N. Isabelle Blanco has dropped by today to talk about the theme of her Szolite series of novels, of which Blood Flows Deep in the Empire is one. What’s more, she’s agreed to share an excerpt from Blood Flows Deep in the Empire here as well, and you aren’t going to want to miss this one.
I haven’t read this book yet but after reading the short excerpt below you can bet your ass I’m going to. I think it’s fucking hot. The best excerpt I’ve read since I started hosting these Bewitching Tours blog stops. Fer realz.
~*~
The Theme of the Szolites series
Aside from finding love, earning forgiveness, intense action, and hot love scenes, there’s one huge overall theme to the stories in the Szolites series.
It all comes down to the challenges these characters face, and because they’re immortal Gods, those challenges become that much more epic on the grand scale of things. As Nylicia, the Watcher of Destinies, once told Ismini in a dream:
“Remember one thing. Life tends to throw at you the most painful of lessons in order to forge your soul and prepare you for your destiny.”
I laughed so hard the day I wrote that line down, went back and read it, and actually said to myself, “Whoa, Nyddi. That just came out of you.” And it wasn’t lost on me that something —my subconscious, perhaps?—was probably trying to give me a message. A lot of us don’t want to accept it. We want that beautiful, almost tangible illusion that is dangled in our faces on a daily basis—the perfect life. It’s not real, though. I can hear the groans in the background, and can almost see the rolling of eyes. Hey, I wish I could tell you it’s real. I’d love to get me some sunny, happy, and non-stop easy.
But when you sit down and analyze this Shakespearian tragedy called “life”, you see that what Nylicia said is very true. Most of us don’t accept it and therefore our souls never get forged into what they were meant to be. However, look back in history, back into ancient times when life was so much harder, and you’ll see the bright glimpses of those that gave in. Those that accepted, rolled with the punches, and allowed themselves to be molded into what they were meant to become. Those are the greats. Those are the names that vibrate down to us through the millennia.
Mixing this theme with the aspect of Gods is interesting to me because these are super power beings. Heck, look at the old Greek myths. Look at how drunk with egotism and power the Gods were. Compare that to some wealthy humans today and don’t tell me you don’t see the resemblance LOL
I never wanted to just write a series about Gods like Zeus, though. My Gods mess up, they truly believe they can do whatever they want…and then life comes around and wags the big finger of “NO” in their faces. My Gods are also meant to become heroes in their own rights. In order for that to happen for them, they have to become what they aren’t. They have to become more.
And this is something that also applies to real life, not just fantasy. If more of us took responsibility and changed, the world would probably become a much different and better place.
~*~
Excerpt from Blood Flows Deep in the Empire
“You’re so beautiful, girl. Just looking at you drives me wild.”
That new, demonic half of his voice had to be the sexiest thing she had ever heard.
His words were even more so.
Dyletri’s expression made her arch into him, made her want to believe him. His thumb caressed her lips, and before Ismini realized it, she was once again moving on instinct. She opened her mouth and tilted her head, sucking the digit right in. A shock of power shot into her mouth, almost as if she’d put her tongue into an electrical socket.
Ismini loved every bit of it. She sighed around his thumb, sucking it deeper.
Dyletri moaned, baring his teeth. She bit down on his flesh, her stare locked on his large canines.
She had no right to his blood, but Ismini wanted it inside her. That should have scared her. In reality, Ismini was too far gone for that shit. Fear had no place inside her. Only need and hunger.
And insanity.
Because that’s what he brought out in her.
His thumb slipped out of her mouth, and she pouted, a hungry mewl leaving her. Dyletri cupped her face, lifting her head and lowering himself onto her.
His lips stopped a mere breath away from hers, his exhalations leaking in between her lips and sliding over her tongue. Ismini froze, realizing what he intended. And knowing damned well that she had no experience when it came to kissing.
Dyletri sensed her hesitation, and he stopped, as well. Every inch of that big, hard body was touching her. He was breathing hard, and his brow furrowed as he stared at her. She could see that he was confused, that he was wondering why she’d stopped.
In that moment she wanted to kick herself for being such an idiot. She was afraid that what she was about to say would turn him off.
“I—I’ve never . . . I don’t know how,” she whispered, dropping her gaze to his lips. She couldn’t stand to see the reality seep back into his face.
But Dyletri surprised her. As he lowered his head, he held hers still, and he placed a gentle but intensity-filled kiss to her cheek. A spark of energy pulsed through every cell of her skin.
“I know,” he murmured, placing another kiss closer to her mouth. And another. And yet another. “I’m dying to be the first one to show you . . . dying to be the first one to taste you. To take you.”
He thrust against her as he spoke, licking the corner of her lips when he talked about tasting her.
Her mouth fell open, and she moaned. “Dyletri.” His lips landed on hers, and a groan escaped him, the sound hitting her straight on. She wasn’t sure who opened first, but it was definitely she who sucked in his bottom lip, pulling it between her teeth. With heavy-lidded eyes, she watched his lip curl. Another growl left him, and his incisors grew even longer.
Then his fingers on her jaw became almost brutal, forcing her open, holding her still even though all she wanted to do was attack him. The urge grew when his tongue slid in, moving against hers. It was hotter than any other part of him. Sinuous and sinful in every way.
All lingering uncertainty flew right out the window. Their breaths and moans mixed as her tongue connected with his.
Amazing. He was fucking amazing, and the way his tongue tasted was nothing short of sexual. She’d never had sex, of course, but her body knew that was what he tasted like. Ismini swirled her tongue around his, opening her mouth further for him and tilting her head.
Dyletri thrust against her, over and over, his dick pressed right where she needed it. His tongue mimicked the movement of his hips, making her tighten her legs around him and pull him close.
Every moan out of his mouth was like a bolt straight between her legs. Every rock of his hips was answered by one of her own. Her hands traced every muscle on his back, fondled every ridge.
So much power.
She could feel him holding back. She knew it was probably because she was human and he had the power to break her and yet, she wanted him to. She needed him to. She was dying for him to just slam into her with everything he had until there was nothing left of her.
Dyletri pulled his head back, one elongated tooth stinging Ismini’s lower lip as he gave her a gentle bite. She cried out, the thought of him tasting her blood sending her into a frenzy.
It was an instant deluge. She began thrusting against him, her nails digging into unyielding flesh. Her moans escalated. Her orgasm was right there and already washing over her.
Until he pulled away. Again.
A growl rumbled behind her words, warping her voice. “Dyletri.” He laughed darkly, looking way too amused for her liking. “I swear to fucking God—”
He grabbed on to the waistband of her pants, his fingers harsh. “I am your fucking god!” Oh . . . oh my . . . “You’re not coming until I let you to, got it?”
~*~
About the Author
N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At age 3, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she had already begun to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.
N. Isabelle’s first ebook, “Destructively Alluring”, came out July 2012, followed by “Addictive Lunacy” in September. The third novella in this debut series, “Allure Magnified,” is due in November 2012 and her first full-length novel is due out next spring.
Web and Blog: www.houseofmalfunction.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Nyddi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nyddi
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6444266.N_Isabelle_Blanco
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