Dennis Sharpe
Author of Blood & Spirits
Series
Works by Dennis Sharpe
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1977-03-10
- Gender
- male
- Short biography
- Born and raised in the middle of the American Midwest, Dennis Sharpe has been a writer as long as he can remember. His mother has told many people about the fantasy and science fiction stories he'd write on scraps of paper, and staple together as his 'books', before he'd attended his first day of formal education.
He has spent many late nights at diners and dives, drinking coffee with a tattered notebook to put a voice to his feelings of himself and the world around him, and other worlds that can exist only in fiction. The voices in his head don't ever stop talking to him, and so sooner or later he has to get out onto a page all that they've filled him up with.
Inspired by Neil Gaiman, Kurt Vonnegut, Frank Miller, Chrissie Pappas, Charles Bukowski, Stephen King, Issac Asimov, and countless classic literary influences, Dennis continues with the ability to write what at a glance might seem absurd, but quickly begins to resonate with our own thoughts and emotions. He writes people we know, love we've known and lost (and found again), and places we've been in our lives and in our heads. Even his fictional characters and worlds carry enough of the grey areas we experience in day-to-day life, to let us find the truth in his words, no matter how fantastic.
These days he can be found still writing, drinking coffee with friends, or spending time with his children (the true joys of his life), in Western Kentucky. - Places of residence
- Kentucky, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Kentucky, USA
Members
Reviews
Um did you read that synopsis? A vampire madam , ghosts, and *gasp* (my fav) ZOMBIES! Sounds super awesome right?Right from the get go, I freaking LOVED Veronica. She's sharp, funny and has a totally killer attitude... and she's a madam! Is it crazy strange that I loved this little idiosyncrasy about her? Maybe so.I HAVE to say that I am absolutely astonished that a man wrote this book, and I don't mean that in a bad way at all! Sharpe made Veronica undeniably real. I've read awesome books show more written by men featuring male protagonists and I've read amazing YA books by men featuring adolescent chicks... but never have I read a book written by a man featuring such a well-written adult woman.That being said, there is a freakishly shocking (and dare I say gross) sex scene in chapter 9... and you guys know me- I like fictional sex of any kind! I'm not all that particular about it and I'm generally fairly difficult to catch off guard... but whoa. After the 'zombie sex' I was completely ready to recant my theory about his writing women so well- because no woman would do that. THEN, I thought about it for awhile, and realized this Sharpe guy is a freaking genius! Because ONLY a woman would do that to get her child back. Well played!A few words of caution: Blood & Spirits is pretty gory and graphic sometimes. 4.5 Stars and lacking the additional .5 only because I would've liked to see more relationship building with Veronica and Garrett. They have this totally intense relationship with nothing backing it, so I was convinced he was a bad guy throughout the entire thing! show less
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Down and dirty first person narrative that follows a “madam” vampire and her troubles.
Opening Sentence: I’m told that it’s an oddity that I still sleep.
The Review:
In a market flooded with vampire stories, I was not expecting much from debut author, Dennis Sharpe. I have never been so happy to be wrong. Blood & Spirits, the first book in The Coming Storm series, is as gritty as it is captivating. I am also pleasantly surprised at how show more well a man portrays a realistic woman’s point of view. Very few can obtain such insight into the opposite sex. I know that I have NO idea what guys are thinking, just ask my husband. Anything I found lacking or obtuse will most certainly be touched upon in the next two books. That is part of the reason this book catches my attention: we learn along with V and her companions in a first-person perspective.
Veronica “V” Fischer is a madam in a brothel house in Middle America. If you don’t know what a “madam” is, then this book might be a little too risqué for you. Just remember, I warned you. She has employees, a go-to man, and spirits that she relies on to take care of day to day affairs. She is also a vampire. Found by her sire, Jules, at a young age, V has always used her “assets” to her advantage. She is smart, and runs her house like the business it is. Now there is someone out there trying to tear down all that V has built up, one brick at a time. Rachel, an eight year old ghost that V has grown attached to, goes missing. “Patrons” of her establishment are telling police that they are being blackmailed by her. Someone keeps trying to blow up her brothel house. Can’t she catch a break here? The more that happens, the more we see V lose her cool façade. Anyone, vampire or human, can only take so much in so little time. I do so appreciate a character that responses in a more realistic way. V is then forced to admit she is in over her head and calls on her sire for help.
Jules is an old vampire. He is V’s “father figure” and has long ago left her to fend for herself. Jules is truly like a dad in this novel. I mean, what adult do you know wants to admit to needing their parents to bail them out of trouble? No one, that’s who. He is strong and invincible in V’s eyes. So surely anything that’s going on here he can fix, right?
The love interest here is an unknown vampire named Garrett. He blows into to town just when things are getting out of control and saves V from some “unquiet” spirits that are attacking her. But is his help as altruistic as he wants us to believe? V is certain that whoever is trying to kill her must be one of her own kind, a vampire. So is this sexy new player on the field a good guy or a bad guy? Can V truly resist him either way?
Frank, V’s right hand man, is an ex-cop. He relies on his old contacts on the force to investigate things for V. Frank stays with V, not only because she is his boss, but also his friend. His ex-partner, David Lewis, refuses to understand why he would leave the force and go work for someone they both used to think of as a “bad guy.” There is a lot of sexual tension between the two that is never fully addressed. I enjoy the by-play though. Dave helps Frank track whoever is causing problems for V and her girls, even though he would rather see V behind bars instead. The loyalty Dave shows toward Frank is commendable, and the fact that he refuses to give up on his old partner is comforting. I believe everyone should have someone looking out for their best interests, whether you want them to or not. Dave’s feelings are evident in everything he does. Will these two work it out? Will they get together, or not? Will the difficulties V is having be the final straw that breaks this long time friendship? Or will it turn into the catalyst that changes their relationship forever?
One of my favorite characters to hate in this story is Paco, the zombie. Nasty looking: inside and out. The maggots hinted at below his skin are a perfect metaphor for the rot in his soul. He is a magic user and holds sway over the spirits around him. Being one of the less desirables of the little town of Pekin, few choose to go to Paco for assistance. Unfortunately, V is left with little choice if she is going to find out what is going on in the spirit world. How can she help those ghosts that mean so much to her without a guide? Will he help her or use her toward his own advantage? I mean, what’s in it for him? Will she ever get the smell of him out of her car?
V is a wonderful anti-hero; full of vulnerability and cunning, street smarts mixed in with naiveté. I have grown to adore her and her lackadaisical attitude shining in at the oddest of moments. A diamond in the ruff, Blood & Spirits exceeds many of my expectations from a self-published work. I will be looking forward to future Dennis Sharpe books.
Notable Scene:
I can see the shadows have fled, but I’m not alone. There he is, standing in the center of the room outlined in red from the light of the emergency exit signs. How did he get here so fast? Why didn’t I sense his presence? How did he even know I was in trouble? Nothing is making any sense. I stare, trying to wrap my mind around what I’m seeing, and then I gasp audibly, drawing attention to myself.
His head snaps in my direction, and he takes a defensive posture. His head cocks slightly to the side and I know his face, and the motion of what he’s doing. I’ve been through it before, he’s reading me.
“Jules?” So small, my voice is hardly more than a squeak.
“Who?”
The Coming Storm Trilogy:
1. Blood & Spirits
2. Distant Thunder
FTC Advisory: The author provided me with a copy of Blood & Spirits. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I only get paid in hugs and kisses from my little boys. show less
Quick & Dirty: Down and dirty first person narrative that follows a “madam” vampire and her troubles.
Opening Sentence: I’m told that it’s an oddity that I still sleep.
The Review:
In a market flooded with vampire stories, I was not expecting much from debut author, Dennis Sharpe. I have never been so happy to be wrong. Blood & Spirits, the first book in The Coming Storm series, is as gritty as it is captivating. I am also pleasantly surprised at how show more well a man portrays a realistic woman’s point of view. Very few can obtain such insight into the opposite sex. I know that I have NO idea what guys are thinking, just ask my husband. Anything I found lacking or obtuse will most certainly be touched upon in the next two books. That is part of the reason this book catches my attention: we learn along with V and her companions in a first-person perspective.
Veronica “V” Fischer is a madam in a brothel house in Middle America. If you don’t know what a “madam” is, then this book might be a little too risqué for you. Just remember, I warned you. She has employees, a go-to man, and spirits that she relies on to take care of day to day affairs. She is also a vampire. Found by her sire, Jules, at a young age, V has always used her “assets” to her advantage. She is smart, and runs her house like the business it is. Now there is someone out there trying to tear down all that V has built up, one brick at a time. Rachel, an eight year old ghost that V has grown attached to, goes missing. “Patrons” of her establishment are telling police that they are being blackmailed by her. Someone keeps trying to blow up her brothel house. Can’t she catch a break here? The more that happens, the more we see V lose her cool façade. Anyone, vampire or human, can only take so much in so little time. I do so appreciate a character that responses in a more realistic way. V is then forced to admit she is in over her head and calls on her sire for help.
Jules is an old vampire. He is V’s “father figure” and has long ago left her to fend for herself. Jules is truly like a dad in this novel. I mean, what adult do you know wants to admit to needing their parents to bail them out of trouble? No one, that’s who. He is strong and invincible in V’s eyes. So surely anything that’s going on here he can fix, right?
The love interest here is an unknown vampire named Garrett. He blows into to town just when things are getting out of control and saves V from some “unquiet” spirits that are attacking her. But is his help as altruistic as he wants us to believe? V is certain that whoever is trying to kill her must be one of her own kind, a vampire. So is this sexy new player on the field a good guy or a bad guy? Can V truly resist him either way?
Frank, V’s right hand man, is an ex-cop. He relies on his old contacts on the force to investigate things for V. Frank stays with V, not only because she is his boss, but also his friend. His ex-partner, David Lewis, refuses to understand why he would leave the force and go work for someone they both used to think of as a “bad guy.” There is a lot of sexual tension between the two that is never fully addressed. I enjoy the by-play though. Dave helps Frank track whoever is causing problems for V and her girls, even though he would rather see V behind bars instead. The loyalty Dave shows toward Frank is commendable, and the fact that he refuses to give up on his old partner is comforting. I believe everyone should have someone looking out for their best interests, whether you want them to or not. Dave’s feelings are evident in everything he does. Will these two work it out? Will they get together, or not? Will the difficulties V is having be the final straw that breaks this long time friendship? Or will it turn into the catalyst that changes their relationship forever?
One of my favorite characters to hate in this story is Paco, the zombie. Nasty looking: inside and out. The maggots hinted at below his skin are a perfect metaphor for the rot in his soul. He is a magic user and holds sway over the spirits around him. Being one of the less desirables of the little town of Pekin, few choose to go to Paco for assistance. Unfortunately, V is left with little choice if she is going to find out what is going on in the spirit world. How can she help those ghosts that mean so much to her without a guide? Will he help her or use her toward his own advantage? I mean, what’s in it for him? Will she ever get the smell of him out of her car?
V is a wonderful anti-hero; full of vulnerability and cunning, street smarts mixed in with naiveté. I have grown to adore her and her lackadaisical attitude shining in at the oddest of moments. A diamond in the ruff, Blood & Spirits exceeds many of my expectations from a self-published work. I will be looking forward to future Dennis Sharpe books.
Notable Scene:
I can see the shadows have fled, but I’m not alone. There he is, standing in the center of the room outlined in red from the light of the emergency exit signs. How did he get here so fast? Why didn’t I sense his presence? How did he even know I was in trouble? Nothing is making any sense. I stare, trying to wrap my mind around what I’m seeing, and then I gasp audibly, drawing attention to myself.
His head snaps in my direction, and he takes a defensive posture. His head cocks slightly to the side and I know his face, and the motion of what he’s doing. I’ve been through it before, he’s reading me.
“Jules?” So small, my voice is hardly more than a squeak.
“Who?”
The Coming Storm Trilogy:
1. Blood & Spirits
2. Distant Thunder
FTC Advisory: The author provided me with a copy of Blood & Spirits. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I only get paid in hugs and kisses from my little boys. show less
I'm going to work damn hard to have no spoilers here :).
I enjoyed this book. It is overall a strong start to what looks to be a very interesting series. It took me a couple chapters to really get into the book, but then when the ball got rolling it REALLY moves fast. I am enjoying the world so far, dark urban fantasy with a rich paranormal mythos that really feels fresh. Not a lot of romance, but I'm more than ok with that. I'm much more in it for the paranormal. And as a horror fan the gore show more also fits in nicely, but the more squeamish might find a few parts of the story uncomfortable. The vampires feel dark and real, with emotions and violence and gore, and I loved it. And... IT ENDS. There is definitely more story to read, but there is a conclusion here that is satisfying, and I appreciate that. I'm not the biggest fan of cliffhangers.
Veronica is a strong woman and competent madam, but her vulnerability and inexperience shine as she gets put through the ringer again and again. I am excited to watch her grow and hope she can blossom into the strong female lead that is hinted at here. Getting to watch her fail and have to ask for help made her feel realistic and really keeps the story moving, as does seeing the lengths she will go to for the family that has grown up around her. And her relationship with Jules is fabulous.
But I have to say, she wasn't my favorite character. I fell in love with Lucy from her first appearance. She doesn't feature prominently in this book, but she is just SUCH an interesting character that I just loved every scene she was in. Her grace and power shine through the words and she plays like a movie in my mind. VERY cool.
Garrett... I know others have fallen in love with him, but as a regular paranormal reader, he's just too suspicious for me to love him. He's TOO perfect. Time will tell...
Frank is FABULOUS in every sense of the word, and he really shines when he can. I'm not a huge fan of Lewis, but he came off as a bit two dimensional to me. I adore Jules, his strength and harsh reality mixed with his obvious affection for V. Rachel is interesting, but I didn't really get to know her well since she's gone most of the book ;). I love that the house girls have different personalities and I do adore Julie, she really knows where she stands and isn't afraid to do what she has to to keep the life she loves.
I could go on and on, but really you should check this out yourself. If you like vampires, ghosts and dark fantasy, and horny zombies don't scare you off, I think you'll find this an engaging read, and it will whet your appetite for more. I know I'm eagerly awaiting book 2. show less
I enjoyed this book. It is overall a strong start to what looks to be a very interesting series. It took me a couple chapters to really get into the book, but then when the ball got rolling it REALLY moves fast. I am enjoying the world so far, dark urban fantasy with a rich paranormal mythos that really feels fresh. Not a lot of romance, but I'm more than ok with that. I'm much more in it for the paranormal. And as a horror fan the gore show more also fits in nicely, but the more squeamish might find a few parts of the story uncomfortable. The vampires feel dark and real, with emotions and violence and gore, and I loved it. And... IT ENDS. There is definitely more story to read, but there is a conclusion here that is satisfying, and I appreciate that. I'm not the biggest fan of cliffhangers.
Veronica is a strong woman and competent madam, but her vulnerability and inexperience shine as she gets put through the ringer again and again. I am excited to watch her grow and hope she can blossom into the strong female lead that is hinted at here. Getting to watch her fail and have to ask for help made her feel realistic and really keeps the story moving, as does seeing the lengths she will go to for the family that has grown up around her. And her relationship with Jules is fabulous.
But I have to say, she wasn't my favorite character. I fell in love with Lucy from her first appearance. She doesn't feature prominently in this book, but she is just SUCH an interesting character that I just loved every scene she was in. Her grace and power shine through the words and she plays like a movie in my mind. VERY cool.
Garrett... I know others have fallen in love with him, but as a regular paranormal reader, he's just too suspicious for me to love him. He's TOO perfect. Time will tell...
Frank is FABULOUS in every sense of the word, and he really shines when he can. I'm not a huge fan of Lewis, but he came off as a bit two dimensional to me. I adore Jules, his strength and harsh reality mixed with his obvious affection for V. Rachel is interesting, but I didn't really get to know her well since she's gone most of the book ;). I love that the house girls have different personalities and I do adore Julie, she really knows where she stands and isn't afraid to do what she has to to keep the life she loves.
I could go on and on, but really you should check this out yourself. If you like vampires, ghosts and dark fantasy, and horny zombies don't scare you off, I think you'll find this an engaging read, and it will whet your appetite for more. I know I'm eagerly awaiting book 2. show less
What can I say about this book that people who has had the pleasure of reading it haven't already said?
This story is just as amazing as the trailer it has for it if not more so. The narration and characters are vibrant and almost instantly come alive while the story's read.
Veronica has been through so much crap her entire life, and even after she meets Jules and he turns her, one would think her troubles would all be over. Not exactly. If anything in the time Jules turned her and then show more seemingly abandoned her, everyone and their mother decides she needs to die.
The result? A fast paced Thriller with a paranormal twist in this first of The Coming Storm series by Dennis Sharpe.
This is the third book by Dennis I've had the honor of being asked to review, this is however the first full length novel of his I've read.
Aside from a handful of minor errors here and there, this story is impeccably written and definitely well thought out.
Dennis brings his almost signature style and flare to another masterpiece that will run an array of emotion through the reader.
There will be times of sorrow and many times of chuckles. This is definitely a book a reader will not regret picking up.
This book does leave off with a mild cliffhanger. While this adventure is over, we readers are assured that we have not heard the last of Veronica or her friends. I look forward to the next book.
I'm looking forward to book 2's release and hope it's just as enthralling as this one was.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws show less
This story is just as amazing as the trailer it has for it if not more so. The narration and characters are vibrant and almost instantly come alive while the story's read.
Veronica has been through so much crap her entire life, and even after she meets Jules and he turns her, one would think her troubles would all be over. Not exactly. If anything in the time Jules turned her and then show more seemingly abandoned her, everyone and their mother decides she needs to die.
The result? A fast paced Thriller with a paranormal twist in this first of The Coming Storm series by Dennis Sharpe.
This is the third book by Dennis I've had the honor of being asked to review, this is however the first full length novel of his I've read.
Aside from a handful of minor errors here and there, this story is impeccably written and definitely well thought out.
Dennis brings his almost signature style and flare to another masterpiece that will run an array of emotion through the reader.
There will be times of sorrow and many times of chuckles. This is definitely a book a reader will not regret picking up.
This book does leave off with a mild cliffhanger. While this adventure is over, we readers are assured that we have not heard the last of Veronica or her friends. I look forward to the next book.
I'm looking forward to book 2's release and hope it's just as enthralling as this one was.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws show less
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- Works
- 7
- Also by
- 1
- Members
- 62
- Popularity
- #271,093
- Rating
- 4.2
- Reviews
- 8
- ISBNs
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