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Where Is My Blood Going?
Vampires in BC follows a man who has been partially transformed into a vampire as he grapples with his new identity and the moral questions he faces in this new form. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was in the hospital waiting for a delayed operation, so I caught up on reading. I decided to re-read Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It awakened a long-hidden fascination with vampires, and then, as my blood was being taken twice a day, I wondered what they were doing with it. The idea of vampires stalking the corridors emerged as we were a sitting target for bloodsuckers to take advantage of. At night in my ward, there were times when patients screamed, which awakened my creative side.
However, I have always been fascinated by the animal and human worlds from different standpoints. My dog’s perspective on life is very different from mine, and I wonder how an intelligent animal would react to what we have done to the environment. I wanted to bring that up, not to lecture about it but to introduce it as an idea for people to consider. Jude also faces a moral dilemma as Vampires in BC depicts the struggle between instinctive behaviour and human compassion.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
The first draft emerged while I was writing the book, but the characters created the novel’s direction. A lot of re-writing took place, and ideas surfaced as I was writing. As I said, the characters come alive and know how they behave. They develop, and for example, I’ve tried to show how Gav comes across as a wise-cracking, arrogant teen, but he has another side to him, and although Jude doesn’t acknowledge this openly, he benefits from Gav’s interventions.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The underlying sexuality in the book resonated with me. If you can shape change as Vampires do, what’s to stop you from becoming a woman, a man, or an animal? With vampires, their overwhelming need to survive is to feed on blood, and the most desirable blood comes from us. However, they have to attract humans, seduce and overwhelm them. You may notice that with those they want to turn, they ask permission first, but at other times, when they have a different objective, they don’t.
Transformations from human to vampire and the lure of longevity are fascinating topics to explore. Don’t we all want to live longer? The lure of wealth and unlimited power is bubbling under the surface of our psyche, which leads to the question: What are we prepared to do to achieve those aims? It’s the age-old dilemma of selling your soul to the devil for riches. Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus explores this wonderfully.
The changes we are experiencing due to climate change because of human exploitation gave me a chance to look at it from another species’ point of view. Change, however, is frightening and has repercussions that may not always be positive. So, how does Jude try to balance his love for his vampire life with vestiges of his human empathy?
Can fans look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
The first book scattered seeds that could be followed up in a sequel but are still in the embryo stages. I’ve also got an unfinished book waiting for me to return to. However, I found writing about vampires was a lot of fun, as you can create a fantasy worldview around them. In a potential sequel, I would like to concentrate on how vampires are similar to humans with complex characters. One of the younger vampires I’ve introduced could be developed, along with the mission Jude and Gav set for themselves. I also need to develop the roles of the Children of Sasquatch and the Canadian Special Forces. But I’d also like to get reactions from readers to get their perspectives.
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Although Jude loves the power of being a partial vampire, which includes shapeshifting into whatever he wants, he struggles with guilt over the harm his vampiric nature may cause. His human side clings to his past, but as a vampire he has access to a world of power, immortality, and liberation from human limitations.
Should he work to destroy the world he lives in and dominate the planet, or side with humans in fighting the vampires that control him?
Vampires in BC
Vampires in BC, by Keith Costelloe, is a mesmerizing fantasy novel that immerses readers in a dark and atmospheric world where the lines between life and death, human and vampire, blur hauntingly. The story centers on Jude, a character partially transformed into a vampire by the enigmatic Dr. De’Ath. Jude grapples with his identity and the moral dilemmas of his new existence, all while possessing a unique ability to morph between male and female forms, which he uses to explore his fluid sexuality and seduce his victims. This shapeshifting power further complicates his internal struggle between his past human life and his present vampiric state. The novel opens with a chilling prologue set around a campfire, where Dr. De’Ath, in a sinister twist, unveils her vampiric nature to a group of unsuspecting teenagers. From there, the narrative delves into Jude’s experiences and the clandestine world of vampires living beneath a hospital. Led by Dr. De’Ath, these vampires see themselves as saviors of the Earth, destined to cull humanity and restore planetary balance.
Throughout the book, Jude wrestles with the duality of his nature—his human emotions and memories clash with the cold, predatory instincts of a vampire. As he navigates this new world, he must confront his desires and the reality of being a creature that preys on humans. The narrative is richly infused with gothic elements, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the seductive nature of power.
Vampires in BC is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and morality within a gothic horror framework. Keith Costelloe’s evocative writing, with its rich descriptions, vividly paints the eerie world Jude inhabits. One of the book’s many strengths lies in its characters. Jude is a compelling protagonist, torn between his human past and vampiric present. His ability to shift between genders adds a unique dimension to his character, allowing for a nuanced exploration of gender fluidity and sexuality. This aspect of Jude’s character is handled with sensitivity and depth, making his internal conflict all the more poignant. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of introspection and character development interspersed with intense, suspenseful scenes.
Costelloe’s writing style is both lyrical and precise, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. The book’s exploration of its darker themes may not be for everyone. The moral ambiguity of the characters, particularly the vampires’ justification for their actions as protectors of the Earth, challenges readers to question traditional notions of good and evil. This moral complexity is a strength but also demands readers to engage deeply with the text.
Vampires in BC is a gripping and atmospheric read that offers more than just a traditional vampire tale. It delves into the complexities of identity, the nature of power, and the consequences of our actions, all within a richly crafted gothic horror setting. Fans of the genre will appreciate the book’s depth and the fresh perspective it brings to vampire mythology.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DJT1HFVS
Is It Worth Rolling The Dice
Drawn Into Danger follows a 24-year-old’s journey to teach English in Algeria, where he becomes immersed in local culture and unwittingly drawn into a secret police operation to thwart a coup. Were there any personal experiences or stories that influenced your writing of Drawn Into Danger?
I lived and worked in Algeria from 1979 to 1982, and I used my experiences of the settings to place the story, but most of the actions described are fictional. It was an exciting time, and using the idea of a secret plot to overthrow the government wasn’t so far-fetched as there were periods of instability. However, for many reasons, mainly because I was young and it was my first real job, I fell in love with the country and the people. But yes, some of the incidents are real, and a few characters are based on people I knew, but they are inserted into situations that tested them. By using touches of reality, I think the characters and events become realistic and acceptable. One example of an actual event is the car crash in the desert, but I added elements to make it fit into the story.
How did you balance the fast-paced action and suspense with the central themes of friendship and loyalty in the novel?
You are right. Friendship and loyalty are the binding themes that create a lasting relationship between the characters. I allied this with the idea that jealousy can destroy relationships. Dave had to cope with envy of his ex-lover, Steve. Susan had to choose between forgiving her husband, a serial adulterer, or leaving him and the beautiful villa she lived in looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea.
I needed a strong bond that would ensure the characters felt loyalty to support each other as they devised a revenge plot, even in dangerous situations.
The first part of the story sets the scene and creates the atmosphere for the rest of the book when events take control of Dave’s and his friends’ lives. There is a sequence of actions that are at first unconnected, but they begin to coalesce to trap the characters into a trajectory that they lose control of and with consequences that they would never have predicted.
What kind of message do you hope readers will take away from Dave’s journey in the novel?
Life is full of risks, yet at the same time, it’s exciting, and maybe those risks are worth taking no matter where they lead. Dave took a chance, going to Algeria, leaving a lasting impression on him. Dave loses someone he loved, but it leaves open an eternal question. Is it worth rolling the dice because who knows what will happen?
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Drawn Into Danger
Drawn Into Danger: Living on the Edge in the Sahara by Keith Costelloe is an action-packed novel that follows 24-year-old Dave as he ventures into 1978 Algeria to teach English. Seeking an escape from the monotony of life in the UK, Dave is eager to explore this new world and delve into his bisexuality. However, as he becomes increasingly immersed in Algerian culture, events take a dramatic turn, and Dave is unwittingly drawn into a secret police operation to thwart a coup. The ensuing chaos forces him to question the true cost of revenge.
Costelloe’s narrative is fast-paced and engaging, making for an enjoyable read. While numerous characters are introduced throughout the story, the central focus remains on a select few. Dave, the protagonist, is well-developed, effectively capturing his overwhelming experiences within the unfamiliar environment. I would have loved to have seen more about Dave’s relationships with Sue and Moussa to get insights into his romantic connections. I found Dave’s inner struggles with his own sexuality realistic, and readers will be able to relate to his emotions. The themes of friendship and loyalty are strongly woven into this narrative, combined with the life-threatening danger and conspiracy. The historical context regarding Algeria’s past was fascinating and will appeal to those that enjoy historical fiction.
Drawn Into Danger: Living on the Edge in the Sahara is a novel brimming with action, and its concise storytelling ensures a quick and captivating read. Thrilling subplots surrounding the secret police and local culture will keep readers engaged until this suspenseful story’s end. Author Keith Costelloe’s ability to bring readers into his world through his descriptive writing makes this an unforgettable novel.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B09TDCX4YZ
Starship Malaysia
Starship Malaysia by Keith Costelloe is an exceptional young adult novel that offers a riveting combination of adventure, sports, travel, love, and friendship. The protagonist, Scott Mitchell, is a teenager who struggles with anger issues after his parent’s separation. His life takes a dramatic turn after his father’s sudden death and his subsequent relocation to Malaysia, where he faces the challenge of adjusting to a new culture. He soon forms a team with a group of volleyball players who become more like brothers to him. Scott wishes to be a reporter and takes daily reports on his pressman to communicate with his best friend, Waz, in Palo Alto. Join Scott and his friends as they tackle human trafficking in their own way, despite their age.
The novel offers a realistic portrayal of teenage life as Scott and his friends navigate the challenges of growing up, making new friends, and dealing with school. However, the novel also tackles more serious themes such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child abuse. Through the boys’ heroic acts to combat these issues, readers are enlightened on the atrocities women face in countries with fewer rights and the dangers of trafficking. The author’s writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making them relatable and fun to read about. Scott, in particular, is an intelligent and daring person. I loved his sense of loyalty and courage in the face of difficult situations times. I commend the author for using this book as a medium for enlightening readers about human trafficking, which is a global menace that needs to be tackled.
Starship Malaysia is an informative and entertaining young adult novel. Sometimes I couldn’t help but laugh at the boys’ banter, and other times I was hooked on the suspense, thinking of what would happen to them next. I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and YA novels.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0BTJ8H5JC
LITERARY TITAN 