If you’re looking for a tale of blood and gore this Halloween, Rod Farrington’s latest novel might be the perfect pick.

Blood Fang, Beast Huntress is set for release today in select bookstores. Mr Farrington will be on hand at two book signings tomorrow — one at Gorham’s from 11am to 1pm and another at Brown & Co, starting at 1.30pm.

The prolific author spoke to The Royal Gazette about the inspiration behind the action/ adventure novel and why he feels it makes for a great read for All Hallows’ Eve.

What inspired your latest book Blood Fang, Beast Huntress?

This is the second novel in the Blood Fang series. It features Samantha Savage, the beast huntress, and her sidekick Portagee, who are two ex-Spinners [from my earlier novels]. These two characters have grown up together in six previous novels of mine from teenagers to adults. What happens in this tale is a demonic clan of blood beasts have lured Samantha Savage out of her safe haven in the Bermuda Triangle. Having been ravenously attacked and bitten by a blood beast herself, she is now determined to eradicate these beasts from the earth.

Is this the first time your lead character has been a female?

Yes, it is. Sam has been featured in six of my other novels, but her role wasn’t as prominent before. She grew up as the only girl with four boys as best friends and developed into a strong woman who can hold her own with anyone. She is also very intelligent and street smart. She has become a perfect character for a leading role in my new novel.

What was the most rewarding/ challenging parts about writing from a female perspective?

Until you asked me about writing from a female perspective, I had not honestly thought about it. Having been raised by a father that some might call a southern gentleman and a mother who was a creative out-of-the-box businesswoman, has been very influential in my life. Somehow I channelled this influence and ended up with the perspective that the two leading ladies are smarter and stronger than their male counterparts and one is just a little ‘pissed off’ to boot. Go figure.

Why should people read this book?

As in all of my previous novels, this one is packed with non-stop action and adventure. And, while the novel is just being released, there’s already been some great feedback around it. After releasing a picture of the cover and a brief description of the novel on Facebook, I had 82,000 reaches of which 74 percent were women. I also got 2,400 likes on the picture, of which 66 percent were women. That was in the space of just two weeks.