Personal Darkness - (Blood Opera Sequence) by Tanith Lee (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Bound to a near-immortal family, a woman struggles to live among them while her estranged daughter violently rejects them in this dark vampire fantasy.

World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award-winning author

"We draw our personal darkness round us to keep us safe from the sun."

The Scarabae family has existed for centuries. Wealthy beyond measure, they have no obligation or allegiance to anyone but themselves. They appear ancient but are timeless, driven only by the need to continue their line.

Ruth is their latest progeny, the spawn of a union her mother Rachaela believed unholy. Refusing to abide by family tradition, Ruth slaughtered most of the Scarabae, burning their ancestral manor to the ground. Now, she preys upon everyone she encounters, consumed by an insatiable need to drink the blood of her victims before torching their homes.

To find Ruth, the Scarabae turn to another branch of the family. If anyone can bring her to heel, it's the hunter Malach. Relentless and dangerous, he will not allow Ruth's trail of destruction to lead to the Scarabae--and he will kill any surviving witnesses left behind in her wake.

Rachaela doesn't know whether Malach intends to capture or execute Ruth. Emotionally alienated from her daughter, Rachaela is detached from Ruth's fate one way or the other. She is unable--or unwilling--to free herself from the manipulative Scarabae: especially the beautiful and alluring Althene, a companion of Malach who pursues her own pleasures--and is intent on seducing Rachaela . . .

About the Author

Tanith Lee (1947-2015) was born in the United Kingdom. Although she couldn't read until she was eight, she began writing at nine and never stopped, producing more than ninety novels and three hundred short stories. She also wrote for the BBC television series Blake's 7 and various BBC radio plays. After winning the 1980 British Fantasy Award for her novel Death's Master, endless awards followed. She was named a World Horror Grand Master in 2009 and honored with the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2013. Lee was married to artist and writer John Kaiine.