Bloodlands

Bloodlands, Book 1

De: Daniel Pierce

Narrado por: J.F. Harding

In a world where vampires have conquered mankind, Turner West is the only thing they fear.

Threaded with silver through his body, he is a Bonemaker - a rare human who can Unmake vampires with a single cut of his blade. Crossing the prairie of what was once the United States, Turner will face a blood-crazed cult, a governor who wants power more than life itself, and a trio of beautiful women who will help him toward his ultimate goal: ridding the world of bloodsuckers.

There's just one problem. Turner's exploits have attracted a vampire so old, his very existence threatens what remains of the human race. Extinction is upon us.

©2019 Daniel Pierce (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Bloody Good Sexy Vampire Adventure

A competent writer in general, I was rather surprised by what felt like a rather leisurely pace for such a short book, but Pierce managed to create a well-rounded cast & setting without getting bogged down in worldbuilding. There's vampires. And people who kill them. And things are messed up. And away we go.
Lush descriptions and atmospheric prose make for a fun listen with a talented narrator.

Had Potential

This seemed like it would be an awesome story. There are definitely elements that I enjoyed about the writing. However, there are several things that were left unclear. It is possible I missed something by being distracted while listening, but there were three or four things that I am unclear on. I don’t think I could have missed that many things. A little mystery is wonderful, lacking details is not.

Another element that I disliked was the harem element. Harems are not my thing. I find them to be a tedious ploy meant to entertain sex starved readers.

The narration is the best part of this audiobook. J.F. Harding is new to me, but he did a great job!

Simple but good

It's kind of a simple story but a good one. I'm pretty sure the author or narrator mixed up 2 of the characters which isn't a huge deal but might be confusing. Narrator sounded good also.

Awesome job

I love vampire fiction. He did a great job in originality and voice. He is an author to look forward to.

I really liked this book good story concept

Great book concept and story line. Also its not as explicit as some of the other reviews made it out to be. There are some sex scenes(like3) but not as bad as some audio books n not bad enough to ruin the story intact I thought it brought some good depth to the story.

Got my interest

Like the story, however be prepared for cussing. If not for the excessive cursing I Enjoyed a little love story.

Heavily biased, but I love animals

The story itself wasn’t too predictable though it did feel a little plain from time to time. However, the interactions between characters and wildlife truly made me laugh and smile. It was fitting for most dead to be made similar to food, and enjoyable to see so much personification of the animals.

I love the idea but not the characters

Turner was underwhelming and hypocritical, Karina is a psychotic murderer with a victim complex and the other side characters were just flat, I really didn't like any of the characters alone but when you start putting them together they make each other worse. I really liked the world and the story but the characters just made the book a slog.

Bloodlands

Introduction:
Greetings from the icy realm of HowlStrom, where winter's embrace lasts a century. I am Kiba Snowpaw, a 36-year-old alpha male Ice Wolf with a penchant for gaming and a mastery over ice magic. Today, I delve into the chilling world of "Bloodlands" by Daniel Pierce, a tale that resonates with the cold determination of our kind.

Basic Plot Summary:
In a world where vampires have seized control, humanity's last hope lies in Turner West, a Bonemaker. With silver coursing through him, Turner possesses the unique ability to Unmake these bloodsuckers. As he traverses the remnants of the United States, he confronts a sinister cult, a power-hungry governor, and is aided by three captivating women. Yet, an ancient vampire, drawn by Turner's actions, threatens the very existence of humankind.

Analysis/Evaluation:
"Bloodlands" masterfully blends urban fantasy, post-apocalyptic settings, and classic vampire lore. The litRPG elements, though subtle, add depth, making it a treat for seasoned gamers like myself. The world-building is reminiscent of the harsh winters of HowlStrom, painting a bleak yet intriguing picture.

Characters:
Turner West: A beacon of hope, embodying resilience and determination.
The Ancient Vampire: A looming threat, representing the impending doom of humanity.
The Trio of Women: Diverse and integral to Turner's journey, each bringing their unique strengths.

Structure:
The narrative flows seamlessly, balancing action, introspection, and character development. The litRPG nuances are interwoven skillfully, ensuring even those unfamiliar can grasp its essence.

Impact:
The tale serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of resistance, mirroring the icy resolve of the wolves of HowlStrom.

Hook and Thesis:
A lone warrior's stand against a world of darkness is a timeless allure. "Bloodlands" rejuvenates this trope with its unique blend of genres, making it a must-listen for dark fantasy enthusiasts.

Praise and Critique:
Pierce's portrayal of a vampire-dominated world is both chilling and captivating. Turner West is an inspiring protagonist. However, as some reviewers like Gareth Otton pointed out, the world-building could benefit from further depth, especially regarding the Bonemaker's abilities and the nature of the vampires.

Evaluation:
For those seeking a tale of resistance, determination, and the age-old battle between humans and vampires, "Bloodlands" is a commendable choice. The litRPG elements add a modern twist, making it a refreshing read.

Comparison:
While "Bloodlands" stands out in its unique blend of genres, it does draw parallels with other post-apocalyptic tales. However, its fusion of urban fantasy and litRPG sets it apart, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar theme.

Conclusion:
From the icy heart of HowlStrom, I, Kiba Snowpaw, find "Bloodlands" a chilling yet enthralling tale. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, much like the enduring spirit of the Ice Wolves. While it has its flaws, its strengths make it a worthy addition to any audiobook collection. May your journeys through its pages be as adventurous as a trek through the snow-covered landscapes of HowlStrom.

Awesome Read

I enjoyed this book because the hero exhibited human failings. First he was not a brain trust. He was awkward with people even returning a minor to an abusing relative! Second he suffered from cross purposes weather to follow his mission to destroy blood suckers or to follow his heart. I found him to be very relatable and his story extremely enjoyable!