Slave: A Novel, Book IV of the Loveletting Series

Blurb

Love goes beyond being a feeling; it entails a conscious effort to grasp, to rediscover a tenderness in palms calloused in sin. Find yourself in the harsh reality of gaining independence, in an era that proves brutal for the unprivileged. Wallow in the conundrums of man, an exploration of the darkest psyche, a romance built on trust alone.

She had leaped. In the depths, Charlotte is drowning in the consequences of betrayal and emotional confliction, but a renewed sense of hope ignites the hearts that had wilted in anger, taking refuge in the doctrines of trust. She is forced to form a cooperation in the middle of an island, confined to another arm, in a dent of soil, surrounded by maggots, and a previously unassuming Irish mouth, unexpectedly unleashing a torrent of words.

Quickly, Charlotte is becoming aware, love goes beyond being a feeling; it entails a conscious effort to grasp—a commitment to learn and make an attempt, and that very foundation of trust is feeble beneath the burden of trauma.

Torn between vulnerability, nostalgia, and a past still kindled, she finds herself in the harsh reality of gaining her own independence, in an era proving challenging to do so for an unlettered woman. She is met with new characters; some stuck in vile prejudices, others enduring them, and others still nursing on the blood of purity; all dwelling amongst lurking entities bound to a greater evil.

Amidst her journey, she unravels hints of a past others refuse to recall, rediscovering a tenderness in the palms that had calloused in sin. Yet there’s traces of harrowing occurrences that cling onto walls in whispers and flitting shadows, in the echoes of footfalls that vanish in her own denial. The corridor is dark and lonesome where she finds herself trudging through, but in its void, there is a tale.

Art depicted: Slave Painting, by Miroslav Pecho

There’s beauty in the gentle silence that carries a tale unveiling.

This will be a story that requires you to watch the growth in characters and really sink your teeth within their minds and souls. It is not a book where answers will be revealed to you immediately, and nor is it a book where your desires for characters will be fulfilled in disregards to real trauma effects. I’ve said this too many times, and I will keep saying this — trauma is very real, and I feel a sense of responsibility to properly expose it.

Slave will be packed with subjects surrounding morality, history, human nature, and the science of the mind. Magic realism slowly takes prevalent shape, and yet, only the start of its explanation, as subtle and mysterious as I like it.

Strong romance and drama elements weave through a challenging plot, in an alluring slow burn manner. Characters learn to come out of their shell and surprise us with a tender side of them that’s guaranteed to melt some hearts. And then, there’s an additional group of new characters, all with their own unique flavor. Some you’ll despise, others you’ll find amusing, and others…well—you’ll have to find out. If you’re ever wondered what occupation was like in the Victorian era, but wish to explore this part of history in an entertaining, fast paced and mysterious manner, this will be your chance.

VICTORIAN MEDICINE

MENTAL ASYLUM

COURT CASE

WOMEN’S INDEPENDENCE

ANCIENT & POWERFUL MACHINATIONS

DECEPTION

PATERNAL BOND

Elements

PSYCHOSIS

LAW & OUTLAWS

LOVE REBUILT ON TRUST

TENDER ROMANCE

VILE CHARACTERS

CHALLENGING SUBJECTS

SPECTRAL ENTITIES

Art depicted: Slave Logo, by Alexander-Calin Moga

Thank you so very much for your support!

  • "A sumptuous epic of dark romance...Haunt both challenges and rewards in its uncompromising ambition, its lyric prose and surging emotions, its slowly teased secrets, wrenching violence...too original to settle into any genre, as Maraziotis spices the tale with adventure, romance, tragedy, and even horror...the epic scope, darkness, and refusal to stick to familiar beats will please readers who relish immersive, provocative romance-tinged storytelling"

    — BookLife by Publisher's Weekly

  • "The writing in this novel is eye-catching [with] brilliant literary elements that add to the haunting and intricate storyline...nothing less than a page-turner, and readers will most definitely feel themselves eagerly turning the page to see what will happen next—good or bad. Haunt is truly a thrilling western story with characters readers will yearn for, feel for, and never forget."

    ★★★★★ — Literary Titan

  • "[Maraziotis] masterfully establishes her voice immediately on page one [of] the incredible journey that unfolds across the pages of this epic tale...one that resonated with me was when she described Charlotte's feeling toward character Will: '...Will's was the tourniquet around her wounded soul. A fine layer of cloth covering it softly with the most tender fabric ever created, and yet, it was feeble enough to blow away...' I am haunted with the memory that lives on having read this historical and monumental saga. I look forward to the next book in this series!"

    — Diane Lunsford for Feathered Quill Book Reviews

  • "There's a lot to love here. The characters are all insightfully portrayed; the writing is darkly lyrical and tonally perfect; the emotional intensity is palpable, and even the novel's massiveness doesn't detract as the story is tight and momentum brisk throughout. The sex scenes are also noteworthy: masterfully written to convey complex emotional intensity as well as erotic lust."

    — BlueInk Review

  • "A sweeping, slow-burn gothic romance set on the American Frontier. The play on genres is dynamic, building an interesting and unique atmosphere that's filled with action and romance but is not for the faint of heart. The bones of Haunt are strong..."

    — Joelene Pynnonen for Independent Book Review

  • "There are many genres offering their considerable influence on this intriguing and engrossing novel, and author Christina Maraziotis takes the best of them all...a testament to Maraziotis's compelling gift for character and plot."

    ★★★★★ — K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

  • "There are no cheap thrills here and that, along with pacing that glides evenly like the rivers, is what makes the novel so engrossing. The romance is delicious and made even more impressive by the sizzle [which] can be downright cinematic. The grit extends to some surprises and two specifically that bowled me over, leaving me wanting book two in the Loveletting series. Very highly recommended."

    ★★★★★ — Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

  • "The slow burn pace is balanced by a tension that weaves through each scene...the ending is intense and dangles on a cliffhanger, and I look forward to seeing what Maraziotis has in store for us next."

    ★★★★★ — Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

  • "Maraziotis is a brilliant storyteller...she skillfully mixes captivating romantic longing and sexual tension [with] malevolent twists that send shivers down your spine. This historical romance and horror blend is an absolute page-turner!"

    ★★★★★ — Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

  • "A haunting, sinister, unexpected, and highly addictive story...a mesmerizing world filled with complex and morally grey characters living in a brutal environment that constantly challenges their flawed human nature and ability to survive. Haunt has the right amount of adventure, tragedy, angst, suspense, love, and peril to please even the most fastidious reader. It's one of the best gothic romances with undertones of psychological horror I've read in years."

    ★★★★★ — Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite