A Journey of Black and Red

A Journey of Black and Red, Book 1

By: Alex Gilbert

Narrated by: Hollie Jackson

Waking up chained in a dark cellar, Ariane must struggle to survive and escape the strange fortress she finds herself in.

All those around her play by rules she does not understand, and there is also this strange thirst that water cannot sate....

©2021 Alex Gilbert (P)2021 Podium Audio

Very Good

Not sure what I was expecting going in but I was pleasantly surprised and will be continuing the series.

Great blend of a vampire book with period fantasy

This book was fun to listen to with good story and the right amount of humor to keep me hooked. The characters are all interesting in their own way and the take on vampires during the western expansion of the US is very well done. The book uses a lot of familiar vampires tropes without falling into traps that ruin a lot of similar books making it a refreshing take on the genre. There are other mythological creatures in the story and they're presented in a way that is always unique and interesting. All narration in the book was also very well done.

Entertaining, consistent and quality

Refreshing to see a competent MC - struggles, ambition but a dose of inspiring perseverance along the way.

Slow start but it was ok

Definitely a very slow start. First 9 chapters were kind of hard to keep listening because of how slow it was. It got better, but I’m not really sold on this series.

Not the best at the start, But it gets better.

Its REALLLYYY annoying at that start. But... it does get better. Then it gets GOOD! Just have to be patient.

The character sounds whiny and like a pure fool. But thats just because of what here link to her master does to her. Once her mind is her own again, the story picks up pace. So give it time folks. There is a gem here.

A Great Feat

It takes a lot of bravery to bring yet another vampire story into the world. After all, what hasn't been done before? It also takes a lot of bravery to even bother reading yet another vampire story. All the same, I urge you to be brave, intrepid reader, for the author is a competent one and your bravery and his will surely be rewarded.

In all seriousness, this was well written and while not ground breaking or mind blowing, it is a tale that is told competently. The nature and personality of the main character really makes the book likable, and all the other characters are portrayed with skill as well. The plot is intriguing with plenty of action to hold your attention. It is just an all around good book and a promising start to a series.

If I had one complaint, it would be that the book is told in first person, but even this is not so much a complaint but a weariness. Usually, I find that new authors tend to write in first person because it feels easier for them, when all the while it is actually hampering their storytelling ability. However, this author seems too competent to be new and the first person view works well with the story, so well done there. If you are at all interested in this book, I would urge you to give it a try.

My favorite vampire series

I love this series! I've been reading them as they come out on Royal Road almost since the series first started, and the published versions are even better! This audio version of book one is just wonderful. Hollie Jackson is a perfect fit for the narration. She brings Ariane to life in a whole new dimension. Do yourself a favor and pick up this series!

The story was amazing

It took me a minute to get into the accent, but I loved it! Excellent book and excellent reader

Dark comedy/slice of life, quite good.

A southern belle of the early 1800's, finds that she has become a vampire, adventure, horror and hilarity commences. I would say the best way to describe this first book is a series of short stories as a newly born monster figures out what she is and everything that comes with that knowledge, but also what she wants to be in the future. This book does not shy away from the fact that Arianne is not human, yet it does not venture into the territory of edge lord. It is genuinely hilarious at times, without making the whole thing seem like it isn't taken seriously. it was quite enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next one with great expectations. Silent watcher willing that the other two books come out on audible soon.

Don't avoid just because it's vampires

A really good book and series. I usually avoid vampire themes as most of the ones I've tried have been very much the same, and not well done. This one takes its own theme and rules and sticks to those. the characters are interesting, the story strings you along with laughs, tension, sadness- the whole range. I found the narration a bit difficult to listen to first but it improved, and definitely adds that southern touch. this is the sort of book that I could listen to in any mood.