Firstly, thank you, Beverley Lee. *bows graciously*
The Purity of Crimson was that book. That much-anticipated read of the Autumn season, the final instalment of the Gabriel Davenport series by the supremely talented, Beverley Lee. Purity held all my expectations after absorbing myself in Gabe’s world with the first two books, The Making of Gabriel Davenport and A Shining in the Shadows; it delivered beyond my expectations. Leaving me bereft once those last few words were uttered; yes, I spoke that last paragraph allowed, finalising the end of an era. *cries in her cappuccino*
I was honoured to have an ARC (advance reading copy), sending my little dark heart all aflutter – thank you, dear Beverley. With its official release date 9th October, it is sure to fulfil all the dark lusting of even the most discerning vampire – “Blood calls to blood.”
The claws of winter raked against his skin but he did not feel its chill. Natural creatures ceased their breathing as he passed, instinctively fearful he would snuff out their lives like a candle flame.
The Purity of Crimson by Beverley Lee
Gabriel with his brothers, Moth and Teal have found refuge, though their safety is to be short-lived. Food is scarce, with danger, strangers, hunters lurk in every shadow. Gabriel, feeling the need with his innate ability as a pure breed, takes responsibility for his brothers, leading them on a journey with the pull of Teal’s fireflies.
This brotherly band go from three to five as they find themselves in the company of a questionable witch boy and a weak, tortured vampire. Can they trust either of these new additions into their fold, when trust is not easily earned in such perilous times?
Gradually the “Bloody Little Prophets” are torn apart, pulled in different directions; one by one, each facing their inner demons as well as the ones that hunt them. Gabriel is forced to accept stark realities as his innermost fear rains down on him, pushing him to the brink of his existence, questioning his very own morality. Finding himself in the company of one who has the answers he seeks, one who holds the key to death itself; can Gabriel resist? – “What would he give to know why the wings of darkness had always sought him? And what would any of them sacrifice to save each other?”
Honestly, a lot of coffee was consumed in the reading of this novel; a boost to keep me going through the late evenings as I literally could not put this down… not that I wanted to. Sleep was something for the dead, not the undead as I was dwelling in those dark hours along with my boys. Over the course of the trilogy, I’ve become quite protective; it’s the dark mother in me. Purity had me in tears more than once as fear for the boys surfaced chapter after chapter.
Purity introduces us to some new characters that weave alongside those we already know and love, some with questionable motives, some just plain evil that we adore to hate, and those who will always remain with us.
Beverley Lee’s creative voice emanates from the page, with her natural ability to produce clear description, enticing you into her world without the need to overdo it. Her writing is subtle with a poetic nuance that sends chills, shivers, captivating with blood-glistening prose with each page turn.
From the first line of book one, The Making of Gabriel Davenport to the closing phrase of this, The Purity of Crimson, I have been captured, bitten by Gabe and all that it delivers within the pages of this trilogy. Once in a while, something special comes along.
If these don’t already sit neatly on your bookshelf, physical or virtual, please do yourself a justice and remedy this.
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Becky Wright ~ Gothic Writer 