Crimson Ambrosia

Reviewed by Lisa Tyler © 2006

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

Title: Crimson Ambrosia
Author: Sabrina Luna
Publisher: Mardi Gras Publishing
Genre: Vampire/Erotica/ M/M
ISBN Number: 10 0-9789024-2-4/
ISBN 13: 978-0-9789024-2-1

I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of this short story. Don't let the title fool you as it did me. It's not a sweet romance about the couple down the street.

Sabrina Luna has woven a tight, little story of unconventional love and death. The main character, Silas, is an old vampire. He's lived long enough to know what he likes and happens to have a thing for young mortal men and the wine that he bottles himself.

While sampling a bottle of fine wine and talking to his pet cat, Silas reminisces about one of his greatest paramours, a gypsy lad named Ivan. Years ago, Silas and his brother Viktor were out riding horses across the countryside, (evidently in Europe), when they came upon a gypsy camp in the evening.

The author sets the scene realistically and beautifully. I especially enjoyed the richness that she accomplishes with ease.

Ivan dances for the group as a special treat after a hearty meal that is shared with the two strangers, and Silas is captivated by the startling good looks and sensuality of the boy. His admiration is returned, leading to a sexual encounter that is pleasant and not overly graphic.

This story is good as a first exposure to the idea of homosexuality and allows us to view it from a different angle. There is enough of a vampire element with fresh plot ideas that it doesn't feel offensive or overdone.

If you think you've read every vampire plot out there, think again. Crimson Ambrosia delivers a memorable twist at the end that explains it all. You'll read it quickly and think about it for a long time.

I rate it 4 cats.