Reviews for Paradise Shattered
Vampires Never Die...
...And I've always found that sad. I have nothing against the vampires themselves, just the stories written about them. Perhaps there are vampire aficionados who haven't read Bram Stoker's Dracula. They might appreciate the current fare. I don't. Reading Stoker is like sipping a rare wine and dining on caviar. The current books are more like eating canned sardines on Saltine Crackers while guzzling Kool-Aid.

Sigh. Groan. They're all the same. Today, the vampire may have different names, and travel on a 747 or the Space Shuttle while escaping the hunter, but the formula is the same. You don't need a crystal ball when reading the first page to know what is written on the last. Authors have tried to add humor, minor variations and more characters, but the basic plot is the same. Consequently, if I find myself faced with a limited choice, I generally opt to read the dictionary or telephone directory in place of a vampire story.

You can imagine my dismay when I discovered that Paradise Shattered was about vampires. I had picked it up because I had read other Lee and Bonias works and enjoyed them. I thought I would be treated with science fiction, but I wasn't. I was tricked. To make matters worse, I have concluded that the authors dabble in black magic. They put another of their spells on me and I found myself enjoying-- no, relishing--the book.

Stoker on Hallucinogens

Had Bram Stoker set out to write romance rather than horror, he might have written Paradise Shattered . Had he sampled the mushrooms in the woods behind his house, he might have replaced the venerable professor with a demon or a warlock who harbors a deep hatred of vampires. He didn't. He left that up to Lee and Bonias.

At the outset, readers find that there are good vampires and bad vampires. The bad vampires, the ones we all know and hate, go about the countryside drinking human blood. The good vampires go to discos and drink plasma highballs. Then there are the hybrids. They are more like incredible hulks...if the incredible hulk had ridden a Harley and belonged to Hell's Angels.

There are humans and ghouls. The good humans are in love with the vampires. They do far more than lunch, which adds the Lee and Bonias touch of mild erotica to the book. The ghouls replace Stocker's idiot henchman who lives to do the mater's bidding. They are human, well developed characters that touch the heart. Their relationship with their vampire is more like a family headed by a 2000-year-old patriarch.

There are other humans. Bad humans. Hunter humans. They are out to kill all of the vampires, their ghouls, and any humans who stand in their way. That may not sound that much different than Stoker until we add their leader: a warlock who was reputedly killed in the 16th century. He holds them under his spell, turning the "vampire militia" into his variety of ghoul.

I Don't Reveal Plots

... and I will not make an exception here. Suffice it to say that this is the age-old battle of good and evil that is the grist of most fiction. Stoker was a master at it. Lee and Bonias twisted it here. The good guys are evil and the bad guys are righteous. Will the hero get the girl and ride off into the sunset? Not likely. The hero can't tolerate the sun and besides, the horse would most likely spook when it saw the fangs.
Of course, amid the gut wrenching action and mind-boggling skullduggery, there is a love story. It wouldn't be a Lee and Bonias book without it. Did I say "a love story." I lied. There are several. Boy meets girl and falls in love. She's twentyish. He's the oldest vampire on earth, the elder of the "good" clan. Boy meets girl and falls in love. He's thirtyish and she's younger. He'll age. She won't. She's a vampire. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, marry, and become ghouls. Such is the meat of the relationships so well developed in the book. It's enough to make a marriage counselor choose another profession. The authors redefine the term "May-December Marriage."

An Excellent Read

This book, like all Lee/Bonias books, has something for everyone. There's romance, action, mystery, suspense and their patented dry humor. They always include a bumbling character who is, well... lovable. They are always my favorites and I keep reading until they're revealed. By that time, I'm hooked and keep reading until the last page.

The authors write for one purpose--to entertain--and they do it so well. They have no axes to grind or deep-seated philosophy to convey. It's obvious that they write for their enjoyment, nothing more. When authors enjoy their work, the readers are taken along for the ride. Such is the case with Paradise Shattered.

Bare your fangs and bite into this one. It's a wild ride with an explosive ending. When you reach the end and the depression sets in because there is no more, take heart. This is the first book in a trilogy. The fun's just beginning.

Genre: Fiction: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Wayne Arnold - author of Plausible Deniability and Acquisitions Editor for Books Unbound

For the entire review, go to: http://theshadowmatrix.com/outlaw/reviews.html

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Winner of WordWeaving Award of Excellence

        Vincent McBride built his secluded resort to lure skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer. With a mobile population, no one would think to look too closely at the mysterious owner and his managers who never age. He met Jeff and Sarah over forty years ago when they had emigrated from Europe only to be swindled out of their savings and left alone to face a cold New York winter. He'd made them an offer that they accepted of their own free will. In exchange for immortality they gave Vincent that absolute devotion. But after ten years of being alone, Vincent is incredibly lonely, despite the devotion of his ghouls.

        Since Vincent needs a new lawyer, Sarah arranges for three to interview with him. She carefully selects three beautiful women, the last being her preference. From his first meeting with Marilyn Thompson, Vincent senses a woman with deep passion that even she doesn't recognize. Intelligent, complicated, determined and strong, Marilyn's everything Vincent finds most attractive, including the carefully concealed vulnerability. Vincent wants her, but only because it's her choice, not from any vampire compelling. But even before Vincent can explain exactly what he is, others threaten his newfound paradise. Shadow Stalkers are killing vampires, ghouls and associates alike. With the latest in technology and final backing, they are extraordinarily dangerous, and their next target is Vincent's resort.

        With graphic violence strong sexual content, PARADISE SHATTERED is not for everyone. But for lovers of intensity and vampires, PARADISE SHATTERED is a stunning, fulfilling read. Authors D. Lee and Kammy Bonias seem to take great pleasure in exploring the sensual pleasures of vampirism, as well as its more dangerous aspects. In addition, the use of ghouls, particularly a secondary character's well thought out decision to become one, is fascinating, as is the explanation of clans of vampire. While many of the characters are fascinating, I would have liked to see Marilyn's character more fully developed. The reader has little sense of who she was before arriving at Vincent's resort and what, beyond fantastic sex, motivates her to leave behind an ordinary life. Nevertheless, intense and violent, PARADISE SHATTERED comes very highly recommended.

Cindy Penn - www.wordweaving.com

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4 stars

Vincent McBride is handsome, immortal and the owner of a secluded resort. He's blessed with the company of two ghouls, Jeff and Sarah, to whom he granted immortality over forty years ago in exchange for their eternal loyalty and service. But even the company of Jeff and Sarah can't fill the void Vincent feels. He's incredibly lonely and in need of a mate. Sarah senses his needs and sets out to do what she can to help. When Vincent informs her of his need for an attorney, Sarah seizes the opportunity to play matchmaker of sorts. She arranges three interviews with beautiful, prominent female attorneys.

Vincent is instantly drawn to the last of the three attorneys, Marilyn Thompson. She's a city girl, attractive, intelligent, and strong, everything he could want in a mate. But will she be willing to leave her ordinary life to share eternity with him? Despite his overwhelming need for her, Vincent refuses to allow himself to bring her into his world without her consent. He must tell her that he's a vampire and all that it entails. As they grow closer, he attempts to prepare Marilyn for the truth and his offer. But before he has a chance to completely explain himself to her, he discovers his resort and the lives of himself and everyone around him is in danger. A group of Shadow Stalkers is traveling around killing off vampires and ghouls and their next stop is Vincent's resort.

PARADISE SHATTERED is packed with action, intensity, violence, and romance. Authors D. Lee and Kammy Bonias have created a cast of characters who are well explored, interesting and as true to life as a vampire or ghoul could be. The detailed description of each scene makes the reader feel as if they are truly a part of each scene.

The graphic violence depicted is not for one with a weak stomach. And strong sexual content is present, making this novel not suitable for everyone. But vampire lovers and lovers of action and suspense will definitely enjoy PARADISE SHATTERED.
Reviewed by Tonya Ramagos for Timeless Tales

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