Picture a Massachusetts-born storyteller who traded goth nightclub stages for the pages of gripping vampire novels—meet Raven Belasco! A self-proclaimed bookworm, history nerd, and lifelong geek, Belasco weaves dark fantasy, historical intrigue, and sensual vampire lore into her genre-bending Blood & Ancient Scrolls series. Her tales of librarian-turned-warrior Anushka 'Noosh' Rosetti have captivated readers with their immersive alternate reality and sharp wit.
From her childhood romps in a cemetery to her indie publishing journey, Belasco’s unique path infuses her work with a distinctive voice. Let’s dive into the life, stories, and impact of this rising star in dark fantasy fiction.
The Making of Raven Belasco
Raven Belasco grew up in a small Massachusetts town, where her backyard was a cemetery dating back to the late 1600s. Playing among ancient graves sparked her fascination with the paranormal, a passion cemented at age 12 when she read Stoker’s Dracula. Her early years as a goth performer at Boston’s iconic ManRay nightclub, where she earned the nickname 'Queen of the Children of the Night,' added a theatrical flair to her storytelling. A lifelong love of books and history, coupled with her geeky enthusiasm for research, led her to writing. Belasco’s debut novel emerged from a vivid dream, prompting her to pivot from a planned sci-fi project to the vampire-laden world of Blood & Ancient Scrolls.
Raven Belasco’s Unforgettable Stories
The Blood & Ancient Scrolls series is Belasco’s flagship, a dark fantasy saga blending horror, history, action, and steamy romance. The series follows Anushka 'Noosh' Rosetti, a snarky librarian thrust into the hidden world of the 'am’r,' vampires with their own language and culture. In Blood Ex Libris (2020), Noosh’s encounter with Vlad Dracula (reimagined as the sensual Sandu) sets off a whirlwind of passion and danger, from Middle America to a mysterious desert. Blood Sine Qua Non (2020) deepens Noosh’s journey, driven by love through Romania and Tierra del Fuego, with vivid action scenes and intricate vampire politics.
Blood Ad Infinitum (2021), the third installment, explores the origins of vampire society, taking readers from Neolithic times to modern England. Referencing the Cumbrian folktale 'The Vampire of Croglin Grange,' it’s packed with historical Easter eggs and a climactic battle in an enviable library. Blood Triad (2024), a collection of three novellas, delves into the backstories of side characters across eras—from 900s Norsemen to Prohibition-era Philadelphia—showcasing Belasco’s knack for immersive world-building and nuanced character dynamics. Her style, marked by meticulous research, witty dialogue, and genre-blending, appeals to both vampire fans and newcomers.
Why Raven Belasco Matters
Raven Belasco’s work redefines vampire fiction, moving beyond clichés to craft a fresh mythos grounded in global vampire legends and 'vampire science' developed with experts. Her strong female leads, like Noosh, challenge gender stereotypes, while her inclusive narratives feature non-monogamy and LGBTQ+ characters, resonating with diverse readers. Belasco’s indie publishing success and growing fan base highlight her ability to connect through escapist yet thought-provoking stories. By weaving history, culture, and philosophy into thrilling plots, she offers readers a lens to explore identity, power, and resilience, making her a unique voice in dark fantasy.
- Born: Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: Blood Ex Libris, Blood Sine Qua Non, Blood Ad Infinitum, Blood Triad
- Fun Fact: Belasco’s dog walks inspire her plot twists!
Ready to sink your teeth into Raven Belasco’s dark fantasy world? Grab Blood Ex Libris and join Noosh’s thrilling adventure through the am’r underworld!