Travel to Luminia, a dystopian ‘Shangri La’ in the remote mountains of Ethiopia where vampires enslave most of the remaining human population as a blood resource to ensure their own survival.  Set in the near future after mankind has decimated the planet and each other, the fate of humanity has been in the hands of a society of politically and technologically elite vampires for over two hundred years, but it might take a turn for the worse.  When their scientists devise a machine to rapidly replicate human blood, the Affiliation Council of vampires, who govern Luminia must decide—should they free mankind or eradicate them?

Desmond, a young member of the Affiliation Council, works with close allies to gain votes in favor of human emancipation.  They must fight the superiority of several council members and their bigotry towards the human race including Desmond’s father, Atticus.  His motives change when he falls in love with, Vivid, a human woman, making his fight personal and urgent.

Desmond suffers self-destructive tendencies and self-loathing brought on by being bred for the Eternal Birthrite, a ritualistic rite-of passage that elite humans are tested with to earn their right to become vampires.  Desmond’s internal struggles and his illegal ties with outlaw vampires in the regions outside of Luminia threaten to derail his life as he grapples what it means to be a vampire and where his loyalties ultimately lie.  His path is further complicated by the arrival of an otherworldly, powerful stranger.

This genre bending tale is intertwined with subtext relating to current social issues such as immigration, slavery, and complex social caste systems of inequality.  It’s fraught with political intrigue.  It forces us to examine ourselves and understand our nature—the capability to be both human and a monster.

Author’s Note: I consider this my first major foray into fiction writing.  I write for my enjoyment, but I hope this story finds an audience that relates to my characters and themes.

For Inquiries Email A. A. Lawlor: eternalbirthrite@gmail.com