A Journey of Black and Red

This reminds me of one of the first vampire books I ever read. I don't even remember the title anymore, just some faint outline of the story. It was nothing like Journey of Black and Red, but Journey still made me think back with nostalgia to that barely remembered book that I found in a library so long ago.

Why do I mention this? Because Journey is a story that is true to classic vampires. It reminds me of a time before Twilight. And I don't even really hate that one... Of course, I could list my problems with it for a long time, but I don't consider it the worst book/love story ever like some (that spot is reserved by 50 Shades of Grey).

I should probably start talking about Journey of Black and Red too, right? Maybe, but I'm sure there are many others who have done a much better job of that, than I ever could. So I guess, I will try to convey how I feel about it.

Ariane, the main character, is one of the most well crafted characters I've ever read. She struggles with herself, as she comes to terms with how much she changed. She tries to rebuild herself piece by piece, even as she knows that she is building something very different than what she originally was.

All the while we never forget that she is a vampire. It's clear in her thinking, and in her actions. Her instincts, how she keeps vampire traditions she never heard of. We know that she is not just a strong woman who requires regular blood transfusions because of a sickness. No, she is completely different. She is a vampire in every way.

This is the first time I've done a review, but I am really liking this story and feel that others should know of its worth.   If you want a story that is consistent in quality and updating, has an author that knows what they want to do with the story, who is doing a great job with what they are working with, then read A Journey of Black and Red.  Do note this does not have an OP protagonist, so heads up there if that is what you like to read. 

 Though i feel like i could have expressed my thoughts better, i sincerely hope you give this story a chance and a least read a little of it.

I regret yet am happy about how long it took me to take up this story. Both because it's so great.

"This is a story of vampires as I believe they should be." When the author said this I wasn't sure what to expect but even though it's not how I really perceived them it's definitely a good parallel and a great image of what they should be.

The upsides and downsides of vampirism are well handled here, and the way they're slowly expanded on and developed just makes things that much better. The glimpses of other manner of creatures along the way and how their cultures work are great showings of proper world building with the right level of show versus tell so that it doesn't get bogged down in exposition but it also doesn't weigh down the chapter by chapter happenings with too much interlaid details.

Ariane is a GREAT character, she wasn't exactly the 100% pure saint of a soul that tempers her new vampire self but she had her innocence and she had her principles. That, combined with meeting the right -and the wrong- people in her early vampirehood helped mold her character by letting her see who she wanted to be and who she didn't. From there she just created the method by which she would become that person and watching her try to stick to it with mixed success is a enjoyable journey.

The grammar is excellent and the prose competent. It draws you in by being not too plain but not excessively flowery or confusing either. Dramatic where it needs to be and blunt when necessary.

Honestly, just as said in the title, this is just a great vampire story.

At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the writing style and the usage of words such as "ubiquitous", "pugilist" and "praenomen". If I have to take time to search some words during the reading of a chapter, it would break the flow. Luckily this wasn't the case in later chapters. The chapters have some older words in them, but most are still well known, so I don't have to take time to search for them. I actually started liking the fact it's written in a more archaic style. Insults used in this story like harlot are more fun than insults such as slut. I like how the author has decided to bring back these old-fashioned insults. The style of writing itself is good too. Enough is described without getting boring.

The story itself is also very good. I'm sure everyone is familiar with the typical sparkling vampire plot, but the author has done a good job of writing a darker vampire story with interesting characters. I'm also happy the protagonist is a realistic woman. She doesn't fall in love with the first hunk, and is capable on her own. I'm also happy sensitive subjects such as rape are still touched upon in the story, since it's realistic for her to get unwanted advances from men. 

Overall, this story is very unique in its style and plot, I haven't seen anything like it online before, and I hope the author will keep continue updating the story!

 I have read lots of stories on this site, but this story stands out as one of the best. I am not really of fan of vampire fiction, but I was bored and saw it was trending so I gave it a chance. That was a VERY good decision.  Mecanimus is a very talented author and has created a believable 1800s setting and a main character that is very intresting that is finding her place in the world. The author has also avoided filling the story with info dumps that lesser authors on this site do way too much. If you are still reading this review, stop and start reading the story. You wont regret it!

A promising start, I really like it!

Keep it up!!

Update 08/22/20: As right now all I can say is this is an amazing story. The story has developed quite nicely and smoothly.

Five stars for style

Five stars for story

Five stars for Grammar

Five stars for Character

This novel is the real deal guys. You should definitely read it or you're just missing out on such a thrilling story.

I heard about this story from the crossover April Fool's chapter with Azarinth Healer. So when I finished up the current chapters there, I gave this a read.

And it... Is GOOD. This novel is just nonstop action, character development, and lore. There are no stagnant parts. Every event has a purpose, there's no meaningless cliffhangers, every word is building towards something. This story was put together like a master builder putting together a clock, every piece fits together. 10/10

 Been reading and following this book since its inception on RR, and I must say this has got go be the best book on vampires on the internet in my opinions. I dont mind romance in my stoties but vampire fictions tend tl focus on it too much in tbis story its just a well done add on that doesnt drag the story down. Would reccommend to anyone whos looking for a really great story to read

A very realistic story (as much as fantasy can be), with well developed characters and intriguing story.