
Alliance in Blood by
Ariel Tachna
Can a desperate wizard and a bitter, disillusioned
vampire find a way to build the partnership that could save their world?
In a world rocked by magical war, vampires are seen by
many as less than human, as the stereotypical creatures of the night who
prey on others. But as the war intensifies, the wizards know they need an
advantage to turn the tide in their favor: the strength and edge the
vampires can give them in the battle against the dark wizards who seek to
destroy life as they know it.
In a dangerous move and show of good will, the wizards ask
the leader of the vampires to meet with them, so that they might plead their
cause. One desperate man, Alain Magnier, and one bitter, disillusioned
vampire, Orlando St. Clair, meet in Paris, and the fate of the world hangs
in the balance of their decision: Will the vampires join the cause and form
a partnership with the wizards to win the war?
The first of a four part series.
Read full chapter excerpt.
Read Summaries of Vol. 2-4
Read Reviews
ISBN:
978-0-9815084-9-8
Price: $14.99
Length: 232
Publication Date: May, 2008
Cover art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc.
Buy Now!
|
eBook
ISBN:
978-0-9817372-1-8
Format: Adobe pdf
Price: $6.99
Choose Your Format:




|
Paperback

Also Available from...



|
Suite 101 - Steve Williams
Ariel Tachna's Virgin Vampire
Story
Ariel Tachna’s story moves
so quickly that the reader could be forgiven for
forgetting details or feeling that the story is,
perhaps, just a small amount rushed, however it is
to Tachna’s credit that she can create a set-up that
relies on coincidence and yet works so well that the
necessitated meeting of
Alliance In Blood’s two
protagonists is both fluid and natural.
Especially interesting is
that, if one takes time to read a biography on Ariel
Tachna, it soon becomes apparent the author has
never read another vampire story in her life. In an
erotic horror market saturated with Anne Rice
replicas, the vampire archetypes in
Alliance In Blood
feel fresh and reinvigorated.
Chief amongst them is the complex
and believable character of Orlando, a vampire who
was brutalized after he was changed, becoming a
victim of sexual abuse and being forced to turn
humans against his will. As such, in meeting Alain,
his wizard and lover, there are many taboos he first
has to break before he trusts his new partner.
Making Believable Gay Characters
More than that, in
Alliance In Blood
the intimate and sensual nature of the vampire’s
bite is explored without pretension and in such a
way that feels organic in concept, and well drawn
out in execution. Ariel Tachna makes the precarious
line between sadomasochism and the vampire’s erotic
bite a blurry one, creating a vivid tapestry of
shades to each of her well drawn gay characters.
The ending of Ariel Tachna’s
Alliance In Blood
is suitably abrupt without being stunted, making way
for the following Partnership In Blood series, and
although some may find the pace of the novel a
little too quick in how the protagonists are put
together, Ariel Tachna utilises some deft
characterisation to flesh out her central gay couple
so that their choices and sudden bond are
believable.
Concluding Thoughts
On
Alliance In Blood
Ultimately,
Alliance In Blood
transcends the genre titles of
horror or gay erotica to become a novel that is, in
fact, about multifaceted people, and in so doing,
Ariel Tachna has managed to create the first book of
a series that is genuinely exciting in its promise
for more and better.






Coffee Time Romance & More - Reviewed by Regina
Alliance in Blood has received the CTRR (Coffee
Time Reviewer's Recommend Award) from Coffee Time Romance & More. This
award recognizes outstanding writing styles in all book types and genres.
Alliance in Blood kept me turning pages long into
the night. I read it in one sitting! The emotions between Alain and Orlando
are so vividly written that this reader felt as though she were feeling them
right along with the characters. The world building in this book is
extraordinary, and very well crafted, not to mention extremely imaginative.
This is a vampire, not to mention a gay romance unlike all others, and it is
truly unique. All of the characters, both the main ones as well as the
secondary ones, are well developed, giving the reader a deep look into all
the personalities involved such that this reader felt as though she knew
them by the end of the book. I am very much looking forward to the second
and third book in this series as I am waiting with baited breath to find out
both what happens with their war, and the other partnerships as well as
Alain and Orlando. I highly recommend this book to one and all!
Fallen
Angel Reviews - 5 Angels
This is my introduction to Ms.
Ariel Tachna, and I'm thoroughly impressed. When
you strip away the characters' supernatural
abilities, you're left with characters that have a
human quality that draws you in. They have flaws
that are noticeable but not overbearing, and dreams
for love, happiness, and peace. The sketch of the
Paris is the perfect backdrop for this novel. A
place I've never visited but now have hopes to
travel to one day. In addition, the plot to fight,
good against evil, regardless of how simplistic, is
anything but when Alain and Orlando show what they
are battling for. Yes, peace is a huge part, but for
Orlando, this is a chance to gain his stripes. To
finally know what it's like to not be treated
substandard by his fellow vampires, and to remove
the images of nuisance and child and be seen as an
equal. He also fights to repair the damage done to
his heart, soul, and mind so many years ago. His
alliance with the wizards, as well as his bond with
Alain, supplies that and so much more. For Alain
it's the chance to repair his own wounded heart, and
to find the love he deserves. His tender treatment
of Orlando will go a long way in their healing
processes. I absolutely loved this book, and can't
wait to read the next installment.
Literary Nymphs - Reviewed by Mystical Nymph
4.5 Nymphs
Alliance in Blood is the first
novel by Ariel Tachna that I’ve had the opportunity to read, and I’ll tell
you up front that I enjoyed it thoroughly. This emotionally charged
paranormal tale grabbed my attention at the beginning and kept me reading
until I reached the last page…all in one night. I loved the concept of an
uneasy alliance between these two groups to fight a mutually dangerous foe.
Ms. Tachna did a wonderful job crafting their world and making it
believable, using skill, interesting personalities and vivid descriptions.
While the backbone of the story is the fight against the Dark Wizards, it is
the connection…the new found love between Alain and Orlando, and the other
newly formed vampire/wizard partnerships that propel it forward.
Alain and Orlando are a sexy couple who live in vastly different worlds, but
they come together in love, tenderness and passion. Their union is strong,
soul deep and made to last an eternity, especially after they bind
themselves together using ancient magic. I, for one, look forward to seeing
what happens to them and the other vampire/wizard partnerships in the
forthcoming books in this four-book series. Look for the next release in the
Partnership in Blood series with Covenant in Blood.
Romance Junkies - Reviewed by Christina
ALLIANCE IN BLOOD is the first novel
in a new four part series by Ariel Tachna. This is not your typical vampire
story. Ms. Tachna has taken a refreshing and fascinating approach. The plot
is richly detailed and the reader is immersed in the setting and the
characters. Alain and Orlando are captivating heroes who compliment each
other well. I loved the connection between them. I can’t wait for the next
book in the series.
Joyfully Reviewed - Reviewed by Nannette
Alliance in Blood is an emotionally
charged story. Orlando’s insecurity and his need for acceptance and love is
tangible. Alian is so good to and for him. They make a very loving and
passionate couple. Orlando’s past is filled with violence and pain. The
images he recalls are heartbreaking. There is a scene in Alliance in
Blood that brought tears to my eyes because of its heart- wrenching
poignancy. Alliance in Blood is dark, erotic, and very well
written. I love the concept of this story. It’s very cool and very
different. Alliance in Blood is the beginning of what
promises to be a terrific series.
The
BookkeeperAriel Tachna says
she has never read a vampire story in her life
(haven’t I heard that before?), so I was expecting
something in the line of Twilight as far as
the vampire culture was concerned. Was I wrong! She
did a great job building a complex world with a lot
of characters to keep track of. All the characters
are fleshed out and have a distinct personality.
Just the thought of all those wizards and vampires
walking around in beautiful Paris is so exciting.
From what I understand the whole story of the war
was written as one book and then later divided into
four parts. This first part has no conclusion and at
the end I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on the
second part.
The idea of wizards and
vampires forming some blood bond is fascinating and
really kept my interest up. Since Alain and Orlando
are the first two to pair up
(and not because they had to,
but because they chose each other), this part mainly
deals with them. However, a lot of other
characters are being introduced in a way that was
neither forced nor seemed rushed in any way.
Now, Alain and
Orlando: wow, what a couple! I have hardly ever read
a romance with such an (instant) attraction and such
devotion to each other. From the
word go they hit it off and
don’t waste any time on beating around the bush.
Some people might complain about this being totally
unrealistic, and so on, but so what? Yeah, this
might not reflect reality, but after reading this
you wish it would. This is a true love story. The
way Alain wants to help Orlando overcome his
insecurities and the way they interact is just
beautiful. Of course, there are a few love scenes,
but this story also offers scenes in which the love
and tenderness between Alain and Orlando shows
without all the plain sex. I have read my share of
vampire stories by now, but I have never read a
scene describing a vampire bite as sensual and
erotic as in this book. There are no idiotic
misunderstandings, problems are being dealt with
immediately. Those two guys are the epitome of a
couple truly loving each other.
What a fantastic read! I’m now
halfway into book two and know I’ll have to wait
until May for the third part to be released. Bummer!
For over two years, the wizards
have been fighting a civil war. In hopes of turning
the tide, the leader of the Milice Wizards sends one
of his second in command, Alain, to meet with a
member of the local vampire clan. Alain is unsure
what to expect but the last thing he saw coming was
someone like Orlando.
Orlando, an emotional fragile
vampire, is not used to people wanting anything to
do with him. As a favor to the vampire leader and
his friend, Orlando agrees to meet with the wizards.
He never thought a little sip of blood would end up
changing his whole life.
Alliance in Blood, a book I would
have been more than happy to give a higher rating,
is the first book of a new series by author Ariel
Tachna. Loaded with wizards, vampires, and magic,
the author spins a tale so full of action that you
will not want to put it down. While the characters
of Alain and Orlando (my favorite couple in the
book) are the main focus of the story, all the
characters play pivotal rolls in keeping the story
flowing smoothly. Alliances are formed and new bonds
make the characters struggle to understand the
changes making them almost real to the reader. More
than once I wanted to find a way to help Orland feel
safe or Thierry get over his grieve. Readers will
easily become hooked on this new series.