Pages

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Tracey O'Hara: The World of the Dark Brethren

Imagine a modern alternate earth where paranormal creatures co-exist in a tenuous peace with the human race. A world where the shame of the vampiric Aeternus, the death-high addicted Necrodreniacs, hunt and feed on hapless humans. Where shape-shifting Animalians feud with each other. And where corporations can be run by actual magic-wielding witches.

But there's a veiled danger that threatens them all – human and parahuman alike. Stirring behind the scenes is the pure, beautiful evil of the Dark Brethren.

This is the world where the Dark Brethren novels are set, and since I’m also drawn to the dark side, there are serial killers, mystery and intrigue to spice up the world. I often get asked a lot where I get the ideas for stuff used in the books. Most of it I make up myself, but usually grounded in the familiar.


For example, Aeternus and Venator are both Latin words meaning “eternal” and “hunter” respectively. So pretty easy to see what they mean. As far as my races are concerned – I have taken the things that make sense to me from familiar lore, and then add my touches. So I have made my own version of vampires and shifters.

Each book in the Dark Brethren series concentrates on a new heroine and hero and with each one I explore a different facet of my parahuman world. With my first book – I concentrated on the culture of the vampires, the second book was about shifters and the third, which is due out next year, is concentrating on the witch community. Again, I have added my own spin to the witch lore that is both familiar and unfamiliar.


I feel a bit like being an explorer in an imaginary country where I uncover fantastic complex cultures, both similar and different to our own. This excites me.

Do you like feel an explorer, discovering new and unfamiliar territory, or do you prefer for everything to adhere to the well-known tropes?  I will give away a signed copy of a Dark Brethren book to one commenter!

22 comments:

traveler said...

Your series sounds compelling and unique as well as intriguing. The combination of mystery and your creativity is special.

Janni Nell said...

Give me new and unfamiliar territory every time. :-)

Mel Teshco said...

Tracey you're one clever writer, I love your ideas and your vivid imagery =)

Tracey O'Hara said...

Traveler - thank you so much. I like to think it is. :)

Janni - me too!!

Mel - you sweetie - I will pay you later. *grin*

Keziah Hill said...

Loved your first book Tracey. Must get the next one!

Christina Phillips said...

Hi Tracey!

I love when a writer takes a well known trope and re-imagines it into her own unique world. So yes, I like the familiar aspects to be there but I love exploring new twists on the old :-)

Michele L. said...

Hi Tracey,
It is fun having you here! I love venturing into new territories. That is the thrill of discovery! You have a unique style to your writing. Your stories never fail to entertain me and keep me in suspense. Can't wait to read your new book!

Sonali said...

New and unfamiliar territory. It makes everything you do and life much more interesting.

Mary Preston said...

In my real life I'm not much of an explorer, but in my reading I travel the cosmos.

host said...

I love new stuff, I enjoy the twists and surprises of a new worlds, but sometimes it is nice to relax and wander in to the worlds where you know the rules and only thing that is unfamiliar is love :)

Tracey O'Hara said...

Keziah, you are such a sweetie. :)

Tracey O'Hara said...

Christina, I love being taken on a journey of twists and turns.

Tracey O'Hara said...

Michele - you are very lovely. I am glad you are enjoying the books.

Tracey O'Hara said...

Good outlook Sonali

Tracey O'Hara said...

Marybelle, either way it is nice to be able to make that journey.

CrystalGB said...

I love new and unfamiliar territory in books. Keeps me wanting to find out what is going to happen next. Love the covers to your books.

Sharon Stogner said...

gotta go with the twist on the old. That is what I love about UF, the creating of a new world/mythos. Love, love, love it! :)

don't enter me, I already have a copy of each book. Can't wait for the next, love me some witches

Melanie Milburne said...

Great post,Tracey.Your work is so exciting and rich.
I don't know how you do it. Too clever by half!

Tracey O'Hara said...

CrystalGB. Thank you - wait till you see the new one. :)

Tracey O'Hara said...

Sharon - you ar such the sweetie - and I know what you mean about UF. That's why I love it too.

Tracey O'Hara said...

Melanie - thank you for stopping by. And no you are the clever one :) A am amazed how you can put out great book after great book. :))

Na said...

Hi Tracey, you are a new author to me but your books look amazing. They sound full of action with complex worlds. I do feel like an explorer but it's a great feeling learning new words and meeting new creatures. They are worlds I want to visit and not leave lol.