Do you want to know about one of the best romance novels ever written? It’s a novel written by a lady named M.L Childs. Okay. I am tooting my own horn. But I want you to read my book because book lovers will revel in it. Let me tell you a little bit about it to whet your appetite.
The Vital Sacrifice, A Romance Fiction — Well, Not Quite
Alright, alright. It’s technically not a romance novel in the traditional sense of the genre. According to Wikipedia, it is “a genre fiction novel that primarily focuses on the relationship and romantic love between two people, typically with an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.”
Well, I meet the first part of the criteria in that I do focus on “the relationship and romantic love between two people” – well, actually, it’s more than two characters because the love affair turns into a triangle. However, I don’t know if the turn of events in this sensational thriller ends “emotionally satisfying” or “optimistic.”
A Little Bit of Occult, A Little Bit of Paranormal
Okay. So, it’s not a typical love story. I do delve into a couple of other genres, not due to confusion on my part but due to the peculiar background of one of my main characters, Ali Rahman. He and his comrades are a bizarre group of men who have been alive for quite some time due to a fraternal order they belong to. So, this gives it a dose of paranormal and a bit of occult.
A Touch of Psychological Thriller, Too
I’m guilty! I added another layer of suspense! This book also includes some strange psychological occurrences within my main character, Teresa McMillan. As she maneuvers in and out of reality, she’ll wonder whether what she’s experiencing is happening. You’ll be wondering the same thing. Yes, there are a lot of layers to peel back on this plot, but trust me, you’ll enjoy unraveling this book every bit!
Comparison to Other Popular Romance Novels
I often describe The Vital Sacrifice as Bram Stoker’s Dracula meets Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera sprinkled with a bit of 1001 Arabian Nights. These are a lot of classic tropes you may think. Don’t worry. I do bring the tale into modern times. However, the juxtaposition of new and old world charm is quite a delectable combination. One of my critics describes the novel as “a captivating mix of the realistic and the phantasmagoric.”
Who Should Read The Vital Sacrifice?
Good question.
Here is the short answer:
Avid romance readers who enjoy a bit of macabre
Now, here is the long answer:
Audiences ages 30-44 who can relate to a career-focused main female character who now wants to settle down and have a family with her fiancé. However, this main character crosses paths with her soulmate and is now torn between a new love and an old one. Her fiancé will keep her life as predictable as it has been. But her soulmate has a secret that could change her life in the most dramatic and dangerous way possible. A classic case of “take the blue or the red pill” as it applies to relationships. What will she decide? Or will someone determine her fate for her?
The Vital Sacrifice Summary
He enters her life through a nightmare. Now she sees him everywhere – at her shows, in a local shop, at her front door. These encounters no longer feel like a coincidence.
Renowned celebrity singer, Teresa McMillan, has a relatively ordinary personal life when she’s not in the limelight surrounded by star-struck fans and paparazzi.
On a recent tour, she has a startling nightmare about a demonic creature chasing her. She dismisses the dream because, after all, it is merely a dream.
Upon finishing up her tour and getting settled back into a routine, she keeps running into a man named Ali Rahman that reminds her of the creature she encountered in her dream. But unlike the creature in her dream, this man is drop-dead gorgeous.
So why does his presence feel like that of the creature?
SHE IS UNDER…
Shortly after meeting Ali, Teresa can kiss her ordinary private life with her fiance goodbye. This seemingly innocent, gorgeous stranger belongs to a secret cult dating back to the 12th century. The members thrive on the mysticism of King Solomon and use their powers to get whatever they want.
…HIS SPELL
Now, Ali wants Teresa and will stop at nothing to make her his own. She will be lured into his sinister world like a moth to a flame as if he controls her every move. Upon realizing the trap she has fallen into, Teresa must escape Ali’s clutches before it is too late.
The Vital Sacrifice is the first book in a duology of occult horror novels. This novel and its sequel are for those who enjoy reading about supernatural and paranormal secret cults.
Spoiler Alert – A Sequel is Coming
So, what can someone expect in part two of The Vital Sacrifice? I’m glad you asked! You’ll have to wait until I release it. However, I have been dropping hints here and there, like in the book summary on my books page and this mock book cover below for The Vital Sacrifice II I released on YouTube.
Make sure you follow me on social media @melchildswriter on YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest to stay informed. For now, if you haven’t had the chance to read part one, it’s a good idea to get a headstart on it before the sequel drops. Check out the links below to find out how you can get a copy.
Where To Buy My Novel
These links below are associated with my Linktree. You can also visit my website link here for details about all my books: https://mlchildswriter.com/my-books/
For buying options, see below:
Amazon: https://tr.ee/SuwuibHX-z
Barnes & Noble: https://tr.ee/hRAKJ69y-V
Google Play Books: https://tr.ee/2iNTln4XZ-
To learn more about The Vital Sacrifice Characters, click here to view my Pinterest page.
