Please welcome author Serena Zane!
Vampire mythos
classic vs. modern
Serena Zane
Over the centuries the mythos of the Vampire has both
fascinated and disgusted us. Like a car accident, we just can't look away. The
thought that something so beautiful could be so dangerous is almost irresistible
for the human race.
As a person, I have a love of all things paranormal:
vampires, werewolves, witches, etc... As a writer, the history of each has
taken on a sort of morbid fascination for me. Due to the fact that there are so
many different legends that have been created about the Vampire, I took what I
loved most about each and then added my own twist on the vampire vs. werewolf
wars of legend.
Zaniac vampires, as I like to call them, are created. In
their own sub-culture, a priestess in Egyptian times fell in love with a young
warrior. However, he spurned her affections, and as a curse she created the
first vampire. Each vampire after that was created from this first 'original'.
Zaniac vampires can shape-shift, fly, have heightened senses, mind-control, and
telepathy. Silver can kill them. As is traditional, they cannot be exposed to
sunlight, are affected adversely by Holy Water, and a good old fashioned stake
will take them out. While they can 'fall in love' and do so intensely, there is
no such thing as a 'lifemate' unlike in my favorite novels by Christine
Feehan. They do have a marriage ceremony
that ties them for life and vampires do not believe in open relationships once
married. Adultery is punished by death. However, before marriage, they are
rather promiscuous. Zaniac vampires are immune to drugs, or disease, and are of
course immortal.
The legend I have created to make this my own is a twist on
the old vampire vs. werewolf wars. In Zaniac history werewolves were held as
slaves by the vampire race. Werewolf blood is like a drug for vampires,
creating a sense of euphoria. It is highly addictive. The werewolves rebelled
back in the Middle Ages and a great war was started creating a rift between the
two species. In the Dark Warrior series, vampire Damon Blake falls for Nikki
Adams, who is part-werewolf. This creates numerous issues that Zaniac's can
experience throughout this ongoing series. My newest release, Bane, explores
how old grudges and beliefs can effect one's life. In my Hunter Diaries series,
the vampires are very traditional and follow the old school form of vampire
legend. In my release Insidious Whispers, Phoenix is endowed with a magical
ability that will surprise you.
Just for fun, I have included a comparison chart below of
some of my favorite vampire legends. Check it out, and let me know what you
think!
Title: Mystical Seduction
Paul's been called many things-graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke-but "forgiving" isn't one of them. When the new women's softball coach at Calapooya College specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul's forced to put aside his strict "no athletes" policy for the sake of his paycheck. Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul's high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one-the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor's come out and retired from baseball, and now he's looking for forgiveness and a second chance. There's no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn't sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on. This title is part of the Theta Alpha Gamma universe.
Title: Neptune's Lair
Title: Releasing the Wolf
