Villains. Some of the most memorable characters in fiction
are of the evil variety. Dracula, Voldemort, and Captain Hook. Their
hypnotizing eyes and maniacal laughs. You know them as well as the heroes, and
sometimes they're even more famous. It's been their sinister plan all along, of
course.
In The Marquis,
the hero Marc pits himself against a trickster demon named Vetis. Vetis isn't
afraid to get his hands dirty, but he's not at all stupid. He's not bulging
with supernatural muscle nor eager to crush everything into rubble. He has
minions for that. What makes him so dangerous is his skill with illusions, his
keen mind, and his vicious tongue. He could convince someone to hang herself
and not lift a finger. Unless he's doing so through a text message.
Vetis is introduced as a mid-level demon forced to do boring
work like tempting a vampire to sup upon a drugged teen. There's no fun in a
job that offers no challenge. So when Marc steps in to save his vampire friend,
Vetis sees his chance to torment one of his former comrades and rise up in the
ranks of Hell by bringing back the head of the infamous Marquis.
It's easy enough to insult Marc's beard and bad wardrobe,
but Vetis doesn't just want to kill him. He wants him to suffer before he takes
his head. How to do that? Find out what matters to the old demon: his city, his
friend, and his lady love.
There's nothing sacred to Vetis. Nothing is more terrifying
than an enemy who has no conscience and likes to flaunt that fact. His wit is
more deadly than a sword. He'll get what he wants in any way it takes. Vetis'
plan might lead to the destruction of everything Marc holds dear and then Marc
will welcome the fate Vetis has in store for him.
Villains like Vetis push heroes to their every limit and
then beyond. Sometimes they even win. And the trickster demon believes he has
his victory in hand.
Who are your favorite literary villains?
Title: 1301 – The Marquis
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: December 13th, 2012
Blurb:
Life after Hell isn't
more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful
demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big
ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters
Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before
he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.
Marc's power has
diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he
refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his
territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has
a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.
While his city burns
and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger
fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the
Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to
his demon forever.
Purchase links:
Author Bio
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has
four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy
player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son
or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published
series. She also has two novellas and sixteen short stories published.
Congratulations, Christine! I'm looking forward to reading this and the rest of the installments!
Once again I'm reminded no story suffers from too simple a hero or too complicated a villain. Rollicking good example! My compliments.
ReplyDeleteVetis sounds like a fantastic villain! I've always been a fan of the kind that rely more on brains than brawn. Those villains always come across more menacing to me that way. His wit being deadlier than a sword is such a clever way to phrase that!
ReplyDeleteWell, he sounds horrifying! Great post!
ReplyDeleteVillans with a dark past, who have a reason for what they're doing, especially if they believe is actually for the good, are the best:) Huge congrats Christine on the launch.
ReplyDeleteSounds like one mean villain!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Christine.
Geo, great example! Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I've always loved that sort of villain too. I like when they sit there talking and you think what they say makes perfect sense. It's frightening when you can see the logic in a villain's point of view!
Kyra, thanks! Vetis is even worse for better good looking! *LOL*
Tania, oh yes! The villains who believe they're doing good are terrifying.
Alex, thank you!
Thank you very much for hosting me today, Nick. This is a lot of fun!
Congrats to Christine on her release. By the sound of of it 1301 has some strong characters.
ReplyDeleteI love me a good villain. Congrats Christine!
ReplyDeleteHi Nick and Christine .. I don't much like the sound of Vetis .. I'm not good with the bad guys - on the other hand we have to have them .. to get the book to work!
ReplyDeleteCheers - and good luck - Hilary
J.L., thank you! Strong and stubborn!
ReplyDeleteIlima, me too! Thanks.
Hilary, Vetis is a nasty fellow, but we have the heroes to save us! Thanks!
Vetis sounds like a very cool villian.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry! He was so much fun to write.
ReplyDeleteGood versus evil...evil vs less evil, they make for good storytelling and grabbing your attention. Not to mention making you choose sides!
ReplyDeleteHey Nick, Shannon Lawrence over at the Warrior Muse and I are hosting an Apocalypse Blogfest next Friday. We'd love for you to attend.
http://apackalipsnow.blogspot.com/2012/12/todays-apocalypse-sign-choose-your.html
Like the sound of this paranormal romance.
ReplyDeleteChuck, that it does!
ReplyDeleteRachna, thank you!
Vetis is a fun villain. And I still like Voldemort as my favorite literary villain. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Christine!
Thank you, Cherie! Voldemort is one of my favorites too.
ReplyDeleteAnother fun post in this blog tour! Congrats to Christine.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole!
ReplyDeleteWow, the description of your villain Vetis is enough to have me hooked. (: Congratulations with your release and I wish you lots of success with it. Now I'm off to add this to my tbr list!
ReplyDeleteI do love me a good villain! I always admire people who can write a compelling one.
ReplyDeleteVillians like Vetis are interesting, but if I'm honest, I prefer guys like Darth Vadar who's convinced that they're doing the right thing. :-D
ReplyDeleteElise, thank you! I'm glad Vetis could tempt you.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thanks! I think it's one of the best parts of being a writer.
Misha, I love villains like that too. They're far more dangerous when they think they're the good guys!
Ah, minions. Every good villain needs equally good minions ;)
ReplyDeleteVetis sounds like a great villain.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great!
One of my favorites is Darth Vader, he's just soo cool.
Congrats on your new book! I like writing the villain, even though mine are not of the supernatural variety.
ReplyDeleteNot sure of my faves. Maybe Cruella de Ville or Darth Vader.
Hi, Nick!
I've seen Christine's book around. That is one scary cover!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book around! Sounds super good :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteLynda, yes, he does! Thanks for popping in.
ReplyDeletekmckendry, Darth Vader is a great choice. One of my husband's favorites too.
Carol, thank you! Another Vader fan.
Susan, thanks!
Kelley, thank you!
Congrats to Christine. I love the cover intrigue and that villain sounds really cool.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays Nick. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
I'm a big fan of Christine's, and Vetis certainly seems like my kind of nasty! :-) Awesome cover, too!
ReplyDeleteI wish you well with Marquis, Christine!
ReplyDeleteGo Christine!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Nick!
That cover is awesome! I wish you much luck, Christine. And thanks for the post, Nick :-)
ReplyDelete