The Descendant (The Descendant Vampire Series) [Kindle Edition]

Kelley Grealis (Author), Jenny Bengen-Albert (Editor), A BCD Creative (Illustrator)

Book Description

Allison Carmichael wakes from a car wreck with no memory of the past three years. She doesn’t recall her husband’s death or how she alienated her friends, and she definitely doesn’t remember anything about her new boyfriend Vincent Drake – a charismatic man with a penchant for rare and unique possessions. In fact, the only things familiar to Allison are her seemingly common ailments – insomnia, lack of appetite, erratic body temperature – which have gone undiagnosed and are worsening.

But Vincent knows exactly who, and what, Allison is – a mortal descendant of the first vampire. He is a vampire who has watched over Allison and her ancestors since the Biblical times of Cain and Abel ensuring their secret is kept. Once he realizes Allison’s symptoms are accelerating and transforming her, he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Vincent tells Allison that she is a descendant and the first of her kind to exhibit signs of vampirism. Her worsening symptoms mean that she must decide between risking her mortal death if she cannot control her symptoms or fully transforming into a vampire and damning her soul for eternity. A decision made even more difficult when Allison discovers that Vincent has manipulated her life, and everyone in it, so that he can have the one thing no one else in the world has – the first descendant-turned-vampire.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I look forward to other stories Grealis may pen in non-vampire setting because, in all honesty, she has a vision and way of telling a story few authors possess.  After all, if she could get a die-hard anti-vampire reader like me interested in her characters enough to want to read the sequel, The Search - to be released later in 2013, I'd say she did a commendable job indeed." 
-Budden Book Reviews

"The Descendant is a unique paranormal tale that takes a well known biblical theme and turns it sideways, resulting in a thoughtful, well written story of one woman's discovery of a family legacy that changes both her perception of her past, and her expectations of her future.  I found the new twist on vamp origins to be detailed, well thought out, and very engaging, so much so, I caught myself thinking about the old bible stories and saying 'hmmmm.'" - Indie Love Book Club & Reviews

From the Author

I've been asked many times what inspired me to write The Descendant.  I've loved all things vampire since I was a little girl when my mother hooked me on Dark Shadows re-runs. Once I decided to write a book, it was only natural for me to write about vampires.  One thing I had noticed about most vampire books and movies, was that the vampire was "just there."  I never read about the origin of the first vampire, or for the storylines that did address this, I didn't find the plot plausible.  I therefore decided to write about the vampire's origin.  Since my parents had sent me to Catholic school from Kindergarten through 12th grade, there was one thing I knew well -biblical stories.  Therefore, I decided to explain how the vampire was created by tying their origin to popular biblical stories.  And that's how The Descendant was born!

The Descendant is the first book in The Descendant Vampire Series.  Book #2 - The Search - is currently in the works and set for publication in fall/winter 2013.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 448 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: KG Publishing, LLC (May 24, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GET9KE
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,293 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable Vampire Novel August 9, 2012

By Gomez Carlton

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am not a huge fan of vampire subject matter, especially the new wave of modern vampires (that don't follow the "classic" Dracula powers and weaknesses), but I did enjoy this book quite a bit.

One reason was that I could empathize with the main character, Allison, in the beginning of the novel. Allison is in her 30s, and she realizes she may be having a midlife crisis. Has she or will she leave her mark on the world? If so, how? Is she really destined for great things? I cannot remember a book that has featured a character going through these feelings that struck this strong of a chord with me.

Another reason is, after the vampires reveal themselves, the book really kicks into high gear. Events proceed quickly from that point, and I found the book difficult to put down.

And, if you are from the Cleveland area, there is an additional level of enjoyment for you here. Ms. Grealis' book is set in the Cleveland area, and a number of familiar locations (and weather conditions) are described. Of special note is Rattlesnake Island, which I had never heard of before reading this book. A private, exclusive, secretive island right on Lake Erie? For real!

I would unreservedly recommend this book to those who already enjoy all things vampire; I would also suggest that those on the fence about vamps to give it a try as well. As a member of those on the fence, I am glad I took a chance on this one.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Descriptive writing July 6, 2012

By Corine D.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I liked that this book offered a different perspective to the traditional vampire story. The descriptive writing kept my interest.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Kudos.... July 4, 2012

By Sunshine

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

NO! is what I wanted to scream when the book ended, I wanted more. This was not your typical vampire story with Ms. Grealis creating her own spin on how the first vampire came to be. From the very beginning of the book, Ms. Grealis draws readers in by making Allison someone most people can relate to. We've all been in that place of dis-satisfaction where we want to find our purpose in life, whether or not it will really make us happy. Allison's journey to find her true origins takes the reader on many exciting twists and turns. The vivid use of language sucks the reader right there alongside Allison.

I'm eagerly awaiting the follow up book to see where Allison's journey takes her next.

More About the Author

Kelley Grealis was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She has a B.A. in Accounting from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Masters of Business Administration from Cleveland State University. She has loved all things vampire since she was a little girl, and it was that passion combined with thirteen years of Catholic schooling, that inspired her to write THE DESCENDANT. She lives in a Cleveland suburb with her husband and their two cats. Kelley enjoys running, bicycling, motorcycle riding, gardening, and feeding the wildlife that visits her backyard.