alice '65'. For that, I give it 3 stars. I haven't read fiction books in a while now and I'm quite glad that I found this book by accident when I was searching for another title. Bulk of my appreciation for this book stems from how on point it is on the stuff that's been on my mind the past couple of weeks. The rating will probably be different if I read it at another time in my life.
It talked a lot about how our choices, sincere as they may be and meaning no harm, have an effect to the people around us. It made me reflect again on my I haven't read fiction books in a while now and I'm quite glad that I found this book by accident when I was searching for another title. Bulk of my appreciation for this book stems from how on point it is on the stuff that's been on my mind the past couple of weeks. The rating will probably be different if I read it at another time in my life. It talked a lot about how our choices, sincere as they may be and meaning no harm, have an effect to the people around us. It made me reflect again on my belief that being brutally honest is the way to go when it comes to relating with other people.
I used to act in a way wherein I washed my hands of any responsibility of the other's feelings and took any response of hurting as a manifestation of a lack of emotional maturity on their part. I learned the hard way though that certain consequences follow from our choices and we just have to be strong and stand by them. It also tackled the idea of whether inaction and action hold the same level of responsibility over the consequences which follow from them. Although the novel was set in France during World War II, I found myself making parallels to what most people may be feeling with the creeping fascism of the Duterte administration and whether or not to join the resistance.This is the first book by Simone de Beauvoir that I have read.
Another excellent writing making theory understandable and having an absolute contemporary reference. The story evolves existentialist theory by the evolution of those characters, the reader follows their decision making and the so frightening effects. Are we allowed to make decisions, should we and should we consider the effects on others? Is that guilt too havy to bear? Of course we have to, the alternative is being passive, not being, not living, rather being an ant among millions of others, a another excellent writing making theory understandable and having an absolute contemporary reference. The story evolves existentialist theory by the evolution of those characters, the reader follows their decision making and the so frightening effects. Are we allowed to make decisions, should we and should we consider the effects on others?
Is that guilt too havy to bear? Of course we have to, the alternative is being passive, not being, not living, rather being an ant among millions of others, accepting idology to make a statement for us. Keeping our situation these days with religions being perverted and (unhuman) ideologies succeeding more every day in mind, this novel seems to outlay the innocent idea of being pacifistic and tolerant towards others, but never forgetting to stand up to everyones personal beliefs! Simone de Beauvoir was a French author and philosopher. She wrote novels, monographs on philosophy, politics, and social issues, essays, biographies, and an autobiography. She is now best known for her metaphysical novels, including She Came to Stay and The Mandarins, and for her 1949 treatise The Second Sex, a detailed analysis of women's oppression and a foundational tract of contemporary femini Simone de Beauvoir was a French author and philosopher. She wrote novels, monographs on philosophy, politics, and social issues, essays, biographies, and an autobiography.
She is now best known for her metaphysical novels, including She Came to Stay and The Mandarins, and for her 1949 treatise The Second Sex, a detailed analysis of women's oppression and a foundational tract of contemporary feminism.
Although Paris appears to be your average teenager, behind that guise resides a lethal 130-year-old-vampire. After having served for decades as one of the elite High Guard in an underground vampire society, one fateful decision turns her from trusted bodyguard to criminal. Paris’ actions end in a death sentence and she finds herself in the human world, on the run from Garre Although Paris appears to be your average teenager, behind that guise resides a lethal 130-year-old-vampire. After having served for decades as one of the elite High Guard in an underground vampire society, one fateful decision turns her from trusted bodyguard to criminal. Paris’ actions end in a death sentence and she finds herself in the human world, on the run from Garrett, an ancient assassin and the one man on the planet who knows her well enough to find her.
As Paris tries to find her place in this new world, she encounters other vampires and humans who revel both in their frailty and their own monstrous natures. She soon learns that the larger issue is that she might not belong in this world after all.
Not to mention the fact that the very man sent to destroy her is the only man she has ever loved. I couldn't put this book down! The unfortunate need for sleep forced an extra day of reading but this is easily a one sitting book. The moment I saw Paris in her vigilante ways, I was hooked! It was actually quite shocking that I gasped out loud at what she'd done! She is strong and righteous.just my kind of heroine.
I loved the back and forth format of this book. It was perfectly placed. When I needed to know more about the past, Stegall took me there. At times I wished he would stay longer i I couldn't put this book down! The unfortunate need for sleep forced an extra day of reading but this is easily a one sitting book.
The moment I saw Paris in her vigilante ways, I was hooked! It was actually quite shocking that I gasped out loud at what she'd done! She is strong and righteous.just my kind of heroine. I loved the back and forth format of this book. It was perfectly placed. When I needed to know more about the past, Stegall took me there.
At times I wished he would stay longer in the past or the present but he transitioned at just the right times to create anticipation about what's to come. This is not just another vampire story.I've read them (and enjoy them). I love how we are present for the aging process. That sets this book apart. We aren't just introduced to this thousand year old vampire and expect that they come with all the fantastic vampire DNA. Stegall shows us how they are created, age, garner strength and wisdom to become what they are.
While it is dark at times, it is extremely captivating. I sincerely hope C.L. Is already working on book two because this left me desperately wanting more.
While I am entirely sick of the vampire genre and the horrible sparkly turns it has taken in the past few years, I had to give this book a chance. Having read and enjoyed both “The Weight of Night” and “4pocalypse: Four Tales of a Dark Future,” I knew that Stegall would find a way to make it interesting.
The Blood Of Others 1984
Needless to say, I was not disappointed. This was one of the fastest read times I have ever had for a book. The story was so gripping that I could not stop. The story never dragged and as each c While I am entirely sick of the vampire genre and the horrible sparkly turns it has taken in the past few years, I had to give this book a chance. Having read and enjoyed both “The Weight of Night” and “4pocalypse: Four Tales of a Dark Future,” I knew that Stegall would find a way to make it interesting.
Needless to say, I was not disappointed. This was one of the fastest read times I have ever had for a book. The story was so gripping that I could not stop. The story never dragged and as each chapter came to a close, I found myself compelled to continue. The twin plots of modern day events and the over hundred year history of the protagonist were brilliantly executed and kept the reader engaged. Stegall’s spin on vampire lore was quite refreshing. It was well researched, well conceived, and had such a rich mythos and history it was hard to believe it was all established in just one book.
The characters were extremely well written. Many of them got their emotional hooks into me early and it has been quite a while since I have become this attached to new characters. The story is never boring, contains everything you would want from action, to suspense, to romance, to humor, and was entertaining for its duration. I love this author’s writing style. It is very rich, engaging, and just has a great flow. Simply put, this was one of the best, most original stories I have read in a while. I did have a few issues with it that caused me to give four instead of five stars.
However, I’m not going detract from the value of this book with my own hang-ups. This was one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in a while. I have not yet been disappointed by any of Stegall’s works, or by any of the Dark Red Press authors for that matter. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
I had the opportunity to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of THE BLOOD OF OTHERS by C.L. Game for windows live for windows 10. Simply put, I consumed the entire novel in one sitting, it was that gripping. While some might raise an eyebrow at another title in this particular sub-genre, these Vampires don't lurk or swoon.
There's a rich lore woven throughout the story, chapters flipping back and forth between the present dangers and flashbacks to the past. We are treated to the tale of how young Paris (a chose I had the opportunity to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of THE BLOOD OF OTHERS by C.L. Simply put, I consumed the entire novel in one sitting, it was that gripping. While some might raise an eyebrow at another title in this particular sub-genre, these Vampires don't lurk or swoon. There's a rich lore woven throughout the story, chapters flipping back and forth between the present dangers and flashbacks to the past. We are treated to the tale of how young Paris (a chosen name) rose from runaway child to her position among the High Guard in the secret Vampire society.
Fortunately, Stegall has created a mythos that is more inspired by films like 'Underworld' and 'Blade' than by any sparkling teen romance. That's not to say there isn't an element of romance contained in the story, only that it comes with equally healthy doses of action, mystery, and horror. The character development unfolds in a wonderful fashion, and it's fascinating to see how Stegall allowed the main protagonist to grow over her Vampire years. The details of the Vampire society are intricate and unique, and more than once I found myself chuckling at the ways he portrayed some of the complex relationships. The action/adventure aspect of the book is essential to the tale, and every fight scene was brilliantly scripted. Perhaps the only issue I had with the novel was the abundance of supporting characters, of which I occasionally got confused on. THE BLOOD OF OTHERS is an excellent dark fantasy, adventure-horror novel, with an exceptional female lead.
It's dark, sexy, violent, and most of all, engrossing. Highly recommended. I received this book via The Cheap Ebook. What can I say about this book.
First I love vampire books and this one took it a bit above and beyond for me. You are following in the life of Paris who was turned at a young age. Well actually she was recruited and then turned. The way this story was told it is normally hard to do but this author hit it right on the head. Was able to weave both present and past together in each chapter so you weren't left going huh, what happened again? Instea I received this book via The Cheap Ebook.
What can I say about this book. First I love vampire books and this one took it a bit above and beyond for me. You are following in the life of Paris who was turned at a young age. Well actually she was recruited and then turned.
The way this story was told it is normally hard to do but this author hit it right on the head. Was able to weave both present and past together in each chapter so you weren't left going huh, what happened again? Instead I was left going oh my what is going to happen now with Paris.
It was done perfectly and it kept me engaged!! The first part that really got me going WOWZERS! Was when Paris was in the bathroom with Greg and what she did to him left me with my mouth opened and going damn way to go Paris. There are a good part of gory scenes that I LOVED!
And now a days with books that deal with vampires you do not get much of that in them. With this book you get eyeballs being ruptured, people getting hurt (do not want to give much away on that part.) This book is different than your normal vampire book, you have a young girl who learns how to fight and becomes a high guard but later on at what price? This is really not your average vampire book. You get a whole different type of look at the vampires.
Favorite scene was when Paris and her beau Garrett starting fighting about her books that she has collected over the years! I just about died laughing because who truly fights about a person being a book hoarder? Favorite quote by Garrett 'I have led her home, my love, my only friend, there is none like her, none' How sweet is that!
Favorite little part 'Are your bollocks feeling a bit wonky, Salem?' Okay now I know that may not be funny to most but that part cracked me up just a tiny bit!
With The Blood Of Others, you get a chick named Paris who is a kick-ass vampire, she doesn't crumple and submit to anyone. She learns pretty much how to get better at her powers that she has. She learns about love lost and love gained, she learns how to take care of herself. And she learns about betrayal. If you want a new look on the vampire world I highly suggest you get this book. With the way the ending was left I do wonder if there is a book two in the works because I want to really know what happens with Garret and will Paris ever find him again?
I appreciated the actual story and found it very entertaining, but I didn't like the voice of the novel. It's hard to put my finger on why, but I think it might have been that it read, to me, like it was from a much younger perspective than the century-old, hardened vampire who was supposed to be narrating.
The rest of the book was very good. The lore and the concept behind it was fascinating and I liked the back and forth story-telling between past and present. Youtube accelerator for vista. It helped build anticipation as t I appreciated the actual story and found it very entertaining, but I didn't like the voice of the novel. It's hard to put my finger on why, but I think it might have been that it read, to me, like it was from a much younger perspective than the century-old, hardened vampire who was supposed to be narrating. The rest of the book was very good. The lore and the concept behind it was fascinating and I liked the back and forth story-telling between past and present. It helped build anticipation as the author cut it off at a moment that left you wondering what would happen next.
I like my vampires bad-ass and these fit the bill. I picked this book up on my Nook over the weekend, and had real trouble putting it down. The characters were superb, and I really enjoyed Stegall's writing style. There was nothing here I did not thoroughly enjoy. An interesting take on the typical vampire, great storytelling, fantastic action, with a great love story woven through.
It was bloody and violent and sensual. Everything I wanted it to be. This is the second book of Stegall's that I have had the pleasure of reading. It definitely wil I picked this book up on my Nook over the weekend, and had real trouble putting it down.
The characters were superb, and I really enjoyed Stegall's writing style. There was nothing here I did not thoroughly enjoy. An interesting take on the typical vampire, great storytelling, fantastic action, with a great love story woven through. It was bloody and violent and sensual. Everything I wanted it to be.
This is the second book of Stegall's that I have had the pleasure of reading. It definitely will not be the last. I received this book in exchange for an honest opinion: This is not a typical vampire story.
That was the first thing I enjoyed about it. Second, it had a female protagonist that kicked ass without being mushy. Third, I enjoyed how it was strictly her point of view. There was nothing else to clutter it up. While the plot jumped from present day to moments in Paris' past, it was never confusing and gave great incite at to who she was as a person. I really enjoyed learning about her youth and could I received this book in exchange for an honest opinion: This is not a typical vampire story. That was the first thing I enjoyed about it.
Second, it had a female protagonist that kicked ass without being mushy. Third, I enjoyed how it was strictly her point of view. There was nothing else to clutter it up. While the plot jumped from present day to moments in Paris' past, it was never confusing and gave great incite at to who she was as a person. I really enjoyed learning about her youth and could connect with her.
I would recommend this. I AM IN LOVE with this book!! I'm not a fan of flashbacks, but C.L makes it work big time!! He makes it work soo well that I just can't put the book down because I HAVE to know why things happened in the present. I love the detailed descriptions that are given throughout the book. I feel like I am Paris, I feel like I'm there and I'm finding myself wrapped up in her world. I am going to have a hard time waiting for the next book in the series!
This was incredibly well written and on I AM IN LOVE with this book!! I'm not a fan of flashbacks, but C.L makes it work big time!! He makes it work soo well that I just can't put the book down because I HAVE to know why things happened in the present. I love the detailed descriptions that are given throughout the book. I feel like I am Paris, I feel like I'm there and I'm finding myself wrapped up in her world. I am going to have a hard time waiting for the next book in the series! This was incredibly well written and one of the BEST books I have read!
Stegall’s new novel, “The Blood of Others,” is no “Twilight” knock-off nor should the author be compared to Anne Rice. Stegall has taken the lore of vampires and created a new take on an old story with its own unique history. I found it compelling, action-packed, romantic and yes, violent. It’s a vampire story with full-bodied characters who don’t like the term vampire, and indeed there is something different about them. They are the Llorans, taken from a Spanish legend.
Fans of Urban Fanta C.L. Stegall’s new novel, “The Blood of Others,” is no “Twilight” knock-off nor should the author be compared to Anne Rice. Stegall has taken the lore of vampires and created a new take on an old story with its own unique history. I found it compelling, action-packed, romantic and yes, violent. It’s a vampire story with full-bodied characters who don’t like the term vampire, and indeed there is something different about them. They are the Llorans, taken from a Spanish legend. Fans of Urban Fantasy have found a new series to follow, and I can’t wait for Book 2!
CL Stegall is the author of modern fiction novels and short stories who abhors bios. His work ranges from Young Adult (the series) to Urban Fantasy (the series) to thriller efforts such as The Ordeal and the ongoing web serial. He is the editor of (and contributor to) the novella anthologies and CL Stegall is the author of modern fiction novels and short stories who abhors bios. His work ranges from Young Adult (the series) to Urban Fantasy (the series) to thriller efforts such as The Ordeal and the ongoing web serial. He is the editor of (and contributor to) the novella anthologies and. A frequent speaker at writers’ conferences and workshops, CL loves to share his knowledge and experience with other writers.
He is the former President and Senior Editor. CL is a fan of sci-fi and fantasy in all their forms, a lover of carrot cake and a former military intelligence linguist. He lives in Plano, TX with his lovely Wife and two dogs who think they run the joint.
The Blood Of Others Trailer 1984 Director: Claude Chabrol Starring: Jean-Pierre Aumont, Jodie Foster, Lambert Wilson, Michael Ontkean, Sam Neill, Stephane Audran Official Content From Prism Entertainment French television version of Simone de Beauvoir's account of young lovers separated by the onset of World War II. Movie, The Blood Of Others Movie,The Blood Of Others Trailer,The Blood Of Others 1984, Claude Chabrol,Jean-Pierre Aumont, Jodie Foster, Lambert Wilson, Michael Ontkean, Sam Neill, Stephane Audran.
. Stella Sanford, How to Read Beauvoir (Granta Books, London, 2006) p.
^ Deirdre Bair, Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography (Jonathan Cape, London, 1990) p. Cooper, Existentialism (Second edition, Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA, 1990) p., Simone de Beauvoir: The Woman and Her Work (Heinemann, London, 1992) p. Deirdre Bair, Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography (Jonathan Cape, London, 1990) p. Deirdre Bair, Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography (Jonathan Cape, London, 1990) p. The following information is from Margaret Crosland, Simone de Beauvoir: The Woman and Her Work (Heinemann, London, 1992) p.
Deirdre Bair, Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography (Jonathan Cape, London, 1990) p. Richard McLaughlin, 'Mouthing Basic Existentialism,' Saturday Review of Literature, July 17, 1948, p. 13, quoted in Deirdre Bair, Simone de Beauvoir: A Biography (Jonathan Cape, London, 1990) p. Margaret Crosland, Simone de Beauvoir: The Woman and Her Work (Heinemann, London, 1992) p.
All information in this section is from the publication details in the Penguin paperback edition of The Blood of Others.