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.

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Reviews

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!

AngelFallen 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 Bookkeeper

Ariel 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!

starstarstarstarstar - Rainbow Reviews

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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