Customer Reviews

Brookwater's Curse Volume I

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brookwater's Curse Volume 1 chronicles the life of an African American man, Christian Brookwater, who simply happens to be a vampire. The story is rich in historic detail from the degradation of slavery, to the social and spiritual renaissance of the civil rights movement of the sixties, and then to modern day bureaucracy. No matter the depth of his supernatural dilemma, he manages heroic feats of humanity, kindness, and loyalty. This story is captivating as it delves into the main character's struggle to co-exist with general human populous, while adhering to the governing rules of The World Vampire Council. Life for Christian Brookwater is one suspenseful brush with annihilation after the next. His survival is surprisingly undaunted by bloody battles with werewolves, shape shifters, and ruthless humans. There is never a lull in the storyline and each chapter is a compelling gateway to the next adventure. To be compared to no other, Christian Brookwater is an icon of Vampire genre. A very good read indeed.

I've been a bookworm since I was 4 years old and love Fantasy/Science Fiction. I have to say that this book stands at the top of the thousands of books I've read during the course of my lifetime. Suffice to say that only 2 books have invoked such an emotional connection to the characters and even physical (suspense) response in me, "The Talisman", by Steven King and "Intensity", by Dean Koontz. This book is truly a must read and the author, Steven Van Patten, has my utmost respect for his brilliant artistry and for the pleasurable escape that this story has brought me. Kudos!

Brookwater's curse is without a doubt the most complete and gripping novel I have read in a long time. It offers the excitement, mystery and sensuality Vampire readers seek; moments of true passion and love that romantics crave for; the witty humor that the sarcastic appreciate; all of this in a majestic flow writing and impressive detailed cultural facts. I was taken by surprise with the amount of emotions evoked while reading this book: from laughter to sadness, passion and anger, all the ingredients that make LIFE real. I did not expected to see so many personal facts mirrored in a book written by some one who did not even know me: many of the stories felt like mine and I emotionally "owned" the book. After discussing the book with other readers, I found out those feelings were not exclusive to me, we were ALL touched and "cursed" by this phenomenal author's talent.
This is a MUST read book!

Brookwater's Curse: Vol 1 tells the compelling story of Christian Brookwater, an American slave turned samurai vampire constable. From his tormented young life on the plantation to his equally horrific early days as a captive fledgling vampire, to modern times, Christian has quite the story to tell. The world that Mr. Van Patten has created is as deep as it is entertaining, as are the characters, some of whom could support books of their own. Don't be put off by the cover, the image enhances our knowledge of Christian's beliefs. I strongly recommend this book!

I remember reading about this book, and hearing the Ladies of ARC talking about it. I asked Sistar Tea if I can borrow her book last year and she gave me both copies. I was ecstatic; I'm a fan of sci-fi and vampires books who would have thought right? Well blame it on my kids who got me hooked on this genre. When I started reading it, I was very surprise about how Author Steven Van Patten develop his characters and the originality in this story, was truly amazing!!

Christian Brookwater is an African American male that in the beginning of the story was a slave on a Georgia plantation. The day that Christian Brookwater was bought by a woman, who ends up being responsible for turning him into a vampire until he is rescued by Antonio Caramono.

Brookwater's Curse Vol. 1 is one of the most exhilarating, suspenseful stories I have read in such a long time!! Congrats to Author Steven Van Patten, for bringing something new to the Urban Literary Industry. I would definitely and highly recommended this book to all readers..

Shai
Urban Fire Lit.
5 Stars

Christian Brookwater is an African american male that in the beginning of the story was a slave on a Georgia plantation. He is bought by a woman, who we later learn is a vampire and she is the one responsible for turning Christian into a vampire. Rescued by a man by the name of Caramano, whom is a vampire himself, takes Christian under his wing and teaches him all he needs to learn to control urges and the laws of the vampires. Caramano sends Christian to stay with a 400 year-old vampire Samurai who teaches him the art of war. Christian later becomes a constable or a member of the nocturnal law enforcement whose job required him to kill werewolves and other such creatures. To keep there secret safe from humans.

Later, Christian meets a human woman that he falls in love with. They have a child and raise the child together without the child ever knowing that his father is a vampire. When tragedy strikes, the happiness that Christian finally found comes to an end.

Many, many years later, Christian makes a split decision to save a creature of the night and in doing so gets involved in more than he bargained for. It is a race against time to save a little girl from the Prince werewolf. It will be a fight to the death. At the same time Christian will unveil something sinister that may have the entire vampire nation in a war.

BROOKWATER'S CURSE was a phenomenal read. It by far one of the BEST novels I have EVER read. Move over Anne Rice cause Steven Van Patten has take reign. Mr. Van Patten did an excellent job in providing the historical backdrop of the story. I loved how he even provides a history of vampires. At times I would find myself laughing from the wit and humor. I guarantee you if you enjoy books with vampires you will absolutely love this book. It is a journey unlike any you will ever experience. It will also have you questioning...do vampires really exist among us? I highly recommend this novel to anyone. The cover of this book may not be eye catching BUT trust the cover accurately depicts the story that lies between the pages. So whatever you do, do not judge this book by its cover.

Reviewed by Leona
StreetLitClique
www.streetlitclique.ning.com

When I first received this book I said "A vampire book?" And I was not enthused about reading it. But let me tell you I was soon pleasantly surprised by Brookwater's Curse vol l. It was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down till the very end.

Christian Brookwater is an African American slave who became a vampire in the 1800's. He is a hero protecting his own, but doesn't always play by the vampire book of rules! The scenes jump off the pages at you and has you feeling like you are right there. Brookwater's Curse vol I is a very well written book. It's very descriptive and detailed.

Mr. Van Patten has created a masterpiece and if you haven't yet...don't waste anymore time... go get this book and get to reading cause you are missing out on a fantastic journey.

SVP all I can say is "Next stop the big screen."

S'mone
ARC Book Club Inc.

After checking out the cover and synopsis of this book I kindly passed it off to someone who I knew would enjoy reading it. But it was bought to my attention that "Brookwater's Curse" is an excellent novel and MUST be read! So being one who WILL step out of my comfort zone I promised to at least read the first three chapters; if I wasn't hooked by then as with any other book I will put the book down, besides...what could excite me about vampires?

Christian Brookwater the slave turned vampire constable in Georgia in the 1800's has lived through slavery, Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement and 911, and continues to live.
Groomed to protect fellow vampires and their world from enemies such as werewolves, Christian is complex but yet fighting a battle within himself as he steps outside the box constantly getting in trouble with his superiors.

We experience the action; adventure, friendship and love from Georgia, to Senegal Africa, to modern day Harlem New York, where we follow Christian through this well crafted story and meet exceptionally developed characters that shape an interesting story.

I loved that author SVP incorporated some history bringing a more realism feel to the story but not losing sight of the entertainment factor.

Going back to my statement earlier about "what could excite me about vampires?" WELL...Christian Brookwater's story has certainly excited me and has me telling EVERYONE to buy this book!!!

Steven Van Patten did an awesome job!!

Locksie

ARC Book Club Inc.

I have to admit when I first received this book I looked at the front cover n put it in my to be read list pile. After a few weeks I picked up this book and said let me, "give it a try as the genre is not one I usually read." Every time I went to get a new book Brookwater's Curse would catch my eye, after a few weeks I decided to pick it up; let me tell you I am SOOO GLAD I did. It was an excellent read and as soon as I finished I was happy I had Vol. 2 and I immediately begin reading it.

This book follows a slave Christian Brookwater, until a mystery woman buys him from his slave owner whom we later learn is a vampire. This woman known only to Christian as the Mistress starts to bite him on his throat and drains blood from him on a daily basic, until he is rescued by Antonio Caramono. Antonio an Italian vampire takes Christian home and adopts him. Antonio teaches Christian how to deal with his newly acquired vampirism and becomes his mentor. Antonio sends Christian to Japan to train under the samurai vampire Lord Tanata where he becomes a fierce hunter and warrior. I don't want to tell the story that is a just a little background info.

Author Steven Van Patten introduces us to a world of vampires, werewolves, rachasa (cat people). Mr. Van Patten tell this story so good I actually started to question my better judgment and say ok this is so real I must believe in vampires etc. etc. This book is so wonderful written. By the way after reading the book the cover makes perfect sense.

Praises to you Steven Van Patten this was one of the best books I ever read. (Brookwater's Curse) will now appear on my list as one my of favorites books. Author Steven Van Patten has made a fan in me.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating

As a self-described chick lit lover and avid non-fiction reader, I wasn't so sure I would even be able to start reading Brookwater's Curse Volume I, let alone find enjoyment in it. But oh, does Mr. Van Patten know how to lure the senses, captivate the mind and recruit traveling companions for the ride with this tale. This novel is a page turner from the epilogue!

At first I found the cover art jarring, but this is the fantasy laid over historical realities and Mr. Van Patten doesn't water it down. By the third chapter, the versed imagery came to life and I felt as if I were watching the movie complete with a-list actors portraying characters as cast by Van Patten's skillful pen.

In Christian Brookwater, a legendary hero has been born. He fiercely protects his own, slays Werewolves and lives by an honor code that most humans could benefit from emulating. From his life as a slave and through his rise to reverence, he is a vampire that you can't help but to cheer for.

Brookwater's Curse Volume I has all of the components of a good book; the battle of good vs. evil, a charmingly witty and empathetic yet flawed protagonist, non-stop action, masterful intrigue, tantalizing eroticism, but what makes it great is how well developed the characters are and how thoroughly well crafted the story is put together. The attention to detail of every far away land, the individual nuances of each character make the reader feel certain they have visited each location personally and know every character intimately.

I am immensely grateful to the author for inviting us all to take the journey with Christian Brookwater and look forward to continued travels with Brookwater's Curse Volume II.