THE NEPHILIM: THE FIRST VAMPIRE

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The Tempting: Seducing The Nephilim, by D.M. Pratt (BroadLit, Sherman Oaks, CA, 2015, 345 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

The children of the supernatural beings who had married these women became famous heroes and warriors. They were called Nephilim and lived on the earth at that time and even later.

  • Genesis 6:4 – Contemporary English Version

April 8, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - This gripping and riveting work of fiction by renowned author D.M. Pratt, The Tempting: Seducing The Nephilim, has the tone and theme of this well-written book set in the dedication of the book, as the author states: “And to all the women who have been taught to want the happily-ever-after dream, but courageous enough to face reality and still be willing to fight for true love”, and in the very first paragraph in the first chapter, when she states; “That dance led to the greatest seduction she had ever experienced in her life and ended with an orgasm so intense she was told she arched back and hit her head hard enough to give herself a concussion – which left her unconscious and in coma for over a year.” Pratt actually admits jokingly and with a smile, in a YouTube video: “There is a lot of sex in this story, I guess I have to get myself a boyfriend!” The author's attached BIO says a lot about this book and the author here.

Due to this statement about “the greatest seduction leading to an orgasm and coma”, which I personally found somewhat comical, I felt compelled to inquire of Pratt in a telephone conversation and interview if any of that was part of her psyche or mental fabric separate from the story? Pratt indicated to me that we of course include some of our personal thoughts and makeup in the telling of our stories. When I indicated to her that because of this “happily-ever-after dream” and “greatest seduction”, I thought The Tempting would resonate more with women than with men, she countered by stating that she thought it would resonate with men also. Only time will tell. This had me thinking of John Gray’s bestselling book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Listen to "East County Magazine Live!" interview with the author by clicking here.

Pratt shares with the reader graphic sexual details and experiences throughout the book, as well as random acts of violence, in the midst of the serene countryside of the iconic city of New Orleans, which is known for its Voodoo. Perhaps this contributes to the book and the story being a page turner. One can’t wait to read what next will happen, and the resulting fate of some of the principle characters.

Fallen angels, voodoo magic, and intense passion combine in this new paranormal romance novel from Quantum Leap co-creator and five-time Emmy nominee Pratt, who demonstrates herself in The Tempting as a master storyteller. While the author describes “The Nephilim” as the first vampire in a YouTube video, it actually has much more significance as defined in the Bible.

Eve Dowling, The Tempting’s heroine, awoke from a 13-month coma to see waiting by her hospital bed the handsome mystery man she last remembered making passionate love to in the garden of one of New Orlean’s most historic homes. Her almost too perfect Prince Charming, Beau Le Masters, desperately wanted her to marry him, become a loving mother to their son, who was born during her coma, and live in his historic mansion with all of them as a perfect family.

How could Eve possibly say no to Beau? He was offering her what every red-blooded American girl was raised to want. Wasn’t she happy, despite the sordid details of her “accident”? Of course, she would forgive Beau for sleeping with her best friend, Cora, when they both thought Eve was about to die. Why did she feel so vulnerable and tempted by Detective Blanchard whenever he was by her side? And why was he so suspicious of Beau?

Wanting the fairy tale and ignoring her gut, she moved in with Beau. Then the nightmares began. Horrifying dreams of being ravaged by a strange, erotic being tormented her. After researching the entity that haunted her, Eve realized it was a Nephilim, one of the first fallen sons of God. Eve’s visions become reality when she realizes the Nephilim may have entered both Beau and Cora to take control of them. Will Eve have the strength to vanquish the evil that surrounds her and her son, Philip? Is her true love Beau only an illusion created by ancient mythical beings to seduce her? And why is this happening to Eve? The answers are revealed in The Tempting!

In a number of ways The Tempting reads like Rosemary’s Baby with Mia Farrow and The Devil’s Advocate with Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron. As a matter of fact, there is a passage in Pratt’s book where one of the women is being ravaged by “Kirakin”, The Nephilim, that is reminiscent of Al Pacino as the Devil ravaging Reeve’s wife Theron, with brutal marks and scars all over her body as a result.

Although fictional, I found myself conflicted, particularly in regard to what may be a controversial sacrilegious reference to the Bible on page 205.  This book is about good and evil, and it is interesting to see and read how good always triumphs over evil. There is actually a passage in the Bible, the Book of Genesis, 6:4 that references The Nephilim, that contributes to my being conflicted. 

Dennis Moore is the Associate Editor of the East County Magazine in San Diego and the book review editor for SDWriteway, an online newsletter for writers in San Dieg o that has partnered with the East County  Magazine, as well as a freelance contributor to EURweb based out of Los Angeles. He can be contacted at contractsagency@gmail.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8. 


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Comments

New vampire chronicles?

Fabulous review Dennis.
D.M. Pratt's book causes me to reflect on the experience and enjoyment I had reading Anne Rice's vampire chronicles.
Many are drawn to the erotic passion and nature of vampires, and with this audience, D.M. is sure to attract those who also enjoy and study scripture. Kudos to her! And as I am a fan of Quantum Leap, having sketched a similiar series, I am sure to enjoy reading this work. I invite D.M. to explore my latest work, Between the Pages , which is available on Amazon.
I also invite the author to connect with me via LinkedIn or email me for possible screenplay collaborations.
Again, fabulous work! -Thais Sherell

Intriguing and Captivating!

Absolutely superb book review! Thanks Dennis. I can't wait to read Ms. Deborah Pratt's "The Tempting". I had the pleasure of listening to Ms. Pratt being interviewed on your radio show and was completely captivated. She exhibited an uncanny ability to tell intriguing stories and weave in historical, biblical, and scientific elements. She is truly "The Audacious Woman". I would love to meet you, Ms. Pratt, and explore areas of synergy - Pamela Toussaint, author of "The Audacious Woman" , which Dennis just masterfully reviewed.

BOOK OF THE WEEK - "The Tempting: Seducing the Nephilim"

It should come as no surprise, but D.M. Pratt's book "The Tempting" has been selected as the "Book of the Week" by SDWriteway, an online newsletter for writers in San Diego that has partnered with the East County Magazine. I am honored to have written the review of the book. Perhaps contributing to the success of Pratt's book is her appearing as a guest on the "East County Magazine Live!" radio show and being interviewed by the host Reina Menasche. I was able to embed the podcast interview of the author in my review, which readers can click on "interview" at the end of the 2nd paragraph to listen to the interview.

Re: Dennis' review of "The Tempting"

Interesting book, and detailed review, Dennis. Very impressed with Ms. D.M. Pratt's resume'. She has accomplished much, especially in a society where there are still many obstacles in the paths of women of color. I agree with MJ Payne, however, that we would do well to analyze the sources of certain of our dreams. "The Tempting" sounds like an interesting read for those fascinated with the cross-genres in which the novel is written. Considering the public's current fascination with vampires, zombies and the like, I predict that it would be a blockbuster movie with a ready audience. Thank you for this thought-provoking review of a well-researched and equally thought-provoking story. ---KB Schaller, Author, "100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World"

LOS ANGELES TIMES "FESTIVAL OF BOOKS" AT USC: THE NEPHILIM

I found out the day after I attended the 20th Annual Los Angeles Times "Festival of Books" at USC this past Sunday, that Deborah Pratt, the author of this fascinating book that I had the honor of reviewing for the East County Magazine, was also in attendance at booth #953 representing the "greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS)." I definitely would have stopped by her booth to greet her if I had known earlier.

My Additional Comments on the Book

After watching the video, I have determined that Ms Pratt is a creative and exciting author. I enjoyed watching her animated talk on the subject matter in her book. I know I want to go out and get a copy of it. She sold me on it.

Creative use of Biblical being

There are elements of reality that are not visible in the "everyday world", but the evil actions that occur, the strange coincidences dreamed about that come true, the attraction that obviously evil people project and the fact that they find followers who are influenced to do things that appear to be out of character - all these things point to the existence of an unseen world that contains beings of another dimension who reach into our reality and cause havoc. These powers have deep roots and are "the devil" to get rid of. It frightens me that paranormal books are so common and that they are written for entertainment. After having been sexually abused in a ritualistic way with many of the abusers wearing demonic costumes, it took me years to get over wishing I had not been created. It took self-control not to hurt myself as I was often tempted to do. I am sure this first vampire book is interesting and I am just as sure that these creatures do exist. They are described in the Bible. I wrote my own book to expose the things I experienced and in going public with it experienced fear. After doing much research about women unable to get away from abusive men and turning a blind eye to the basis of their attraction, I wonder what else can explain their lure but an eerie and dangerous power. A little fear is healthy. All kinds of books should be written and many important ones could not have been written with the censorship in the past. But we should be aware that we don't know the whole picture and see through a glass darkly. Be careful what you dream up. It may be around the corner. MJ Payne Author, The Remembered Self: A Journey into the Heart of the Beast

Sound so Good!

"The Tempting" sounds like a really good, intense book. Mr. Moore, you did a very thorough job of reviewing this one. I'm ready to go buy it. Great job, D.M. Pratt. And kudos to you, Dennis!

Dennis, what a very

Dennis, what a very interesting review you have intrigued me with, and D.M. Pratt congratulations on the novel The Tempting : Seducing The Nephilim. Your portrayal of the characters has truly piqued my interest and enthusiasm for more. I hope to meet you in the future and perhaps discuss this book with you further! Wonderful review Dennis! Cortina Jackson Author of " On Earth As it is in Hell " http://www.cortinajackson.com/