Just when you thought it was safe to walk the streets of Ottawa once more...the Crimsons are back!
With the death of the one true vampire Sir William Simon Hennessy, and the transference of vampirical supremacy to Magdalene which rounded out the last novel, The Crimson Woman, we fans of the original Crimson trilogy were left with the feeling that the wheel had turned full circle, that things had been set right, and with the power now in good, safe hands, life could move on.
Think again! And for Patricia McCarthy's legion of fans and lovers of the Erotica Vampirica genre, we can be grateful for that.
The Crimson Time takes us into the new life of Magdalene, Samuel, Baby Finn and Aunt Aileen as they seek to explore new boundaries and realities and settle into a semi-normal existence. Well, as normal as you can when you have an unquenchable lust for blood and a limitless desire for sexual satiation to match. I loved the erotic explorations of Samuel and Magdalene as they test out the limits of her newly evolved body and her increased need to take their sex play to new levels in order to gain a heightened sense of sexual fulfilment. The early scene with them in their playroom, using the new "equipment", sets the tone right away. Patricia McCarthy's ability to write with incredible eroticism leaves the reader tittering on the precipice of pleasure, begging for more, yet scared of what that more might entail. It is easy to be swept up in the passion that Magdalene and Samuel have for one another, and the uncertainty that permeates their relationship now that Magdalene has changed. It is an exciting uncertainty, however, and the enjoyment of this ride of discovery is one of the key elements that helps engage the reader with these fascinating characters.
With Sir William for all intents and purposes dearly departed, McCarthy injects another larger than life character into the mix in the form of David Three Rats. He's an intriguing and mysteriously eccentric man who will obviously become a major player as further adventures unfold. His presence is immediately felt upon introduction, and the reader is left pondering just what power and knowledge he may possess. That's a great tip of the hat to the ability of the author to conjure strong characters who can add to the story.
I was pleasantly surprised to see an increased role for one of my favourite characters, Aunt Aileen, in this latest offering. Taking the role of carer for Baby Finn, she now lives with Magdalene and Samuel, which in itself creates some hilarious moments of discomfort. Imagine trying to get jiggy with your old aunty banging on the door trying to have a conversation with you! Her dry sense of humour and old school wisdom, as well as her down to earth "nothing can shock me" attitude, is a brilliant contrast to most of the other modern-focused and cool assortment of characters. Aunt Aileen was the touchstone of The Crimson Time for me.
Once more the Canadian-Irish lads whose lust for sex matches their enjoyment of vicious brutality, the Coffey boys, play an important role in the tale. This time they have less of the heavy role, and show more of the family touch, particularly as loving surrogate uncles for Baby Finn, not to mention as dear friends and protectors of Samuel and Magdalene (not that they particularly need protecting mind you!). I enjoyed this deepening of their characters and the way they are now more intimately intertwined in the family. It makes their part in the story more meaningful. Their many vices and enthusiasm make them especially charismatic, and I could almost see a spin-off series of Crimson novels being created by the author exploring their past and their own adventures. Derek and Kevin, alcoholics and stoners, lovers and fighters, in their own novels...that's got potential!
The actual story that unfolds within The Crimson Time is a gripping and entertaining tale that holds the readers' attention from start to finish. When Samuel's vampiric half-brother Cain returns, you know things are about to take a turn for the worse, or at least, a turn to the more mysterious. The reach of Sir William extends beyond the immortal grave, and a supernatural treasure hunt begins. And we get left with the scene perfectly set for more Crimson adventures to follow.
As in the first three books, Patricia McCarthy once again displays a masterful approach to writing a modern day cross-genre thriller. As in the hit television show "True Blood", working the vampire element into normal life creates so many opportunities for thrilling stories and unique angles that the potential is just unlimited. And that is the endearing feeling I take away after The Crimson Time...that the potential is unlimited, and that the strong set of substance based characters could grow in almost any direction and work within the settings of almost any style of novel McCarthy seeks to unfold.
Blending her detailed story and flowing style of writing with sharp ideas and charismatic word play, the story bounces along at a great rate of knots, and The Crimson Time is one of those books where you get to the end of a chapter and convince yourself that "just one more chapter" will do, and suddenly you look at the clock and it's three hours later and half the novel has been devoured. That's always a great sign of some quality reading; the Crimson influence perhaps?
A mention to the erotic element of the book: Few authors have the ability to be considered a serious top shelf writer when their work includes scenes of explicit and raw sexuality described in the ultimate detail. The fact McCarthy can pull this off with such strength and conviction, with incredible heat and explosive passion, is testament to her abilities as a novelist. The sex in all of the Crimson books is not a cheap sideshow designed to draw in a larger crowd with a distracting "wowser" factor...it is at the heart of the story and the characters, and influences the atmosphere which purveys the entire story. If you find descriptions and visualisations of serious sex something that may be a turn off in your reading, then avoid this book. If you love those things, which I'm guessing most of us reading this will, stop wasting time, and grab a copy of McCarthy's work.
So now the wait begins for the next instalment in the series, and my Crimson-blood lust grows by the day. For some of the best modern-vampire storytelling going around, do yourself a favour, invite Samuel and Magdalene into your lives. Patricia McCarthy will make it worth your while!
The Charlatan Book Review
by Elise Milbradt
3 stars out of 5
Provocative, blood-filled and highly sensual, The Crimson Woman, by Ottawa erotica author Patricia Kathleen McCarthy, paints our city's Sandy Hill neighbourhood in a shocking new light. Take the house on Besserer Street for example, where a human-vampire hybrid is living with his human wife and partaking in violent sexual escapades within his attic's torture chamber. In another house on the corner of Range Road and Somerset, two half-human, half-vampire hybrids duel to the death.
Clearly this is not the same vampire world depicted in Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight trilogy. And unlike Meyer's wildly popular series, McCarthy's is not likely to have mass appeal. But The Crimson Woman has its own unique charm, and proves to be a page-turner even for those who no previous interest in the erotica genre.
The story centers around Samuel, a human-vampire hybrid and his human wife Magdalene. The kidnapping of Magdalene by Samuel's father, "the one and only vampire on earth," propels the narrative. But while there is a genuine plotline driving this novel forward, the basis of this plot is relatively weak.
Sir William kidnaps and keeps Magdalene from her husband, telling her of an "ultimate purpose" that he has in store for her. Unfortunately, this "ultimate purpose" is not nearly as ominous as it sounds and does not cause any of the grief or hardship that the reader is led to believe it will. The slow, plodding beginning - heavy with philosophical ramblings about lust and fear - may also turn off some readers.
But there are many redeeming factors within The Crimson Woman that may entice its readers. Characters are well-developed throughout and the novel's dialogue is creatively disjointed - making for a cast of believably imperfect characters. And while at times it appears as though McCarthy is trying a bit too hard to be poetic, when she is on, she is on - expelling a number of genuinely arousing and imaginative scenes.
With a unique flair for words and a penchant for creating unique and memorable characters, McCarthy creates an unquestionably stimulating fantasy world. And though anti-climatic plot-wise, The Crimson Woman is likely to leave its reader pleasantly satisfied.
At last, the massively anticipated conclusion to Patricia McCarthy’s “Crimson” trilogy has arrived! And make no bones about it, “The Crimson Woman” delivers in providing a thrilling, terrifying and ultimately satisfying conclusion to this groundbreaking series that has redefined the Erotica Vampirica genre.
A quick schooling for those unfamiliar with the first two episodes of the “Crimson” trilogy…the story revolves around the half-vampire, half-human Samuel and his human wife Magdalene who live in the beautiful city of Ottawa, Canada. The semi-normal life they have created for themselves is turned on its head when firstly they discover they are pregnant, and secondly, when Samuel’s father, the one true vampire Sir William Simon Hennessy, arrives on the scene with his own devious intentions.
The Crimson Woman picks up with Sir William seeking to assert his plans for Magdalene and her unborn child in a manner truly in keeping with a character of his magnitude. A distraught Samuel not only has to contend with this, but also with the cover up of multiple gruesome murders that threatens to throw back the veil on his life and the many secrets it contains.
Helping Samuel are the violently charming Coffey brothers, Canadian-Irish lads whose lust for sex and vicious brutality both intrigues and repulses. Also entering the story in Samuel’s aid is Magdalene’s mysterious Aunt Aileen, a woman whose mystical experience of life is only matched by her sharp tongue and thirst for rum.
Patricia McCarthy’s ability to develop absorbing characters right throughout the “Crimson” series has been a real highlight, and in “The Crimson Woman” we find ourselves being pulled even further into the lives and minds of these engrossing individuals. Each character is strong and well defined, with depth and relevance to the raging storyline. I loved the diversity of characters, from the rough and charismatic Coffey brothers to the strong and playful Magdalene right through to the statesman-like persona of Sir William. Patricia McCarthy is a master of conjuring characters that demand your attention.
I found myself unable to put this book down, particularly as the story builds to the exciting conclusion. I loved both “The Crimson Man” and “The Crimson Boy”, but I found “The Crimson Woman” to be less hyperactive and more seductive in the way it lures you into the revelations that will change the lives of the characters, and potentially the world, forever. The pace is still close to full throttle. However, the story plays out with such beautiful flow that at no stage do you feel lost or left behind in the action.
There is inevitability about the ending; a splendid acceptance and realisation that no matter what they may desire, what is to come is impossible to avoid. I loved the way the author has crafted the finale so that the magnitude of the events seem unavoidable, hence acceptable, and that this fact alone means as readers we should sit back and bask in the certainty that things are unfolding as they should. Even though somewhere deep inside of you there may be feelings of “no, this is wrong!” the overwhelming nature of Sir William will mesmerize you into throwing up your hands and simply being swept along without protest.
McCarthy shows herself to be a writer of substantial talent not just in her story and character development, but also in the effective blending of styles you find within “The Crimson Woman” and the series as a whole. At times, the writing conveys detailed imagery of sheer horror and absolute evil, leaving you cold. The violence is at times shocking. Then, in barely a separating paragraph, you find yourself immersed in some of the hottest and most pure erotic writing you are likely to find anywhere. And I want to emphasise that…the sex is HOT! It is easy to focus too much on the brilliant story, but as someone who loves reading erotica, I can honestly say that what Patricia McCarthy serves up is a feast of sexual and sensory decadence the match of any I have come across for pure heat. Round that off with some moments of genuine comedy, suspense, mystery and a HUGE serving of romance, yes romance, and you can see why this series has had readers right around the world salivating for more. It is the perfect storm of blended styles and genres.
Something that appealed to me also was the “edge” of the book, with drug use and in-your-face language on top of the other components making this one not for the feint hearted. The author’s ability to blend supernatural themes with everyday life subjects and alternative lifestyles helps the series translate perfectly into the contemporary world, and we feel a closer connection to the characters and greater immersion in the story as a result. No punches are pulled, so be warned.
Overall, if you love your erotica dished up in a variety of flavours and with a supernatural twist, don’t waste another moment before getting your hands on Patricia McCarthy’s “Crimson” series. While it would be possible to enjoy “The Crimson Woman” as a novel in its own right, in my opinion it works much more effectively when read as the conclusion of a terrific tale as it is intended.
But then again, is it the conclusion? It may be for the time being, but the story leaves open the exciting possibility that we may not have seen the last of these “Crimson” tales, and that the newly crowned “Crimson Woman” may yet have a sting in her tail further down the road…or, as a fan, we can hope for as much anyway!
As Reviewed by: Annie – Nov 8, 2007: The Romance Studio
The Crimson Man: A Fantasy is a thoroughly erotic tale combining the threads of vampires and BDSM in addition to the center thread of a woman who finds such fulfillment in her marriage that she is empowered to act out her every fantasy, no matter how ostensibly extreme. Magdalene surrenders her career and her apparently fairly sheltered upbringing to wed the "organic agriculturist," Samuel Crimson. One of Samuel's side organic farming activities is marketing in a certain naturally-grown controlled substance. His additional backdrop includes being an unusual type of hybrid vampire, one composed simultaneously of vampire and human traits. He survives daylight perfectly well and doesn't require the drinking of blood.
He does, however, find Magdalene incredibly rich and fertile soil for his creative imagination and goes about introducing her to the wonders of the BDSM lifestyle to which she responds like a flower to water. A few of his suggestions, however, seem a little odd to her, and the reviewer will not detail these here. Let's just say they are graphic, explicit, and some readers might find them quite unpleasant. Meanwhile, Magdalene flowers into a constantly lusty female who explores the sensual side of her nature both in the daytime, which is hers to rule, and in the nighttime, which belongs to Samuel.
Some portions of this story will require the reader to be strong of stomach. As the author notes, this is intended to be a novel of erotica and it definitely achieves its goal. At times it also approaches lyricism with prose that flows nearly poetically. The descriptions of BDSM activities and lifestyle are detailed almost as if to educate the reader, which is rare. The author has a definite gift for descriptive setting and flowery detail. Overall rating: Sensuality rating: Explicit
Within the increasingly popular genre of Erotic Horror, Patricia K. McCarthy has created a modern-day tour de force with her latest offering, “The Crimson Boy”, the second instalment of her three part “Crimson” series.
And indeed what a triumph! “The Crimson Boy” is a gripping thriller about vampires, hybrid vampire-humans, murder, suspense and romance…all sugar coated within a shroud of intense sexuality and eroticism.
The story revolves around Samuel, a man whose apparent (and relative) normalcy cloaks an incredible secret; namely that he is in fact a half human, half vampire hybrid. He and his devoted, human wife Magdalene live together in the Canadian city of Ottawa , and share both an incredible love and unbreakable bond. When Magdalene becomes pregnant, she and Samuel prepare to grow their love into a family.
That love is soon to be tested, however, with the arrival of Samuel’s father. Sir William Simon Hennessy is nine hundred and twenty seven years old, and the one true Vampire on Earth. Sir William has created a legion of half human, half vampire children and is fanatically pursuing his goal of creating an entirely new hybrid species. He has his own wicked designs when it comes to the future of Samuel and Magdalene, as well as their unborn child.
Around this underlying story develops a plot that tantalizes and terrifies the reader, inspiring powerful feelings of eroticism in equal proportion to shocking acts of violence and decadence. Nothing is as it seems, with multi-level plots and underhanded schemes driving the action towards its furious conclusion that sets the scene for the eagerly awaited finale to the series, enticingly titled “The Crimson Woman”.
This is a novel of incredible contrasts that the author has engineered to perfection. This duality of the characters, the story and the writing style adds so much depth and quality to the novel that, at no time, can the reader be sure of what to expect next.
Sir William, for example, is the quintessential gentleman, attractive, refined and irresistibly charming. Yet when his true self is released an unstoppable beast breaks forth, destroying and devouring at will.
Samuel himself is an intelligent and thriving professional whose acumen for business will surely see him rise to the top of his field. Yet he dabbles in shady deals and outright crime, exposing his successful life to potential disaster at any given moment. For a hybrid vampire, he is all too human.
The contrasts extend beyond the characters into the actual story as well. At one moment “The Crimson Boy” is a sexually charged romance, the next a graphic horror and then a gripping thriller. Many authors tread a delicate line when they attempt this complexity of plot, and risk confusing the underlying flow of the work. Patricia McCarthy, however, manages to accomplish it in such a manner that the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
In my opinion, however, McCarthy’s greatest contrast is seen in the elegance of her writing style, which poses a contrasting conundrum with the action it is detailing. Smooth and sophisticated word craft lull the reader into a sense of comfort, and allows the story to flow on unabated by the (at times) disturbing imagery those words are creating.
In the tradition of the finest Quentin Tarantino movies, the shocking deeds that unfold within the pages of “The Crimson Boy” play in the reader’s mind like a mesmerizing dream, and you can’t quite believe what is happening at any given moment despite the comfort offered by the stylish story telling.
Take for instance the very first scene, which weaves intense eroticism and shocking horror as Sir William and two of his hybrid sons play a game of sexual cat and mouse with the young woman who, unbeknownst to her, is soon to be placed on the menu. The atmosphere McCarthy stimulates is dark and potent, sexual and sadistic.
This sets the scene for what is to follow, as chapter after chapter sweeps by gripping the reader in a vice lock of merciless curiosity.
In fact, this novel (and trilogy by extension) can be easily envisaged translating beautifully into film. If an adapted screenplay could be carefully developed, the potential for a great erotic-horror flick is exciting!
Finally, I need to point out that you don’t need to have read the first instalment of the trilogy, which is “The Crimson Man”, before taking up “The Crimson Boy” (which was the case for me). Each novel can be enjoyed as a unique adventure, although obviously the full story and appreciation of the characters will be enhanced within the full scope of the series.
Like the relentless blood lust of the Vampire however, try stopping at just one bite! “The Crimson Boy” is a fantastic novel that will leave you both aroused and completely consumed under its spell. You will crave more…bring on “The Crimson Woman”!
Blood splatters freely across the pages of Patricia McCarthy's second vampire romance. Ottawa's bloodsucker population has quadrupled and the attendant body count becomes difficult for the press to ignore. Prostitutes and party girls, dirty cops and innocents alike join the legion of the drained. The Crimson Boy resumes the shamelessly picaresque tale of Samuel and Magdalene, as endearing an odd couple as one could hope to meet, cultivating fine herb, cooking and having sex, lots of sex. So why won't the world leave them in peace? McCarthy's sequel to The Crimson Man topples taboos and challenges, nay, well exceeds the boundaries of good taste again and again. Her protagonists dare you not to love them. As the unpredictable story climaxes, McCarthy orchestrates a perfect penny-dreadful cliffhanger, pauses briefly and calmly pulls aside the red velvet curtain to reveal the birth of a new vampire mythos. Of course the story's not over yet! (David Three Rats)
This type of book would have appeal to a certain niche audience - those who like vampire stories and those who have a wild imagination like the author about people's sex lives. The cover design, which was done by the author, fits the book well.(Judge's commentary sheet - Writer's Digest 14th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards).
I loved the way you kept going back in time and creating suspense along the way. What I liked most was the love and devotion that I felt between Samuel and Magdalene. No matter their peculiarities, they loved and accepted one another. Your book inspired me to be more loving in my relationship. My boyfriend certainly noticed the difference and we both look forward to your next novel.(Lucinda M. Gabriel)
I'm not an avid reader of fantasy novels, or any novels for that matter, but I just couldn't put The Crimson Man down until I finished it. The pages flew by and the story kept me wanting more. There was never a dull or boring moment. The Crimson Man can be shocking and graphic at times but I found those scenes were necessary to describe the characters, their lives and fantasies. I plan on reading it again just to relive the moments.
Holy Marie, sweet Jesus and Joseph...forgive my sins!!! You have imagination, girl, and can you ever put it together...where have you heard of sex like that? Wow! This is the kind of novel that deserves a sequel.
I am captivated with the character Magdalene. I believe she is the woman of every man's dreams. Usually it is very easy for me to guess where a plot is going. I cannot do that with The Crimson Man - lots of plot twists and turns. This writer has lots of promise.
Mounting The Bedpost has a dry and subtle wit; it is refreshing to read erotic poems that are so slyly humorous. At the same time they are unapologetic love poems; they are obsessed with their subject, they revel in their particular language of love, they invoke an incantatory rhythm not unlike that of the Song of Songs. (Judge's commentary sheet from the Writer's Digest 12th Annual Self-Published Book Awards).
Mounting The Bedpost is a poignant reminder that we are allowed to enjoy basic urges without going blind. Patricia McCarthy explores feminine sexuality through the microscope that is her poetry. She writes about those urges from an altitude of mere inches, so the reality isn't always pretty. McCarthy is in your face from the first verse, but she never abandons a more complex urge to seduce that other strange bedfellow - - love. Mounting The Bedpost is the high-calorie dessert for McCarthy's two previous collections, Vulgar Verse and Friction. Its power is raw, ribald, naughty, spicy and graphic. Beware the compositions between the covers that are tongue-in-cheek...you never know whose tongue it might be. (I. Robt. Petman)
Vulgar Verseis an anomalistic style of poetry for lovers - truly candid and blunt, yet articulates eloquently the formidable feelings we have towards sexual gratification. The reader can feel a submissive pleasure through the language used. We need vindication for our animal lust and the perverse thoughts and fantasies that are suppressed. The context of sexual feelings is seemingly saucy but conducive to realizing our own tensions and resentment. Vulgar Verse is playful and, because typically our desires are repressed socially, we are able to delight in this rapture of sexuality. Succinctly, Patricia McCarthy has captured the virtues and vices of women and men, personified through words...a pleasure to review. (Rachel Neild)
