by Tracy Tappan
The End
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Author’s Notes
The Romanian history mentioned in this book is true to the best of my research. Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Elisabeth of Wied were actual historical figures. They were proclaimed first King and Queen of Romania on 26 March 1881, following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78) in which Romania earned her independence. Nicolai Pavlovich Kridener was commander of the 9th Russian Army Corps in this war, and Ion Brătianu was the Romanian Prime Minister during this time period. Elena Văcărescu (mentioned in this book as Pettrila’s friend) was Queen Elisabeth’s favorite lady-in-waiting and like a daughter to her; the royal couple remained childless after the death of their only daughter, Maria.
Vlad III, the Impaler (1431-1476), was also an actual historical figure and the inspiration—as many of you surely know—for the Dracula character in Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Vlad II, father of Vlad the Impaler, received the surname ‘Dracul’ after being inducted into the Order of the Dragons: Draculă actually means son of Dracul.
While I was writing this book, I had the pleasure of traveling to Romania, where I visited many of the places I wrote about and enjoyed numerous variations of the Dracula legend. I saw firsthand Peleş Castle in Sinaia, surely the most fairytale-like castle in all the world, and I walked the ruins of the Princely Palace in Târgovişte, climbing to the top of the fully intact Chindia Tower. I also tracked down the Văcărescu Estate in the same town (amazing that we managed that with the language barrier). The remains of this mansion consist of nothing more than four pillars and half a domed roof tucked away, forgotten, at the back of a children’s playground (unbelievable). The surrounding trees were home to a hauntingly large number of black crows. Transylvania as a whole, and the Carpathian Mountains especially, were as atmospheric as their reputation implies.
In the interests of historical correctness, I should tell you that both the Văcărescu Estate and the Princely Palace seemed to be out of use during the time frame of my book.
* * *
The Community Series continues! If you enjoyed Dev and Marissa’s story in THE PUREST OF THE BREED, please continue to follow the gritty adventures of the Vârcolac warriors. In Book Three of the series, DEEP IN THE HEART, Thomal Costache goes head-to-head with a Topside Om Rău female, and Nỵko Brun finally gets a chance at love, which his past threatens to undo.
Thanks again. And happy reading!
About the Author
I’ve always been fascinated by men who make their way by their weapons, from every kind of ancient warrior to modern day soldiers. I suppose that’s why I married a man who used to saddle up on an H-60 Seahawk helicopter strapped with Hellfire missiles and spend his days fighting bad guys. Now I put my imagination to work writing about tough, but sensitive, heroes who wield swords, knives, guns, and their bare fists…and, of course, the women who tame them!
After earning a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, Tracy Tappan worked in the clinical field before devoting herself full time to writing. She has a fertile imagination, reaching back to her childhood, which has compelled her to write in a multitude of genres. During nearly twenty-five years spent as a military wife, she’s lived all over the United States and in Europe, enjoying seven years overseas, first in Rome, Italy, then in Madrid, Spain. She’s now settled back in sunny San Diego with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and two children who seem to think they can come and go as they please.
www.tracytappan.com
Table of Contents
The Purest of the Breed
Copyright
Praise for THE BLOODLINE WAR
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Note to Readers
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
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Author’s Note
About the Author
