Sadistic? Check. Domination? Check. Happiness? 

Not for all. 

Antonio Welshire accepts the mysterious Mestiphles' offer for vampiric power, but fails to consider that not all in his family desires evil. Daughter Victoria revels in the debauchery, but eldest daughter Samantha loathes the darkness. Enemies are in no short supply when the family turns to darkness. Charismatic rebel Gaston turns up to rival for Antonio's power; the vampire lover Jean can destroy them once and for all, and henchwoman Lilith seeks to supplant Antonio as Mestiphles' favorite. Who will be declared the victor? And in the end, though they've survived coven wars and persecutions since the 12th century, can The Vampire Family survive each other? 

Killing his abusive parents isn't enough for Antonio Welshire. Rape and death follow him through his youth in the 12th Century-until a stranger named Mestiphles give Antonio unimaginable vampire powers. Fearful yet captivated by his allure, Antonio's adopted sisters Ann and Elizabeth share this gift with him and their children-Victoria, James, Samantha, and Stephen. Antonio is a cruel ruler, and after his defeat of the young rebel Gaston, Antonio struggles with Lilith-another magical pet also created by Mestiphles. 

Antonio's vampire family grows over the centuries, each vampire loving and losing vampire fledglings over time. Wars, persecutions come and go, but the family's troubles always stem from within. Elizabeth may be his wife, but Ann suplants her as Antonio's mistress. By the 20th century, Elizabeth has found love again-unfortunately her fledgling Jean share's Samantha's disdain for the vampire life. Will The Vampire Family self destruct before the 21st Century?
 
 

First published in 2007 by the now defunct Mardi Gras Publishing, The Vampire Family has found a new home with Canadian Publisher Eternal Press. Our e book edition was rereleased on February 7, 2008- author Kristin Battestella's birthday! Complete with an all new epilogue not seen in the MGP release, The Vampire Family has garned considerable press both in print and online.  In addition to virtual appearances, chats, interviews, and reviews, Kristin Battestella presided at the 2007 Philadelphia Book Festival in support of The Vampire Family. On March 7, 2009, The Vampire Family became available as a trade paperback!
 

Book 1: Conflict

 Antonio Welshire’s downfall begins as a young man in the British Isles almost 1,000 years ago.  Caught between abuse and poverty, Antonio's ambition leads him to power, and a unique stranger in a Mestiphles.  Antonio's tyranny, however, is contested by Gaston-Antonio’s shrewd and charismatic young rival.  Will Antonio be victorious against the unruly Gaston and gain Mestiphles’ favor?  Or will the battle destroy Antonio and his family?
 
 

Book 2: Pinnacle

 Elizabeth’s new fledgling Jean romances the weary Samantha, and the lovers plan to upset the already shaky 1,000 years of Antonio’s reign.  Mestiphles wants The Masquerade-an annual party held by Antonio to attract unsuspecting guests-to go off smoothly, but Ann and Elizabeth’s escalating tensions also threatened to destroy the family's decadent lifestyle. Will Samantha finally be free of her father's rule?  Can Antonio keep his vampire coven on top or will Mestiphles take it all away?
 
 

Book 3: Hunted

 Victoria returns to upset Samantha’s not so perfect life.  The remaining Welshire vampires must form an uneasy alliance to defeat Lilith, an avenger sent by Mestiphles to finish the dysfunctioning Welshire coven once and for all.  Lilith failed Mestiphles in the past and is determined to hunt down the fallen coven one by one to impress him. Will the Welshires prevail?  Can Lilith complete Mestiphles’ plans and destroy the Welshires?  Which coven will gain Mestiphles’ favor?

“Catherine?” Antonio’s shadowy figure stood at her door. The tiny flame shortened in a clump of wax as the maid looked up.
“Yes, sir?” She set down her quill. “You sound different, sir. Are you ill?”
“Yes.” He stepped toward her. “I need your help.”

The dim light shined in his face. He couldn’t see. His eyes felt bloodshot, and his hands seemed pale as the candle flickered. He put his hands on Catherine’s arms. She felt warm to his cold touch. Sharp teeth cut the inside of his lips.

Antonio’s voice trembled. His hands shook. “I need your help.”
“Of course, sir.” She put her arms on his, but Antonio shook and felt the muscles of his forearm clench. “What can I do? Here, sit down.”

His arms came around her waist. Antonio heard her blood rush and saw her face flush. He put his head down on her chest. She trembled, but held Antonio’s head.
“Such overwhelming!” He spoke more to himself than Catherine. His words and hot breath were muffled against her. “Now I know what Mestiphles meant. I know what to do. I need to do it. I have to have it!”
“I’ll get some water.” Catherine was about to get up, but Antonio clenched his hands tighter around her.

“No,” he said hoarsely. His nails dug into her sides, and she winced. Antonio relaxed his grip, and she allowed his hands to roam. He unlaced her dressing gown. His hands stopped shaking, and bewitched, Catherine gave him total control. He pulled the loosened gown off her shoulders and swept Catherine to her feet in one swift motion. Yes, he knew she was captivated and paralyzed. He could be so frightening, yet masculine and desirable. Antonio put his head to her neck and bit the pumping jugular.
She flinched, but her blood flowed into Antonio’s mouth. The short life drain was ecstatic, but soon grew empty. Her life was now in him.

Antonio let Catherine’s limp body fall to the bed. He had her, and now he wanted more. 
 

Previous Press and Links...

Please visit the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group for a current calendar of events, appearances, chats, signings, festival

photos, and more!

Click to join kristinbattestella

 

Eternal Press Authors Blog- Check out our interview!

The Vampire Family's FAR Review is online!

The Vampire Family Fallen Angels Interview!

Night Owl Romance- New Kristin Battestella Interview Online!

Book Reviews by Crystal- The Vampire Family review has been posted!

The Pen and The Muse Vampfam Review- 4 stars!

Kristin Battestella Author Spotlight with Raine Delight!  Twice!

Paraphanelia Vampire article-featuring The Vampire Family

Paranormal Reviews: The Vampire Family

Guest Blogger with Danette interview about The Vampire Family

Kate Hill's Halloween 2007 page-with a bit o' Vampfam!

Red Roses Reviews - The Vampire Family received 4.5 Roses! Read Kristin's RR interview Here.

Read more Vampfam By Kristin at Authorzone or Author's Den!

View a slide show of The Vampire Family!

Do you Vampfam?

The Vampire Family Knows...